The Alabama Sports Writers Association weekly high school football poll was released on Wednesday.  

A Cherokee County win and a Deshler loss pushed the Warriors up one notch from to No. 5 in the Class 4A rankings.  Deshler tumbled from fourth to eighth.

The Warriors, who went 15-0 last year on their way to the Class 4A state championship, will by trying for their 17th consecutive win when they face a new Region 7 foe in the Fairview Aggies.

The Warriors also are looking to extend their home winning streak at Bobby Joe Johnson Field to 17.  The last time Cherokee County was defeated at home was Oct. 26, 2007.

Piedmont nudged closer to the top of the 3A poll, sliding up one notch to third. The Bulldogs will be tested by this week by Susan Moore, who won their region last year before losing to Steve Smith’s Bulldogs in the state playoffs. A regional realignment brings these two teams together in 2010. 

Sand Rock is on the outside of the top 10 in Class 2A, but the Wildcats will be looking to move in with a win against No. 3-ranked Ider Friday night. Rusty Jacoway’s boys play in hard-hitting Region 6, which has several teams in the top 10. Besides Ider, there is also Westbrook Christian (No. 6) and Fyffe (No. 8). 

Class 1A Cedar Bluff dropped out of the top 10 after last week’s loss to the defending 4A state champs. Coach Jonathan McWhorter’s Tigers will try and take the first step towards another region title this week against Woodville.  

Collinsville also drew notice in the Class 1A ranking following the Panthers’ convincing win over Coosa Christian. They will be at home against Spring Garden Friday night. 

Class 6A Gadsden remained unchanged at No. 5.  The Titans defeated Tuscaloosa County 10-7 last week. They host Oxford Friday night.