Fichburg is ranked ninth in this week's New England Sports Network weekly New England High School Top 10 Football Rankings. The poll is announced each Friday night on NESN's Front Row program at 6 pm.
The Red Raiders (2-0-1) are one of five Massachusetts teams ranked this week. Brockton, which Fitchburg plays Oct. 11 is No. 2 after winning its first two games easily. Everett is third with Peabody seventh. NOrhtampton regarded as the top teamin Western Mass., rounds out the poll at No. 10.
Cheshire, Conn. holds the top spot after last week's 9-8 win over West Haven to extend its winning streak to 48 games. Other ranked teams are Ansonia, Conn. (fourth), South Portland, Maine (fifth), Bishop Hendricken of Rhode Island (sixth) and Pinkerton Academy of Derry, N.H. (eighth).
Fitchburg should be able to at least maintain its ranking next week, following Friday night's tought 18-13 win over Milford.