For the first time in the history of the Little Egypt Football Coaches’ Poll, Marion is not the #1 team in the region. After suffering a 30-8 loss at Cahokia, the Wildcats slipped to #2 while the Comanche rocketed from #9 to #3 in the rankings.
Meanwhile, the Benton Rangers earned the top ranking with a 39-0 win over Herrin – their third straight shut out in a row. The Rangers are the only area team that has yet to suffer a loss this season.
There was a tie for #10 between Centralia and Du Quoin, both programs earning 9 points. This is the first time Du Quoin has entered the rankings this season.
Cahokia garnered the most first place votes but Benton was the top team. Johnston City also garnered a first place vote.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Benton (2) | 86 | 2 (+1) |
| 2 | Marion | 83 | 1 (-1) |
| 3 | Cahokia (7) | 80 | 9 (+6) |
| 4 | Nashville | 65 | 3 (-1) |
| 5 | Carterville | 54 | 4 (-1) |
| 6 | Johnston City (1) | 50 | (-) |
| 7 | Murphysboro | 46 | 5 (-2) |
| 8 | Carbondale | 31 | 10 (+2) |
| 9 | Fairfield | 29 | 7 (-2) |
| 10 | Centralia/ Du Quoin | 9 | 8 (-2)/ NR |
Also receiving votes: Harrisburg 4, Massac County 1, Chester 1, Herrin 1
Southern Illinois Coaches interested in participating in the Coaches Poll can email picks to mattv@riverradio.net every week by end of day each Wednesday of the season.