HS: Spring FAB 50 rankings, June 5

by Sheldon Shealer

June 5, 2018

Between the boys and girls FAB 50s this week, there are only seven new teams.

But that doesn't mean there wasn't much movement in the rankings. In fact, 82 of the other 93 teams moved at least one spot -- up or down -- in a week filled with playoff surprises.

A pair of Illinois girls soccer powers, St. Charles North and New Trier, were set up at FAB 50 No. 1 and 2 in case they met for the state title -- it also would determine the national title. Instead, Barrington wrecked the party, beating both teams en route to a second straight state title in a season where a championship looked unlikely. Last week's No. 3 and 4 teams both lost, as well, marking the first time in the 19-year history of FAB 50 rankings -- in any season, either gender -- had the top four teams all lost in the same week. The net result is Grandview (Colo.) moves to the top of the girls rankings where it will become the second Colorado program to ever claim a FAB 50 national title. Grandview finished No. 2 in the 2016 Spring Girls FAB 50. At No. 5 last week, Grandview, appeared to have an outside shot at No.1 at best.

Much of the rest of the girls Top 10 will be finalized this week through the Virginia state tournament and Michigan regional tournaments.

On the boys side, only Virginia remains in action, and the results of this week's state tournament could alter the final order.

BIG MOVERS: BOYS: Briar Woods (Ashburn Va.). The defending state champion vaults from No. 49 to No. 19 this week as it moves within three wins of a repeat. ... GIRLS: Grandview (Aurora, Colo.). Grandview's six-spot jump to No. 5 puts this team in the national title chase should the current Nos. 1-4 all lose in the playoffs -- which is certainly possibile given the quality those teams have yet to face. Grandview capped an undefeated season with a win over Broomfield (Colo.) in a state final pitting two undefeated, nationally ranked teams.

NEWCOMERS: BOYS: No. 8 [Robert E. Lee va-m] (Staunton, Va.), No. 23 Loudoun Valley (Purcellville, Va.), No. 24 Blacksburg (Va.). ... GIRLS: No. 27 Park Hill (Kansas City, Mo.), No. 42 Rockford (Mich.), No. 44 Gull Lake (Richland, Mich.) and No. 50 Omaha Marian (Omaha, Neb.).