Elite Eight football power rankings: Week 4

Starmount is still rolling, and Bishop McGuinness still hasn’t allowed a point in two varsity games.

It makes sense then that the Rams and Villains — who don’t play each other this fall – headline this week’s football Elite Eight power rankings for the Mountain Valley and Northwest 1A/2A conferences.

But how to sort out the rest of the group is much trickier at this point. You could make a case for Mount Airy being in the upper division or out of the rankings all together with two early losses. We believe this Bears team is still pretty good, and that they will prove that as the weeks go on.

West Stokes seems to be picking up steam, while two teams with the nickname Cardinals (East Surry and East Wilkes) sport 2-1 records heading into this Friday. Did we slight Wilkes Central (1-2) by leaving them out of this week’s rankings? The Eagles and star running back Trae Alexander were impressive for sure in last week’s win at Surry Central.

Without further ado, here is this week’s Elite Eight. Feel free to sound off if you agree or disagree in the comments section below or on our Facebook page, which can be found by searching for Yadkin Valley Sports.

1. Starmount Rams (3-0)

Last week: Beat North Surry 52-0
This week: Hosting Forbush (0-2)
The battering Rams outscored their first three foes 144-31 and jumped into the top 10 state rankings by the Associated Press this week. They are strongly favored to hold onto the Unifi Bowl trophy for another year.

2. Bishop McGuinness Villains (2-0)

Last week: Beat Highland Tech 49-0
This week: at South Davidson (0-3)
The Villains haven’t given up a point yet this season (while scoring 99) and may be in line for another shutout Friday night. South Davidson has only managed 26 points in three games thus far.

3. West Stokes Wildcats (2-1)

Last week: Beat Trinity 30-18
This week: At Watauga (1-2)
Austin Fleming became the all-time school passing leader (2,613 yards) last week with a 10-for-12, 187-yard, two-touchdown performance. Fleming and the Wildcats will get to play in the 4A Pioneers’ new stadium on Friday night, then will have a week off to get ready for the much-anticipated conference opener against Mount Airy (we can‘t wait for that one!).

4. Mount Airy (1-2)

Last week: Beat Ashe County 38-3
This week: Hosting Parkwood (0-3)
The Granite Bears, our preseason No. 1, vault back up a few spots in our rankings after taking their first win in impressive fashion at West Jefferson. Do they deserve to be this high with two losses and a win against a struggling Ashe program? We think so.

5. North Surry (2-1)

Last week: Lost at Starmount 52-0
This week: Hosting Ashe County (0-2)
Friday night was a come-back-to-earth time for the Greyhounds, but there are still lots of reasons to believe that North Surry can be 3-1 heading into conference play and ready to contend for a 2A playoff spot.

6. Elkin Buckin’ Elks (1-1)

Last week: Idle
This week: Hosting East Wilkes (2-1)
Coach Scott Wood’s Elks are a couple of fumbles at North Surry away from being undefeated — and thus being above the Greyhounds in this week’s rankings. The banged up squad can move back up the list with an impressive showing Friday night against East Wilkes. The Elks have had a week off from game action to heal up and get ready for the Cardinals.

7. East Surry Cardinals (2-1)

Last week: Beat North Lincoln 32-14
This week: Idle
David Diamont’s Cards have been flying under the radar thus far, and that may suit him just fine. Receiver Andrew Hunter has been impressive thus far, catching five touchdown passes from quarterback Ryan Johnson. Don’t underestimate East Surry’s ability to contend for Northwest honors against this fall.

8. East Wilkes Cardinals (2-1)

Last week: Blanked North Stokes 25-0
This week: Visiting Elkin (1-1)
The Cards made a statement with their offense in the first two weeks of the season. Friday’s win at North Stokes featured some nice offensive moments as well, but coach Monty Chipman was likely more impressed with the play of his team’s defense. Earning a shutout on the road against a rival which ran the ball down your throat the year before is very impressive.

On the doorstep:

Wilkes Central (1-2): Another impressive win this week against West Wilkes could put the Eagles into our Elite Eight mixture next week. Maybe they deserve to be there already.

Last week’s Elite Eight

1. Starmount Rams
2. Bishop McGuinness Villains
3. North Surry Greyhounds
4. West Stokes Wildcats
5. Elkin Buckin’ Elks
6. Mount Airy Granite Bears
7. North Stokes Vikings
8. East Surry Cardinals