TOP OF THE CROP

Football

1: (1) Mentor 8-1

2: (2) Euclid 7-2

3: (3) Perry 9-0

4: (4) Brush 7-2

5: (5) Kirtland 9-0

6: (6) Benedictine 6-3

7: (9) Kenston 7-2

8: (7) NDCL 7-2

9: (8) Chardon 6-3

10: (10) University (7-2)

Watch list: North 5-4, Gilmour 6-3, Wickliffe 6-3

Crop comments: There is movement in this week’s Crop, though no teams dropped out . ... Mentor retains the No. 1 spot. Putting up 743 yards of offense in a 61-59 win over Euclid, and considering the Cardinals’ only loss is to state-ranked St. Ignatius, makes the Cardinals an easy choice . ... Euclid took a loss this week, but the Panthers don’t drop here. Their offense had 701 yards against Mentor, and their only losses are to stateranked St. Ignatius and Mentor. That’s a strong team and resume . ... Perry continues to blister everyone in its path. The only question now is how far the Pirates go in the postseason,

as well as regional positioning. Strong defense, strong offense, strong special teams. A very good team . ... Brush remains at No. 4 and can clinch an outright WRC title this week and also a home playoff game in Week 11. When the Arcs are clicking, they are dangerous . ... Kirtland stays at No. 5. The Hornets got a marquee win against state-ranked Cuyahoga Heights. That was a huge litmus test with the postseason approaching. This team is geared for a long tournament run . ... Benedictine remains at No. 6 and has a biggie this week against Akron Hoban. A playoff berth has already been clinched but a win over the Knights would be a nice push into the playoffs . ... Kenston makes a jump up to No. 7 with a lopsided win over Chardon. The Bombers play a lot of sophomores, but the team plays like veterans through and through . ... Don’t hold a 42-0 loss to Hoban against NDCL. The Knights are loaded. NDCL has another big one this week against Padua. A win and the Lions are in the postseason . ... Chardon falls down to No. 8 this week after a loss to Kenston. The Hilltoppers have a lot to play for this week against North, with a playoff spot possible . ... University remains at No. 10 ahead of surging North, Gilmour and Wickliffe. The Preppers have a huge task at Steubenville this week, but are already postseason-bound.