Week 2 of the high school football season is in the books with some of the area's top teams making big statements while lighting up the scoreboard.
Each week of the regular season, The Enquirer will provide its top 10 high school football power rankings, regardless of division, class or state.
This week, there were tough calls to make as two new teams crack the top 10. Here are the area's top squads heading into Week 3.
10. St. Xavier
Previous ranking: NR
Week 2: Win over Wayne
(35-7)
St. Xavier's defense had a solid showing in a Week 1 loss to Lakota West on the road, giving up just 214 total yards while forcing two turnovers. The Bombers' new-look offense just ran into a defensive gauntlet in the Firebirds. In Week 2, St. Xavier got back on track with 455 total yards and a big night from Aidan Newdigate. The senior threw for 148 yards, ran for 134 and combined for five touchdowns. The Bombers also got a 100-yard rushing effort from Aiden Graham while their defense tallied three takeaways.
Week 3: Indianapolis Cathedral (0-2) at St. Xavier (1-1)
9. Beechwood
Previous ranking: NR
Week 2: Win over Indian Hill (42-0)
You couldn't script a better return for Noel Rash as Beechwood's head coach. In a clash with reigning DIV regional champion Indian Hill, the onslaught began on the opening kickoff as Nathan Pabst raced 99 yards for a touchdown. Beechwood showcased its weapons behind quarterback Emmett Queen and Tyler Fryman while the defense forced four turnovers on downs and shut out an Indian Hill offense that averaged 38.7 points per game in 2025.
Week 3: Beechwood (1-0) at Dixie Heights (0-2)
8. Winton Woods
Previous ranking: No. 9
Week 2: Win over Kings (35-0)
A failed two-point conversion in overtime kept Winton Woods from opening the year with a win over a stellar Springfield squad. The Warriors made up for it in their home-opener, handing Kings just its second shutout loss since 2013. Winton Woods dominated in all three facets of the game. Its defense permitted just 91 yards and got a pair of interceptions from Christian Coston. On special teams, Jayon Shelton returned the opening kick for a 99-yard score. The offense got three combined touchdowns from quarterback Josiiah Jones and a 100-yard rushing effort from Isaiah Garrett.
Week 3: Milford (1-1) at Winton Woods (1-1)
7. East Central
Previous ranking: No. 10
Week 2: Win over New Palestine (14-6)
East Central jumps three spots after an impressive win over New Palestine in a playoff rematch (Class 5A) from last year. East Central, now in Class 4A, has allowed just six points in two games this season after some big stops (goal-line stand, blocked field goal) to defeat the Dragons. The Trojans have another tough test up next when they visit Elder on the road Sept. 4.
Week 3: East Central (2-0) at Elder (2-0)
6. Badin
Previous ranking: No. 7
Week 2: Win over Dixie Heights (42-13)
Badin has outscored its first two opponents, 75-20, after rolling over Dixie Heights in Week 2. The Rams can beat you through the air and on the ground while its defense has held back-to-back opponents under 200 total yards. In Week 1 against Hamilton, Badin racked up 223 yards on the ground. Against Dixie Heights, quarterbacks Jimmy Gajewski and Davis Martin combined to go 15-of-17 for 262 yards and five touchdowns.
Week 3: Badin (2-0) at Edgewood (1-1)
5. Lakota West
Previous ranking: No. 5
Week 2: Win over Lakota East (48-18)
The top five will stay the same after each team won by at least three touchdowns in Week 2. That doesn't make Lakota West's 30-point win over a good Lakota East squad any less impressive. On the ground, Kenyon Norman ran for a career-high 262 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Jackson Smith also hit Karmelo Jordan on a pair of 35-yard scores. The defense found the endzone, too, when Roman Combs (who also had a pick) recovered his own forced fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. The Firebirds are for real.
Week 3: Lakota West (2-0) at Mason (1-1)
4. Highlands
Previous ranking: No. 4
Week 2: Win over Cooper (45-6)
The season-opener snowballed for Highlands in a 41-20 loss to Frederick Douglass. The Bluebirds took out their frustrations right away against Cooper, racing out to a 28-0 lead behind quarterback Bryce Armstrong. The sophomore threw for 161 yards and two scores while adding 102 yards on the ground. Tayden Lorenzen added a pick-six as Highlands rolled to a comfortable victory in Fort Thomas. They'll look to keep it rolling against Campbell County.
Week 3: Highlands (1-1) at Campbell County (2-0)
3. Anderson
Previous ranking: No. 3
Week 2: Win over West Clermont (70-19)
Speaking of taking out frustrations, not many teams lose their first game by 46 points, then turn around and win by 51. That's what Anderson did on the road in Week 2 as Evan Dreyer returned and captured his 100th career victory as the Raptors rolled. Anderson led 42-0 after one quarter as Owen Scalf threw for 320 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, Jordan Davis and Scalf each ran for 78 yards and combined for three scores.
Week 3: Little Miami (2-0) at Anderson (1-1)
2. Princeton
Previous ranking: No. 2
Week 2: Win over Middletown (28-7)
Princeton's defense stole the show against Middletown as the Vikings permitted just 114 total yards, forced two turnovers and held the Middies to a combined 3-for-16 on third and fourth down. It wasn't as clean as the Vikings would've liked with three turnovers and 137 yards in penalties, but Monsanna Torbert still threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for a game-high 104 yards. The Vikings now open up a three-game homestand, beginning with Colerain.
Week 3: Colerain (1-1) at Princeton (2-0)
1. Elder
Previous ranking: No. 1
Week 2: Win over Covington Catholic (56-20)
There's no secret who has turned heads in back-to-back weeks to open up the season. Elder has state-title aspirations and for good reason after cruising past Covington Catholic (No. 8 in last week's power rankings) at home. Through two games, senior quarterback Kaden Estep has thrown for 552 yards, run for 253 and combined for eight touchdowns. Top target Andrew Lyman, a Kings transfer, has 13 catches for 268 yards and six scores. The Panthers also got a hat trick on the ground from Andrew Tallen in Week 2. Another big inter-state showdown is on tap in Week 3 as East Central visits The Pit.
Week 3: East Central (2-0) at Elder (2-0)
Just missed the cut: Indian Hill (1-1), Moeller (1-1), Covington Catholic (1-1), La Salle (2-0), Wyoming (2-0), North College Hill (1-0), Lloyd (2-0), Harrison (2-0)
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Greater Cincinnati high school football Week 3 power rankings
