As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools. The polls are based on games played through Sunday of each week. Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.
Large Schools
1. Canisius (MMA) - They've already made history by running the table in the MMA during the regular season. The next step for the Crusaders is punching their ticket for a fifth straight Manhattan Cup championship game appearance.
2. Niagara Falls (AA) - Wolverines are eager for their second season to start after their first season (the four nonleague games) didn't go all that great (1-3).
3. Jamestown (AA) - Will need a third victory this season over Frontier in the quarterfinals to ensure the annual trip up north to Buff State.
4. St. Joe's (MMA) - Hung tough with Canisius for most of the game, but still a step behind. They're hoping for one last chance to crack the code.
5. Williamsville North (AA) - What difference does a year make? It changed the location of North's quarterfinal with Kenmore West. Now the Spartans host the Blue Devils, in hopes of setting up a date with Falls.
6. McKinley (A1) - The Macks are eager to finish what they started last year, beginning with a visit from Grand Island on Friday. It's a great matchup on paper...during football season.
7. Clarence (AA) - Those who have been following Lockport are talking upset, as the Lions appear in line for a visit to Clarence on Friday. I've followed Clarence some this season, and I'm not talking upset. The Red Devils are for real.
8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers have waited an entire year to get back to this spot. Now they await the winner of Starpoint/Riverside to begin their quest for a Section VI title.
9. Timon/St. Jude (MMA) - Despite a rough finish to the season with a blowout loss at Canisius, Timon is two wins away from the Manhattan Cup championship game. To get there, they'll have to get the monkey off their backs and beat St. Joe's. When they finally do that, look out.
10. Williamsville South (A1) - Peeking at just the right time. Sectionals begin with a cross-town rivalry game against ECIC II foe, Williamsville East, who ended the Billies season last year.
Small Schools
1. Olean (B1) - The only thing that exceeds the expectations on the Huskies is the talent in their rotation.
2. Silver Creek (C2) - The Black Knights will likely be looking on during the I-Prep/Olmsted game to see which city team gets to come to Silver Creek and run with them.
3. Oracle Charter (C1) - The Phoenix will be glad to get back in action after finishing their regular season on February 9th. Their opponents will not be glad to face them.
4. Cleveland Hill (B2) - Only loss this season was a 2-point defeat to Nichols in the season opener. They get a great sectional prep game tonight at St. Mary's.
5. St. Mary's (MMA) - Unbelievable energy from the Lancers in their victory against Nichols on Friday. They'll need it again tonight against a balanced Eagles team, and then again on Thursday night for a third round with the Vikings.
6. Nichols (MMA) - Came crashing back to earth at the hands of the Lancers on Friday. It may be just what they needed, heading into a rematch with those Lancers this Thursday.
7. Middle College (C1) - Keir Anderson willed the Kats to victory at East last week. Now Middle College will attempt to get back to the place they finished last year - Glens Falls.
8. Maple Grove (C2) - Head coach Curt Fischer just keeps piling up the career wins down in Bemus Point. He's hoping for at least three more this year.
9. East (B2) - Dropped the Panthers down for falling at home to the Kats after falling apart late at McKinley two weeks ago, and moved the teams that own victories against them, ahead of them.
10. Lackawanna (B1) - A very good Steelers team with no bad losses all season. Their reward: being in the same bracket as Olean and drawing Depew in the quarterfinals. I offer them my most sarcastic congratulations.
-centercourt
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