La Center takes over top spot in Week 5 area prep football power ratings
A new No. 1 team marks the Week 5 Columbian area power rankings as the La Center Wildcats claim the top spot.
Mountain View tumbled four spots after a loss at Hanford, and Washougal returns to the top-10 after beating Mark Morris.
Here is how they stack up this week:
10. Mark Morris (3-1, 2A)
The Monarchs were banged-up last week. Most notably, Deacon Dietz had his action severly limited and that hurt against Washougal. At full strength, Mark Morris remains a threat in 2A GSHL. (Last week No. 8)
9. Prairie (3-1, 2A)
Falcons are coming off their first loss, but still move up with Castle Rock dropping out of the top-10. Prairie could make a big move this week by winning in Kelso. (Last week No. 10)
8. Washougal (3-1, 2A)
The Panthers put themselves right into the thick of the 2A GSHL title hunt with their win over Mark Morris. They can take the driver’s seat with a win at Ridgefield on Friday. (Last week unranked)
7. Kelso (2-2, 3A)
The Hilanders open 3A GSHL play coming off back-to-back losses to two very good teams. Kelso could get back on track at home against Prairie (Last week No. 3)
6. Ridgefield (2-2, 2A)
The Spudders have won back-to-back games to open 2A GSHL play. They can seize control of the league by beating Washougal on Friday. (Last week No. 7)
5. Evergreen (4-0, 3A)
With Prairie falling last week, the Plainsmen stand tall as the lone undefeated team in the region. But their strength-of-schedule to date keeps them from being rated higher. The schedule gets decidedly tougher from here out. (Last week No. 6)
4. Mountain View (2-2, 3A)
The Thunder remain enigmatic. They looked like they were hitting their stride two weeks ago against Union before getting tripped up vs. Hanford last week. Now comes league play. (Last week No. 1)
3. Camas (1-3, 4A)
The Papermakers got their first win of the season and looked very good in doing it. Now, they get to seize themselves up against Skyview when the travel to face Kamiak, a team Skyview handled last week. (Last week No. 5)
2. Skyview (3-1, 4A)
The Storm keep looking better and better each week since a Week 1 setback. Now they get back-to-back winless opponents (Heritage and Kentwood) before the league showdown with Camas on Oct. 14. (Last week No. 4)
1. La Center (3-1, 1A)
If not for a second-half breakdown against Hockinson in Week 1, the Wildcats might be entering Trico League play undefeated. Coming off a 49-7 rout of Connell, the Cats are rolling. (Last week No. 2).
