There is a new No. 1 in the Union Leader Power Poll -- and it's unanimous.
After knocking on the door in recent weeks, Bedford overtook Pinkerton Academy for the top spot this week. It's the first time Bedford has sat in the No. 1 spot since Nov. 19 of last season, before the Division I state semifinals.
The defending Division I champion Astros (6-1) had been the top team in the poll all season.
The unbeaten Bulldogs improved to 7-0 by defeating No. 6 Bishop Guertin, 35-28, last Friday in what was their closest game of the season. The Cardinals (5-2) led, 14-13, at halftime.
Bedford beat each of its first six opponents by at least 20 points.
Pinkerton came in at No. 2 this week following its 27-20 loss to Andover (Mass.) on Friday night.
The only matchup of Power Poll teams -- and arguably best on the schedule this coming weekend -- will take place on Friday night (6:30) at Chabot-McDonough Field, where Memorial (6-1) will host the Astros. The Crusaders were ranked No. 6 last week but moved up to No. 4 in this week's poll after their 46-28 victory over Nashua South (5-2) last Friday.
South dropped from third to fifth.
Memorial senior slot back/defensive back Jacob Schuff rushed for 253 yards and four touchdowns on eight carries in that win, a performance that left his coach, Rob Sturgis, speechless.
The Power Poll is a weekly top-10 ranking conducted by statewide media members. The poll started in 2008.