Time flies and its nearly time for week three to get underway. Before that, it’s time to highlight the top five teams in the area. Four of our top five remain the same, picking up victories and heading into week three at 2-0. Who is making their debut in the NEOSI Top Five? Let’s get to it.

1. St. Edwards Eagles (2-0, Last Week: 42-10 vs Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Previous Rank: 1)

Through two games, the Eagles seem to be on a different level than any team in the state. They thoroughly handled a Pittsburgh Central Catholic squad that is a powerhouse in Pennsylvania and has played in eight of the last nine state championships. The Eagles continue to dominate the running game and paired with a suffocating defense, it’s hard to see anyone taking them down at this point. Up next for St. Eds is a home matchup with three-time defending state champion Cherry Creek (CO) on Saturday.

2. Archbishop Hoban Knights (2-0, Last Week: 47-14 vs Cathedral Prep, Previous Rank: 2)

Another week, another Hoban victory, this time a 47-14 win over Cathedral Prep (PA). Lamar Sperling was dazzling again, going for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Through just two games, Sperling has already racked up 571 yards and six touchdowns. The defense turned in a dominant performance and paired with that running game, it’s going to take a lot to beat the Knights. It’s early, but a Week 10 matchup with St. Edwards looms large. This week, they take on Iona Prep Saturday at noon.

3. Chardon Hilltoppers (2-0, Last Week: 36-6 vs Camden (NJ), Previous Rank: 3)

The Hilltoppers extended their winning streak to a stunning 30 games with a 36-6 win over Camden at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The defense continued its dominance only giving up 119 yards against a Panthers squad with numerous Division I prospects. Trey Liebhardt picked off two passes, returning one for a touchdown, and had a 60-yard touchdown reception. The young Hilltoppers squad looks to extend the streak even further this week in a matchup with First Baptist Academy (FL).

4. Avon Eagles (1-0, Last Week: 43-42 vs Medina, Previous Rank: 

What. A. Game. In what may end up being the game of the year, the Eagles stuffed a Medina two-point conversion to hold on for a 43-42 win. As I mentioned last week, Jakorion Caffey had himself a game, rushing for 298 yards and three touchdowns, including one with 1:06 to go that put Avon on top. There won’t be much time to celebrate that victory though, as the Eagles host Glenville, Division IV favorite, Friday night at Joe Firment Stadium.

5. St. Ignatius Wildcats (1-0, Last Week: 26-20 3OT vs Mentor, Previous Rank: NR)

The Wildcats picked up their first win of the season in a triple overtime thriller with Mentor, 26-20. After having their first game called off due to weather, St. Ignatius wasted no time reminding everybody they’re a top team in the area. Junior Sean Martin had himself a game, taking an interception to the house and adding both a rushing and receiving touchdown. This week, the Wildcats take a trip to Maryland for a matchup with Mount St. Joseph.

Just Missed

Mentor Cardinals (1-1, Last Week: 20-26 vs St. Ignatius, Previous Rank: 4)

Mentor falls just outside of the top five after a 26-20 loss to St. Ignatius at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals battled back after falling down 14-0 to take a 20-14 lead, but it wasn’t enough. It doesn’t get much easier this week, as Mentor plays host to a tough Riverside (2-0) team.

 

Avon Lake Shoremen (2-0, Last Week: 35-0 vs Brecksville-Broadview Heights)

The Shoremen have yet to give up a touchdown through two weeks and continue to knock on the door of the top five. Up next for the Shoremen is a home matchup with St. John the Baptist (NY). If they can get past the Cougars, a huge showdown awaits them in week four when they host rival Avon.

 

Follow me on Twitter @devinlowe123 for more high school football coverage!