Friday Night Drive Week 1 Power Rankings

Having football back was obviously exciting for everyone involved.

Having to rank those football teams following a week where impressive performances were turned in left and right, well, that’s not so exciting.

Top teams staked their claims to their current spots and made solid cases to climb up the rankings, but who should they replace?

Even the teams in the Top 25 that lost this week largely made statements. Consider St. Rita, which actually saw a significant climb following a loss. Why did that happen? Hold the No. 3 team in the poll nearly scoreless for an entire game, a tip of the cap is deserved.

Let’s talk newcomers. Three teams broke into the poll, and each case they were teams that narrowly missed out on inclusion in the first poll.

DeKalb enters at No. 20. The Barbs came out and announced themselves with authority, posting nearly 60 points in an opening win over Metea Valley. DeKalb is setting out to prove it belongs in the discussion of the elite teams in the DuPage Valley. The next few weeks will give it a clear chance to prove it.

Oswego emerges at No. 21. The Panthers were knocked off their roost as the top team in the Southwest Prairie last season after years of being the top squad, but it looks like they are on a mission to take it back, showing impressive defensive fortitude in a Week 1 win.

Naperville Central shows up at No. 22. The Redhawks were one of the hardest teams to figure last season. They were unable to pull through a tough schedule to secure a playoff berth. But most of the elite talent remains and they seem determined to demonstrate it over the short season.

Week 2 is much like Week 1 was in the matter of huge matchups. In fact, it might even be better. Six of the top 12 teams are locked in head-to-head matchups with the No. 3 and No. 4 squads leading the way in Mount Carmel and Loyola while Lincoln-Way East (No. 2) plays its second highly regarded opponent as they travel to No. 10 Homewood-Flossmoor.

And who can forget the fierce rivalry war between Brother Rice and Marist?

After a fairly unsurprising Week 1 in regards to results, it wouldn’t be at all shocking to see a bit more chaos in Week 2.

In any case, buckle up.