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Until you beat Salem they are #1

I wondered how they came up with that too. Why is Lake Taylor ranked higher than Salem, yet for 6A, Smith returns virtually everyone on a team that beat #6 Nationally Ranked Team & took Westfield to Triple Overtime but is #2 to them for 2016?
 
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I wondered how they came up with that too. Why is Lake Taylor ranked higher than Salem, yet for 6A, Smith returns virtually everyone on a team that beat #6 Nationally Ranked Team & took Westfield to Triple Overtime but is #2 to them for 2016?

For once, Shaunty is correct. Purely statistical. I don't know the formula, but it obviously looks back at statistics over previous years, and gives a sliding scale value to previous results. For instance, Phoebus is ranked #1 over the two time reigning state champs, Magna Vista. (That rumbling you are hearing from out towards Ridgeway is not a 6.7 magnitude earthquake!)
 
With the known talent LT has returning, and as many unknowns as Salem has on both lines and a few other defensive positions, I think it's reasonable at this point to rank LT number one.

I think between VHSL-Reference and Gilliam Ratings (wherefore art thou, Matt?!), one can get a pretty accurate picture of how teams stand relative to each other. It seems the later we go in (or after) the season, the more accurate both systems are.
 
Agree, but I like the VaPreps rankings best of all. Rod and crew are privy to a lot of info that only comes from good relationships with the coaches across the state.

I hope we will be seeing their picks soon. (Hint, hint, Rod?)

But, we all need to remember that nothing is ever as it seems.
 
Yes, the VaPreps poll completes the triumvirate. I like it because - as far as I know - that one is determined by the opinions of knowledgable observers, whereas the other two are two different numbers-based systems. So, you get a different perspective that helps complete the overall picture.
 
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