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1. Jersey Shore (2-0): The Jersey Shore-Selinsgrove rivalry really revved up 10 years ago when the Bulldogs changed the program's trajectory, labeled themselves as "Dog Soldiers," and rallied to dramatically defeat Selinsgrove for the District 4 Class AAA championship, 20-16. That victory launched a fantastic run which is now entering its 11th season.
2. Loyalsock (2-0): Look out for sophomore Dolan Harman. A hard-nosed running back has some good burst and does not go down easy. He also is an up and coming linebacker.
3. South Williamsport (2-0): Only a canceled game last season likely cost Amir Kemrer a 1,000-yard season and South the opportunity to produce a 1,000-yard rusher for an 11th straight season. South seems to be doing its best to make up for that this season with Kemrer and Ryan Casella both averaging more than 100 yards per game.
4. Canton (2-0): Its game at Wellsboro ended after press time, so the record needs updated. Canton entered that contest having won 25 of its previous 26 regular-season games. The only loss during that time was against Class AAAA Jersey Shore last season.
5. Williamsport (1-1): Quarterback Caleb Williamson split time with George Whaley last year, then put in a dedicated offseason. The experience and work are paying nice dividends thus far as Williamson leads the area in completion percentage, hitting on 72.4% of his passes.
6. Milton (1-1): It was great seeing Chris Doyle playing again last week and making a big impact. Two years ago, Doyle put together one of the best freshman seasons in area history, running for 1,174 yards and a freshman record 18 touchdowns. His return gives Milton's offense an added dimension.
7. Montoursville (1-1): Montoursville and Lewisburg quietly have produced some of the area's more exciting games over the last 13 years. They have played three last-second playoff thrillers and went to the wire again last year as Bryce Eberhart threw a game-winning, last-second touchdown pass to Ben Conrad in a 24-21 victory.
8. Central Mountain (1-1): Axel Yost had an appetite for destruction last week, collecting his first varsity sack. Hopefully, those other than who grew up with me in the 1980s understand both my reference and lame shot at humor there.
9. Hughesville (1-1): Quarterback Tyler Wetzel looked like Houdini at times last week, somehow escaping multiple times when it appeared he would be sacked. Even better, he often turned those into positive plays, keeping his eyes downfield and completing passes.
10. Lewisburg (1-1): Kicker/punter Cohen Hoover ran for four yards last week, knocking his yards per carry down to 35.3 yards. That's a sentence I never thought I would be writing about a soccer player who does not hold an offensive football position.
11. Wellsboro (1-1): Wellsboro entered last night's game against Canton hoping to pull another upset. Regardless of that result, a team with just one senior, quickly is going in the right direction and tasting victory early could provide a huge boost.
12. Muncy (1-1): Adversity has come calling early with five starters sidelined for lengthy times following the season's first game. This is an opportunity for the team's younger players to show they can still carry on the program's winning tradition as well as a test of character.
13. Warrior Run (0-2): The record does not show it, but two gutsy comebacks highlight how dangerous Warrior Run can be. Need more proof? Consider that Warrior Run has lost consecutive games by a touchdown against teams which outscored it by 104 points last year.
14. Cowanesque Valley (1-1): It's a mighty big long shot, but it's still quite remarkable that through two games, Fletcher Good is two yards from being on pace for a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving season. The junior has totaled 417 yards and six touchdowns with four of his five catches going for scores.
15. Bucktail (2-0): Bucktail is 2-0 for the first time since 2011. That also is one of the best seasons in program history with the Bucks going 8-2 and hosting their first ever playoff game. Time will tell how this season plays out, but there certainly is excitement brewing.
16. Montgomery (0-2): The wins have not come yet, but the running game is vastly improved from last season. Caden Finck already has topped 90 yards twice after Montgomery collectively went over 70 yards just twice last season.
17. North Penn-Mansfield (0-2): Opening the season against the NTL-I's three top title contenders is a tough act. However, it could help North Penn-Mansfield down the road. It did last fall when the Panthers went 3-2 and rallied to reach the District 4 Class AA playoffs.