Although Bridgeport didn’t drop in the latest edition of the WVSSAC power ratings, the Indians do have company at the top of the poll. After nine weeks of the 2014 prep football season, the Tribe finds itself locked up with Wayne in the No. 1 spot in the Class AA standings.

 

The Indians, 7-1, were off last week, while the Pioneers, also 7-1, upended Poca by a 44-20 score. This week, Bridgeport will face Fairmont Senior in a battle of Class AA top 10 programs. The Polar Bears, fresh off of a 35-27 victory against Class AAA Buckhannon-Upshur, stands at 6-2.

 

Rounding out the top five is Frankfort at No. 3, Bluefield at No. 4 and Mingo Central at No. 5. Frankfort is the lone remaining unbeaten team in ‘AA’ at 8-0.

 

Along with Fairmont Senior at the 10 spot, two other BHS Class AA foes are ranked in the top 16, which makes up the postseason field. Robert C. Byrd comes in at No. 11 and Keyser is tied with Ravenswood for the No. 6 spot. Liberty Harrison fell out of the top 16 and is on the playoff bubble at No. 18.

 

In Class A, a sixth straight win by Notre Dame has the Fighting Irish in good shape. NDHS is currently ranked No. 6.

 

Bridgeport is also ranked first in the MetroNews.com ratings. Click HERE to see those rankings.

 

The WVSSAC poll is the most important to all teams. The ratings, which are a computer-rated rankings system based on strength of schedule and wins, are used to determine the 16-team playoff field in all three classifications.

 

Click HERE for the complete WVSSAC rankings. Please note that the Web site for the WVSSAC, according to a staff member that provided the rankings here, has been done for large portions of the day. If you go to the home, scroll down and click “football” under fall sports. Then scroll down until you see the rankings category and select you classification.

 

Although the numbers aren't finalized, a Bridgeport win against a ranked Fairmont Senior team and a season-ending win against a solid Class AAA Preston squad would likely guarantee home field advantage throughout the postseason. What that means is that the Tribe likely controls their own destiny, but the remaining schedule is a difficult one.

 

Editor's Note: Photo by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.