Area teams rank high in initial poll

Star Staff Report

WINCHESTER — If the initial Virginia High School League power ratings and the state’s Associated Press football poll are any guide, it should be another successful year for area teams.

Both were released for the first time Monday, with Handley and Clarke County earning prominent positions.

In the VHSL power ratings — which help determine playoff teams and seedings — four of the five local schools are currently in spots that would earn them postseason bids. Six teams will go to the playoffs in Region II Division 3 and Division 4, and four teams will claim spots in Region B Division 2.

In Division 4, James Wood (5-0, 23.2 rating) is ranked second behind Broad Run (6-0, 25.0), while Sherando (4-1, 22.4) is ranked fourth, one spot behind Loudoun County (4-1, 23.0). The Colonels and Warriors open the Northwestern District season with a key matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at James Wood. In Division 3, Handley (5-0, 22.8) is second behind Western Albermarle (5-0, 22.4). Millbrook (3-2) sits in eighth at 18.4, but a victory at home against fifth-rated Skyline (4-1, 19.0) Friday night would provide the Pioneers with a boost.

In Division 2, Clarke County (5-0, 22.0) is ranked second and only trails Gretna (4-0, 23.5), the team the Eagles lost to in last year’s regional final.

In the state AP poll, Handley, which hosts Kettle Run at 1 p.m. Saturday, is ranked fifth in all of Group AA with 32 points. Amherst County (4-0) is ranked first with 59 points, seven more than No. 2 Broad Run.

Clarke County, which travels to Page County for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday, is ranked third in Group A with 44 points, trailing only No. 1 Essex (4-0, 56 points), and No. 2 Gate City (5-1, 44).