The Marion Wildcats will be without some of their stars from this past spring headed in to the fall but are still expected to be the top team by area coaches.  After a 6-0 spring, the Wildcats were picked unanimously the #1 team at the end of last season and nothing has changed since then with another unanimous #1 ranking.

The Benton Rangers and Nashville Hornets are neck and neck for the #2 and #3 slots with just two points separating the pair.

The region is well-represented within the top 10 with four South Seven teams, four SIRR teams, and two Black Diamond teams making the cut.

Week 1 will have multiple ranked matchups including #5 Carterville at #2 Benton, #3 Nashville at #8 Johnston City, and #6 Carbondale at #9 Murphysboro.

 

Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:

Rank                            School (First Place Votes)                     Points

1.                                   Marion (10)                                            100
2.                                   Benton                                                         77
3.                                   Nashville                                                     75
4.                                   Fairfield                                                       57
5.                                   Carterville                                                 52
6.                                   Carbondale                                               39
7.                                   Cahokia                                                       37
8.                                   Johnston City                                          33
9.                                   Murphysboro                                          27
10.                                   Centralia                                                    20

Also receiving votes: Du Quoin 11, Anna-Jonesboro 9, Mt. Vernon 4, Herrin 3