Thanks to a historic win and a loss by a traditional Class AA power, Bridgeport High School jumped up a spot in this week’s WVSSAC prep football rankings. The Indians, who were ranked third in the state last week, are ranked No. 2 this week.

 

The rankings were released this afternoon by the WVSSAC. The Indians, who upended Elkins 71-29 and scored the most points in school history in the process, are now 5-0-1 as the stretch run of the season begins. Bridgeport has a ranking of 11.92 and, despite its tie, are ahead of three undefeated teams.

 

The Tribe got help this week from an out-of-state team. Bluefield, ranked No. 2 last week, was upended by Richlands (Va.) by a 45-30 score.

 

Fairmont Senior maintains the top spot in the poll. The Polar Bears, who are coming off a bye week, have a 13.2 ranking. The two teams meet on Halloween eve – Oct. 30 – at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

Bridgeport’s opponent Friday, Keyser, brings an impressive 5-1 record into the game as well as a No. 7 ranking in Class AA. The Golden Tornado was upset by winless Class AAA foe Hampshire County 17-14, but KHS played without what is arguably its top player.

 

Another future opponent, North Marion, is also in the top 16. The Huskies are ranked No. 14 with a rating of 7.4 and a 3-2 record. Robert C. Byrd, who was also on a bye week, managed to crack back into the top 16 at the No. 16 spot with a 6.4 ranking.

 

After Fairmont Senior and BHS, the rest of the top five in 'AA' includes James Monroe, Chapmanville and Tolsia. James Monroe is 5-0 while Tolsia and Chapmanville are both 6-0.

 

Locally, Lincoln is also in the top 16. The Cougars are 4-1 and have an 8.4 power rating.

 

In Class A, two local schools would be in the postseason if it started today. South Harrison is still in the No. 2 spot with a 5-0 mark and a 10.2 ranking, which is just behind top-ranked Man’s ranking of 10.8.

 

Notre Dame also moved back into the field with a big win against Grafton Friday. The Fighting Irish are 3-2 and have a 5.4 power rating, which is good for the No. 15 spot.

 

Unlike the other rankings, the WVSSAC poll determines what teams make the postseason. The top 16 teams in each classification make the playoffs and the participants’ positions are based on a computer-based strength of schedule model. There are no human voters involved in the process.

 

Click HERE for the Class AA rankings.

 

Click HERE for the Class A rankings.

 

Click HERE for the Class AAA rankings.

 

Editor's Note: Photo by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.