Not only is McCollum back in the playoffs for the first time since 2015, the Cowboys are in the Express-News Power Rankings for the first time this season. McCollum is 5-2 on the season and hasn't won six games since 2011. Fredericksburg is also in the rankings for the first time after downing previously ranked Davenport on Friday. East Central dropped the most from No. 11 to No. 19 after a 62-31 loss against Pieper. The top team remained intact. Here's how the Week 9 rankings unfolded:
Week 9 Power Rankings
1. Johnson
Record: 6-0
Previous ranking: 1
This week: vs. No. 14 Reagan, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Heroes Stadium
Notable: The Jaguars can clinch at least a share of the District 28-6A championship on Friday.
2. Smithson Valley
Record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 2
This Week: vs. No. 6 Boerne Champion, 7 p.m., Ranger Stadium
Notable: The Rangers scored a program record of points in a single game with an 89-3 win at Lockhart on Friday.
3. Steele
Record: 5-1-1
Previous ranking: 3
This Week: at No. 19 East Central, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Notable: The Knights are 14-0 all-time against East Central.
4. Brennan
Record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 4
This Week: vs. Warren, 7 p.m. Thursday, Gustafson Stadium
Notable: T
5. Boerne
Record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 5
This Week: vs. SA Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. Friday, Boerne ISD Stadium
Notable: The Bears have registered three shutouts and surrendered 14 points in going 5-0 in District 29-6A.
6. Boerne Champion
Record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 6
This Week: at No. 2 Smithson Valley, 7 p.m. Friday
Notable: The Chargers are looking for their first win in five tries against Smithson Valley.
7. Medina Valley
Record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 7
This Week: vs. MacArthur, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Panther Stadium
8. Alamo Heights
Record: 7-1
Previous ranking: 8
This Week: vs. New Braunfels, 7 p.m. Friday, Orem Stadium
Notable: The Mules haven't lost to a district opponent other than Boerne since 2019.
9. Harlan
Record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 9
This Week: vs. O'Connor, 2 p.m. Saturday, Farris Stadium
10. Kerrville Tivy
Record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 10
This Week: vs. Austin Northeast, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Antler Stadium
Notable: The normally fast-paced Antlers slowed it down for a methodical 49-13 victory against Austin Travis.
11. Cornerstone
Record: 6-2
Previous ranking: 14
This Week: vs. The Hun School of Princeton (N.J.), Warrior Stadium
Notable: The Warriors return home after going 4-1 on the road.
12. Somerset
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: 13
This Week: at Pleasanton, 7 p.m. Friday
Notable: The Bulldogs lead the all-time series against Pleasanton 7-5 and have won their last six meetings.
13. Harlandale
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: 17
This Week: vs. Sam Houston, 7 p.m, Thursday, SAISD Complex
Notable: Harlandale tallied a season-high for points in a 55-12 win against Highlands.
14. Reagan
Record: 4-2
Previous ranking: 18
This Week: vs. No. 1 Johnson, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Heroes Stadium
Notable: John Opara stepped up with Ayden Fernandez out of the lineup with 190 yards and two touchdown on 27 rushes in a 37-14 win against LEE.
15. Pieper
Record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 19
This Week: at New Braunfels Canyon, 7:30 p.m. Friday
16. McCollum
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: NR
This Week: vs. Burbank, 7 p.m. Friday, Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium
Notable: The Cowboys clinched their first playoff spot since 2015 with a 57-21 win against Lanier.
17. Poth
Record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 20
This Week: v
Notable: The Pirates inch up to No. 4 in the Class 3A Division II state rankings.
18. Fredericksburg
Record: 6-1
Previous ranking: NR
This Week: at Canyon Lake, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Notable: The Billies leap into the Express-News rankings following a 36-31 win against Davenport to remain tied with Kerrville Tivy for first in District 13-4A-I
19. East Central
Record: 5-2
Previous ranking: 11
This Week: vs. No. 3 Steele, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hornet Stadium
Notable: After suffering their first District 27-6A loss against Pieper, the Hornets now face district leader Steele.
20. Sotomayor
Record: 5-3
Previous ranking: 16
This Week: vs. Taft, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Farris Stadium
Notable: Despite losing against Harlan last week, a victory against Taft should put the Wildcats in good playoff position.
Dropped out: Davenport, La Vernia
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There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at McCollum makes E-N high school football rankings debut after clinching playoff spot.