Red Dragons, Irish move up into AP Top 10

October 16, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The Niles and Ursuline high football teams have moved into the Top 10 of their divisions in the latest Associated Press poll of Ohio’s high school football teams.

Niles’ 17-10 upset of Howland last Friday earned the Red Dragons statewide recognition. The Red Dragons (7-1, 4-1 All-American Conference American Division) jumped up to number 10 in the Division III poll released Monday. Last week, the Red Dragons were ranked 11th.

Ursuline (5-3) moved up to 10th in Division V. Last week, the Irish were ranked 11th.

Broadcasters and sportswriters from around the state participate in the weekly pool.

Friday, Niles will be home against Struthers (5-3, 2-2). The Red Dragons will close their most successful regular season in many years on Oct. 26 with a home game against East (3-5).

The Irish will face Cardinal Mooney (3-5) on Friday in their annual showdown at Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium. Last year, Ursuline won, 25-21.

Three other Mahoning Valley teams have spots in the Top 10. In Division V, Crestview (8-0) remains at number four.

The Rebels will close the regular season at East Palestine on Friday and at home against South Range (6-2) on Oct. 26.

In Division I, Austintown Fitch (7-1) dropped one spot, to 10th, after their 68-7 victory over Marion Harding on Saturday. The Falcons will close against Uniontown Lake (2-6) and Mooney.

In Division IV, undefeated Brookfield remains at number five. The Warriors (8-0) earned two first-place votes.

Friday, the Warriors will be at home against Youngstown Christian (6-1).

In Division VI, Warren JFK (6-2) is 11th.