CINCINNATI -- Surprises continue to shape the landscape of high school football in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky at the mid-way point of the season. Perhaps the biggest headlines are about how the mighty have fallen. There is some puzzlement in the slow starts had by Moeller, Centerville and others.
Here is how things are shaking out as we enter Week 6:
Ohio Division I
Last week’s big win over previously unbeaten Fairfield shot Mason up the rankings three spots and saw Fairfield fall four notches in the poll. Three of the top five teams in the latest rankings are from the Greater Catholic League South. Expect more movement in the week ahead with three games that feature Top 10 squads squaring off and Moeller taking on the top-ranked team in Division II, La Salle. Complete rankings here.
Ohio Division II-III
For a second straight week, Turpin knocked off an unbeaten Eastern Cincinnati Conference rival. The Spartans were rewarded by moving up four spots in this week’s poll. In total, three Top 10 teams lost last Friday night. Glen Este fell two places and Butler lost its spot in the rankings altogether as they were replaced by Greater Western Ohio Conference North rival Sidney. Complete rankings here.
Ohio Division IV-VII
If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best -- and that is just what Bishop Fenwick has done the past two weeks. The Falcons took down previously unbeaten and top-ranked Badin on Friday and now find themselves in the poll’s top spot. Two teams fell out of the Top 10 after losses and are replaced by Kenton Ridge and Reading. Complete rankings here.
Northern Kentucky
The “cardiac” Conner Cougars made the biggest jump in this week’s rankings. The Cougars are up two spots after their win at NewCath. It was Conner’s third straight win by four points or less. Covington Catholic and Highlands continued their slides downward as grueling schedules have caught up with these perennial powers. Simon Kenton, Highlands and CovCath all have byes this week. Complete rankings here.