Wow, it seems like only yesterday I was working on the season preview for high school football. Now, we have just one week left in the regular season. Time flies.

It’s looking like six out of nine county schools are going to make it to the postseason this year. Even better, a couple of them appear to have a chance at a deep playoff run — maybe even a region title.

Here is the penultimate power poll for this season. As always, feel free to let me know how big of an idiot I am, or perhaps tell me how biased I am against Clear Springs…

1. Clear Springs: 7-2, 5-1 (2) — The offense didn’t put up its typical gaudy numbers against Clear Brook, but the defense was outstanding. In the playoffs, that is what will matter the most to get a shot at two-time defending state champion Katy.

2. Friendswood: 6-3, 4-2 (3) — The Mustangs are playing really solid football right now. Defensively, they may be playing better than they have in years. That’s a good sign for a possible deep playoff run.

3. Dickinson: 6-3, 4-2 (4) — The Gators showed a lot in their second half at Ball High on Friday. The passing game still isn’t doing as well as they would like, but the running game and defense are already proving to be playoff ready.

4. Ball High: 5-4, 4-2 (1) — It’s going to be another tough break from Ball if it is left out of the playoffs despite having four victories. Winning at Brazoswood is not easy though, so the Tors probably need to hope for a Creek loss to keep their season alive.

5. Santa Fe: 6-3, 3-3 (6) — Based on a few other results in 24-4A last week, the Indians are in good shape to make the playoffs even if they don’t win. Basically all that could keep them out of the playoffs is Manvel upsetting undefeated Angleton or a struggling La Marque squad taking out the defending region champs. Don’t be surprised though if Santa Fe takes care of business with a win at home against Dawson.

6. Clear Creek: 4-5, 3-3 (5) — How valuable is C.J. McElroy? With the star junior receiver, the Wildcats have one of the most entertaining and explosive offenses in the Houston area. Without him, Creek couldn’t get anything going on the road against the worst team in the district. Even without their banged up receiver, the Wildcats still have a pretty strong chance at making the playoffs with a win and a little bit of help.

7. Texas City: 3-6, 2-4 (7) — This just hasn’t been Texas City’s year. Too many injuries and a brutal schedule have resulted in a rough year. However, the fact that the Stings stayed in the hunt for as long as they did is a credit to a coaching staff that kept the kids from giving up. That’s easier said than done — just ask Clear Lake.

8. La Marque: 4-5, 2-4 (8) — This season has been more frustrating than last year for Cougar fans because the team has enough talent to be near the top of this poll and District 24-4A. It’s probably too late, but La Marque can still salvage the season with a win against Friendswood and some help.