Preece High School Football Power Poll: Mid-season edition sets stage for final weeks | News, Sports, Jobs

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

Lehi players celebrate with junior safety Kenneth Latu after he made an interception during the non-region game against Corner Canyon in Draper on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

High school football expert Brian E. Preece ranks every team in the state of Utah at the midway point of the 2022 season (Utah Valley-area teams in bold):

Rank/School/Record/Previous Rank (Change)/RPI Rank (Classification)

1. Lehi (5A), 5-0, 3 (+2), 3 (5A)

2. Skyridge (6A), 5-0, 4 (+2), 1 (6A)

3. Corner Canyon (6A), 3-2, 2 (-1), 6 (6A)

4. Timpview (5A), 4-1, 7 (+3), 1 (5A)

5. Lone Peak (6A), 3-1, 1 (-4), 2 (6A)

6. Bingham (6A), 3-2, 6 (NC), 11 (6A)

7. Farmington (6A), 5-0, 11(+4), 5 (6A)

8. American Fork (6A), 4-1, 5 (-3), 4 (6A)

9 Stansbury (5A), 5-0, 14 (+5), 6 (5A)

10 Pleasant Grove (6A), 4-1, 40 (+30), 3 (6A)

11 West (6A), 3-2, 20 (+9), 10 (6A),

12. Crimson Cliffs (4A), 4-1, 47 (+35), 1 (4A)

13. Springville (5A), 4-1, 21(+8), 2 (5A)

14 Bonneville (5A), 5-0, 53 (+39), 5 (5A)

15. West Jordan (6A), 3-1, 26 (+11), 12 (6A)

16 Bountiful (5A), 3-2, 24 (+8), 9 (5A)

17. Dixie (4A), 3-1, 23 (+6), 3 (4A)

18. Riverton (6A), 3-2, 12 (-6), 7 (6A)

19 Grantsville (3A), 5-0, 46 (+27), 1 (3A)

20 Provo (5A), 4-1, 29 (+9), 4 (5A)

21. Box Elder (5A), 4-1, 56 (+35), 10 (5A)

22. Brighton (5A), 4-1, 19 (-3), 7 (5A)

23. Viewmont (5A), 3-2, 61 (+38), 14 (5A)

24 Roy (6A), 3-2, 43 (+19), 18 (6A)

25. Herriman (6A), 2-3, 27(+2), 15 (6A)

26. Orem (5A), 2-2, 8 (-18), 8 (5A)

27. East (5A), 2-3, 15 (-12), 16 (5A)

28. Olympus (5A), 3-2, 16 (-12), 22 (5A)

29. Syracuse (6A), 3-2, 17 (-12), 16 (6A)

30. Westlake (6A), 2-3, 34 (+4), 21 (6A)

31. Mountain Ridge (6A), 4-1, 18 (-13), 9 (6A)

32 Morgan (3A), 5-0, 42(+10), 2 (3A)

33. Park City (5A), 4-1, 51 (+18), 17 (5A)

34. Davis (6A), 3-2, 38(+4), 8 (6A)

35. Spanish Fork (5A), 2-2, 30 (-5), 12 (5A)

36. Ridgeline (4A), 3-2, 9 (-27), 2 (4A)

37. Desert Hills (4A), 3-2, 13 (-24), 4 (4A)

38. Skyline (5A), 3-2, 52 (+14), 13 (5A)

39 Juab (3A), 5-0, 53 (+15), 3 (5A)

40. Fremont (6A), 2-3, 39 (-1), 19 (6A)

41. Layton (6A), 3-2, 55 (+14), 13 (6A)

42 Alta (5A), 3-2, 22 (-20), 21 (5A)

43. Wasatch (5A), 2-3, 25 (-18), 23 (5A)

44. Snow Canyon (4A), 2-2, 33 (-11), 5 (4A)

45. Sky View (4A), 1-4, 32 (-13), 10 (4A)

46. ​​Woods Cross (5A), 2-3, 60 (+14), 20 (5A)

47. Cedar Valley (5A), 3-2, 35 (-12), 15 (5A)

48 San Juan (2A), 5-0, 63 (+15), 1 (2A)

49. Logan (4A), 3-2, 65 (+16), 7 (4A)

50. Mountain Crest (4A), 2-3, 57 (+7), 6 (4A)

51 Payson (5A), 3-2, 76 (+25), 11 (5A)

52. South Summit (2A), 5-0, 59 (+7), 2 (2A)

53 Cyprus (6A), 3-2, 79 (+26), 17 (6A)

54. Granger (6A), 2-2, 75 (+21), 14 (6A)

55. Timpanogos (5A), 4-1, 48 (-7), 18 (5A)

56. Weavers (6A), 0-5, 10 (-46), 22 (6A)

57. Green Canyon (4A), 1-4, 28 (-29), 9 (4A)

58. Kearns (6A), 1-4, 31 (-27), 23 (6A)

59 Richfield (3A), 4-1, 77(+18), 5 (3A)

60. Northridge (5A), 2-3, 72 (+12), 27 (5A)

61 Cedar City (4A), 2-3, 62 (+1), 8 (4A)

62. Salem Hills (5A), 1-4, 45 (-17), 30 (6A)

63. Maple Mountain (5A), 1-4, 44 (-19), 24 (6A)

64. Canyon View (3A), 3-2, 80 (+16), 6 (3A)

65. North Sanpete (3A), 2-3, 78 (+13), 7 (3A)

66. Beaver (2A), 2-3, 41 (-25), 5 (2A)

67. Copper Hills (6A), 2-3, 85 (+18), 20 (6A)

68. Bear River (4A), 1-4, 74 (+6), 12 (4A)

69th Hurricane (4A), 1-4, 90 (+21), 11 (4A)

70. Kanab (1A), 5-0, 86 (+16), 6 (1A-11)

71. Highland (5A), 1-4, 64 (-7), 26 (5A)

72. Layton Christian (1A), 3-2, 84 (+12), 1 (1A-11)

73. Jordan (5A), 2-3, 49 (-24), 25 (5A)

74th Summit Academy (2A) 3-2, 58 (-16), 6 (2A)

75. Pine View (4A), 0-4, 36 (-39), 13 (4A)

76. Juan Diego (3A), 2-3, 50 (-25), 10 (3A)

77. Manti (3A), 2-3, 67 (-10), 9 (3A)

78 Enterprise (1A), 5-0, 83 (+5), 4 (1A-11)

79 Milford (1A), 4-1, 82 (+3), 2 (1A-11)

80 Taylorsville (6A), 2-3, 89 (+9), 24 (6A)

81 Ogden (3A), 2-2, 87 (+6), 8 (3A)

82 Clearfield (6A), 0-5, 68 (-14), 25 (6A)

83 North Severn (1A), 4-1, 99 (+16), 3 (1A-11)

84. Tooele (5A), 1-4, 71 (-13), 28 (5A)

85 Hunter (6A), 0-5, 37 (-48), 26 (6A)

86 South Severn (2A), 2-3, 97 (+11), 7 (2A)

87 Emery (2A), 2-2, 96 (+9), 3 (2A)

88 Union (3A), 2-3, 93 (+5), 11 (3A)

89 Murray (5A), 0-5, 69 (-20), 32 (5A)

90th Judge Memorial (2A), 3-2, 102 (+12), 4 (2A)

91. Uintah (5A), 2-3, 88 (-3), 19 (5A)

92. Duchesne (1A), 1-4, 73 (-19), 9 (1A-11)

93. Ben Lomond (3A), 2-2, 105 (+12), 4 (3A)

94th Carbon (3A), 2-3, 101 (+7), 12 (3A)

95. Mountain View (5A), 0-5, 81 (-14), 29 (5A)

96 Gunnison (1A), 3-2, 103 (+7), 1 (1A-8)

97. North Summit (1A), 1-4, 100 (+3), 7 (1A-11)

98. Parovan (1A), 1-3, 95 (-3), 8 (1A-11)

99. Grand County (2A), 2-3, 104 (+5), 8 (2A)

100. Providence Hall (2A), 1-4, 94 (-6), 10 (2A)

101. Cottonwood (Ind.), 0-4, 92(-9), no

102. Hillcrest (5A), 0-5, 91 (-11), 5A (31)

103 Millard (2A), 0-5, 70 (-23), 9 (2A)

104. Delta (2A), 0-5, 66 (-38), 12 (2A)

105 Rich (1A), 2-2, 107 (+2), 3 (1A-8)

106. ALA (2A), 0-5, 98 (-8), 11 (2A)

107. Monticello (1A), 1-1, 106 (+1), 2 (1A-8)

108 Altamont (1A), 1-3, 110 (+2), 4 (1A-8)

109. Water Canyon (1A), 1-3, 112 (+3), 6 (1A-8)

110. Whitehorse (1A), 1-2, 108 (-2), 5 (1A-8)

111. Monument Valley (1A), 0-3, 109 (-2), 7 (1A-8)

112. USDB (1A), 0-0, 111 (-1), 8 (1A-8)

NC = no change

NR = Not Rated in RPI because they are independent and not eligible for playoffs

Bold Print indicates Area Football Teams

Utah County Rankings: 1. Lehi (#10 2. Skyridge (#2) 3. Timpview (#4) 4. Lone Peak (#5) 5. American Fork (#8) 6. Pleasant Grove (#10) 7. Springville (#13 ) 8 Provo (#20) 9 Orem (#26) 10 Westlake (#30) 11 Spanish Fork (#35) 12 Cedar Valley (#47) 13 Payson (#51) 14 Timpanogos (# 55) 15 Salem Hills (#62) 16 Maple Mountain (#63) 17 Mountain View (#95) 18 ALA (#106).

Well, it’s hard to believe, but it’s midseason and time for some midterm grades for the Utah County football programs. Grades are based on overall performance compared to expectations.

American fork: The Cavemen are 4-1, but the loss at Bingham showed that they need to up their game a bit to compete in rugged Region 4. Grade: B.

American Leadership Academy: A tiny bit of credit earned for posting an early 7-0 lead against the returning 3A state champions Grantsville Cowboys, but other than that, it’s been a rough season so far. Grade: D-.

Cedar Valley: The Aviators are off to a nice 2-0 start in Region 7 and earned a stirring overtime win over Payson to thrill the faithful. Grade: B

Lehi: The Pioneers got a great win at Corner Canyon and have blasted their other opponents and therefore definitely look like the team to beat in 5A. Grade: A+.

Lone Peak: It’s hard to know where the Knights exactly stand after being blown out by Timpview in the season opener and getting three wins against some out-of-state competition. Grade: B-..

Maple Mountain: The Golden Eagles are facing some injury issues and being in a tough region won’t help matters. Grade: D

mountain view: Though the Bruins haven’t been competitive in their first five games, the effort is still there and some winnable games remain on the schedule. Grade: D-.

Orem: The Tigers definitely needed the week after being blown out in two straight games by Region 4 teams Pleasant Grove and Skyridge. Grade: C-.

Payson: The Lions are winning games including a huge blowout win against Timpanogos. Grade: B+.

Pleasant Grove: The close loss against Farmington doesn’t look so bad since the Phoenix are undefeated and the Vikings are rolling posting four straight impressive wins. Grade: A

provo: After a close loss against Grantsville to open the season, the Bulldogs have pulled off four straight victories including two close wins against Region 5 teams Box Elder and Viewmont, who are also having good seasons themselves. Grade: B+.

Salem Hills: Though just 1-4, being very competitive against 6A Syracuse for a half does suggest that the Skyhawks shouldn’t be overlooked in Region 9 play. Grade: D+.

Skyridge: While the Falcons have lit up opponents, their most impressive win might have been its closest game beating Timpview 20-13 with their back-up quarterback. Grade A+.

Spanish fork: The Dons are competitive enough and won’t be any easy game for anyone remaining on the schedule. Grade: B-.

Springville: After dispatching Spanish Fork last week, the game with Provo this week will likely be for the Region 9 title and the Red Devils have shown they know how to get it done. Grade: A-.

Timpanogos: The blowout loss versus Payson is perplexing but the Timberwolves are still 4-1 Grade: B.

timpview: The Thunderbirds look very strong as wins against 6A powerhouses Bingham and Lone Peak suggest, so the narrow loss to Skyridge can be forgiven. Grade: A-.

Westlake: The win against previously unbeaten Mountain Ridge shows that the Thunder have some crackle even though wins in Region 4 are hard to come by. Grade: B-.

Power Poll Notes: Lehi or Skyridge, it’s definitely a tough call to say who should be on top of this poll. Lehi definitely had the best signature win by going on the road to beat Corner Canyon. And as strange as it sounds, Lehi, who competes in 5A, has played more 6A teams so far than Skyridge, who is in 6A. Things will change as region play for both their leagues begins this next week, but it just shows you Lehi does go out of his way to challenge himself.

Though Region 9 play is just in its second week, it is highly likely that the Provo vs. Springville game this upcoming Thursday will decide the Region championship. Both teams seem to be a cut above the rest of the competition in that league.

Region 4 is truly the SEC of Utah prep football with five teams in the top ten in the Power Poll. 5A Region 7 has the next most with two showing that Utah County has some powerhouse programs.

Beehive state teams have fared well against out-of-state competition overall. Lone Peak has won three games against some tough teams. But in a couple of cases, maybe the famous Dirty Harry movie line, “a man has to know his limitations” might apply. West went to California to take on Mater Dei while East just hosted iMG Academy from Florida. Both programs have finished seasons being the top-ranked team in the nation. The Panthers and Leopards are good teams. In fact, West is 4-1, but neither program is close to that level.

Another top level team schedule many top Utah programs is Bishop Gorman out of Las Vegas. Corner Canyon got beat pretty good this year, but Lone Peak gave them a scare a couple of years ago.

8-player football has been a hit and seven programs are pretty much exclusively competing in that format this year. The Utah School for the Deaf and Blind will have their first game on Wednesday as the Eagles will host Altamont.

There has definitely been some huge movement up and down in the Power Poll. Pleasant Grove made one of the biggest leaps going from No. 40 all the way to No. 10. But the biggest climbers in the poll were undefeated Bonneville (39 spots) and Viewmont (38 spots), while Box Elder and Crimson Cliffs jumped 35 spots. Utah County’s Payson made a significant improvement moving up 25 positions.

As far as the biggest decliners, Hunter leads the way slipping 48 spots. But the biggest surprise might still have to beWeber (0-5), which tumbled 46 spots. Last year the Warriors made the 6A semifinals but this year Weber hasn’t posted a single victory. Winless teams Pine View and Delta slid 39 and 38 spots respectively. As far as Utah County programs go, Maple Mountain regressed 19 spots while Salem Hills dropped 17 positions. Region 9’s Wasatch declined 19 positions as well.

Lehi and Skyridge won’t meet but some big match-ups might determine where both teams sit in the next power poll. Skyridge will host Corner Canyon on September 23 while Lehi hosts Timpview on October 6. Those two contests will give fans of this poll some common opponents to look at.

If some people are shaking their heads at seeing 3A Grantsville in the top 20, well consider this. The Cowboys are not only undefeated but have given Provo its only loss on the season. The Cowboys have outscored opponents 213-67, and if you take out the Provo game where Grantsville yielded 26 points while scoring 30, the Cowboys have outscored their opponents 183-41.

And finally, remember, this power poll is not the RPI, the latter which is what is actually used to seed the teams for the upcoming playoffs.

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