Sports Editor

After spending more then five weeks in the top ten of the Hall High School Football Power Rankings, the Pike County Bulldogs (4-1) finally cracked into the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A poll.

Pike County comes in at No. 9 in this week’s poll, but the Bulldogs ranking will be challenged this Friday night when they travel to face Class 1A No. 1 Courtland.

The Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season last weekend to Class 4A Alexandria. Alexandria is No. 9 in Class 4A this week.

With a victory over Red Level last weekend, the Goshen Eagles moved up one spot to No. 6 in this week’s ASWA Class 2A poll. GHS will play Georgiana on Friday night.

Big games among ranked teams set for this weekend, beside No. 9 Pike County at No. 1 Courtland, include: fifth-ranked Vestavia Hills at fourth-ranked Hoover in 6A; No. 1 Gadsden at fifth-ranked Oxford in 5A and seventh-ranked Phil Campbell at third-ranked Good Hope.

Benjamin Russel’s loss last week allowed unbeaten Wetumpka to move up to the sixth spot in Class 5A. Benjamin Russell fell to No. 8.

With a miracle finish over Class 1A No. 7 Maplesville last week, Jemison remained unbeaten and still No. 1 in Class 4A.

Pike Liberal Arts School’s homecoming opponent this Friday night, Glenwood, is No. 3 this week in the AISA poll. The Patriots have faced four ranked teams this season.

South Montgomery County Academy moved into the No. 8 spot and Southern Academy (6-0) made its first appearance in the poll this season at No. 10.