The report says the newcomers are spread across the state’s classification structure:
The breadth of the entries matters. Section III is not represented only by established contenders; several teams have forced their way into the conversation through strong early records.
The sharpest move came from Watertown, which rose from 13th to fifth in AA. The report says the team is unbeaten through eight matches, giving the jump a clear foundation rather than making it a purely reputational ranking change.
That movement came as West Genesee dropped from second to sixth despite an 8-1 record. Baldwinsville, meanwhile, held second in AAA, preserving its status as Section III’s top-ranked team.
The reshuffling was not limited to the top of the poll. Utica Proctor slipped to eighth in AAA, while Christian Brothers Academy exited despite a 7-2 campaign. In B, Skaneateles climbed to 11th after previously sharing 20th.
The report also lists major gains for Herkimer, up from 12th to sixth in C, and McGraw, which moved from eighth to sixth in D. Hamilton stayed fourth while unbeaten through 11 matches.
The next update will test whether Watertown can hold its new top-five position and whether the five debutants can turn strong starts into sustained ranking momentum.