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Writer's pictureSheldon Shealer

Two repeats highlight the trio of teams joining the final Top 25 for the regular season

After nine weeks of regular season play, most teams have settled into a relatively stable ranking order.


Next up, the playoffs.


Top-ranked Archbishop Spalding is in control of its destiny. With two more wins, the Anne Arundel County powerhouse can secure a third straight MIAA A conference title and likely clinch the No. 1 ranking in Maryland for 2024. Interestingly, St. Frances Academy, which entered the season as the top-ranked team, reclaimed one first-place vote after a decisive 30-3 victory over IMG Academy (Fla.), another nationally ranked team. If Spalding wins out, St. Frances appears set for a No. 2 finish, but a Spalding loss would open the door for St. Frances to reclaim the top spot.


Looking toward the public school playoffs, seven of the 15 ranked public schools are in the Class 4A bracket, meaning at least six will be eliminated before season's end. The remaining eight ranked public schools are spread across divisions, with three in 3A, two each in 2A and 2A/1A, and one in 1A.


This week sees Loyola Blakefield and Oakdale returning to the Top 25, while Eleanor Roosevelt debuts at No. 25. Loyola Blakefield’s rise follows its upset of former No. 10 Milford Mill Academy. The Dons, now ranked No. 19 with a 5-5 record, have one game left— their traditional Thanksgiving showdown against Calvert Hall. Oakdale, the defending 3A champion, re-enters the rankings at No. 24.


One of the biggest stories in Maryland football this week was Fort Hill's forfeiture of five wins due to an allegedly ineligible player. Though Fort Hill may challenge the decision, its playoff seeding has already been adjusted. The Sentinels will now face the challenge of winning five consecutive road games to secure a fourth straight state title.


This marks the final regular-season rankings update. After a one-week hiatus, the rankings will return following the region semifinals, setting the stage for the state tournament.


Heading into the postseason, 17 of the preseason Top 25 teams remain in the rankings. In total, 19 of the initial Top 25 teams are still ranked. Of the six that have dropped out, two are in "others receiving votes," while two more are positioned for a potentially deep playoff run, which could re-earn them a spot in the final rankings.




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