Upper Arlington unanimous No. 1

As the second half of the high school football season kicks off, only two teams remain in the Super 7 from the preseason poll — No. 2 Pickerington Central (No. 1 in preseason) and No. 3 Marysville (No. 7 in preseason).

There have been some surprises, starting with unanimous No. 1 Upper Arlington. The Golden Bears are off to their first 5-0 start since 2016. No. 4 New Albany is 5-0 for the first time since in 2013. No. 5 Big Walnut is 5-0 for the first time since in 2010.

Also joining the poll is No. 7 Gahanna, which beat previous No. 2 Hilliard Darby 17-14 on Friday.

Below is the poll as selected by our writers. A unanimous selection is 77 points:

1. Upper Arlington (5-0), 77 points, 11 first-place votes. Defeated Central Crossing 31-0; Next game: Friday vs. Hilliard Bradley. Last week: No. 1

2. Pickerington Central (4-1), 60 points. Last game: Def. Hilliard Bradley 38-21; Next game: vs. Newark. Last week: No. 3

3. Marysville (4-0), 57 points. Def. Westland 34-6; Next game: vs. Hilliard Darby. Last week: No. 4

4. New Albany (5-0), 38 points. Last game: Def. Newark 77-0; Next game: at Grove City. Last week: No. 5

5. Big Walnut (5-0), 33 points. Def. Westerville South 38-7; Next game: vs. Franklin Heights. Last week: Not ranked

6. Pickerington North (4-1), 21 points. Last game: Def. Olentangy Orange 44-29; Next game: vs. Westerville Central. Last week: No. 7

7, tie. Gahanna (3-1) 10 points. Def. Hilliard Darby 17-14; Next game: vs. Westland. Last week: Not ranked

7, tie. Hilliard Darby (4-1) 10 points. Lost to Gahanna 17-14; Next game: at Marysville. Last week: No. 2

Also receiving votes: Dublin Jerome 2, Hartley 1

Dropped out: No. 6 Westerville South

SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK Upper Arlington’s Lance Thrush turns up field after making a catch against Central Crossing on Friday.