With the playoffs beginning this week, we've got our final ranking of the regular season.
The top four teams held firm to their positions, but Clarkstown South and Mahopac each climbed a rung on the ladder, and John Jay-Cross River earned its way back into the ranking.
Records are as of the morning of Oct. 20.
Girls soccer power rankings
1. Rye (14-0-2)
It would be remarkable how they closed the regular season with a flurry, dominating their last three opponents. But that's the status quo for the Garnets, who'll enter the Class A playoffs with the expectation of contending for a third state title in four years. Last week: 1
2. Pleasantville (15-1)
The Panthers rolled up four more lopsided wins last week while doing their fine-tuning for the postseason. They'll be heavily favored in the Class B sectional tournament.
The team won't allow itself to look far ahead, but we can: a state title is a possibility for them. Last week: 2
3. Albertus Magnus (10-3-2)
They've notched four straight shutouts, including a 4-0 win over Mamaroneck, a team they could eventually face in the Class AAA playoffs. The Falcons have done very well within the section, and even better against teams in their classification. Despite the obstacles faced, they could eventually challenge for a third consecutive state title. Last week: 3
4. Arlington (11-1-4)
The Admirals completed the regular season with a 1-0 win over North Rockland in a rematch of the Section 1 Class AAA final. It was an impressive regular season for a team that was retooling, falling only to Rye. Their tie with Albertus Magnus in September adds to the narrative in a potential playoff showdown. Last week: 4
5. Clarkstown South (15-1)
The Vikings stumbled once, losing 1-0 to rival Nyack, then responded with eight straight wins, including a revenge victory last week. South has a plus-51 goal differential, aided in large part by their 13 shutouts. Last week: 6
6. Mamaroneck (11-2-3)
The Tigers lost for the first time since Sept. 29, but we're not holding that 'L' against them. The one-spot drop is a testament to Clarkstown's finish. Mamaroneck improved by three wins from last year, was excellent throughout the regular season, and deserves to be considered a championship contender. Last week: 5
7. Mahopac (11-2-3)
They might be the hottest team entering the playoffs within a crowded and uber-competitive Class AA field. Mahopac avenged an earlier loss to Panas with an eye-opening 6-0 rout last week — part of a seven-game win streak — and closed with a 1-0 win over Lakeland on Monday. Last week: 9
8. Harrison (9-5-2)
The Huskies went 2-0-1 to close the regular season, finishing with a win over Pelham. It was an encouraging rebound after a shaky stretch. Injuries slowed them a bit during the regular season, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Harrison kicks into another gear in the coming weeks. Last week: 7
9. John Jay-Cross River (12-2-2)
The Wolves earned re-entry into the top 10 thanks to a torrid finish. They had won eight straight before a loss to Mahopac but quickly shook that off and won four in a row decisively. Maye Viders and Abby Mattiello have become a dynamic duo on offense, complimenting a solid defense. Last week: N/R
10. Tuckahoe (14-1-1)
They continued to roll, picking up three wins last week - most impressive was a 2-1 victory over Briarcliff, one of the best teams in Class B. Tuckahoe had a tough-luck loss in the Class C state final after a historic run last fall, and this group returned most of its core. They could be gearing up for another memorable postseason. Last week: 10
On the bubble: White Plains (9-4-2), Ardsley (12-4), Kennedy Catholic (13-1-1), Clarkstown South (10-4-2), Nyack (11-5)
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Clarkstown South, Mahopac on the move in Oct. 20 girls soccer ranking
