Well…we’re only two weeks in and already my rankings are going to be blown up.With the Rebels loss last week, the Revs victory over the Mudducks looking even less impressive, and the Stealth and Shock abusing lesser teams, it’s hard to really peg teams down in their rightful spot.There are a couple different angles I could pursue…I could do the classic “who’s beaten who…and therefore they’re ranked higher…” or “it takes a lot more to fall than it does to climb up in the rankings…” or the never failing “if the two teams played 10 times, who’d win the majority…”I often have followed the pattern of who I believe is playing the best ball at this given time.This doesn’t necessarily state who I think is the best overall team in the league, or who’s my pick to win the championship, but simply who is playing the best overall football two weeks into the season.
With that being said, here’s who I BELIEVE is playing the best football at this given point…
1-Shock 1-0
I have a sneaky feeling that this ranking won’t stick for long…The Shock have only played one game and it was against a team that hasn’t played a AAA opponent since the AAA/AA split back in 2006 so it’s hard to compare.This I do know, the offense was able to produce points at will against what has been believed to be a strong defensive team.The more impressive stat is the 16 yards of total offense and 10 sacks that the often maligned Shock defense produced…was this game an anomaly or a step forward??? We’ll find out this week, but for now, they get the top spot…
2-Stealth 1-0
Could very easily be the #1 team as they too beat up on their only opponent thus far…and they did it in convincing fashion (54 points with a running clock for the entire 2nd half…).The reason they get bumped behind the Shock is due to their unbalanced offensive play. Wissler can’t complete 50% of his passes against a lesser team and expect their offense to be feared.Best part of this ranking is that they get a primed opportunity to prove their place this weekend…
3-Spartans 2-0
Who would’ve thought the Spartans would be 2-0 at this point in the season with two games against playoff teams from last season??? Oh yeah, I did (see my predictions)…Spartans have struggled offensively but have faced two strong defensive teams.It’s not about the yards, it’s about the score and the Spartans have found a way to be on top by the final whistle.While I think there are a couple teams currently ranked below who would beat the Spartans in a multi-game scenario…Treasure Valley has done all its part in solidifying the #3 spot…for now…
4-Rebels 1-1
Dixie is going to be pushing hard for Idaho to start its own league as again they struggle up north.I still think they are the “team to beat” they just aren’t playing great at this point.Offensively they’re moving the ball, but scoring points is what matters most and they need to find a way to limit turnovers if they plan on hosting the ‘ship for a third straight season…
5-Revolution 1-0
Just when they thought they could argue that their victory was against a playoff caliber team they had to watch the Mudducks offense get blanked by a 18 man visiting roster…You can never count out the Rev as long as they have Chuckypita under center and I still believe they have the most “opportune” defense/special teams…big chance at redemption this week as they face a limping Rebels’ squad…
6-Stampede 1-1
They needed last weeks win…badly.Although even with the win, they showed their cards (or lack of…how do you only get 18 people to travel 70 miles???) and its no doubt they’ll struggle on their remaining two road games this year.Holton is nothing compared to Jenkins and that added strain on their defense is going to show very soon…
7-Bulldawgs 0-2
Yes they are winless, yes they have been beaten BADLY both games…but look at who their opponents were…and where the games were played…The Bulldawgs are not going to make the playoffs (Sorry Ben) but they will be competitive against the teams ranked in the bottom half of the AAA…
8-Mudd Ducks 0-2
You can’t be held scoreless, at home, against a team with less than the league minimum number of traveling players and expect to move up anytime soon.Now you have to travel north and play against a team who’s ready to “Defend the Bend” against any foe…good luck…
9-Gladiators 0-1
They will undoubtedly get better…they have too right??? 16 yards of total offense??? Giving up over 350 with a running clock??? AT HOME???Gladiators best use this week off to repair the broken pieces and put on a better performance against the visiting Rev…
