SYRACUSE - After being knocked out of the rankings two weeks ago following a last-minute loss to Frontier, Jamestown bounced back with a performance that made pollsters take note.
The Red Raiders (5-1) toppled then No. 1, and defending state champion, Orchard Park, 35-28, last Friday - their first win over the Quakers, which prior to the loss was in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, since 2002 - to move to No. 12 in Class AA in the latest New York Sportswriters Association football poll.
Orchard Park (5-1), meanwhile, is a spot behind at No. 13.
Clarence (4-2), which Jamestown must defeat this weekend in order to clinch the Class AA South title, is an honorable mention.
Maple Grove, which has been the top-ranked squad in Class D since Sept. 19, remains at that position behind its perfect 6-0 record.
Randolph, winners of its last three by a combined score of 117-12, is an honorable mention at 4-2; as are Chautauqua Lake (4-2), Clymer (5-1) and Sherman (5-1).
Rounding out the list in Class C are a number of honorable mentions. Salamanca, in a position to win Class C South, is at 5-1 while Allegany-Limestone and Fredonia are both at 4-2.