Shelby Whippets have claimed the top spot in the Richland County Football Power Poll after a dominant Week 3 performance, making them the sole undefeated team in the county. Their decisive victory, coupled with strong performances across the board, solidifies their position as the team to beat. The remaining teams in the poll have experienced a mix of wins and losses, leading to shifts in the rankings as conference play approaches.
The Shelby Whippets (3-0) secured their position at the top with a resounding 49-6 victory over Bellevue, marking their first win at Bellevue’s home field since 2010. Quarterback Brayden DeVito continued his impressive form, completing 12 of 16 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 72 rushing yards and two scores. Brady Bowman had a standout performance with nine receptions for 240 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Sam Gwirtz led the charge with six tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble. They prepare to host Galion in Week 4.
Clear Fork Colts (2-1) are ranked second despite losing to Lexington 31-28. Quarterback Marcus Hoeflich had a career game, completing 18 of 27 passes for 318 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 65 yards and a score. Devyn Oswalt had 99 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Quentin Rinehart added 94 yards on two catches. The Colts amassed 440 yards of total offense. They will start Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference play at home against Ontario in Week 4.
Lexington Minutemen (2-1) are third after their 31-28 victory over Clear Fork. Joe Caudill led the team on both sides of the ball, completing 15 of 24 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 101 yards and a score. He added 14 tackles, a forced fumble, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a game-saving interception on defense. Brayden Fogle had five catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Lexington faces Akron North in Week 4.
Ontario Warriors (2-1) are fourth after a 57-6 victory over Madison. They accumulated 371 rushing yards and 475 total yards, with six different players scoring rushing touchdowns. Kooper Kilgore rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. The defense allowed just 143 yards of total offense and forced four turnovers. The Warriors travel to Clear Fork in Week 4 to begin MOAC play.
Madison Rams (1-2) are fifth after a 57-6 loss to Ontario. The Rams turned the ball over four times and allowed six different players to score rushing touchdowns. Camden Moysi connected with Justin McCraney for a passing touchdown on a trick play. The Rams head to Wooster this week for their OCC opener.
Lucas Cubs (2-1) suffered a 26-14 loss to Danville. The Cubs held a halftime lead after a long opening drive. They now enter a favorable portion of their schedule, starting with Vanlue in Week 4.
Crestview Cougars (2-1) rebounded with a 28-14 comeback victory over Keystone. Trailing 14-0, Crestview scored 28 unanswered points. Ayden Reymer rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Liam Kuhn ran for a score and had an interception. The Cougars host New London this week to begin Firelands Conference play.
Mansfield Senior Tygers (0-3) suffered a 38-7 loss to Cleveland Villa Angela St. Joseph. Ryan Au scored a rushing touchdown for the second consecutive game. The Tygers will host West Holmes for their Ohio Cardinal Conference opener on Friday night.
Plymouth Big Red (0-3) fell to 0-3 after a 22-6 loss to Wellington. Keegan Beverly rushed for 78 yards. They travel to St. Paul this week, seeking their first victory against them since 1994.
