They might not have started the season regarded as one of the top 10 Class AAAA high school football teams in the state.

But after a convincing season-opening win over Decatur last week, the Rome Wolves have found themselves back in the first Associated Press poll of the regular season.

Fresh from a 43-7 romp, Rome entered the AAAA poll of the state’s sportswriters ranked No. 8, receiving 40 total points and gives Region 7-AAAA its lone member in the top 10.

The Wolves join Calhoun’s Yellow Jackets, who came up with a thrilling last-play win over 7-AAAA member Dalton in their season opener, in the state rankings.

In fact, Calhoun’s victory — a 58-yard touchdown pass from Tre Lamb to Derek Ramsey sealed the deal on the game’s last play — helped the Jackets moved up a notch in the Class AA top 10, moving to No. 4.

Both Rome and Calhoun are back in action on Friday in a pair of non-region games, the Wolves hosting McNair and the Jackets entertaining Villa Rica.

Trion’s Bulldogs, who visit Coosa this week, received votes in the Class A poll but did not break into the top 10.

The No. 2 teams in the AA and A polls suffered opening week losses, but there were no changes for the top two teams in the top three classes after the first week season.

In Class AA, No. 2 Dublin was upset in its season opener, losing to unranked Class AAAA West Laurens 28-17. With the loss, the Fighting Irish dropped to a tie at No. 8 with Dodge County.

With Dublin’s loss, Buford moved into the No. 2 spot in the Class AA poll after traveling to Ohio to easily beat Grove City 34-7. Washington-Wilkes, Greene County and Heard County fell out the AA poll after suffering losses.

Clinch County took a dip from the No. 2 spot in Class A.

The Panthers were defeated by Class AA defending champion Charlton County and fell three spots to No. 5. Lovett slipped out the poll after losing to Westminster, 27-7.

In Class AAAA, St. Pius X fell down two spots to No. 5 despite beating North Springs 55-0. Thomas County Central and Tucker also won with shutouts to move past the Golden Lions.

Class AA and A each had four ranked teams lose.

The only team that lost in AAAA, Starr’s Mill, was replaced by Baldwin in the poll.

Stephenson made the biggest leap in Class AAAAA. The Jaguars jumped up from No. 10 to No. 6. Warner Robins, Lowndes and Brookwood each lost, and Lowndes and Brookwood fell out of the poll. Warner Robins fell to No. 10