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) - Took care of Nichols on Saturday afternoon. Their visit from Timon has been rescheduled for February 18th at 7 pm.
2. St. Joe's (MMA) - Host an intriguing matchup with St. Mary's on Wednesday after being pushed by Cardinal O'Hara last week, then visit St. Francis on Friday.
3. McKinley (A1) - The Macks are seven wins away from a third straight unbeaten season in the Yale Cup, however two of those matchups are against Middle College and a rematch with East looms at season's end.
4. Timon/St. Jude (MMA) - After taking down Park & St. Francis last week, the Tigers host Olean on Wednesday, where The Militia is sure to treat the Huskies to the finest hospitality South Buffalo has to offer.
5. Williamsville North (AA) - Guess who's alone atop the ECIC I standings? Here's a hint - they're led by a kid named Taplin.
6. Jamestown (AA) - After splitting with Clarence last week, I'll place the Red Raiders a spot ahead based on a bigger win.
7. Clarence (AA) - The Red Devils ended a 16-game losing streak to Jamestown when they scored their huge bounce-back win on Friday night. This week, they host Frontier at 7:30 pm on Friday night and get about 13 hours to rest before running with McKinley on Saturday morning at 10:30 am.
8. Amherst (A2) - Another week and three more ECIC III wins for the Tigers.
9. Lockport (AA) - No longer climbing, the Lions look to stay on top when they host North Tonawanda this Friday.
10. Kenmore West (AA) - Host Niagara Falls Tuesday night, where the Blue Devils will be the favorites over the Wolverines for the first time ever.
Small Schools
1. Olean (B1) - The Huskies looked as good as I've ever seen them at St. Mary's last week (except for last year's 1st half against Canisius when they led 47-21).
2. East (B2) - Without Tyree Tyson in the lineup, the Panthers lost to Franklin & the top spot on this ballot.
3. St. Mary's (MMA) - Head-to-head win over Park keeps them ahead of the Pioneers.
4. Park (MMA) - Will look for the sweep against Nichols tomorrow night, after flirting with the upset at Timon.
5. Middle College (C1) - With two games left against McKinley & East, the Kats could still win Yale Cup I.
6. Nichols (MMA) - Blew out Tapestry and battled at Canisius last week. Tomorrow night, they get a second chance with Park.
7. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies welcome in Maple Grove & Bennett this week, a pair of who nearly got the better of them in previous meetings this season.
8. Barker (C1) - The only unbeaten team in WNY is creeping up this ballot.
9. Cleveland Hill (B2) - Winners of five straight in ECIC IV are the same squad that won the Maryvale Tournament over break.
10. Sherman (D) - Suffered its first loss of the season in a rematch at Randolph.
-centercourt
@centercourt42
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