By PAT McDONALD

Sports Editor

There are currently seven teams in the Journal Tribune’s coverage area — Biddeford, Kennebunk, Massabesic, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Thornton Academy and Wells — and we decided to add a new feature to Football Friday this season with our weekly Power Rankings.

Now, it’s not going to be an easy task as we have schools in the state’s biggest division (Massabesic, Sanford and TA are in Class A) and some in the state’s smallest conference (OOB and Wells are in Class D). While our other two schools (Biddeford and Kennebunk) are currently competing in Class B.

So the big question we had when coming up with these rankings were how do you figure out rankings between a Class A school and a Class D school? That would be like comparing Division I powerhouse Alabama with Division III juggernaut Mount Union.

Well, it turned out to be quite simple. We are going to put each school — no matter what size — on equal footing. I’m sure some people will say, “well how could you ever rank a Class D school ahead of a Class A school?”

We are going to take a look at each of our schools and rank them based on how they did the previous week and where we think they are as a team — are they heading in the right direction, in a bit of a funk or peaking at the right time.

So without further ado, here are the first-ever Journal Tribune Power Rankings:

1. Wells (1-0)

The Warriors went on the road and dominated as they picked up a 46-0 win over Winthrop/Monmouth. Wells, which won the Class C state title last season, looks like the clear favorite to win the Class D championship this season.

2. Thornton Academy (1-0)

The Golden Trojans trailed Massabesic 6-0 after the Mustangs returned the opening kick for a score, but Thornton Academy rallied with 46 unanswered points to start the season with a win. TA is always a favorite in Class A and despite heavy roster turnover, the Trojans look to be ready to battle for a Gold Ball this year.

3. Biddeford (1-0)

The Tigers may have been the most impressive team last Friday night as they dominated visiting Westbrook in a 43-0 win. New quarterback Carter Edgerton showed that he’s going to be a force to reckon with this season as he had 136 yards passing and tossed three scores. Fullback Cam Lantagne had over 100 yards on the ground for the Tigers who look to be a solid contender in Class B.

4. Kennebunk (1-0)

The Rams entered the 2017 season as a favorite to return to the Class B state championship game and while last Friday’s 26-0 win over Greely wasn’t a masterpiece, Kennebunk should still be considered one of the favorites to win the Gold Ball.

5. Old Orchard Beach (1-0)

The Seagulls started the season with an impressive 28-8 win over Class C Freeport last Friday night. Cody Blanchette had two rushing scores and QB Dylan Boudreau had one TD on the ground and another through the air. OOB looks to be a on track for a solid 2017 campaign.

T6. Massabesic (0-1), Sanford (0-1)

Both Massabesic and Sanford opened the year against perennial powerhouses as the Mustangs fell to TA and the Spartans dropped a 48-0 decision to defending Class A state champion Bonny Eagle. Both teams will face stiff tests once again this week as Sanford travels to Scarborough and Massabesic takes on South Portland.

— The Journal Tribune Power Rankings are selected by Sports Editor Pat McDonald and Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller. They can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].