Geneseo's Collin Akers eyes extra yardage while bursting through a hole in last Saturday's 26-7 win over Mount Vernon. After securing a Top 5 finish in the QC Prep Football Power Poll, Akers and the Leafs are looking for even more now, with the playoffs starting this weekend.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus sportswriter
Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2009, 11:55 p.m.
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Final-week losses barely cost Sherrard and Mercer County in the final Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll of the season.

Both playoff-bound teams remained in the 10th and final Top 10 of the season for the weekly presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

Sherrard was stopped 40-12 Saturday on the road by Chicagoland toughie Walther Lutheran. Mercer County fell to 2008 Illinois Class 1A state champ Stark County, 26-19 Friday to force a three-way tie atop the Northwest Division of the West Prairie Trail Conference.

Sherrard slipped from 5th to 6th because of the weekend setback. Mercer County tumbled from 6th to 10th, trailing both No. 8 Annawan-Wethersfield and No. 9 Alexis United by mere voting points, with a panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters perhaps forgetting the Eagles beat both teams this season.

Otherwise, little changed with Mississippi Athletic Conference champ Clinton (9-0) finishing the regular-season as the top-ranked team for the sixth straight week just ahead of No. 2 Rock Island (8-1).

Clinton received 13 of the 16 first-place votes cast, and 157 of a possible 160 voting points. Western Big 6 Conference champ Rocky earned the other three first-place nods and 143 voting points.

Bettendorf (3rd), Morrison (4th) and Alexis United (9th) also held their ground in the final poll.

Geneseo (7th to 5th), Orion (8th to 7th) and Annawan-Wethersfield (10th to 8th) moved up because of the Sherrard and Mercer County losses.

In all, 14 teams received voting consideration this week, with Stark County rejoining the final poll at No. 12. Three 5-4 teams — Alleman, North Scott and Pleasant Valley — fell off the radar with losses in their regular-season finales.

Looking back to the preseason, 10 of the 14 teams that earned votes in the finale received preseason mention.

This season’s big surprises? Sherrard, Alexis United, No. 11 Sterling and No. 14 Maquoketa did not receive a preseason vote. Morrison and Annawan-Wethersfield did receive votes, but were not ranked in the initial Top 10.

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QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Clinton (9-0) 157 (13) 1

– Comment: The River Kings wrapped up just their second solo Mississippi Athletic Conference crown over the weekend by ripping formerly-rated North Scott, 61-14. David Johnson rushed 22 times for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns to finish as the league’s regular-season scoring and rushing leader. Clinton also was unbeaten, and wore a solo MAC crown in 1985, in addition to league title shares in 1978 and 1991. Now the top-seed on the Eastern side of the state wants to punctuate a memorable season with a trip to the UNI-Dome. Next: Wednesday hosts Cedar Rapids Prairie (3-6) in the first round of Iowa’s Class 4A playoffs.

2. Rock Island (8-1) 143 (3) 2

– Comment: Chris Glover enjoyed a monster day despite a muddy track at Rich Central over the weekend. The Western Big 6 Conference scoring champ rushed 19 times for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winner in another fourth-quarter comeback for the Rocks, 26-20. The reward for rallying for victories in the last four games? The back-to-back outright Big 6 champs are the only 8-1 team in Illinois hosting a fellow one-loss team in a playoff opener. Next: Friday hosts Oak Lawn Richards (8-1) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 6A playoffs.

3. Bettendorf (8-1) 122 3

– Comment: The tradition continues with the 7-time Iowa state champs reaching the playoffs for the 25th time since a runner-up finish in 1980. Bettendorf survived a double overtime battle over the weekend with bitter rival Davenport Assumption, 25-19. Now, the Bulldogs are spoiling for a possible semifinal rematch with Clinton at the UNI-Dome on Nov. 13. Next: Wednesday hosts Cedar Rapids Kennedy (4-5) in the first round of Iowa’s Class 4A playoffs.

4. Morrison (9-0) 115 4

– Comment: This Mustang team is a shoe-in to go far in the playoffs after capturing the Wooden Shoe Trophy, 41-0 at neighboring rival Fulton over the weekend. Illinois’ top-ranked Class 2A team clinched the Big Rivers Conference title, too. In just 10 carries, Josh Vos added 116 yards and a TD to his season totals of 1,379 in ground gains and 22 scores. Kyle Janssen added three TDs, and Morrison’s defense dominated, too, allowing only 40 yards of total offense. Next: Saturday hosts Deer Creek-Mackinaw (5-4) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

5. Geneseo (7-2) 91 7

– Comment: A week off, thanks to an Ottawa forfeit because of a teacher’s strike there, hurt the Green Machine’s offensive execution in a 26-7 win over Mount Vernon over the weekend. But the mini-vacation re-charged the defense, which allowed just 73 rushing yards to go with a meaningless fourth-quarter touchdown, as well as scoring themselves. Now the Leafs hope they shook off enough rust heading into a brutal Class 4A playoff bracket. Next: Friday hosts Plano (6-3) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 4A playoffs.

6. Sherrard (8-1) 67 5

– Comment: The Tigers’ bid for a perfect regular-season was foiled on the road by a veteran playoff foe. So don’t go jumping off the bandwagon of the Olympic Conference champions. On the bright side, Sherrard was seeded in the lower-half of the Class 3A bracket opposite of top-ranked Carthage Illini West. The Tigers also drew a first-round foe that became very familiar to head coach Jason Kirby in his previous stop, while building a state title-contender at Bureau Valley. Next: Friday or Saturday (TBA today) hosts Sterling Newman (6-3) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 3A playoffs.

7. Orion (8-1) 61 8

– Comment: The Chargers revved up for a fourth straight postseason appearance by preventing Princeton from qualifying for the playoffs. Brad Walker rushed for two scores, and was on the receiving end of one of two James Matson TD passes, in a 35-0 workmanlike effort over the weekend. Now, two of the highest-scoring teams in the state hook up to light up the Charger Field scoreboard like a pinball machine. Next: Saturday hosts No. 12 Stark County (7-2) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

8. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1) 32.5 10

– Comment: Since losing to No. 10 Mercer County 33-0 in the season’s second week, the Titans have outscored their foes a daunting 280-35. (Yes, that’s an average 40-5 margin of victory). In a 48-0 shellacking of Abingdon over the weekend, fullback Shayne Neubert led all rushers with 109 yards and 2 scores in just eight carries. Ty Peterson also picked up two blocked punts and recovered a fumbled kickoff. Next: Friday or Saturday (TBA today) hosts Clifton Central (7-2) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

9. Alexis United (8-1) 29.5 9

– Comment: The Red Storm owe Stark County a thank you letter after beating No. 10 Mercer County to force a three-way tie for the Northwest Division title of the West Prairie Trail Conference. United earned its share by handling Elmwood-Brimfield, 31-16 over the weekend. The 1-2 punch of Geoffrey Hahn (14 carries, 144 yards, 3 TDs) and Adam Olin (20 totes, 107 yards, 1 TD) were tough to stop, and make Coach Tim Engebretson’s team a real postseason threat. Next: Saturday hosts Flanagan-Cornell (6-3) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 1A playoffs.

10. Mercer County (7-2) 26.5 6

– Comment: The Golden Eagles slipped in the mud and rain, literally and figuratively, in a 26-19 loss to Stark County. Coach Nat Zunkel’s club turned the ball over three times, and had quarterback Brett Anderson lose his footing on what would have been the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter. Now, Mercer County gets to take out its frustration in a locally-loaded Class 2A playoff field. Next: Friday or Saturday (TBA today) hosts No. 13 Bureau Valley (7-2) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

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ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Sterling (7-2) 18 12t

– Next: Friday or Saturday (TBA today) hosts LaSalle-Peru (7-2) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 5A playoffs.

12. Stark County (7-2) 8.5 –

– Next: Saturday at No. 7 Orion (8-1) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

13. Bureau Valley (7-2) 7 15

– Next: Friday or Saturday (TBA today) at No. 10 Mercer County (7-2) in the first round of Illinois’ Class 2A playoffs.

14. Maquoketa (7-2) 2 11

– Next: Wednesday at Decorah (7-2) in the first round of Iowa’s Class 3A playoffs.

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INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Rock Island (8-1)

2. Clinton (9-0)

3. Morrison (9-0)

4. Bettendorf (8-1)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

7. Sherrard (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Stark County (7-2)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Bettendorf (8-1)

3. Rock Island (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Sherrard (8-1)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Mercer County (7-2)

9. Sterling (7-2)

10 (tie). Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

10 (tie). Alexis United (8-1)

____________

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Sherrard (8-1)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Bureau Valley (7-2)

9 (tie). Mercer County (7-2)

9 (tie). Alexis United (7-2)

9 (tie). Stark County (7-2)

____________

Amy Calderone, Amy.Calderone@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Geneseo (7-2)

5. Morrison (9-0)

6. Orion (8-1)

7. Alexis United (8-1)

8. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

9. Sherrard (8-1)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1, Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Geneseo (7-2)

5. Sterling (7-2)

6. Morrison (9-0)

7. Sherrard (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Maquoketa (7-2)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Sterling (7-2)

9. Alexis United (8-1)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Sterling (7-2)

7. Sherrard (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Stark County (7-2)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Rock Island (8-1)

2. Clinton (9-0)

3. Morrison (9-0)

4. Sherrard (8-1)

5. Bettendorf (8-1)

6. Geneseo (7-2)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Stark County (7-2)

9. Mercer County (7-2)

10. Alexis United (8-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Sherrard (8-1)

7. Bureau Valley (7-2)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Mercer County (7-2)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-2)

____________

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Morrison (9-0)

3. Rock Island (8-1)

4. Geneseo (7-2)

5. Bettendorf (8-1)

6. Sherrard (8-1)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Alexis United (8-1)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Geneseo (7-2)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Bettendorf (8-1)

6. Orion (8-1)

7. Alexis United (8-1)

8. Annawan & Wethersfield (8-1)

9. Sherrard (8-1)

10 (tie). Mercer County (7-2)

10 (tie). Stark County (7-2)

____________

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Morrison (9-0)

3. Rock Island (8-1)

4. Bettendorf (8-1)

5. Sherrard (8-1)

6. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

7. Orion (8-1)

8. Geneseo (7-2)

9. Alexis United (8-1)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Rock Island (8-1)

2. Clinton (9-0)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Orion (8-1)

6. Geneseo (7-2)

7. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

8. Sherrard (8-1)

9. Alexis United (8-1)

10. Mercer County (7-2)

____________

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Mercer County (7-2)

7. Sherrard (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Alexis United (8-1)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

____________

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Rock Island (8-1)

3. Bettendorf (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Sherrard (8-1)

6. Mercer County (7-2)

7. Alexis United (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

10. Geneseo (7-2)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (9-0)

2. Bettendorf (8-1)

3. Rock Island (8-1)

4. Morrison (9-0)

5. Geneseo (7-2)

6. Sherrard (8-1)

7. Alexis United (8-1)

8. Orion (8-1)

9. Sterling (7-2)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

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CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Rock Island's Chris Glover (26) runs up the sideline Friday, chased by Moline's Austin Odle during first quarter action at Browning Field. Glover scored three times, and won the Western Big 6 Conference scoring title in the process, as the Rocks completed back-to-back outright league championships for the first time since 2000-01.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus sportswriter
Posted Online: Oct. 18, 2009, 11:29 p.m.
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First came a playoff-qualifying victory two weekends ago. Next followed a conference championship-clincher over the weekend.

Now, the Annawan-Wethersfield Titans are realizing another highlight today — earning their initial Top 10 ranking this season in the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

Not bad for a team that received votes in the preseason, but was dismissed until last week by local voters following a 33-0, second-week loss to current No. 6-Mercer County.

First-year coach Brandon Johnston’s 7-1 club climbed a notch, and into the No. 10 spot this week, despite a 13-1 weekend out of the team’s in last week’s presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

However, that lone loss was suffered by state-rated Alleman (5-3), which fell 29-14 at Quincy (7-1). Despite a third setback this season to a state-rated squad, the Pioneers tumbled out of the Top 10 and into the “others receiving votes” category.

Otherwise, little changed in the eyes of a panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters.

Newly-crowned Mississippi Athletic Conference champ Clinton (8-0) remained the top-ranked team for a fifth straight week just ahead of Rock Island (7-1). Clinton earned 13 of the 16 votes cast and totalled 151 voting points. Rocky received 2 first-place nods and 141 points.

Bettendorf (3rd at 7-1), Morrison (4th at 8-0), Sherrard (5th at 8-0) and Mercer County (6th at 7-1) all held their ground.

Geneseo (8th to 7th), Orion (9th to 8th) and Alexis United (9th to 8th) also benefitted from Alleman’s slip.

In all, 16 teams received voting consideration this week, with Pleasant Valley rejoining the poll and Iowa-rated Maquoketa receiving votes for the first time.

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QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Clinton (8-0) 151 (13) 1

– Comment: Crown them, as Denny Green might say, because the River Kings are who they thought they could be this season, Mississippi Athletic Conference champs for the first time since 1991. David Johnson continued to shine in games at Brady Street Stadium by scoring six touchdowns in a 56-7 Thursday night trashing of Davenport Central. The major-college recruit rushed for 259 yards on 7 carries plus caught a 19-yard scoring strike. Johnson, Iowa Class 4A’s scoring leader with 174 points, now has 1,015 rushing yards this season. Next: Friday at No. 12t North Scott (5-3).

2. Rock Island (7-1) 141 (2) 2

– Comment: Nikko Watson won last week’s Metro Pacesetter award from The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus. But Chris Glover continues to shine for the Rocks, too, having scored a touchdown in every one of their victories. Glover extended the streak with three more TDs over the weekend to highlight a 35-14 comeback win at Moline. With 48 points in league play, Glover wrapped up the Western Big 6 Conference scoring title. Glover’s team also claimed an outright Big 6 crown, the first time since 2000-01 Rocky has done so in consecutive seasons. Next: Friday at Rich Central (4-4).

3. Bettendorf (7-1) 115 3

– Comment: A ho-hum 27-14 victory over Burlington kept alive slim Bulldog hopes of forging a MAC title share with Clinton heading into next weekend’s traditional slugfest with Davenport Assumption. Quarterback Dylan Jones continues playing efficient football in his first season as a full-time starter. Jones has thrown at least one touchdown pass now in seven of eight games, is hitting on a 58.5-percent clip, and totals 960 yards through the air. Next: Friday hosts Davenport Assumption (5-3).

4. Morrison (8-0) 110 (1) 4

– Comment: Josh Vos and the Mustangs continue to run roughshod over foes. Illinois Class 2A’s top-ranked team “turned 40” for the fifth time in eight games over the weekend, clinching no worse than a share of the Big Rivers Conference crown with a 47-13 win over Erie-Prophetstown. Vos did his part, too, adding 194 yards rushing and three more touchdowns to his season totals of 1,263 yards and 21 scores. Vos also had 68 yards in receptions during the blowout. Next: Friday at Fulton (2-6).

5. Sherrard (8-0) 106 5

– Comment: Like Morrison, the Tigers are shooting to secure a high playoff seed this week after nailing down their conference crown. QB Logan Frye enjoyed a big night in a 40-6 win at Monmouth-Roseville, hitting on 5-of-8 throws for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Frye also raced 73 yards for a score. The outright Olympic Conference champs are surrendering a touchdown a game (7.6 points) while averaging five themselves offensively (36.3) heading into the regular-season finale in Chicagoland. Next: Saturday at Melrose Park Walther Lutheran (3-5).

6. Mercer County (7-1) 79 6

– Comment: The Golden Eagles are ready to get their claws on an outright conference crown this weekend, too, after beating down another Northwest Division foe in West Prairie Trail Conference play. Brett Anderson was nearly perfect again, hitting 6-of-8 passes for 159 yards and four touchdowns before halftime in a 66-6 victory over winless Biggsville West Central. Despite a 49-14 loss to Illinois 3A’s top-rated team, Carthage Illini West, Mercer County has scored the most points in the area (339), three more than No. 1 Clinton. Next: Friday hosts state-rated Stark County (6-2).

7. Geneseo (6-2) 64 8

– Comment: The Maple Leafs got a free-pass into the playoffs, with homecoming forfeited over the weekend because of a teacher’s strike at Ottawa. Wins by LaSalle-Peru and Sterling also ended Geneseo’s hopes of sharing the NCIC Reagan title, with those two teams playing for that honor this Friday (and Morris still with a chance to tie, hosting Dixon this week). But there’s still plenty for the Green Machine to play for this weekend, including the chance of securing a home-playoff opener. Next: Saturday hosts Mount Vernon (2-6).

8. Orion (7-1) 42 9

– Comment: The Chargers not only rebounded from a 22-point loss to No. 5 Sherrard, but remained in line for a home playoff opener over the weekend. Orion took advantage of five Rockridge turnovers in a 34-6 decision. Evan Viager recovered two fumbles, and Ted Leuck had both an interception and fumble recovery for a defense that held the rival Rockets scoreless until the final 30 seconds. Next: Friday at Princeton (4-4).

9. Alexis United (7-1) 20 10

– Comment: The Red Storm also bounced back from their lone loss of the season, 42-27 at No. 6 Mercer County. In a 48-18 win over Peoria Heights, Adam Olin enjoyed another monster day, with five touchdowns and 263 rushing yards on 19 carries. Coach Tim Engebretson’s team totalled a whopping 548 yards total offense in the demolition, and should be in line for a high seed in Illinois’ Class 1A’s playoff field. Next: Friday hosts Elmwood-Brimfield (1-7).

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1) 12 11

– Comment: The Titans finally made believers of our pollsters with a 33-0 shutout win at state-rated Lewistown, clinching no worse than a share of the Northeast Division of the West Prairie Trail Conference. A&W scored twice on kick returns in the second half to blow the game open. First, Nathan Long returned the opening kickoff 78 yards for a score, and Westin Heinz added a 50-yard takeback on a punt to seal the deal. Next: Friday hosts Abingdon (3-5).

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ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Maquoketa (7-1) 11 –

– Next: Friday at LaPorte City Union (6-2).

12 (tie). Alleman (5-3) 8 7

– Next: Friday hosts Dunlap (5-3) at Augustana College’s Ericson Field.

12 (tie). North Scott (5-3) 8 13t

– Next: Friday hosts No. 1 Clinton (8-0).

12 (tie). Sterling (6-2) 8 12

– Next: Friday hosts LaSalle-Peru (7-1).

15. Bureau Valley (6-2) 3 13t

– Next: Friday at Ottawa Marquette (1-7).

16. Pleasant Valley (5-3) 2 –

– Next: Friday hosts Muscatine (1-7).

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INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Rock Island (7-1)

2. Clinton (8-0)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Morrison (8-0)

5. Sherrard (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Orion (7-1)

8. Geneseo (6-2)

9. Alexis-United (7-1)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

____________

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Morrison (8-0)

5. Sherrard (8-0)

6. Maquoketa (7-1)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. Mercer County (7-1)

9. North Scott (5-3)

10. Orion (7-1)

____________

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Mercer County (7-1)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Sherrard (8-0)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. Orion (7-1)

9. Alexis United (7-1)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Amy Calderone, Amy.Calderone@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. North Scott (5-3)

9. Maquoketa (7-1)

10. Orion (7-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Geneseo (6-2)

7. Sterling (6-2)

8. Mercer County (7-1)

9. Pleasant Valley (5-3)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

9. Orion (7-1)

10. Sterling (6-2)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Geneseo (6-2)

7. Mercer County (7-1)

8. Sterling (6-2)

9. Orion (7-1)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Morrison (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Sherrard (8-0)

4. Mercer County (7-1)

5. Geneseo (6-2)

6. Orion (7-1)

7. Alexis United (7-1)

8. Clinton (8-0)

9. Bettendorf (7-1)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. Bureau Valley (6-2)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Sherrard (8-0)

3. Morrison (8-0)

4. Rock Island (7-1)

5. Bettendorf (7-1)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Orion (7-1)

8. Alexis United (7-1)

9. Alleman (5-3)

10. Geneseo (6-2)

____________

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Mercer County (7-1)

3. Rock Island (7-1)

4. Geneseo (6-2)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Sherrard (8-0)

7. Bettendorf (7-1)

8. Orion (7-1)

9. Alexis United (7-1)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

____________

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Morrison (8-0)

3. Rock Island (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Bettendorf (7-1)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Orion (7-1)

8. Geneseo (6-2)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

10. Alexis United (7-1)

____________

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Rock Island (7-1)

2. Clinton (8-0)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Sherrard (8-0)

5. Morrison (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Geneseo (6-2)

8. Orion (7-1)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

10. Alexis United (7-1)

____________

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Morrison (8-0)

5. Sherrard (8-0)

6. Mercer County (7-1)

7. Orion (7-1)

8. Geneseo (6-2)

9. Alexis United (7-1)

10. Alleman (5-3)

____________

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Rock Island (7-1)

3. Bettendorf (7-1)

4. Mercer County (7-1)

5. Sherrard (8-0)

6. Morrison (8-0)

7. Orion (7-1)

8. Alexis United (7-1)

9. Geneseo (6-2)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (7-1)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (8-0)

2. Bettendorf (7-1)

3. Rock Island (7-1)

4. Morrison (8-0)

5. Sherrard (8-0)

6. Geneseo (6-2)

7. Maquoketa (7-1)

8. North Scott (5-3)

9. Orion (7-1)

10. Mercer County (7-1)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Orion's Evan Viager (40) is swarmed by Sherrard's Derek Mizaur (44) and another Tiger tackler in action Friday. Orion's 36-14 loss to Sherrard, in a battle of unbeatens for the Olympic Conference title, was one of the decisions that shook up this week's QC Prep Football Power Poll.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus sportswriter
Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2009, 9:47 p.m.
—————————————————————-
The 15 teams receiving voting consideration in last week’s Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll combined for a 7-8 record over the weekend.

What’s more, three of those losers — Orion, Alexis United and Bureau Valley — were head-to-head victims of a fellow Top 11 team.

Yet, with all five squads in last week’s “others receiving votes” category suffering setbacks during “Decision Week ‘09,” the Top 10 teams in this week’s local rankings are the same from a week ago.

Oh, to be sure, there was some movement in the weekly presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

With Sherrard slaughtering Orion 36-14 in an Olympic Conference title battle of unbeatens, Orion dropped from 3rd to 9th in the local poll while Sherrard continued rising, moving from 7th to 5th.

Morrison also moved up, thanks to a 42-14 domination at defending Big Rivers Conference champ Bureau Valley. Morrison jumped from 6th to 4th while Bureau Valley, 11th last week, received just two voting points to cling to a poll spot.

Alexis United, 10th last week, also barely remained in the Top 10 with a 42-27 loss at Aledo. That in turn moved Mercer County closer to another West Prairie Trail Conference Northwest Division crown, as well to our top spot, jumping from 9th to 6th.

The rest of the Top 10 also featured movement with Bettendorf (4th to 3rd) and Alleman (8th to 7th) taking the elevator up a floor, and Geneseo descending three spots (5th to 8th) despite a last-second loss in showdown for the NCIC Reagan lead.

About the only thing that didn’t change during a tumultous weekend were our top two spots.

Mississippi Athletic Conference-leader Clinton (7-0) remained the top-ranked team for a fourth straight week just ahead of Rocky (6-1), which received 3 of the 15 first-place votes cast by a panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters.

Clinton earned the other 12 top nods, and 142 of a possible 150 voting points, to remain 7 voting points ahead of the Rocks.

In all, a season-low-tying 14 teams received voting consideration, with Bureau Valley the only one of last week’s also-rans hanging on to poll spots.

Reappearing in the others receiving voting consideration are North Scott and Annawan & Wethersfield. Sterling also made it’s 2009 debut in the local poll after its fourth straight victory following losses to the state-rated pair of Lemont and Geneseo.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.
1. Clinton (7-0) 142 (12) 1

– Comment: With members of the Iowa coaching staff in the crowd watching, major-college running-back recruit David Johnson rushed for four touchdowns and 130 yards, and the River Kings crowned another foe over the weekend. A 48-10 throttling of formerly QC-rated Pleasant Valley marked the fifth Clinton win by five or more touchdowns this season. This week, Iowa Class 4A’s third-ranked squad shoots to clinch its first Mississippi Athletic Conference title since 1991. Next: Thursday vs. Davenport Central (4-3) at Brady Street Stadium.

2. Rock Island (6-1) 135 (3) 2

– Comment: The two-time defending Western Big 6 Conference champs guaranteed themselves no worse than a title share over the weekend by keeping previously unbeaten Quincy winless since 1973 at Rock Island Public Schools Stadium. Nikko Watson rushed 25 times for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the defense pitched a second-half shutout to allow Rocky to rally for a 20-16 win. Now, Illinois Class 6A’s fourth-rated crew seeks another outright title in the state’s oldest all-sports rivalry. Next: Friday at Moline (2-5).

3. Bettendorf (6-1) 105 4

– Comment: Iowa 4A’s 7th-ranked team dominated defensively over the weekend, building a 21-0 lead through three quarters before holding off a late rally by Davenport Central. In a 35-21 decision, the Bulldogs barely missed a beat in their first game since a knee injury knocked out leading rusher Chris Sanders. Fresh off a season-starting suspension, Jake Stoltenberg stepped in and rushed 17 times for 159 yards and a TD to hand the Blue Devils a 19th consecutive setback to Bettendorf. Next: Friday hosts Burlington (3-4).

4. Morrison (7-0) 98 6

– Comment: The Mustangs galloped out to a 21-0 lead and ran away with a showdown of Top 5 state-rated squads, 42-14 at Bureau Valley. Josh Vos rushed for 140 yards and the game’s first three touchdowns, and now totals 1,069 in ground gains and 18 scores this season. Ranked No. 1 in Illinois Class 2A, Morrison is a win away from clinching the Big Rivers Conference title, owned last year by a Storm squad that rated fifth in last week’s 2A poll. Next: Friday hosts Erie-Prophetstown (2-4).

5. Sherrard (7-0) 95 7

– Comment: No Justin Miller? No problem for Illinois 3A’s eighth-rated team at Orion. Even without workhorse Justin Miller, who suffered a broken leg the previous weekend, the Tigers dominated an Olympic Conference title showdown between unbeaten state-ranked teams, 36-14. Another Miller, Zach, rushed 13 times for 219 yards and four touchdowns and a stingy Sherrard defense forced five turnovers from Illinois 2A’s third-ranked club. Next: Friday at Monmouth-Roseville (2-5).

6. Mercer County (6-1) 72 9

– Comment: Brett Anderson hit 15 of 18 passes, for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns as the old Aledo powerhouse dominated a West Prairie Trail Conference battle beween state-ranked squads. Illinois 2A’s fourth-rated Golden Eagles soared to a 35-8 halftime lead against Alexis United, and piled up 428 yards total offense in a 42-27 decision that was not as close as it sounded. Mercer County can clinch a fourth straight league title in Northwest Division action this week. Next: Friday at Biggsville West Central (0-7).

7. Alleman (5-2) 64 8

– Comment: Justin Quintana rushed 13 times for 107 yards and a touchdown against United Township, and Alleman’s defense got back to its shutout ways over the weekend, with a fourth blanking in seven games. Illinois 4A’s 7th-rated team used the 21-0 win as bounce back from a second heartbreaker this season, a 20-13 last-minute loss at 6A-rated Rock Island. The Pioneers also fell in overtime, 14-13, at NCIC Reagan leader LaSalle-Peru in the season opener. Next: Friday at state-rated Quincy (6-1).

8. Geneseo (5-2) 57 5

– Comment: A game featuring 897 yards of offense was decided by a 28-yard field goal with 3.1 seconds remaining. The kick answered the Leafs’ go-ahead score, the fourth touchdown of the night for Luke Lembke, with just 1:49 showing. The 38-36 setback all but eliminated Geneseo’s hopes of an NCIC Reagan title, and was the second heartbreaker suffered this season for Illinois 4A’s fifth-ranked crew, which was a 14-7 loser at then state-rated Morris. Next: Friday hosts Ottawa (3-4) if a teacher’s strike there is settled by Tuesday.

9. Orion (6-1) 33 3

– Comment: Not only was a 12-game regular-season winning streak snapped over the weekend, Sherrard became the first Olympic Conference foe not named Macomb to beat the state-ranked Chargers since 2005. Orion is an amazing 34-6 the past four seasons combined, but a stingy Sherrard defense showed Illinois 2A’s third-rated squad must become more physical, especially on a muddy track, so 20-touchdown quarterback James Matson isn’t running for his life in the playoffs. Next: Friday hosts Rockridge (2-5).

10. Alexis United (6-1) 9 10

– Comment: No shame in losing to a playoff-veteran Mercer County club, whose only loss was to Illinois 3A’s top-rated team, Carthage Illini West. Star rusher Adam Olin was limited to 75 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 carries over the weekend, but United still piled up 411 yards total offense. Geoffrey Hahn also proved an under-used bright spot for Illinois 1A’s fifth-ranked team, with 183 all-purpose yards. Coach Tim Engebretson’s team will still be feared come playoff time. Next: Friday hosts Peoria Heights (1-6).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Annawan & Wethersfield (6-1) 6 –

– Next: Friday at state-rated Lewistown (6-1).

12. Sterling (5-2) 5 –

– Next: Friday at Dixon (2-5).

13 (tie). Bureau Valley (5-2) 2 11t

– Next: Friday hosts state-rated Sterling Newman (5-2).

13 (tie). North Scott (4-3) 2 –

– Next: Friday hosts Muscatine (1-6).

——————————

INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Rock Island (6-1)

2. Clinton (7-0)

3. Morrison (7-0)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Bettendorf (6-1)

6. Alleman (5-2)

7. Mercer County (6-1)

8. Orion (6-1)

9. Geneseo (5-2)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Morrison (7-0)

5. Alleman (5-2)

6. Sherrard (7-0)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Mercer County (6-1)

9. Orion (6-1)

10. North Scott (4-3)

____________

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Mercer County (6-1)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Sherrard (7-0)

7. Alleman (5-2)

8. Geneseo (5-2)

9. Orion (6-1)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Geneseo (5-2)

7. Alleman (5-2)

8. Sterling (5-2)

9. Mercer County (6-1)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Mercer County (6-1)

7. Alleman (5-2)

8. Geneseo (5-2)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (6-1)

10. Orion (6-1)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Alleman (5-2)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Mercer County (6-1)

9. Sterling (5-2)

10. Orion (6-1)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Rock Island (6-1)

2. Alleman (5-2)

3. Morrison (7-0)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Mercer County (6-1)

6. Geneseo (5-2)

7. Clinton (7-0)

8. Bettendorf (6-1)

9. Orion (6-1)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Mercer County (6-1)

7. Alleman (5-2)

8. Geneseo (5-2)

9. Bureau Valley (5-2)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (6-1)

____________

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Morrison (7-0)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Mercer County (6-1)

6. Bettendorf (6-1)

7. Alleman (5-2)

8. Orion (6-1)

9. Geneseo (5-2)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Mercer County (6-1)

3. Rock Island (6-1)

4. Geneseo (5-2)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Sherrard (7-0)

7. Bettendorf (6-1)

8. Alleman (5-2)

9. Orion (6-1)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Morrison (7-0)

3. Rock Island (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Bettendorf (6-1)

6. Mercer County (6-1)

7. Orion (6-1)

8. Geneseo (5-2)

9. Alexis United (6-1)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (6-1)

____________

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Rock Island (6-1)

2. Clinton (7-0)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Alleman (5-2)

5. Sherrard (7-0)

6. Mercer County (6-1)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Morrison (7-0)

9. Orion (6-1)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (6-1)

____________

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Sherrard (7-0)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Orion (6-1)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Mercer County (6-1)

9. Alleman (5-2)

10. Alexis United (6-1)

____________

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Rock Island (6-1)

3. Bettendorf (6-1)

4. Mercer County (6-1)

5. Morrison (7-0)

6. Sherrard (7-0)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Orion (6-1)

9. Alleman (5-2)

10. Annawan-Wethersfield (6-1)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (7-0)

2. Bettendorf (6-1)

3. Rock Island (6-1)

4. Morrison (7-0)

5. Sherrard (7-0)

6. Alleman (5-2)

7. Geneseo (5-2)

8. Orion (6-1)

9. Mercer County (6-1)

10. North Scott (4-3)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Alleman's Kevin McGinnis (9) tries to pull down Rock Island's Chris Glover (26) as he heads to the sidelines during first-half action Friday. Trailing 10-7 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Rocky scored twice, including with 23 seconds left, for a 20-13 win in the intra-city battle between state-ranked prep football squads.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus sportswriter
Posted Online: Oct. 04, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
—————————————————————-
For the second straight weekend, a state-ranked squad is debuting in the Top 10 of the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

And just like Sherrard last week, Alexis United joins the local picking party at No. 10 today after checking in at No. 11 the previous week.

A 6-0 start, the first-ever since Alexis and Monmouth Warren joined forces in 2004, certainly helped coach Tim Engebretson’s crew steadily climb in the weekly presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

A 3-0 loss to unheralded Davenport Central, by former No. 8 Pleasant Valley, also opened the Top 10 window of opportunity for United, ranked fifth last week in the Class 1A Associated Press statewide poll.

Otherwise, little change was seen in a 12-2 week for the teams receiving voting consideration last week by our panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters.

The only other loss came in a Top 10-clash between state-rated intra-city rivals Rock Island and Alleman. A 20-13 last-minute win strengthened the Rocks’ No. 2 standing, while the Pioneers dropped from a share of fourth last week to eighth this week.

Mississippi Athletic Conference-leader Clinton (6-0) remained the top-ranked team for a third straight week, earning 11 of the 15 first-place votes cast to stay ahead of Rocky, which received three first-place nods.

Olympic co-leader Orion also retained its No. 3 spot in the local poll, garnering the only other first-place nod not claimed by Clinton or Rocky.

Also holding their ground this week was Bettendorf (4th) and Mercer County (9th).

Moving up thanks to Alleman’s loss was Geneseo (6th to 5th), Morrison (7th to 6th) and Sherrard (10th to 7th).

In all, 15 teams received voting consideration, including Bureau Valley, Davenport Assumption, Stark County, Pleasant Valley and re-emerging Davenport Central.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Clinton (6-0) 140 (11) 1

– Comment: The Mississippi Athletic Conference’s top team is averaging a league-leading 38.7 points per game. But the River Kings are much more than just major-college recruited running back David Johnson or third-year quarterback Jake Mangler. The MAC’s top defense surrendered just 18 yards in blowing out Muscatine 45-0 over the weekend, and now has gone four games without allowing a touchdown. Next: Friday hosts No. 15 Pleasant Valley (4-2).

2. Rock Island (5-1) 129 (3) 2

– Comment: The defending Western Big 6 Conference champs continue to win back voters after a terrible start to the season, a 32-0 home setback to Chicago Catholic League foe Oak Park Fenwick. Rallying twice in the final seven minutes, to outlast fellow state-rated intra-city rival Alleman, 20-13 over the weekend, has the Rocks’ challenging again for our top spot. But a league title-clincher against a surprising challenger looms this week. Next: Friday hosts state-rated Quincy (6-0).

3. Orion (6-0) 105 (1) 3

– Comment: Also facing a league title-decider this week with a showdown of Olympic Conference unbeatens on tap at Charger Field. Kennen Hutchison scored thrice over the weekend, and quarterback James Matson cracked the 20 passing touchdowns mark with two more aerial strikes, to help Orion outlast Monmouth-Roseville, 37-32. The Chargers are still outscoring everyone in the area at a whopping 44 points-per-game. Next: Friday hosts No. 7 Sherrard (6-0).

4. Bettendorf (5-1) 102 4t

– Comment: The Bulldogs pitched their 15th shutout in the last six seasons over the weekend, winning 27-0 at Davenport West. Bettendorf last lost to a Davenport Public School in 1997, and has won 18 straight by an average of 29 points over former foil Davenport Central. But remember, the Blue Devils are coming off a 3-0 upset of former No. 8 Pleasant Valley, and Bettendorf lost tailback Chris Sanders to a knee injury against West. Next: Friday at No. 13 (tie) Davenport Central (4-2).

5. Geneseo (5-1) 101 6

– Comment: The Leafs are tied with this week’s foe for the NCIC Reagan lead, thanks to rival Sterling bringing state-rated Morris back to the pack over the weekend, 21-0. Take away a 14-7 loss at Morris and the “Green Machine” has outscored foes a dominating 159-26 after a second shutout this season, 26-0 over the weekend at Dixon. Luke Lembke added two more scores for a team-leading 10 touchdowns, but still trails backfield mates Jason Johnson (383) and Collin Akers (375) in rushing with 343 yards. Next: Friday hosts LaSalle-Peru (5-1).

6. Morrison (6-0) 75 7

– Comment: The Mustangs dominated a showdown of state-ranked squads over the weekend, blocking a pair of punts and galloping out to a 28-0 lead before Amboy-LaMoille knew what hit it. Josh Vos added 108 rushing yards and a touchdown, and leads are rushers with 929 yards and 15 scores. But if Coach Cory Bielema’s crew wants to win the Big Rivers Conference title, one more major hurdle awaits this week at the defending league champs. Next: Friday at No. 11 (tie) Bureau Valley (5-1).

7. Sherrard (6-0) 48.5 10

– Comment: The Tigers survived a slugfest, clawing their way past defending Olympic Conference champ Macomb, 13-7 in a mud bowl over the weekend. But the win was costly, with Sherrard losing leading rusher Justin Miller to a broken leg. Now, heading into a winner-take-all showdown of league unbeatens, Coach Jason Kirby’s club will rely even more on a James Stratton-led defense that’s allowed just 41 points all season. Next: Friday at No. 3 Orion (6-0).

8. Alleman (4-2) 43 4t

– Comment: After three straight shutouts, the Pioneers were humbled some, surrendering as many touchdowns over the weekend as they had in regulation the previous five games. Worse yet, intra-city rival Rock Island rallied twice with touchdowns in the final seven minutes, first for the lead, and then finally for a tiebreaking win. But two last-second losses to 5-1 league leaders (LaSalle-Peru being the other) means the Pioneers are a playoff force to be reckoned with starting later this month. Next: Friday at United Township (0-6).

9. Mercer County (5-1) 40 9

– Comment: The Golden Eagles continued sharpening their claws for an end-of-season league title stretch that includes home dates with the state-ranked pair of Alexis United (6-0) and Stark County (5-1). Brett Anderson tossed two more touchdown passes, and Ethan Ball added two rushing scores, as the old Aledo powerhouse made Cuba North Fulton pay for scoring first over the weekend in a 40-15 West Prairie Trail Conference clobbering. Next: Friday hosts No. 10 Alexis United (6-0).

10. Alexis United (6-0) 22.5 11

– Comment: Still dogged by those pointing to a late fluke play that upset state-ranked Stark County, the Rebels get a chance to prove the naysayers wrong this week in a West Prairie Trail Conference Northwest Division title showdown in Aledo. Adam Olin drew nearer to the 900-yard mark over the weekend, rushing 32 times for 144 yards and a touchdown in a 14-12 win over AlWood & ROWVA. But for a third time this season, Aaron McDonald made the key defensive play. Next: Friday at No. 9 Mercer County (5-1).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11 (tie). Bureau Valley (5-1) 7 13

– Next: Friday hosts No. 6 Morrison (6-0).

11(tie). Davenport Assumption (4-2) 7 12

– Next: Thursday hosts North Scott (3-3) at Brady Street Stadium.

13 (tie). Stark County (5-1) 2 14

– Next: Friday at state-rated Princeville (5-1).

13 (tie). Davenport Central (4-2) 2 –

– Next: Friday hosts No. 4 Bettendorf (5-1) at Brady Street Stadium.

15. Pleasant Valley (4-2) 1 8

– Next: Friday at No. 1 Clinton (6-0).

——————————

INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Rock Island (5-1)

2. Geneseo (5-1)

3. Clinton (6-0)

4. Bettendorf (5-1)

5. Morrison (6-0)

6. Orion (6-0)

7. Alleman (4-2)

8. Sherrard (6-0)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10. Mercer County (5-1)

____________

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Orion (6-0)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Morrison (6-0)

7. Alleman (4-2)

8. Davenport Assumption (4-2)

9. Sherrard (6-0)

10 (tie). Mercer County (6-0)

10 (tie). Alexis United (6-0)

____________

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Geneseo (5-1)

5. Alleman (4-2)

6. Mercer County (5-1)

7. Orion (6-0)

8. Morrison (6-0)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10 (tie). Stark County (5-1)

10 (tie). Bureau Valley (5-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Geneseo (5-1)

5. Orion (6-0)

6. Morrison (6-0)

7. Sherrard (6-0)

8. Mercer County (5-1)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10. Alleman (4-2)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Orion (6-0)

4. Bettendorf (5-1)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Sherrard (6-0)

7. Morrison (6-0)

8. Alexis United (6-0)

9. Mercer County (5-1)

10. Bureau Valley (5-1)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Orion (6-0)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Sherrard (6-0)

7. Morrison (6-0)

8. Mercer County (5-1)

9. Bureau Valley (5-1)

10. Alleman (4-2)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Rock Island (5-1)

2. Geneseo (5-1)

3. Morrison (6-0)

4. Orion (6-0)

5. Alleman (4-2)

6. Sherrard (6-0)

7. Clinton (6-0)

8. Mercer County (5-1)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10. Bettendorf (5-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Orion (6-0)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Mercer County (5-1)

7. Morrison (6-0)

8. Bureau Valley (5-1)

9. Sherrard (6-0)

10. Alleman (4-2)

____________

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Orion (6-0)

2. Clinton (6-0)

3. Geneseo (5-1)

4. Rock Island (5-1)

5. Morrison (6-0)

6. Sherrard (6-0)

7. Bettendorf (5-1)

8. Alleman (4-2)

9. Davenport Central (4-2)

10. Alexis United (6-0)

____________

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Orion (6-0)

3. Geneseo (5-1)

4. Bettendorf (5-1)

5. Mercer County (5-1)

6. Rock Island (5-1)

7. Morrison (6-0)

8. Sherrard (6-0)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10 (tie). Bureau Valley (5-1)

10 (tie). Stark County (5-1)

____________

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Morrison (6-0)

3. Orion (6-0)

4. Rock Island (5-1)

5. Bettendorf (5-1)

6. Sherrard (6-0)

7. Alexis United (6-0)

8. Geneseo (5-1)

9. Mercer County (5-1)

10. Stark County (5-1)

____________

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Rock Island (5-1)

2. Clinton (6-0)

3. Orion (6-0)

4. Geneseo (5-1)

5. Bettendorf (5-1)

6. Alleman (4-2)

7. Sherrard (6-0)

8. Morrison (6-0)

9. Mercer County (5-1)

10. Alexis United (6-0)

____________

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Orion (6-0)

4. Bettendorf (5-1)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Alleman (4-2)

7. Morrison (6-0)

8. Mercer County (5-1)

9. Sherrard (6-0)

10. Alexis United (6-0)

____________

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Rock Island (5-1)

3. Bettendorf (5-1)

4. Morrison (6-0)

5. Geneseo (5-1)

6. Orion (6-0)

7. Mercer County (5-1)

8. Sherrard (6-0)

9. Alleman (4-2)

10. Pleasant Valley (4-2)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (6-0)

2. Bettendorf (5-1)

3. Rock Island (5-1)

4. Geneseo (5-1)

5. Orion (6-0)

6. Alleman (4-2)

7. Davenport Assumption (4-2)

8. Morrison (6-0)

9. Alexis United (6-0)

10 (tie). Mercer County (5-1)

10 (tie). Sherrard (6-0)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who’s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won’t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Sherrard’s Justin Miller (33) dives into the end zone out of the reach of Rockridge defender Mike Norris (23) earlier this season. Miller and Tigers continue to barrell through foes, reaching this week’s Top 10 in the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus prep football writer
Posted online at 11:15 P.M.
—————————————————————–
Sherrard finally has made enough believers out of the voters in the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

Off to a 5-0 start for the first time since a perfect regular-season in 2005, the Tigers have steadily clawed their way up the local rankings to make a 2009 Top 10 debut this week.

Coach Jason Kirby”s club moved up from 11th last week to 10th today in the presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

Sherrard replaced Davenport Assumption, which dropped to 3-2 and into the 12th spot with an overtime loss to Clinton, our top-ranked team for a second straight week.

Sherrard is the only new team in the Top 10, as determined in voting by a panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters.

Yet, despite victories by the entire Top 10 over the weekend, there was plenty of shuffling.

Moving up were Alleman (6th to a share of 4th) and Pleasant Valley (9th to 8th).

Dropping down were Orion (tie for 2nd to 3rd), Geneseo (5th to 6th) and Mercer County (8th to 9th).

Along with Clinton, also remaining the same in the Top 10 were Rock Island (2nd), former No. 1 Bettendorf (4th) and Morrison (7th).

In all a season-low 14 teams received voting consideration, with Alexis United, Bureau Valley and Stark County joining Assumption in the “others receiving votes”" category.

The only team falling off the radar of local pollsters was North Scott, which fell to 3-2 with a loss at Bettendorf.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Clinton (5-0) 141 (13) 1

-– Comment: Survived an overtime scare at Brady Street Stadium, rallying from a 21-7 halftime deficit to beat Davenport Assumption, 28-21. Two more touchdowns — one rushing, one returning a punt for a key second-half score — gives major-college recruit David Johnson 18 total midway through the season. Next: Friday hosts Muscatine (1-4).

2. Rock Island (4-1) 122 (1) 2t

-– Comment: Despite missing their best running back (Nikko Watson), their best offensive lineman (Jake Davis) and their top defensive lineman (Charles Pugh) — among others — the defending Western Big 6 Conference champs proved how gritty and physical they can be by rallying from an early deficit to win 26-7 at Galesburg. Next: Friday hosts No. 4t Alleman (4-1).

3. Orion (5-0) 105 2t

-– Comment: Rated No. 2 in Illinois Class 2A, the Chargers sidestepped a scare from Farmington in their home-opener, trailing 32-27 in the third quarter before pulling away. James Matson was picked off three times, but the southpaw QB threw for over 200 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a pair to Tyler DeDecker. Next: Friday at Monmouth-Roseville (2-3).

4 (tie). Bettendorf (4-1) 97 4

-– Comment: The Bulldogs, knocked out of our top spot after 23 straight weeks the previous weekend, took out their frustration for having a 21-game league winning streak snapped by No. 1 Clinton. North Scott was the unfortunate whipping boy, with Bettendorf piling up nearly 450 yards in a 35-14 decision at the “Dog pound. The win allowed Bettendorf to hit the century-mark in victories for the decade. Next: Friday at Davenport West (1-4).

4 (tie). Alleman (4-1) 97 (1) 6

-– Comment: The Pioneers defense is for real after pitching three straight shutouts, posting 14 consecutive scoreless quarters and allowing just 26 points all season — including 7 in overtime. But now, the question is, who will generate enough offense to win next weekend”s showdown between state-ranked intra-city rivals? Next: Friday at No. 2 Rock Island (4-1).

6. Geneseo (4-1) 89 5

-– Comment: Back on the bicycle in a big way after a heartbreaking setback the previous weekend at state-ranked Morris. “The Green Machine”" made Streator pay for its first-ever victory over Geneseo last season, rolling up 410 rushing yards in a 43-7 wipeout. Next: Friday at Dixon (2-3).

7. Morrison (5-0) 56 7

– Comment: Bruce Springsteen has officially lost his nickname in Northwest Illinois. Josh “The Boss”" Vos rolled up another 150 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 64-0 blowout at Varna River Valley. Heading into a showdown of state-rated Illinois Class 2A clubs, Vos leads area rushers with 821 yards and 14 scores. Next: Friday at state-rated Amboy-LaMoille (5-0).

8. Pleasant Valley (4-1) 36 9

– Comment: Alex Garbin to the rescue again! For the second straight week, the Spartans kicker nailed a clutch fourth-quarter field goal to help Pleasant Valley survive a Mississippi Athletic Conference battle. The 1-2 rushing punch of Tim Martinez and D.J. Steffen also combined for 245 yards in ground gains in the 24-19 win at Burlington. Next: Friday hosts Davenport Central (3-2).

9. Mercer County (4-1) 32 8

-– Comment: Another week, another yawner for the Golden Eagles, who rebounded from a loss to top-ranked Carthage Illini West with a 47-0 exclamation point at Elmwood-Brimfield. Take away the previous weekend”s outcome, and Mercer County has outscored foes a staggering 177-27. Next: Friday at Cuba-North Fulton (2-3).

10. Sherrard (5-0) 31 11

– Comment: Speaking of defense, the Tigers have allowed just one touchdown in two Olympic Conference contests, and have sreamrolled foes overall 202-34. Sherrard earned a spot in the Top 10 with a 55-15 non-conference cruise job over Eureka. Next: Friday hosts Macomb (2-3).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Alexis United (5-0) 11 13

– Next: Friday at AlWood & ROWVA (3-2).

12. Davenport Assumption (3-2) 5 10

-– Next: Thursday vs. Davenport North (0-5) at Brady Street Stadium.

13. Bureau Valley (4-1) 2 14t

– Next: Friday at Fulton (2-3).

14. Stark County (4-1) 1 14t

– Next: Friday hosts Biggsville West Central (0-5).

——————————

INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Alleman (4-1)

4. Geneseo (4-1)

5. Orion (5-0)

6. Bettendorf (4-1)

7. Sherrard (5-0)

8. Morrison (5-0)

9. Mercer County (4-1)

10. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

———————————–

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Bettendorf (4-1)

4. Orion (5-0)

5. Alleman (4-1)

6. Geneseo (4-1)

7. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

8. Morrsion (5-0)

9. Davenport Assumption (3-2)

10 (tie). Mercer County (4-1)

10 (tie). Sherrard (5-0)

———————————–

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Bettendorf (4-1)

4. Geneseo (4-1)

5. Alleman (4-1)

6. Mercer County (4-1)

7. Orion (5-0)

8. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

9. Alexis United (5-0)

10. Stark County (4-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Alleman (4-1)

3. Rock Island (4-1)

4. Bettendorf (4-1)

5. Geneseo (4-1)

6. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

7. Orion (5-0)

8. Morrison (5-0)

9. Sherrard (5-0)

10. Alexis United (5-0)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Orion (5-0)

3. Rock Island (4-1)

4. Alleman (4-1)

5. Geneseo (4-1)

6. Sherrard (5-0)

7. Morrison (5-0)

8. Bettendorf (4-1)

9. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

10. Alexis United (5-0)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Orion (5-0)

4. Bettendorf (4-1)

5. Alleman (4-1)

6. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

7. Geneseo (4-1)

8. Sherrard (5-0)

9. Morrison (5-0)

10. Mercer County (4-1)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Rock Island (4-1)

2. Alleman (4-1)

3. Geneseo (4-1)

4. Orion (5-0)

5. Morrison (5-0)

6. Clinton (5-0)

7. Bettendorf (4-1)

8. Mercer County (4-1)

9. Sherrard (5-0)

10. Alexis United (5-0)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Bettendorf (4-1)

4. Orion (5-0)

5. Geneseo (4-1)

6. Alleman (4-1)

7. Mercer County (4-1)

8. Morrison (5-0)

9. Bureau Valley (4-1)

10. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

———————————–

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Alleman (4-1)

2. Orion (5-0)

3. Geneseo (4-1)

4. Morrison (5-0)

5. Clinton (5-0)

6. Rock Island (4-1)

7. Bettendorf (4-1)

8. Sherrard (5-0)

9. Mercer County (4-1)

10. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

———————————–

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Orion (5-0)

3. Geneseo (4-1)

4. Bettendorf (4-1)

5. Mercer County (4-1)

6. Rock Island (4-1)

7. Morrison (5-0)

8. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

9. Alleman (5-0)

10. Sherrard (5-0)

———————————–

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Orion (5-0)

3. Morrison (5-0)

4. Rock Island (4-1)

5. Bettendorf (4-1)

6. Sherrard (5-0)

7. Alleman (4-1)

8. Alexis United (5-0)

9. Geneseo (4-1)

10. Mercer County (4-1)

———————————–

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Alleman (4-1)

4. Orion (5-0)

5. Bettendorf (4-1)

6. Geneseo (4-1)

7. Sherrard (5-0)

8. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

9. Morrison (5-0)

10. Mercer County (4-1)

———————————–

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Orion (5-0)

3. Rock Island (4-1)

4. Bettendorf (4-1)

5. Geneseo (4-1)

6. Alleman (4-1)

7. Morrison (5-0)

8. Alexis United (5-0)

9. Mercer County (4-1)

10. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

———————————–

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Rock Island (4-1)

3. Bettendorf (4-1)

4. Geneseo (4-1)

5. Alleman (4-1)

6. Morrison (5-0)

7. Mercer County (4-1)

8. Orion (5-0)

9. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

10. Sherrard (5-0)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (5-0)

2. Bettendorf (4-1)

3. Rock Island (4-1)

4. Orion (5-0)

5. Alleman (4-1)

6. Pleasant Valley (4-1)

7. Geneseo (4-1)

8. Davenport Assumption (3-2)

9. Morrison (5-0)

10 (tie). Mercer County (4-1)

10 (tie). Sherrard (5-0)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who is in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus prep football writer
Posted Online: Sept. 20, 2009, 9:53 pm
—————————————————————-
The Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll transformed into a dog-eat-dog proposition over the weekend.

Just ask the Bettendorf Bulldogs, the top-ranked team in the local rankings for the last 23 straight votes.

Clinton took a bite out of the seven-time state champs, pulling a stunningly thorough 28-10 upset at the “Dog Pound” to replace Bettendorf atop the weekly presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

Clinton joins Bettendorf and Geneseo (inaugural No. 1 in 2007’s preseason) as the only No. 1s in the three-season history of the local poll.

The victory marked the River Kings’ first over Bettendorf since 1991, and first 4-0 start since going 9-0 in 1985.

The upset also highlighted a weekend of setbacks for last week’s top four in the local rankings.

Also losing: No. 2 Geneseo (14-7 at state-rated Morris), No. 3 Mercer County (49-14 to Class 3A top-rated Carthage Illini West) and No. 4 North Scott (17-14 to rival Pleasant Valley).

That precipitated a big shakeup in the voting by local sports writers and broadcasters.

Besides Clinton (7th to 1st), also moving up are Orion (5th to share of 2nd), Rock Island (6th to a share of 2nd), Alleman (8th to 6th) and Morrison (10th to 7th).

Along with Bettendorf (1st to 4th), also dropping down are Geneseo (2nd to 5th), Mercer County (3rd to 8th) and, despite a solid win, Davenport Assumption (9th to 10th).

North Scott fell completely out of the Top 10, into the others’ receiving votes categroy, swapping places with the team that beat the Lancers, now No. 9 Pleasant Valley.

Sherrard (4-0) also continued to knock hard on the Top 10 door, ending up just a voting point away from tying Assumption for the 10th spot.

In all, 15 teams received voting consideration for a second straight week, down from a season-high of 18.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Clinton (4-0) 142 (11) 7

-– Comment: Underated no more. Of course, winning at Bettendorf will do that for a team. The River Kings scored on a pair of 99-yard plays in the second half — a touchdown run by David Johnson, and a kickoff return by Mo Walker — plus limited the Bulldogs to 76 rushing yards. Johnson played like the major-college recruit he is, too, with 194 rushing yards and three scores. Next: Friday vs. No. 10 Davenport Assumption (3-1) at Brady Street Stadium.

2 (tie). Orion (4-0) 116 (2) 5

-– Comment: The Illinois Class 2A-rated Chargers are on an unbeaten collision course with neighboring rival Sherrard for the last Olympic Conference football crown. But before that Oct. 9 showdown can happen, both will need to survive tough tests, including Sherrard’s Oct. 2 date with a Macomb team that pushed Orion to the brink again over the weekend. James Matson hit 10-of-18 passes for 169 yards and TDs to three different receivers to exact revenge for last year’s loss at Macomb. Next: Friday hosts Farmington (2-2).

2 (tie). Rock Island (3-1) 116 6

-– Comment: After coasting past a pair of winless foes, the defending Western Big 6 Conference champs hit the meat of their league schedule. First up is Galesburg, the team Rocks coach Vic Boblett picked as the darkhorse candidate for the Big 6 title. After that? The intra-city showdown with Alleman, a possible unbeaten foe in upstart Quincy and the always-tough Moline game. Next: Friday at Galesburg (2-2).

4. Bettendorf (3-1) 99 1

-– Comment: Not out of the ‘Dog House yet. After having a 21-game league winning streak snapped, the defending Mississippi Athletic Conference champs are staring at (gasp) the possibility of a two-game losing skein, and what’s more at home, with North Scott visiting with a chip on its shoulder, too. The Lancers, coming off their own upset loss, were the last team to defeat Bettendorf, in the regular-season finale in 2006, prior to Clinton’s shocker. Next: Friday hosts No. 12 North Scott (3-1).

5. Geneseo (3-1) 90 (1) 2

-– Comment: No shame in losing by a touchdown at state-ranked Morris, but now the Redskins are in the NCIC Reagan driver’s seat, and not the Maple Leafs. “The Green Machine” is sure to be green with envy Friday. Geneseo also has another reason to be motivated for a one-win Streator squad — a 28-17 home loss to those Bulldogs last year. Next: Friday hosts Streator (1-3).

6. Alleman (3-1) 84 (1) 8

-– Comment: Despite all of the success during the Dave DeJaegher coaching era this decade, the Pioneers are experiencing something new on defense so far this season. Back-to-back shutouts and 10 scoreless quarters was last achieved in 1997, when Alleman shut out its final three foes to finish 4-5. Next: Friday hosts Moline (0-4) at Augustana College’s Ericson Field.

7. Morrison (4-0) 37.5 10

– Comment: Josh Vos continues to be the boss as far as local rushers go. Vos rolled up 198 more rushing yards and 2 TDs in a 41-13 win over Riverdale. Vos now has 671 yards and 11 scores on 81 carries for a gaudy 8.3 yards per carry. Backfield mate Kyle Janssen has been the perfect compliment, too, adding 3 more scores to his 6 on the season. Next: Friday at Varna River Valley (0-4).

8. Mercer County (3-1) 37 3

-– Comment: Another big night for quarterback Brett Anderson, who hit on 28 of 47 passes for 219 yards and a score. But Illinois Class 3A’s top-rated team, Carthage Illini West, proved overwhelmingly good. The Chargers churned out a whopping 463 yards on the ground against the Golden Eagles. Moline product Jim Unruh now has coached his small-school power past the Aledo dynasty three straight times over the past two seasons. Next: Friday at Elmwood-Brimfield (1-3).

9. Pleasant Valley (3-1) 35 13

– Comment: “Uncle Roger” Craig, the former Super Bowl MVP from Davenport Central, can be proud of nephew Tim Martinez and his teammates. The Spartans, whose only loss thus far came in the opener to Bettendorf, earned their poll spot by knocking off a second Top 5 team in three weeks. Martinez had a big hand, too, in the 17-14 win over North Scott, with a game-best 96 yards rushing to co-lead the MAC with 425 on the season. Next: Friday at Burlington (1-3).

10. Davenport Assumption (3-1) 22 9

-– Comment: If Clinton wants to win its first league crown since 1991, the River Kings need to reign again this weekend against another traditional MAC power. However, the Knights have rebounded from their own stunning loss to PV, and have a chance at a full recovery this weekend. Assumption’s Ryan Byrne is tied with Martinez for the MAC rushing lead at 425 yards. Next: Friday hosts No. 1 Clinton (4-0) at Brady Street Stadium.

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Sherrard (4-0) 21 12

– Next: Friday hosts Eureka-Roanoke-Benson (0-4).

12. North Scott (3-1) 16.5 4

– Next: Friday at No. 4 Bettendorf (3-1).

13. Alexis United (4-0) 7 11

– Next: Friday at Cuba North Fulton (2-2).

14 (tie). Bureau Valley (3-1) 1 14

– Next: Friday hosts Erie-Prophetstown (2-2).

14 (tie). Stark County (3-1) 1 15

– Next: Friday at AlWood & ROWVA (3-1).

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INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Orion (4-0)
2. Clinton (4-0)
3. Rock Island (3-1)
4. Geneseo (3-1)
5. Bettendorf (3-1)
6. Alleman (3-1)
7. Mercer County (3-1)
8. Sherrard (4-0)
9. Morrison (4-0)
10. Pleasant Valley (3-1)

———————————–

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com
WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Bettendorf (3-1)
3. Orion (4-0)
4. Rock Island (3-1)
5. Geneseo (3-1)
6, Pleasant Valley (3-1)
7. Alleman (3-1)
8 (tie). North Scott (3-1)
8 (tie). Davenport Assumption (3-1)
10 (tie). Morrison (4-0)
10 (tie). Mercer County (3-1)

———————————–

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Rock Island (3-1)
3. Bettendorf (3-1)
4. Geneseo (3-1)
5. Alleman (3-1)
6. Mercer County (3-1)
7. Orion (4-0)
8. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
9. Alexis United (4-0)
10. Stark County (3-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com
MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Rock Island (3-1)
3. Alleman (3-1)
4. Bettendorf (3-1)
5. Geneseo (3-1)
6. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
7. Orion (4-0)
8. Morrison (4-0)
9. Sherrard (4-0)
10. Alexis United (4-0)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com
MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Rock Island (3-1)
4. Alleman (3-1)
5. Geneseo (3-1)
6. Sherrard (4-0)
7. Morrison (4-0)
8. Bettendorf (3-1)
9. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
10. Davenport Assumption (3-1)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com
WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Rock Island (3-1)
4. Bettendorf (3-1)
5. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
6. Alleman (3-1)
7. Geneseo (3-1)
8. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
9. North Scott (3-1)
10. Sherrard (4-0)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Geneseo (3-1)
2. Rock Island (3-1)
3. Alleman (3-1)
4. Orion (4-0)
5. Clinton (4-0)
6. Bettendorf (3-1)
7. Morrison (4-0)
8. Mercer County (3-1)
9. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
10. North Scott (3-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Rock Island (4-1)
3. Bettendorf (3-1)
4. Orion (4-0)
5. Geneseo (3-1)
6. Alleman (3-1)
7. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
8. Mercer County (3-1)
9. North Scott (3-1)
10. Bureau Valley (3-1)

———————————–

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu
Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Alleman (3-1)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Clinton (4-0)
4. Rock Island (3-1)
5. Morrison (4-0)
6. Geneseo (3-1)
7. Mercer County (3-1)
8. North Scott (3-1)
9. Bettendorf (3-1)
10. Davenport Assumption (3-1)

———————————–

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Geneseo (3-1)
4. Bettendorf (3-1)
5. Mercer County (3-1)
6. Rock Island (3-1)
7. Morrison (4-0)
8. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
9. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
10. Sherrard (4-0)

———————————–

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Morrison (4-0)
4. Rock Island (3-1)
5. Bettendorf (3-1)
6. Sherrard (4-0)
7. Alleman (3-1)
8. Alexis United (4-0)
9. Geneseo (3-1)
10. Mercer County (3-1)

———————————–

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Orion (4-0)
2. Clinton (4-0)
3. Geneseo (3-1)
4. Rock Island (3-1)
5. Bettendorf (3-1)
6. Alleman (3-1)
7. Sherrard (4-0)
8. Mercer County (3-1)
9. Morrison (4-0)
10. Alexis United (4-0)

———————————–

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com
Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Orion (4-0)
3. Rock Island (3-1)
4. Bettendorf (3-1)
5. Mercer County (3-1)
6. Alleman (3-1)
7. Geneseo (3-1)
8. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
9. Morrison (4-0)
10. North Scott (3-1)

———————————–

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu
Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Bettendorf (3-1)
3. Alleman (3-1)
4. Rock Island (3-1)
5. Geneseo (3-1)
6. Orion (4-0)
7. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
8. Davenport Assumption (3-1)
9. North Scott (3-1)
10. Mercer County (3-1)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu
WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Clinton (4-0)
2. Bettendorf (3-1)
3. Rock Island (3-1)
4. Orion (4-0)
5. Pleasant Valley (3-1)
6. Geneseo (3-1)
7. Alleman (3-1)
8. North Scott (3-1)
9. Morrison (4-0)
10 (tie). Davenport Assumption (3-1)
10 (tie). Mercer County (3-1)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Sherrard’s James Stratton (56) takes down Rockridge running back Brandon Stufflebeam (44) during first half action Friday at Sherrard High School. A 33-0 decision by 3-0 Sherrard has the Tigers knocking on the Top 10 door of this week’s Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus prep football writer
Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2009, 11:03 p.m.
————————————————————
After graduating Mississippi Athletic Conference rushing champ Connor Dahlstrom, North Scott was never expected to repeat an 8-2 season by voters in the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

However, thanks to a dominating 3-0 start, the Lancers have steadily risen up the local rankings, presented by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

From the No. 12 spot in the preseason poll, Coach Kevin Tippet’s club has climbed to No. 4 with a bullet in this week’s vote by local sportswriters and broadcasters.

North Scott even managed to wrest away one of the 15 first-place votes cast from the incumbent No. 1 and 2 duo of Bettendorf (10.5) and Geneseo (3.5). The Bulldogs have been the consensus No. 1 now for 23 weeks and counting.

Mercer County remained No. 3, and was the only other team to hold off the surging Lancers, who finished off a 126-30 sweep of the Davenport Public Schools with last Thursday’s 45-24 victory over then-unbeaten Davenport Central.

True, North Scott pulled the same trick just last season, but even with Dahlstrom and a bevy of other experienced players around him, the Lancers only managed to outscore the Davenporters 80-28 in the three-game series.

Also moving up in the local Top 10 this week are Clinton (8th to 7th), Alleman (9th to 8th) and Davenport Assumption (10th to 9th).

Orion (5th) and Rock Island (6th) held their ground.

Bureau Valley, fourth last week locally and No. 1 in Illinois Class 2A, dropped out of the QC Top 10 thanks to a 23-14 loss to Amboy-LaMoille, No. 11 in last week’s 2A statewide poll.

Big Rivers Conference rival Morrison, also state-ranked in 2A, replaced the Storm in the local Top 10. The Mustangs, a fixture in last season’s QC Top 10, took over the No. 10 spot, moving up from 14th in last week’s local rankings.

In all 15 teams received voting consideration this week, down from the season-high 18 of the last few week’s. Falling off ballots this week with losses were AlWood & ROWVA, Central DeWitt and the aforementioned Davenport Central.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Bettendorf (3-0) 144.5 (10.5) 1

– Comment: No more wondering about how good are these rebuilt Bulldogs. We’ll certainly find out the next two weekends, with the unbeaten pair of Clinton and North Scott both visiting the “Dog Pound.” Sure to be tested is a 21-game Mississippi Athletic Conference winning streak. Next: Friday hosts No. 7 Clinton (3-0).

2. Geneseo (3-0) 137.5 (3.5) 2

-– Comment: The Maple Leafs can begin getting fitted for the NCIC Reagan crown if they win this weekend at state-rated Morris. A stingy defense made the difference at arch-nemesis Sterling last Friday, holding the hosts to 121 total yards and seven points while forcing three turnvoers, notching three sacks and registering five other tackles for loss. Next: Friday at Morris (1-2).

3. Mercer County (3-0) 100 3

-– Comment: Incumbent quarterback Brett Anderson not only was 17-for-17 passing over the weekend, but added four more throwing scores to his season total of nine. But now comes the big test, Illinois Class 3A’s top-rated team, Carthage Illini West, the only team to beat the old Aledo powerhouse all of last season, and doing so twice at that. Next: Friday hosts Carthage Illini West (3-0).

4. North Scott (3-0) 948 6t

– Comment: Cody Manthe has become a serious contender for MAC Player of the Year honors. The first-year starting quarterback is hitting 61-percent of his passes, for 438 yards and 8 TDs vs. 3 INT. Plus, Manthe has rushed for a team-leading 227 yards and a score. Next: Friday hosts No. 13 Pleasant Valley (2-1).

5. Orion (3-0) 83 5

-– Comment: The highest-scoring team in the state continues to pile up the points, turning 50 again in a 56-22 win at Kewanee. The Super-Chargers are averaging a whopping 52.3 points-per-game with new QB James Matson at the controls. But this week comes the only team that prevented another perfect regular-season by Orion last season. Next: Friday at Macomb (1-2).

6. Rock Island (2-1) 78 6t

-– Comment: Nikko Watson has a Western Big 6 Conference-leading 338 yards rushing, but another great defensive effort told the weekend tale for the state-ranked Rocks. A week after shutting out state-rated Crete-Monee, Rocky allowed Chicago Heights Bloom no points through three quarters of a blowout, and just 43 yards on 23 total rushes. Next: Friday hosts United Township (0-3).

7. Clinton (3-0) 72 8

-– Comment: The under-rated River Kings are off to their first 3-0 start since 1988. But the preseason is over now for QB Jake Mangler, major-college recruited RB David Johnson and the rest of the MAC’s highest-scoring team. If Clinton wants to win its first league crown since 1991, the River Kings need to reign this and next weekend at MAC powers Bettendorf and Assumption. Next: Friday at No. 1 Bettendorf (3-0).

8. Alleman (2-1) 44.5 9

-– Comment: The Pioneers defense continues to shine, allowing an average of 110 yards and just four touchdowns total through three games. But now comes a big test in Galesburg QB Andrew Steck, who burned Alleman for 147 rushing yards and 3 total TDs last year in a 21-14 decision that cost the Pioneers a playoff spot. Next: Friday hosts Galesburg (2-1).

9. Davenport Assumption (2-1) 20.5 10

-– Comment: An emphatic rebound from a Pleasant Valley upset the week before included the Knights becoming the first opponent to shutout Muscatine since 2005. Assumption’s defense forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, with two of the picks by Tim Kilfoy in the 31-0 victory. Next: Friday vs. Davenport Central (2-1) at Brady Street Stadium.

10. Morrison (3-0) 16 14

– Comment: Josh Vos has proven there are still horses in the stables in Mustang-land despite heavy graduation losses from last year’s playoff qualifier. Vos leads the area in rushing with a whopping 473 yards on 63 carries for 9 TDs and a 7.5 per-tote average. Next: Friday hosts Riverdale (2-1).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Alexis United (3-0) 14 17t

– Next: Friday at Abingdon (1-2).

12. Sherrard (3-0) 9 14t

– Next: Friday at Farmington (2-1).

13. Pleasant Valley (2-1) 8 12t

– Next: Friday at No. 4 North Scott (3-0).

14. Bureau Valley (2-1) 3 4

– Next: Friday at Peru St. Bede (0-3).

15. Stark County (2-1) 1 12t

– Next: Friday hosts Cuba North Fulton (2-1).

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INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Geneseo (3-0)

2. Bettendorf (3-0)

3. North Scott (3-0)

4. Mercer County (3-0)

5. Orion (3-0)

6. Rock Island (2-1)

7. Clinton (3-0)

8. Alleman (2-1)

9. Sherrard (3-0)

10. Morrison (3-0)

———————————–

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Clinton (3-0)

4. North Scott (3-0)

5. Mercer County (3-0)

6. Rock Island (2-1)

7. Orion (3-0)

8. Alexis United (3-0)

9. Pleasant Valley (2-1)

10. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

———————————–

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Rock Island (2-1)

4. Mercer County (3-0)

5. Clinton (3-0)

6. North Scott (3-0)

7. Alleman (2-1)

8. Orion (3-0)

9. Alexis United (3-0)

10. Stark County (2-1)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Clinton (3-0)

4. North Scott (3-0)

5. Alleman (2-1)

6. Rock Island (2-1)

7. Orion (3-0)

8. Mercer County (3-0)

9. Morrison (3-0)

10. Sherrard (3-0)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. North Scott (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5. Mercer County (3-0)

6. Clinton (3-0)

7. Rock Island (2-1)

8. Alleman (2-1)

9. Sherrard (3-0)

10. Morrison (3-0)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. North Scott (3-0)

5. Orion (3-0)

6. Clinton (3-0)

7. Rock Island (2-1)

8. Pleasant Valley (2-1)

9. Alleman (2-1)

10. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Geneseo (3-0)

2. Bettendorf (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5. North Scott (3-0)

6. Alleman

7. Rock Island

8. Clinton

9 Davenport Assumption

10. Morrison

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. Rock Island (2-1)

5. Orion (3-0)

6. Alleman (2-1)

7. North Scott (3-0)

8. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

9. Clinton (3-0)

10. Bureau Valley (2-1)

———————————–

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. North Scott (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Bettendorf (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5. Mercer County (3-0)

6. Alexis United (3-0)

7. Clinton (3-0)

8. Rock Island (2-1)

9. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

10. Alleman (2-1)

———————————–

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1 (tie). Bettendorf (3-0)

1 (tie). Geneseo (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5, Rock Island (2-1)

6. Morrison (3-0)

7. North Scott (3-0)

8. Clinton (3-0)

9. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

10. Alexis United (3-0)

———————————–

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5. Morrison (3-0)

6. Rock Island (2-1)

7. North Scott (3-0)

8. Alexis United (3-0)

9. Sherrard (3-0)

10. Alleman (2-1)

———————————–

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Geneseo (3-0)

2. Bettendorf (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. North Scott (3-0)

5. Rock Island (2-1)

6. Orion (3-0)

7. Alleman (2-1)

8. Clinton (3-0)

9. Sherrard (3-0)

10. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

———————————–

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Mercer County (3-0)

4. Orion (3-0)

5. North Scott (3-0)

6. Rock Island (2-1)

7. Clinton (3-0)

8. Alleman (2-1)

9. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

10. Bureau Valley (2-1)

———————————–

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Geneseo (3-0)

3. Clinton (3-0)

4. Rock Island (2-1)

5. Alleman (2-1)

6. Davenport Assumption (2-1)

7. North Scott (3-0)

8. Mercer County (3-0)

9. Orion (3-0)

10. Bureau Valley (2-1)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Bettendorf (3-0)

2. Clinton (3-0)

3. Geneseo (3-0)

4. North Scott (3-0)

5. Mercer County (3-0)

6. Orion (3-0)

7. Rock Island (2-1)

8. Pleasant Valley (2-1)

9 (tie). Alleman (2-1)

9 (tie). Assumption (2-1)

——————————

CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Geneseo running back Collin Akers (22) runs around diving Moline defender Ethan McGuire (11) in action last Friday. Akers rushed for 120 yards, and the Maple Leafs were 31-12 winners. That performance earned Geneseo 4.5 of a possible 15 first-place votes in this week’s Quad Cities Prep Football Poll. That allowed the No. 2 Leafs to knock Bettendorf from a unanimous perch and climb within 6 voting points of the No. 1 Bulldogs. (Photo by Gary Krambeck, Dispatch/Argus)

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus prep football writer
Posted Online: Sept. 7, 2009, 6:34 pm
——————————————————————
Not since holding sway in the very first Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll in 2007 has the pride of Geneseo been closer to the No. 1 spot in the local rankings.

In this week’s poll of local sportswriters and broadcasters, the “Green Machine” ended up six voting points shy of overtaking Bettendorf, the consensus No. 1 now for 22 weeks and counting. The pair occupied the top two spots on every ballot.

Geneseo, also No. 2 in last week’s poll, closed the gap by earning 4.5 of the 15 first-place votes available in the presentation by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

Bettendorf, a unanimous No. 1 last week, and for the first time since the final ballot of 2007, lost voters over the weekend thanks to finding itself in a game with lowly regarded Muscatine.

While the Bulldogs (145.5 points) needed to rally from a halftime deficit, Geneseo (139.5 points) built a 24-0 lead by intermission before having to hold off a Moline comeback.

Besides the top two, Alleman (ninth) was the only other team holding its ground in the local Top 10.

None of the teams slipped out of the Top 10, but there was a shakeup with Davenport Assumption (third to 10th) losing to Pleasant Valley, and Rock Island (10th to a share of sixth) stopping state-rated Crete-Monee.

Also moving up are Mercer County (fourth to third), Bureau Valley (fifth to fourth), Orion (seventh to fifth) and North Scott (eighth to a share of sixth).

Despite pitching a defensive shutout, Clinton somehow got caught in the shuffle, dropping from sixth to eighth.

In all, 18 teams received voting consideration again this week with PV rejoining the picking party. Alexis United and AlWood & ROWVA are new this week. Moline, Galesburg and Annawan-Wethersfield fell from the others-receiving-votes category.

———————————————————–

QC PREP FOOTBALL POWER POLL

— Note: These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Bettendorf (2-0) 145.5 (10.5) 1

— Comment: The Bulldogs used a big second half to dust off pesky Muscatine last week, 40-19. Running back Chris Sanders leads the Mississippi Athletic Conference in rushing with 295 yards, three touchdowns and a gaudy 10.9 yards-per-carry. Iowa’s seven-time state champs have 20 straight league wins and counting and are two victories away from the mind-blowing 100-win mark this decade. Next: Friday at Davenport North (0-2).

2. Geneseo (2-0) 139.5 (4.5) 2

— Comment: The Leafs looked great in breezing out to a 24-0 halftime lead at Moline, but allowing 273 second-half yards to their Western Big 6 Conference foes was a little less assuring for the “Green Machine” faithful. Especially so with the four-time Illinois champs heading into NCIC Reagan head-knockers the next two weekends at Sterling and state-ranked Morris. Next: Friday at Sterling (1-1).

3. Mercer County (2-0) 96 4

— Comment: Incumbent quarterback Brett Anderson is off to a sizzling start to his senior season, accounting for four rushing and five passing scores thus far in a combined 81-8 beginning for the Golden Eagles. Included was a 16-for-22 passing performance, for 218 yards and two scores against formerly rated Annawan-Wethersfield (33-0). But looming Sept. 18 is Class 3A’s top-rated team, rival Carthage Illini West. Next: Friday hosts No. 17 (tie) AlWood & ROWVA (2-0).

4. Bureau Valley (2-0) 78 5

— Comment: The Storm troopers marched to the 100th win in their school’s brief 15-year history by handing River Valley its 32nd straight setback. In the 53-12 shellacking over the weekend, the defending Big Rivers Conference champs rolled up 434 offensive yards and all of their points in the first half. Next: Friday at Amboy-LaMoille (2-0).

5. Orion (2-0) 70 7

— Comment: Arcola gave state-rated Salt Fork a first-week fight but proved no match for Orion in an impressive 55-0 road win for the state-ranked Chargers. New QB James Matson has seven aerial TDs thus far and is making Orion fans forget all about two-time All-Area passer Josh Hutton. Next: Friday at Kewanee (0-2).

6 (tie). North Scott (2-0) 68 8

— Comment: The Lancers have roughed up a pair of patsies thus far in West (39-0) and North (42-6), but a Davenport Public School sweep will be harder than in the past this week at resurgent Central. The matchup features two of the area’s top passers in North Scott’s Cody Manthe (300 yards, six TDs vs. two INTs) and Central’s Nick Bakeris (416 yards, four TDs vs. three INTs). Next: Thursday at No. 14 (tie) Davenport Central (2-0).

6 (tie). Rock Island (1-1) 68 10

— Comment: The Rocks avoided their first 0-2 start since 1991 by exhibiting the kind of defense (145 yards and eight first downs allowed) missing in their opener, a 32-0 loss to Oak Park Fenwick. In a sharp 14-0 shutout, the Western Big 6 Conference favorites forced four turnovers from a state-rated Crete-Monee crew that includes three of the state’s top 100 college recruits. Next: Friday at Chicago Heights Bloom (0-2).

8. Clinton (2-0) 56 6

— Comment: After routing the Davenport doormats, North (57-6) and West (33-0), the River Kings have a great chance at their first 3-0 start since 1988. The winning recipe so far has been to get the ball to major-college recruit David Johnson (eight TDs), pass a little with QB Jake Mangler (159 yards) and play defense (142 total yards allowed). Next: Friday hosts Burlington (0-2).

9. Alleman (1-1) 40 9

— Comment: Rallying from a 12-0 halftime deficit at Byron over the weekend, the Pioneers finally may have found their offensive game. In a 17-12 victory, Alleman rushed 52 times overall for 243 yards and the comeback scores courtesy of Sean McGuire. The defense was good again, too, posting a second-half shutout and a late safety to secure the win. Next: Friday hosts Rich South (1-1).

10. Davenport Assumption (1-1) 19.5 3

— Comment: Pleasant Valley pulled a 20-14 upset last weekend to get back into poll position for its coach, Augustana College and QC Steamwheelers great Rusty VanWetzinga. But Assumption deserved this week’s biggest drop in the local rankings by helping plenty, frittering away scoring chances, including a last-minute pass dropped by a wide-open receiver. Next: Friday at Muscatine (0-2).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

11. Morrison (2-0) 11.5 14

– Next: Friday hosts Ottawa Marquette (0-2).

12 (tie). Pleasant Valley (1-1) 8 –

– Next: Friday hosts Davenport West (0-2).

12 (tie). Stark County (2-0) 8 14

– Next: Friday at No. 17 (tie) Alexis United (2-0).

14 (tie). Central DeWitt (2-0) 5 15

– Next: Friday hosts Marion (2-0).

14 (tie). Davenport Central (2-0) 5 18

– Next: Thursday at No. 6 (tie) North Scott (2-0).

14 (tie). Sherrard (2-0) 5 16

– Next: Friday hosts Rockridge (1-1).

17 (tie). Alexis United (2-0) 1 –

– Next: Friday hosts No. 12 (tie) Stark County (2-0).

17 (tie). AlWood & ROWVA (2-0) 1 –

– Next: Friday at No. 3 Mercer County (2-0).

——————————

INDIVIDUAL VOTES:

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Geneseo (2-0)

2. Bettendorf (2-0)

3. Mercer County (2-0)

4. Orion (2-0)

5. Rock Island (1-1)

6. Bureau Valley (2-0)

7. North Scott (2-0)

8. Sherrard (2-0)

9. Alleman (1-1)

10. Morrison (2-0)

———————————–

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Clinton (2-0)

4. North Scott (2-0)

5. Alleman (1-1)

6. Mercer County (2-0)

7. Orion (2-0)

8. Rock Island (1-1)

9. Bureau Valley (2-0)

10 (tie). Davenport Assumption (1-1)

10 (tie). Morrison (2-0)

———————————–

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Rock Island (1-1)

4. Mercer County (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Clinton (2-0)

7. Alleman (1-1)

8. Orion (2-0)

9. Stark County (2-0)

10. Alexis United (2-0)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Clinton (2-0)

4. North Scott (2-0)

5. Orion (2-0)

6. Rock Island (1-1)

7. Alleman (1-1)

8. Mercer County (2-0)

9. Central DeWitt (2-0)

10. Bureau Valley (2-0)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. North Scott (2-0)

4. Orion (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Mercer County (2-0)

7. Clinton (2-0)

8. Central DeWitt (2-0)

9. Davenport Central (2-0)

10. Rock Island (1-1)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Mercer County (2-0)

4. North Scott (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Orion (2-0)

7. Clinton (2-0)

8. Pleasant Valley (1-1)

9. Rock Island (1-1)

10. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Geneseo (2-0)

2. Bettendorf (2-0)

3. North Scott (2-0)

4. Mercer County (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Alleman (1-1)

7. Rock Island (1-1)

8. Orion (2-0)

9. Davenport Central (2-0)

10. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Bureau Valley (2-0)

4. Mercer County (2-0)

5. Rock Island (1-1)

6. Orion (2-0)

7. Alleman (1-1)

8. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

9. Clinton (2-0)

10. North Scott (2-0)

———————————–

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Geneseo (2-0)

2. Bettendorf (2-0)

3. Rock Island (1-1)

4. Mercer County (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Orion (2-0)

7. Pleasant Valley (1-1)

8. Alleman (1-1)

9. Morrison (2-0)

10. AlWood & ROWVA (2-0)

———————————–

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1 (tie). Bettendorf (2-0)

1 (tie). Geneseo (2-0)

3. Mercer County (2-0)

4. Orion (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Rock Island (1-1)

7. Morrison (1-0)

8. North Scott (2-0)

9. Clinton (2-0)

10. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

———————————–

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Mercer County (2-0)

4. Bureau Valley (2-0)

5. Orion (2-0)

6. Stark County (2-0)

7. Morrison (2-0)

8. Rock Island (1-1)

9. North Scott (2-0)

10. Davenport Central (2-0)

———————————–

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Geneseo (2-0)

2. Bettendorf (2-0)

3. Mercer County (2-0)

4. North Scott (2-0)

5. Rock Island (1-1)

6. Orion (2-0)

7. Clinton (2-0)

8. Bureau Valley (2-0)

9. Sherrard (2-0)

10. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

———————————–

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

4. Mercer County (2-0)

5. Bureau Valley (2-0)

6. Clinton (2-0)

7. Orion (2-0)

8. North Scott (2-0)

9. Alleman (1-1)

10. Rock Island (1-1)

———————————–

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. Bureau Valley (2-0)

4. Clinton (2-0)

5. Rock Island (1-1)

6. Alleman (1-1)

7. Davenport Assumption (1-1)

8. North Scott (2-0)

9. Mercer County (2-0)

10. Stark County (2-0)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Bettendorf (2-0)

2. Geneseo (2-0)

3. North Scott (2-0)

4. Clinton (2-0)

5. Mercer County (2-0)

6. Alleman (1-1)

7. Rock Island (1-1)

8. Orion (2-0)

9. Bureau Valley (2-0)

10. Pleasant Valley (1-1)

——————————

CONVINCE US:

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

Laurel Darren, running columnist for The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus, rides by on her bike during Sunday’s Ironman Louisville.

By Laurel Darren, QCO running columnist

Wow!!! What else can I say? Ironman Louisville was my most-difficult undertaking ever!

I had greyhounds cheering me on … I had my 2 gal pals there for support … my boyfriend was there, too!!

My time was 14 26 46 — well under the cut off alotted for the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile marathon run.

My friend AJ kicked butt, too!!

This sports columnist is just SOOOOO happy and satisfied!!! I am alive and I am an IRONMAN!!

More later!!

Rock Island running back Marcos Cantu (31) runs to the outside with Oak Park Fenwick defender Xavier Vergara (25) in front of him. The Rocks were rolled 32-0 by the Chicago Catholic League team to plunge from second to 10th in this week’s Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com
Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus prep football writer
Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2009, 12:30 am
—————————————————————–
Continued Chicago Catholic League dominance over Rock Island, mixed with more success for the Bettendorf football dynasty, helped clear things up for the time being in the Quad Cities Prep Football Power Poll.

Less than a week after edging Rocky on points for the top spot, the Bulldogs are a unanimous No. 1 selection in the local rankings presented by WQAD-TV 8, Mediacom Connections 22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers.

The defending Mississippi Athletic Conference champs earned all 15 first-place votes for a maximum 150 voting points from the panel of local sportswriters and broadcasters.

The vote represents the 21st straight week the ‘Dogs have been tops in the poll, and the first time since the final ballot in 2007 Bettendorf has received unanimous support.

The Bulldogs scored a 28-0 season-opening victory over neighboring rival Pleasant Valley, which was tops among those in the “others receiving votes” category in the preseason poll.

Rock Island, though, was rolled 32-0 by Oak Park Fenwick over the weekend to plunge from 2nd to 10th in this week’s local rankings.

The Western Big 6 Conference favorites had earned eight first-place nods in the preseason poll — more than Bettendorf — but lost out on points, 142-138.

The shutout was the second in as many games for state-ranked Rocks. Fenwick’s league brethren, New Lenox Providence, ended an undefeated Rocky season last fall, 38-0 in Illinois Class 6A’s playoff quarterfinals.

Alleman also fell in the poll, from 5th to 9th, thanks to an overtime setback. Additionally, Moline dropped out of the Top 10 as the four metro Big 6 teams all lost on the same weekend for the first time since 1992.

Joining the Top 10 this week is North Scott, which was second among those receiving votes last week.

Also moving up thanks to those Big 6 losses were Geneseo (3rd to 2nd), Davenport Assumption (4th to 3rd), Mercer County (6th to 4th), Bureau Valley (7th to 5th), Clinton (9th to 6th) and Orion (10th to 7th).

In all, 18 teams received voting consideration again this week with PV and Burlington dropping out and Sherrard and Davenport Central joining the picking party.

——————————

QC Prep Football Power Poll

These rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on. For how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or The Dispatch/Argus sports blog (www.qconline.com/bloggers/sports). Presented by WQAD-TV 8, MC22, WFXN-AM 1230 and The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.

Rank. Team (Record) Pts. (1st) Prev.

1. Bettendorf (1-0) 150 (15) 1

-– Comment: With a 19th straight Mississippi Athletic Conference win, the defending league champs improved to a ridiculous 76-6 in the regular-season this decade, and are three victories away from the 100-win milestone overall. Including playoffs, our top ‘Dogs are now 97-13 in the 2000’s, with two Iowa Class 4A crowns and two losses in Iowa state title games. Next: Friday hosts Muscatine (0-1).

2. Geneseo (1-0) 133 3

-– Comment: The metro members of the Western Big 6 Conference are jealous, wishing they could get Chicago Manley on the schedule, too. The Maple Leafs now have won back-to-back openers with the Chicago Public League foe by a combined 91-0. Hopefully, the ankle injury suffered by returning running back Collin Akers is not serious, because tougher tests are coming. Next: Friday at No. 13 Moline (0-1).

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0) 113 4

-– Comment: The Knights arguably logged the most impressive opening night performance, forcing five turnovers in a 38-15 flogging at fellow 2007 playoff-qualifier Burlington. Joe Daniel caught a pair of touchdown passes from Sean Finn, and Ryan Langford scored twice more, including returning a fumble 62-yards to avenge last year’s 22-0 loss to the Grayhounds. Next: Thursday hosts Pleasant Valley (0-1).

4. Mercer County (1-0) 84 6

-– Comment: No Cullen Welter? No problem. Brett Anderson, a holdover from the old Aledo football powerhouse, made sure the Golden Eagles won their first game as a program for new coach Nat Zunkel. The senior quarterback tossed three touchdown passes, and rushed for two more scores, in a 48-8 rout at Hamilton West Hancock. Next: Friday hosts No. 17 Annawan-Wethersfield (1-0).

5. Bureau Valley (1-0) 67 7

-– Comment: Riverdale managed just 108 yards of total offense against the Storm troopers. Fullback Michael Weidner also marched off 167 rushing yards in a clinically thorough, 22-0 win for the defending Big Rivers Conference champs. Next: Friday hosts River Valley (0-1).

6. Clinton (1-0) 66 9

-– Comment: Monster first quarter of 2009 action for major-college recruit David Johnson, scoring five touchdowns on 11 touches in a 57-6 rout of traditional doormat Davenport North. The running back’s first two scores came on 48 yards worth of pass receptions. Johnson also added 63 yards and 3 TDs on 9 rushing attempts. Next: Friday hosts Davenport West (0-1).

7. Orion (1-0) 48 10

-– Comment: Offensive firepower overcame all of the off-season adversity for the Chargers, who lost head coach Jason VanHoute to a sex scandal on the opening day of fall workouts. New QB James Matson debuted with 134 passing yards and 3 aerial TDs, plus rushed for a score in a 46-0 blitz at Rock Falls. Next: Saturday at Arcola (0-1).

8. North Scott (1-0) 45 12

– Comment: Critics point out the 39-0 season-opening win was against lowly Davenport West. But then again, the Lancers last pitched a shutout in 2006, when North Scott won its first outright MAC title. West suffered four turnovers and managed just 112 yards total offense for its 10th consecutive loss and fourth shutout in the last six outings. Next: Friday hosts Davenport North (0-1).

9. Alleman (0-1) 36 5

-– Comment: Overtime gamble unrewarded at LaSalle-Peru, the Pioneers have lost six straight season openers now. Fear not, though. Alleman is otherwise 41-9 in that time, with four playoff appearances and a near-miss in last year’s 5-4 campaign. It’s also a good bet the well-coached Pioneers won’t have four turnovers in Week 2. Next: Friday at Byron (0-1).

10. Rock Island (0-1) 31 2

-– Comment: The 32-0 whitewashing by Oak Park Fenwick marked the first time Rocky’s been shutout in the regular-season since a muddy 3-0 loss in the 2004 finale at Crystal Lake South. The loss also was the fourth straight to a Chicago Catholic League foe for the Big 6 favorites, who have been outclassed 160-20 in that stretch. Next: Friday hosts Crete-Monee (1-0).

——————————

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES

11. Galesburg (1-0) 19 13

– Next: Friday hosts Peoria Richwoods (1-0).

12. Morrison (1-0) 9 14

– Next: Friday hosts Sterling Newman (1-0).

13. Moline (0-1) 8 8

-– Next: Friday hosts No. 2 Geneseo (1-0).

14. Stark County (1-0) 6 16t

– Next: Friday at Galva (0-1).

15. Central DeWitt (1-0) 4 16t

– Next: Friday at Western Dubuque Epworth (1-0).

16. Sherrard (1-0) 3 –

– Next: Friday hosts Oregon (0-1).

17. Annawan-Wethersfield (1-0) 2 18

– Next: Friday at No. 4 Mercer County (1-0).

18. Davenport Central 1 –

– Next: Friday hosts Burlington (0-1).

——————————

INDIVIDUAL VOTES

Marc Nesseler, mnesseler@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus sports editor/Geneseo beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Mercer County (1-0)

4. Bureau Valley (1-0)

5. Orion (1-0)

6. Clinton (1-0)

7. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

8. Sherrard (1-0)

9. Rock Island (0-1)

10. Alleman (0-1)

———————————–

Matt Randazzo, Matt.Randazzo@WQAD.com

WQAD-TV 8 sports anchor

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

3. Geneseo (1-0)

4. Clinton (1-0)

5. Alleman (0-1)

6. Mercer County (1-0)

7. Galesburg (1-0)

8. North Scott (1-0)

9. Bureau Valley (1-0)

10. Rock Island (0-1)

———————————–

Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Big 6/Moline beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Mercer County (1-0)

5. Bureau Valley (1-0)

6. Clinton (1-0)

7. Rock Island (0-1)

8. Alleman (0-1)

9. Orion (1-0)

10. Stark County (1-0)

____________

Dan Burich, DRBurich@aol.com

MC22 broadcast analyst

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Clinton (1-0)

5. Alleman (0-1)

6. Orion (1-0)

7. Bureau Valley (1-0)

8. North Scott (1-0)

9. Central DeWitt (1-0)

10. Mercer County (1-0)

____________

Pete Ivanic, pwivanic@mchsi.com

MC22 broadcast play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. North Scott (1-0)

4. Orion (1-0)

5. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

6. Bureau Valley (1-0)

7. Mercer County (1-0)

8. Clinton (1-0)

9. Central DeWitt (1-0)

10. Davenport Central (1-0)

____________

Bill Horrell, BillHorrell@clearchannel.com

WFXN-AM 1230 play-by-play

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Mercer County (1-0)

5. Clinton (1-0)

6. North Scott (1-0)

7. Galesburg (1-0)

8. Alleman (0-1)

9. Moline (0-1)

10. Rock Island (0-1)

____________

Daniel Makarewicz, Danmak@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus UT & Alleman beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Mercer County (1-0)

5. Bureau Valley (1-0)

6. Clinton (1-0)

7. Orion (1-0)

8. North Scott (1-0)

9. Morrison (1-0)

10. Alleman (0-1)

____________

Matt Veto, mveto@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus Rock Island beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

3. Geneseo (1-0)

4. Bureau Valley (1-0)

5. Mercer County (1-0)

6. Rock Island (0-1)

7. Alleman (0-1)

8. Orion (1-0)

9. Clinton (1-0)

10. Galesburg (1-0)

———————————–

Dan Tomlin, TomlinDanielD@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus special contributor

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Mercer County (1-0)

5. North Scott (1-0)

6. Bureau Valley (1-0)

7. Alleman (0-1)

8. Rock Island (0-1)

9. Moline (0-1)

10. Orion (1-0)

———————————–

Tom Johnston, tjohnston@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus college beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Mercer County (1-0)

4. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

5. Orion (1-0)

6. Bureau Valley (1-0)

7. Rock Island (0-1)

8. Morrison (1-0)

9. North Scott (1-0)

10. Clinton (1-0)

———————————–

Terry Duckett, tduckett@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus area beat writer

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Mercer County (1-0)

4. Bureau Valley (1-0)

5. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

6. Orion (1-0)

7. Stark County (1-0)

8. Rock Island (0-1)

9. Morrison (1-0)

10. North Scott (1-0)

———————————–

Jeff Wendland, jwendland@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus lead sports layout

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. North Scott (1-0)

5. Mercer County (1-0)

6. Clinton (1-0)

7. Bureau Valley (1-0)

8. Orion (1-0)

9. Annawan-Wethersfield (1-0)

10. Morrison (1-0)

———————————–

Ryan Sergeant, rsergeant@qconline.com

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Mercer County (1-0)

5. Clinton (1-0)

6. Orion (1-0)

7. Bureau Valley (1-0)

8. North Scott (1-0)

9. Galesburg (1-0)

10. Morrison (1-0)

———————————–

Chris Steele, SteeleChristopherK@sau.edu

Dispatch/Argus prep reporter

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Clinton (1-0)

5. Rock Island (0-1)

6. Bureau Valley (1-0)

7. Moline (0-1)

8. Alleman (0-1)

9. Galesburg (1-0)

10. Stark County (1-0)

____________

Steve Campbell, CampbellStevenE@sau.edu

WQAD-TV 8 sports associate

1. Bettendorf (1-0)

2. Geneseo (1-0)

3. Davenport Assumption (1-0)

4. Clinton (1-0)

5. Galesburg (1-0)

6. Alleman (0-1)

7. North Scott (1-0)

8. Mercer Couinty (1-0)

9. Rock Island (0-1)

10. Orion (1-0)

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CONVINCE US

Instead of decrying who”s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won”t be tolerated, and will be deleted.