JFK, Harding top Valley teams in first state poll

Ursuline, Mooney and Hubbard get votes

in Division IV voting

Staff report

Warren JFK and Warren Harding are the highest-ranked Mahoning Valley teams in the first Associated Press high school football poll of the season.

Both teams are the only ones inside the top 10 of their respective divisions, with four other schools receiving votes.

Warren JFK (3-0) is the highest ranked area team, sitting at No. 3 in Division VII. The Eagles earned two first place votes and 126 points. Mogadore sits at No. 1 with Fort Recovery at No. 2.

Coach Jeff Bayuk’s squad has outscored oppenents 100-7 through three contests. The Eagles are coming off a 28-7 victory against Girard. The winning side racked up 238 yards on the ground and tailback Ross Nocera rushed for three touchdowns. The Eagles will face their first opponent with a winning record, Crestview, on Friday.

Warren Harding is No. 5 in Division II. Raiders quarteback Lynn Bowden rushed for six touchdowns during Harding’s 41-28 win against Massillon Washington last Friday. Steve Arnold’s team has previously posted wins against Shaw and Cleveland Heights.

Harding travels to Austintown Fitch (2-1) Friday night.

In Division IV, Ursuline (2-1) and Cardinal Mooney (2-1) aren’t ranked, but the Catholic schools are neck and neck in points. Ursuline has 26 to Cardinal Mooney’s 23.

Last week, Ursuline took its first loss of the season with a 37-12 defeat at the hands of Archbishop Hoban. The Irish host Massillon Washington this week.

Mooney bounced back from a upset by Boardman by routing Akron North, 46-0. The Cardinals host Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary this week. Hubbard (3-0) has 21 points.

South Range (3-0) has 20 points in Division V.