The KOT845 Power Rankings are not computer-generated rankings. They are not coaches polls. They are not popularity contests. They are not based solely on wins and losses.
They are built through football evaluation.
Every ranking published by KOT845 is the result of extensive research, film study, historical context, roster analysis, live game coverage, and a thorough understanding of Section IX football.
If you’re looking for rankings that simply sort teams by record, these aren’t them.
The goal of the KOT845 Power Rankings is to answer one question every single week:
Who are the best football teams in Section IX right now?
Sometimes that answer is obvious. Sometimes it’s complicated. That’s why the rankings exist.
Football Evaluation Comes First
The KOT845 Power Rankings are built by someone who actually watches football.
That means:
- Full-game film study
- Live game evaluations
- Historical program analysis
- Returning production analysis
- Coaching and scheme evaluation
- Strength of schedule analysis
- Classification and competitive context
- Weekly performance evaluation
Football is a game that cannot be properly evaluated through scores alone.
A 42-7 victory might not be as impressive as a 21-17 loss against one of the state’s top programs. Statistics rarely tell the entire story. Film usually does.
The rankings are designed to reward the teams that are playing the best football—not simply the teams with the prettiest records.
Program Strength Matters
The KOT845 Power Rankings do not begin in Week 1.
Months before kickoff, teams are already being evaluated.
That includes:
- Returning starters
- Returning All-Section and All-State players
- Coaching continuity
- Graduation losses
- Quarterback play
- Offensive and defensive line experience
- Program trajectory
- Junior varsity development
- Previous season success
- Championship pedigree
Programs build expectations through years of performance.
A defending sectional champion returning 18 starters should not be evaluated the same way as a team replacing an entire roster.
Those factors matter.
Football Seasons Tell Stories
One thing that separates the KOT845 Power Rankings from traditional rankings is that they are designed to tell the story of a football season.
Every season has:
- Surprises
- Disappointments
- Breakout programs
- Championship runs
- Upsets
- Rivalries
- Redemption stories
The rankings are intended to document that story as it unfolds.
They’re not predictions. They’re evaluations.
The Seven Factors That Matter Most
The rankings are primarily built around seven factors:
- Football evaluation and film study.
- Wins and losses.
- Strength of schedule.
- Returning production and program strength.
- Championships and historical context.
- Weekly performance and momentum.
- Editorial football analysis and discretion.
No single factor determines where a team is ranked.
Every program is evaluated holistically.
Editorial Independence
This is a big one, and I want it in bold on the website.
The KOT845 Power Rankings are completely independent.
They are NOT influenced by:
- Sponsorships
- Coaches
- Schools
- Players
- Parents
- Social media pressure
- Popularity
Programs earn their ranking on the football field.
Period.
Whether a program is a KOT845 partner, a perennial powerhouse, or a first-year contender, every team is evaluated using the same standards.
Debate Is Part of the Fun
If everyone agrees with the rankings, then they’re probably not doing their job.
Football is meant to be debated.
The KOT845 Power Rankings are designed to:
- Create conversation.
- Reward excellence.
- Celebrate great football.
- Preserve the history of each season.
- Challenge assumptions.
- Showcase the best programs in Section IX.
You are not required to agree with them.
You’re encouraged to discuss them.
