Johnston High School advanced another spot in the Rhode Island High School Football Media Poll this week, thanks to a 48-0 drubbing of Toll Gate on Sept. 29.

Phil Ndifon had four rushes for 117 yards and tallied three TDs, including a 65-yard run; Victor Halton added a 71-yard scamper; and Michael Caparco connected with Evan Hopson for a 55-yard touchdown pass en route to the victory over the winless Titans, the Providence Journal reported.

Hopson also converted all six PATs, and the defense racked up eight sacks.

It was the third shutout of the season for the Division II-A leading Panthers (5-0), who have now amassed 195 points to their opponents' 12 this season.

Next up for Johnston is a road trip to Coventry on Friday night, Oct. 5, at 7 pm. The Panthers are scheduled to travel to Chariho on Oct. 19 before returning to JHS for their Homecoming tilt against Warwick Vets on Oct. 27.

La Salle is still ranked No. 1 in the state, but Hendricken is gaining, and Cranston East also remains in the hunt for the top ranking.

The top four of the poll remain unchanged, as La Salle, Hendricken, Cranston East and Portsmouth all won their games.

Shea (No. 15) and Coventry (No. 20) are new to the poll this week. Shea had an impressive win against No. 12 West Warwick, and Coventry beat Warwick Vets 40-8.

The full poll:

Dropped from poll: St. Raphael (No. 13) and Chariho (No. 16).

Also receiving votes: Mount Pleasant 18, Chariho 16, St. Ray’s 15, Hope 10, North Smithfield 8, Smithfield 4, Mt. Hope 1 and Rogers 1.

The Rhode Island Sports Media football poll is voted on by 13 local media members who regularly cover Rhode Island high school football. The poll is administrated and compiled by Eric Rueb of Southern Rhode Island Newspapers.

PATCH BALLOT

Want to be e-mailed when we post a new poll, or a new SK or Narragansett football article? Click the “keep me posted!” button below.