Reivers take over top spot in the Dirty 30

Most of the programs in the country have now seen action for the first time in 2017, and with it comes a new set of rankings. The Iowa Western College Reivers have been the most impressive so far and after starting 2-0 and move up to #1 in the JCGridiron.com Dirty 30 Rankings.

Iowa Western had a great test on opening weekend (zero week) when they traveled to Independence to take on a Pirate program that is rumored to be the focus of season three of Last Chance U when it is released next summer. The Reivers dominated from start to finish, streaking past Independence 70-21 and outgaining the Pirates 732-240 in total yardage. The Reivers then faced a Hutchinson squad with a ton of talent this past weekend and managed a 27-21 win over the Blue Dragons. Iowa Western now hosts Fort Scott this weekend before going on the road for another tough test at Butler on September 16.

Arizona Western started the season as the pre-season favorites and dropped a spot after beating Eastern Arizona 21-14 in their opening game this past weekend on the road in a tough environment. The Matadors trailed 14-0 but scored with offense, defense and special teams to rally against an Eastern Arizona squad that always poses a difficult task. Louisville commit Greg Bell broke the 14-14 tie with a 46-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Arizona Western will hit the road again this week when they travel to Pima.

The top-ranked California school in the rankings is Ventura, who rolled past Santa Barbara 44-6 on opening day and moved up a spot to #4 in the rankings. The Pirates led 34-0 at the half and held a 496-200 advantage in total yardage for the day. Things will not get easier for Ventura in week two, however, as they hit the road to play perennial power Mt. San Antonio, who comes in at #15 in the rankings.

The biggest upset of the day was previous #2 City College of San Francisco falling to Laney College 17-14 this past weekend. Upon further review, however, it may not be as big of an upset as some would think. The Eagles have now beaten the Rams three times in the past 12 months and seem to have their number after beating San Francisco a year ago on opening day and then finishing the season with a win over the Rams in a bowl game. Laney came off the bubble to #26 with the win while San Francisco dropped to #30 with the loss.

Last year’s co-champions of Garden City and Fullerton sit at #7 and #8, respectively, in the rankings. Garden City won on zero week over Ellsworth (31-7) before rallying to beat Highland (27-21) in the final minutes this past weekend. Fullerton made a mess of Santa Ana in the oldest rivalry in the country (77-28), although the rivalry is a bit of a one-sided affair these days.

Here is the rest of the JCGridiron.com Dirty 30 Rankings. Just a reminder, the rankings do not include games against prep schools, club teams or non-affiliated programs in the records of the teams.