Josh Pratt’s Midseason Top 20 Rankings

Now that we are halfway through this 2017 regular season, I am ready to release my midseason top 20 rankings. As always, there are teams that have played like expected, some who have overachieved, and others who have disappointed.

3A rankings with last week’s results

1. Yoakum - W 28-10 over Edna

2. Wall - W 42-14 over Iowa Park

3. Hallettsville - W 48-21 over Palacios

4. Malakoff - W 49-14 over Groesbeck

5. Grandview - OFF

6. Brock - OFF

7. Kemp - OFF

9. Goliad - OFF

10. Jefferson - OFF

11. Rockdale - W 49-14 over Academy

12. Shallowater - L 42-20 to Estacado

13. Edna - L 28-10 to Yoakum

14. Woodville - W 49-21 over Kirbyville

15. Franklin - W 38-34 over Cameron Yoe

16. Comanche - OFF

17. Hughes Springs - OFF

18. West - W 57-19 over Elkhart

19. Jim Ned - OFF

20. Pottsboro - OFF

Region I

There are no real surprises in region I. Wall and Brock have both been impressive in their non-district games and are still the favorites to decide who represents West Texas in the semifinals. After that, you have Shallowater, which has had somewhat of a bounce back season after a rough 2016 campaign, and Comanche and Jim Ned, which are two new teams that have made their way into these rankings.

Region II

Before the season began, myself and others believed that region II could have been wide open for the taking. At this point it probably is, but a few teams have been more impressive than others. Mineola really struggled with their non-district schedule but still has a good chance to win their district. Grandview is now the highest ranked team and has been thorough in all of their wins thus far. Kemp is in that same district and should play the Zebras close in that showdown. Jefferson is the team out east to watch this season.

Region III

There has been more shakeup in region III as opposed to any other region in the state. Cameron Yoe was the overwhelming number one team in all the statewide polls, but has stumbled mightily to a 1-5 start and 0-2 record in 10-3A. The most impressive team in the region is Malakoff, which is undefeated. The results have not been quite as impressive as last year, but this team could have what it takes to get out of the region again. West defeated Teague and Rockdale by a couple of scores, so this could be a team to watch out for come December. In Southeast Texas, Woodville has won all but one game to upstart Madisonville.

Region IV

My preseason number one team in the state was Yoakum and that is where they still stand today. The Bulldogs did fall hard to Cuero (41-13), but they will play no one close to that caliber in 3A football. Yoakum also recently defeated Hallettsville (13-12) and this could be the first of two times that these teams play this season. My big sleeper in these rankings is Goliad, which could be a major threat to either of those teams.