Power Rankings: Week 4

Upsets and improved play bring several changes in the rankings.  Some move up while others fall in the poll.  Four weeks into the season- here is where the local teams stand. 

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

 Trojans overpower another opponent.  This time 63-7.  With some other teams on the poll looking vulnerable the Muscle Shoals hold atop the power rankings is stronger than ever; however, they face their toughest test to date next week with Florence.  Braly Stadium will tell us how good these Trojans really are. 

2. Deshler Tigers

This team continues to improve each week.  The youth of this program is growing up and making bigger contributions.  The defense is playing better and the offense continues to find new weapons.  This team is looking better all the time.  They pass Florence in the Power Rankings and move to #2 and are now 4-0 on the season. 

3.  Florence Falcons

Two consecutive losses drop the Falcons for the first time this season to #3 in the polls.  The defense that has been their strength all season gave up 30 points to a Huntsville High School team that was without their starting RB.  Don't expect Coach Briggs to allow them to stay down.  Although it isn't a region game, the matchup with Muscle Shoals carries alot of bragging rights for the Shoals area. 

4. Brooks Lions

The Lions offense has looked impressive all season long.  The teams ability to finally stop the Central offense made the difference Friday night.  This team is fast.  They are explosive.  They have steadily climbed in the power rankings and with their latest win have moved ahead of Russellville.  Should be interesting game with Lauderdale County next week.

5. Russellville Golden Tigers

A tough battle that came up short.  East Limestone was able to beat the Tigers 37 - 28.  Russellville has been able to score plenty, just couldn't get the stops needed to remain unbeaten in the region.  Next week Russellville will host Walker and take a break from region play.  They will need to beat Muscle Shoals later or get some help in order to play at home in the payoffs now. 

6. Rogers Pirates
The Pirates won another game, but this week the opponent did actually score on them!  For the first time in three weeks they gave up points.  Take away the first quarter of the first game and this team might be undefeated.  Next week a much improved Lexington will pay a visit to Greenhill.

7. Lauderdale County
These guys just wear people down.  For the second consecutive week the tigers fall behind 14 points only to come back and win going away.  This week they were down until late third quarter.  At this point the depth of the Tigers took its toll on Elkmont and the yards began to roll up.  Next week they will travel to Brooks.

8. Red Bay

These guys are good.  They continue to win and are looking better each game.  Some of the teams they have beaten have gone on and won impressively since the Tigers beat them.  They are in total control of their region.  Could be a special year for Coach Jeffreys and the fans in Red Bay.

9. Sheffield

Since their week one defeat the Bulldogs have looked more and more impressive each game.  This week they make their debut into the power rankings.  They have a solid running game and have began to shut people down on defense.  Next week they will play a team that has fallen out of the polls in Colbert Heights.  That game will show which one truly belongs here.

10. Central Wildcats

Barely staying in the top ten the Wildcats took a tough loss to Brooks and Deshler in successive weeks.  Although most teams would have trouble beating either of those teams, they will want to get back on track against 6A Butler of Huntsville.