I actually think rankings do make a difference. Each year there is typically 2-3 undefeated teams. Of those 2-3 teams that keep a clean sheet, the one that is the highest ranked team early will continue to keep its place as the the top team. I am sure those kids up in Victor NY and Darian CT thought they were the best team in the land last year as they both were undefeated and played some great lax but they did not stand a chance at the #1 because both started the season lower.