FREDERICK — The top 15 teams in the Maryland state media poll remained the same, and Fort Hill fell eight spots to No. 24.
The Sentinels (3-2) were ranked 16th last week but remained in the poll despite falling to Briar Woods, Virginia, 28-7, last week.
Following a strong finish to the 2023 season, which included a final No. 21 ranking, Perry Hall seemed poised for another strong showing in 2024.
However, it took five weeks before the state media agreed.
Perry Hall, coming off a 57-32 win over previously undefeated Catonsville, is the lone newcomer to this week’s ranking, checking in at No. 25. Perry Hall has spent almost the entire season as one of the “others receiving votes” until garnering enough support to crack the Top 25 this week. The Gators replace Middletown, which fell out following a loss to Oakdale.
It was another week with very little change in the Top 25 as ranked teams combined for an 18-2 showing. The top 15 teams remained in the same order as last week. The losses were Fort Hill, to an out-of-state opponent, and Middletown. The loss ended Middletown’s brief stay in the Top 25.
At the top, Archbishop Spalding, following another shutout win over an MIAA A opponent, remains the unanimous No. 1, followed by St. Frances Academy and Riverdale Baptist, who were both idle last week. WCAC rivals DeMatha and Good Counsel round out the Top 5.