We’ve come to the final week of the regular season, and what a wild ride its been. Teams have come and gone week to week, however in this week 11 power rankings, a lot of familiar teams return to the Top 10. Not only are there playoff teams in the top 10, but there are a lot of playoff teams on the outside looking in. Let’s check out who made the power rankings below.
- Riverside (8-1)- The Generals took care of Business against Westside. Now it’s time for the Westside championship, renewing an old rivalry with Ed White. Riverside currently has the #5 spot in the playoffs and want to keep Lincoln from jumping them at #6. So they have to win to ensure that.
2. Bartram (8-1)- Bartram is playing the best football right now in the area. Their winning streak increased to six games and they welcome probably the hottest team in the state right now in Buchholz (8-1).
3. Bolles (6-2)- They’re still undefeated against Northeast Florida teams, but Bolles has been licking their wounds outside the area the last two weeks. Losses to Buchholz and now TRU Prep Academy have the Bulldogs looking to regain their bite against Mainland.
4. Trinity (6-4)- The Conquerors lost to Lincoln last night 19-6, ending the season on a three game losing streak. Backing into the post season is never good, but to their credit it’s been a murders row of seven games to which they went 3-4. That’s not bad. They were looking to leap University Christian to have the #1 spot in the region, but that might not happen especially if UC wins today. That spot retains home field advantage throughout. Honestly, I don’t think Trinity cares if they are #1 or #2. They’ll play anywhere, especially in the playoffs.
5. Raines (7-2)- The Vikings final game of the season was cancelled, so they end their season on a five game winning streak and currently the #1 seed in their region. They hope Baker County’s RPI wont leap them after the Baldwin game. The Vikings are playing with lots of confidence heading to the playoffs.
6. Baker County (7-2)- That’s right, Baker County plays Baldwin (6-2) in hopes that their RPI increases over Raines for playoff seeding. Noah Ray torched Suwannee with five total touchdowns last week. He and the Wildcats look to keep their 4-game winning streak going to end the regular season.
7. Columbia (6-4)- The Tigers are literally limping into the playoffs after a poor showing against Raines. They are hoping that the week 11 rest gives them enough time to heal. As of now, they are the #4 seed and would have a rematch against Riverside in round one. Not exactly the re-matchup any team wants to see so early. But they’ll be ready.
8. St. Augustine (5-3)- The Jackets missed out on a optimal opportunity to win their district. Now, they must hope that a win over Palatka will give them enough RPI edge to edge in front of #8 Rickards that sits in front of them. Rickards has Madison County tonight.
9. Creekside (7-2)- Welcome back Creekside to the power rankings after Preston Strope’s 300 plus yard, 5 touchdown performance. The work horse is built for the playoffs, amassing 48 carries in their win over Oakleaf. Creekside currently is in the playoffs in 8A, they have a tough Ponte Vedra team today.
10. Ed White (6-2)- The Commanders round out the top 10 after their dramatic defeat of Terry Parker last week. Christian Ellis ran for 244 yards and a touchdown against Parker. Davaughn Patterson scored two touchdowns in the game. However Gabriel ” Red” Garmon was the player of the game, coming up with big grab after big grab, including the big catch at the 1-yard line to set up the winning score. Ed White is firmly in the playoffs after the win, a great job by Head Coach Lawrence Johnson. Now it’s all about pride, and westside bragging rights against who many believe to be the #1 team in the area (Riverside). A renewed rivalry.
Outside looking in: Union County (9-0), Nease (7-3), Atlantic Coast (5-4), Bishop Kenny (6-2), Jackson (6-3)
