The high school football season is underway and it’s time for the first edition of The Messenger’s Power Rankings. These rankings don not reflect whether one team is better than another in a head-to-head matchup. They only show my opinion of how well each team is playing in comparison to others in the area. So here they are:

1. Pike Liberal Arts (1-0 Overall, 0-0 Region)

The Patriots handled Lyman Ward with relative ease and look to do the same this week against Macon-East.

2. Zion Chapel (1-0, 0-0)

Yes, Zion Chapel. And not because they were the only other area team to will a game. The Rebels dominated Pleasant Home from the opening kick.

3. CHHS (0-1, 0-0)

The Trojans fell to Beauregard last week but had every opportunity to win or at least tie the game. Coach Hugh Fountain has a lot of inexperience on the offensive side of the ball that is sure to improve as the season progresses.

4. Goshen (0-1, 0-0)

The Eagles got a taste of what could be a very underrated G.W. Long team last week. Coach Bart Snyder knew his defense had some question marks remaining coming into the season but mid-season adjustments take time and with Elba this week Goshen better adjust fast.

5. Pike County (0-1, 0-0)

A talented Bulldog offense has scored just seven points if you count the jamboree game against Charles Henderson. Coach Rodney Dollar has turned around every program he has ever run and this one will be no different. It just will not happen overnight. Pike Country could get back on track this week against Slocomb but the Red Tops are coming off a 21-6 win over a tough Cottonwood team in Week 1.