South Pittsburg takes over the No. 3 spot after defeating Boyd-Buchanan Friday night. Bradley Central holds on to No. 2, but will face a stiff test in rival Cleveland this week. Meanwhile, Signal Mountain moves back up a spot after an impressive offensive outburst.

1. Baylor (7-1)

The offense wasn't flawless by any means Friday night, but the defense was as close to perfection as the Red Raiders could have hoped. Columbia Central has perhaps the best offense in 5A and Baylor gave up nothing in the second half. The bright spot for the offense was the line, which wore down the Lions as the game progressed.

Last week: Baylor 39, Columbia Central 20

This week: Pope John Paul II

2. Bradley Central (6-2)

Winless Walker Valley posed little threat to Bradley Central Thursday night, but a rivalry game at Cleveland should provide a little more of a challenge. On paper, it may look like a mismatch in favor of the Bears, but Cleveland was dominant Friday night against Soddy-Daisy. The meeting is always the biggest game of the year for both teams, regardless of records. 

Last week: Bradley Central 42, Walker Valley 0

This week: At Cleveland

3. South Pittsburg (7-1)

South Pittsburg coach Vic Grider was probably too excited to have all of his weapons back from injury in the first half against Boyd-Buchanan. Running back Demetric Johnson (pictured above) and wide receiver Antonio Chubb returned, but the Pirates trailed 10-0 at the break after a number of trick plays backfired. The traditional offense returned for South Pittsburg in the second half and so did the points.

Last week: South Pittsburg 26, Boyd-Buchanan 10

This week: Polk County

4. Signal Mountain (7-2)

Signal Mountain was more than a little frustrated after its loss to Polk County last week. Chattanooga Christian was the unfortunate recipient of a Senior Night shootout and a 76-point outburst. This week the Eagles have an open date that will be used to prepare for Sequatchie County. Coach Bill Price will surely do his best to replicate the success his team had against CCS.

Last week: Signal Mountain 76, Chattanooga Christian 35

This week: OPEN

5. Boyd-Buchanan (8-1)

The undefeated season is over, but Boyd-Buchanan is still the favorite to win the Class 2A state championship. South Pittsburg simply had too much offense for the Bucs Friday night and the Boyd running game couldn't get going. Coach Grant Reynold's team now has an open date to lick its wounds and move on.

Last week: South Pittsburg 26, Boyd-Buchanan 10

This week: OPEN

6. McMinn County (6-2)

McMinn County continues to roll and Soddy-Daisy is now all that stands in the way of a District 5-AAA title game with Bradley Central in Week 10. Against Meigs County, running backs Dre Sanders and Patrick Lindsey combined for 269 rushing yards and all five of the team's touchdowns. 

Last week: McMinn County 32, Meigs County 19

This week: Soddy-Daisy

7. Bledsoe County (7-1)

Quarterback Cody Holloway threw for more than 300 yards and running back Holden Boynton went over 100 yards on the ground in a dominating victory over Grundy County. A ruling on Signal Mountain's vacated wins Thursday will determine whether or not the Warriors claim the District 7-AA title, but either way it appears that Bledsoe is a lock for the Class 3A playoffs.

Last week: Bledsoe County 55, Grundy County 6

This week: At Sweetwater

8. Ooltewah (6-3)

Rhea County is still winless, and Ooltewah was dominant as expected Friday night. An open date sets up a Week 10 matchup with another winless team, Walker Valley, before the Owls almost assuredly enter the Class 5A postseason. Quarterback Bradley Stephens is playing well and his arsenal is expanding. Mikhail Creech has been catching touchdowns all year, but against Rhea County, it was P.J. Toney that emerged as the Stephens' top target.

Last week: Ooltewah 38, Rhea County 0

This week: OPEN

9. Red Bank (7-1)

This week's game will likely determine the District 6-AA title. Red Bank holds an edge in overall record over East Hamilton, but the Hurricanes have been just as dominant in the district. The Lions will try to use speed and athleticism to outmatch East Hamilton's power running game. The winner will have a little more momentum heading into the Class 4A playoffs.

Last week: Red Bank 48, Howard 21 

This week: At East Hamilton