We have a new number one team atop the Power Rankings this week as lots of big contests on showdown Friday resulted in lots of movement on the Top 10. The hottest teams down the stretch are the ones who are putting together winning streaks at the right time. Some have not lost at all;. But one thing is for sure, there are many teams coming for them as the regular season nears its conclusion.
- Bartram (7-0)– The Bears take over the top spot after an impressive beating of Rival Creekside last week. They have been coming for the top spot all season and took it just as their defense has taken the ball away from opponents. Today they face undefeated Buchholz for the district title.
2. Trinity Christian (8-0)– The Conquerors fell one spot this week, but not because they’re win wasn’t impressive. Defeating an undefeated University Christian team last week without their starting quarterback was extremely impressive. It showed why this team is superbly coached, with the most dominant rushing attack in Northeast Florida. They cruised over Christ’s Church last night 47-14 but the big question remains. How long will Colin Hurley be out? Because tougher opponents will be coming for TC.
3. Bradford (7-0)– The Torandoes moved up to #3 this week from #5 last week. Still undefeated and still shutting out teams. They defeated Tocoi Creek 27-0 last week, their sixth goose egg of the season. They are coming for an undefeated season. Dunnellon (5-2) is on deck for them, a big test tonight.
4. Raines (5-1)– The Vikings make a big jump from #8 last week to #4 this week, although they didn’t play anyone because of their bye week. They jumped Jackson because of their more decisive wins against common opponents. They defeated Riverside 34-14, and defeated Ribault 30-19. On the other hand, Jackson escaped Riverside last week 6-2, and defeated Ribault earlier this year 21-6. Raines has a tune up with Atlantic Coast(0-7) before they come for undefeated Jackson next week.
5. Jackson (6-0)– The official record may say 6-1 because of a loss to Brunswick (Ga) during kickoff classic weekend, but the Tigers are still undefeated in the eyes of many including myself. Against Brunswick, even though FHSAA has a rule that out of state opponents for kickoff classics count, Jackson rotated backups and treated the game like a tune up for the regular season, and it worked. All they’ve done since is win 6 in a row, including an ugly contest against Riverside(2-6) last week. They fell two slots from #3 because of it. Now, they face the Class 5A State semifinal runners-up Baker County Wildcats (5-2) tonight.
6. Creekside (5-2)– The Knights had a tough showing at home against Bartram last week. It was very dissappointing for the home crowd, as many thought this would be the year that they’d get the best of their Race Track road rival. No time to dwell on the past though, as they turn the page quickly to a 4-2 Fleming Island team in back to back big district battles.
7. Bolles (5-3)– The Bulldogs are barking again after a 3-game winning streak. Bishop Kenny at 7-1 is next up tonight and they have been coming for Bolles the last few years. This one has been fun and exciting the last few years, and the records would suggest the same for 2022.
8. Univrsity Christian (7-1)– UC was coming for Trinity all season but fell to them last week in a very close game. Normally, a loss like that wouldn’t drop a team from #4 to # 8 the following week. Yet, considering the fact that the Christians couldn’t conquer the Conquerors without their starting quarterback playing, said alot. UC is a good team, but they’re just not deep enough to win against top teams with deeper rosters, as they’re best players play iron man football all game. They have Terry Parker (2-6) today.
9. Fleming Island (5-2)– What a big win by the Golden Eagles against Mandarin. They needed a win like this to regain their swagger and confidence. It’s come right on time as Fleming Island is in a dog fight and coming for a playoff spot. District foe Creekside is on deck fighting for the same.
10. Fletcher (6-2)– The Senators have won 5 games in a row, including a 26-14 win over District opponent Englewood last week. They can wrap up the district title tonight with a win over First Coast (4-2). They’re coming for back to back district championships, in the first two years of Head Coach Ciatrick Fason’s tenure.
Outside looking in: Ed White (4-2), Union County (4-2), Oakleaf (3-4), Mandarin (4-3), Columbia (4-3)
