Softball Fab Five
1 Oakeaf (3-0)
Last week: No. 1
Outlook: Defending Class 8A state runner-ups left off where they started last year sweeping its first three opponents easily in wins over Middleburg 11-1, First Coast 8-1 and Lee 15-0.
This week: at Fletcher (Feb 26), at First Coast (March 1)
2. Mandarin (2-0)
Last week: No. 3
Outlook: Mustangs came out of the gate swinging with a pair of impressive wins over Fletcher 7-5 and Orange Park 8-0.
This week: Paxon (Feb. 26), at Sandalwood (Feb. 28), Ed White (March 1)
3. Bartram Trail (2-0)
Last week: No. 5
Outlook: Just in case you thought Bartram Trail was hibernating after tough graduation losses last season, the Bear came out clawing with wins over Bishop Kenny 14-1 and Menendez 11-0.
This week: Episcopal (Feb. 26), Middleburg (Feb. 27), Englewood (Feb. 28)
4. Trinity Christian (2-0)
Last week: No. 4
Outlook: The defending Class 4A state runnerups opened the season with a pair of impressive wins over Suwannee 9-4 and Interlachen 15-0.
This week: at Providence (Feb. 26), Baker County (Feb. 28)
5. Columbia (0-1)
Last week: No. 2
Outlook: A lot is expected from this Tiger team and 1-0 season opening loss to Bell on the road was quite a shock. Its a busy week for the Tigers and a huge chance to redeem themselves with five games on the schedule including three at the Raider Invitational at Santa Fe.
This week: Aucilla Christian (Feb. 25), Atlantic Coast (Feb. 26), Raider Invitational (March 1-2)
Honorable Mention: Baker County (3-0), Clay (1-0), Creekside (2-1), Keystone Heights (2-0), Ridgeview (1-0), West Nassau (0-0)
Baseball
1 Bolles (24-6)
Outlook: The return of both Hunter Barco and Bryson Kirksey is vital for a Bolles program that came so close to another state title last season. Look for Bolles to be back in the Final Four again.
This week: at University Christian (Feb. 25), at Bishop Kenny (Feb. 28), Valwood (March1)
2 Trinity (23-9)
Outlook: Trinity came two wins short of bringing home another state title losing in the state semifinals to nationally ranked Clearwater Calvary Christian.
This week: LaGrange Toyota Classic (Feb 28-March 2)
3 Providence (25-5)
Outlook: Only thing standing in the way of another trip to the Final Four is nemesis Trinity. Look for more epic battles between the two again.
This week: LaGrange Toyota Classic (Feb 28-March 2)
4 Mandarin (21-6)
Outlook: Mandarin is once again loaded but can they get through the gauntlet of Central Florida and surprise people with a trip to the Final Four.
This week: Jacksonville Baseball Crown Invitational
5 Clay (24-7)
Outlook: Clay was so close to bringing home a state title last season, can the Blue Devils get back there again. One thing we can expect is another epic three way battle between Clay, Ridgeview and Ponte Vedra again for the top two seeds in the district.
This week: at Keystone Heights (Feb. 26), Border War Challenge (March1-2)
Honorable Mention: Bishop Kenny, Parker, Ponte Vedra, Ridgeview, Stanton
