Central Mass HS Football Power Rankings: Week 7

Wachusett knocked off St. John's to claim the top spot in Central Mass. Photo courtesy of Ryan Bowman.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

For the first time this season, we have a new No. 1.

Spoiler alert, but Wachusett is on fire, coming off a win at St. John's (Shrewsbury) Saturday, just two weeks after spoiling homecoming in Leominster. The Mountaineers are clearly deserving of our top spot, but what about the rest of our Top 10?

Check that out below.

1. Wachusett: 6-0, 2-0 Mid-Wach A. Division 2.

Last Week: Ranked No. 2, defeated No. 1 St. John's (Shrewsbury) 25-13.

Different opponent, same story, as Wachusett continued to pound the rock, and smother foes on defense. The Mountaineers look like as overwhelming a team as I've seen in some time, and have proven they're the top team in the region the last several weeks.

2. St. John's (Shrewsbury): 4-2. Division 2.

Last Week: Ranked No. 1, lost to No. 2 Wachusett 25-13.

But let's not count out St. John's yet, because the Pioneers still have a great defense, and one of the most diverse and explosive offenses in the state. SJS will be back, and this weekend brings a massive rivalry game against Leominster.

3. Grafton: 6-0, 3-0 SWCL A. Division 3.

Last Week: Ranked No. 3, defeated Tantasqua 40-12.

The Indians made short work of Tantasqua, and head into the next two weeks looking to lock up the top seed in Division 3 Central. Friday brings a fun one against quarterback Max White-Cohen and explosive Uxbridge.

4. Auburn: 6-0, 3-0 SWCL A. Division 3.

Last Week: Ranked No. 4, defeated Northbridge 18-10.

The Rockets are in a similar position as Grafton, after breaking through against old rival Northbridge. This week we'll get to see Auburn host Southbridge, before the huge October 28th showdown between the Rockets and Indians in Grafton.

5. Leominster: 4-2, 2-1 Mid-Wach A. Division 2.

Last Week: Ranked No. 5, defeated Shepherd Hill 28-26.

Dick Tucker, the legendary voice of Doyle Field, and my co-host on The High School Football Lunch Box on WPKZ, told me that Friday night's Leominster comeback against Shepherd Hill was one of the 10 best games he's ever seen at Doyle.

Considering the fact that he's been doing PA there for 37 years, that's saying something. Next up for the Blue Devils is a trip to rival St. John's.

6. Algonquin: 4-2, 1-2 Mid-Wach A. Division 2.

Last Week: Ranked No. 9, defeated No. 7 Shrewsbury 31-21.

Algonquin dominated in the trenches to defeat Shrewsbury in a must-win, and the T-Hawks are very much alive in the Division 2 Central playoff race. But, things get no easier as Algonquin hosts No. 1 Wachusett Friday night, before hosting St. John's to end the regular season.

7. Marlboro: 4-2, 3-0 Mid-Wach B. Division 2A.

Last Week: Unranked, defeated No. 6 Nashoba 27-7.

The Panthers did something nobody expected: Dominate physical Nashoba on the ground. Marlboro rode their offensive line, along with Luke Goulet and Owen Cappadona, to a victory that gives it the inside track to the top seed in Division 2A Central, and the Mid-Wach B crown.

8. Maynard: 6-0, 5-0 Mid-Wach D. Division 4A.

Last Week: Ranked No. 8, defeated West Boylston 20-16.

The Tigers continued their magical run Friday night with a victory over small-school power West Boyslton, and are now the unquestioned favorites in Division 4A Central. P.J. Falzone may be the most overlooked player in the region, but he does a little bit of everything for Maynard.

9. Nashoba: 3-3, 2-1 Mid-Wach B. Division 2A.

Last Week: Ranked No. 6, lost to Marlboro 27-7.

The Chieftains suffered a road setback, and things will get no easier next week against Shepherd Hill. But, if anybody is built to right the ship quickly, it's Nashoba, and I have no doubt the Chieftains are licking their chops at the prospect of a rematch with Marlboro in the playoffs. 

10. Nipmuc: 5-1, 3-0 Dual Valley. Division 3A.

Last Week: Ranked No. 10, defeated Sutton 32-27.

The Warriors locked up the Dual Valley Conference title with a close win over Sutton, and will turn their sights to Holy Name as they hope to lock up the top seed in Division 3A Central.

Dropped Out: Shrewsbury (3-3. Ranked No. 7 LW)

In the Hunt: St. Peter-Marian (5-1), Littleton (5-1), West Boylston (4-2), St. Bernard's (5-1), Doherty (3-3), Uxbridge (4-2), Quabbin (4-2), Shepherd Hill (2-4), Sutton (4-2), Assabet (6-0).