By Eric S. Smith

There was a lot of movement in the Midwest Ratings and Rankings this week. There's a new No. 1 team in the Hoosier State, plus a Missouri team cracks the top five. An Illinois squad is still lurking just beyond the top five, but could make its move this week. Plus a Texas team is starting to fade at the wrong time of the year.

Lyons Township Lions, IL
Last week's (4/10) Power Rating: 92.23 Rank: 7 This week's PR: 92.23 Rank: 7 Trend: Same

The Lions took care of business with a win over York last week. But now Lyons Township wants to make a move and crack the top five. With three games on the docket, including a tussle with the top team in the state in New Trier, this might be the week for them to do it.


Zionsville Eagles, IN
Last week's (4/10) PR: 92.31 Rank: 2 This week's PR: 92.95 Rank: 1 Trend: Up

The Eagles didn't have much room to improve, but they did just that with a win against Louisville Trinity (KY). The win also marked the first game of the season to impact the Quality Wins Factor for Zionsville, resulting in a .100 bump.

The Eagles are now in the precarious position of having nowhere to go but down. This week they have two very winnable games, but time will tell if they have what it takes to stay on top.


MICDS Rams, MO
Last week's (4/10) PR: 88.64 Rank: 10 This week's PR: 91.59 Rank: 5 Trend: Up

The Rams evened their record to 3-3 on the season with a solid 15-8 win over Lindbergh; exceeding expectations by trumping the expected four-goal margin of victory. (The win adds .150 points to their QWF.)

The Rams could climb higher in the rankings this week. While they have a very winnable game against Parkway South, they will be tested against No. 2 Rockhurst Jesuit.


Greenhill Hornets, TX
Last week's (4/10) PR: 89.54 Rank: 12 This week's PR: 88.37 Rank: 14 Trend: Down

The Hornets suffered a very tough 17-1 loss to Coppell last week. But Greenhill didn't fall too far because the loss had no impact on their QWF; the Hornets' strength of schedule remained nearly the same.

The regular season in the Lone Star State is winding down, and this will be a big week if Greenhill is going to remain a top-20 team. The Hornets have two games against opponents with a PR over 85--including a game against Episcopal School of Dallas, the No. 3 team in Texas.

2009-04-15