FHSAA released it’s first RPI state football rankings this week, and not a surprise, many teams in the computer rankings were Top 10 Power Rankings teams on Duval Sports. The rankings, similar to the college football BCS playoff selections, are determined by strength of schedule and overall record. So basically, the better your record and the better your opponent’s record determines your RPI and ranking. District winners receiver an automatic bid to the playoffs and home games throughout, while all other teams in each regional classification must advance to the playoffs based on their overall RPI. The top 6 teams in each regions for classification 1A-3A advance to the playoffs. While in Classes 5A – 8A the top 8 teams in each region advance to the playoffs. This includes district winners. Bottom line is, if you win you have nothing to worry about. So as the late great Al Davis once said, “Just Win Baby”. Lets check out who made this week’s Duval Sports Power Rankings.
- Bolles (4-0) – Had an easy game versus Fernandina last week, winning 49-14. Kade Frew only touched the ball 8 times and he still rushed for 60 yards and 2 TDs. The Bolles defense intercepted Fernandina 4 times in the game by Kavon Miller, Spencer Surface, Kemani Wilson, and Grayson Ambrosh. The Bulldogs host private school rival University Christian this week. Last year it was close until the fourth quarter when Bolles pulled away.
2. Riverside (4-0)- Riverside took care of business against Orange Park, defeating the Raiders 41-9. Quarterback Cale Zarah passed for two touchdowns. Alvin Gibson rushed 9 times for 102 yards. Rickie Shaw caught a touchdown in the game, while the General’s defense led by D’Avery Weeks, Micah Williams, Zaire Moody, Lawrence Neloms, and Zachary Morton registered 5 sacks. The Jackson Tigers will try their hand at Riverside next, this Friday.
3. Trinity Christian ( 4-0) – The Conquerors gave Head Coach Verlon Dorminey his 300th career win in exciting fashion defeating Clear Water International Academy 53-50 in OT. Colin Hurley torched the Knights for 267 yards and 3 TDs. Darnell Rogers ran wild for 173 yards and 3 TDs. Xander Ross led in receivering with 148 yards, and Fed High Smith caught two touchdown passes. A big test for Trinity is up next as they travel to Columbia county to take on the Tigers.
4. Ed White (2-0)- Surprise, surprise, guess who is ranked #2 in the state of Florida in the recently released FHSAA RPI football standings? You guessed it, Ed White. Well, before the computer ranked them 2nd in the state we were the only ones to have them ranked in the Top 10 in the area. Christian Ellis was the player of the Week, running for 209 yards and a touchdown, while also registering 9 tackles and recovering a fumble against Suwannee. After winning last week 40-24, First Coast is up next for the Commanders.
5. Creekside (5-0)- The Knights just keep on winning. They defeated Sandalwood 20-16 last week and Chiles on Thursday night football 35-21. They are the talk of the town and deservingly, at 5-0 for the first time in school history. Preston Strope, Jacob Dennie, Maxwell Robinson, and Vince Approbato are leading the way. Next Friday 10/01/21, they face Mandarin.
6. Raines (2-1)- Raines showed Jackson that they still have a long way to go to catch the Vikings on the gridiron defeating the Tigers 31-14. Many thought the game would be closer, but it wasn’t thanks to the new weapons Coach Masuline as found. He’s putting his best players on the field, playing wide receiver Kareem Burke at running back, corner back Reshawn Latimer Jr at quarterback. Latimer and Burke have sparked the offense, Buke rushed for 208 yards and a TD. Kyree Hammond registered an interception. They look to delve Clearwater International their second straight defeat at the hands of a team from Duval!
7. St. Augustine (2-1)- St. Augustine defeated Middleburg 54-37 rushing for a whopping 452 yards. Devonte Lyons rushed for 262 yards and 5 TDs in the game. Drake Luck had an interception, while also registering 1 of the Jacket’s 3 sacks for St. Augustine. It’s time for the annual St. Augustine vs Bartram battle this Friday!
8. Bartram Trail (3-1)– The Bears mauled the Mustangs 23-8 last Friday to get their third win on the season. Other players are stepping up including Liam Padron kicked three field goals in the win. Now Eric Weatherly and company now must keep the streak alive and win against the Jackets this Friday.
9. Union County (3-0)– We welcome Union County to the Top 10 of the power rankings for the first time this year. The Tigers looked more impressive against Bradford, who was a common opponent of University Christian and Baker County who are situated just below them in the power rankings. Caleb Crawford has rushed for 278 yards and 3 TDs on the season.
10. University Christian (3-1)– UC defeated Bradford 27-20 thanks to a late touchdown by the Christians. Alvonte’ Toliver rushed and Desirrio Riles both eclipsed 100 yards each in the victory. UC is banged up at the moment, losing key starters on both sides of the ball. Like getting caught walking the wrong way through a revolving door, UC must face Bolls.
Outside Looking In: Baker County (3-1), Columbia (3-1), Nease (3-1), Bishop Kenny (4-0), Oakleaf (2-2)
