Northeast Florida- The Power Rankings on Duval Sports aren’t the “popular rankings”. Meaning, you won’t see teams show up in this Top 10 just because they have a good record, or because they have a strong fan base, or because they have lots of state championships in their history. No, each rankings is based off the work that each team has done the previous week, to earn their spot on the list. The teams that are finishing strong are the ones to look out for before playoffs. So let’s see where the teams fall this week, on the week #11 rankings.
- Bartram Trail (9-0)- Only Mandarin stands in their way of an undefeated regular season. Bartram made it look easy against Oakleaf last week, who has given the best teams fits all year. What differentiates the Bears from the other top teams is their effeciency on offense, and quality of opponents. They are scoring lots of points, and beatign the best teams. They have 5-3 distrcit champion Mandarin tonight.
2. Bradford (9-0)- Last week Bradford took down Palatka. No team has come within 14 points of the Torandoes. Also, they’ve only yielded 21 points to opposing offenses all year. Their only achillies heal is the passing game. Primarily a running team, if Bradford is challenged to pass the ball by an elite offense, they could be in for a long night. Suwannee (7-2) may attempt to do that this Friday.
3. Trinity Christian (9-0)- Munroe (4-5) comes to town tonight, so we get to see how the Conquerors stack up against a common opponent with Bradford. Trinity can complete an undefeated regular season with a win. Something neither one of their back to back championship teams have done.
4. Jackson (8-0)- Defeating Raines 21-12 last week was a major mile-stone for Jackson. Make that 8 in a row since falling in their kickoff classic to Brunswick High. Although it won’t count as an undefeated regular season due to FHSAA rules which state that a kickoff classic game out of state counts as an official game. Yet in still, Jackson can complete an “unofficial” undefeated season if they defeat (5-3) First Coast tonight.
5. University Christian (9-1)- Bishop Kenny was riding high off their win agaisnt Bolles last week, however University Christian knocked them off their high horse with a 29-10 victory last night. Dwayne Stuckey found Jenoa Alford for a touchdown connection. Alan Woods also scored on a touchdown run. However the star of the night was Orel Gray with over 200 all purpose yards including a kickoff return for a touchdown agaisnt Kenny. What a regular season by U.C.
6. Creekside (7-2)- Creekside has a very tough test tonight against Ponte Vedra. Don’t let their 4 losses fool you, the Sharks are forreal. However, the Knights have navigated the toughest district in NE Florida as their only 2 losses have come within the district. They can remain undefeated outside their district with the win.
7. Fleming Island (4-4)- The Golden Eagles close the season against rival Orange Park on Friday. It’s not the result they wanted, going winless in the district, but this team is still one of the best in the area. They also have one of the most talented rosters as well. Just ask the Top 10 teams they’ve faced this year.
8. Mandarin (5-3)- The Mustangs are district champions after defeating Sandalwood last week. They have gone undefeated in the Gateway conference, undefeated in their district, and can do what no one else has been able to do Friday, and that’s knock off undefeated Bartram Trail.
9. Fletcher ( 7-2)- Some have wondered why Fletcher isn’t higher on the list and it’s simple, strength of schedule. None of Fletcher’s opponents the last 6 weeks are in the Top 10. However, being a Top 10 team in the area is a major accomplishment. Especially for a district winner in the Senators. Nothing for the the salt life “Boys at the Beach” ( as they affectionately refer to themselves) to be salty about. They close the regular season against win-less Atlantic Coast.
10. Raines (6-2)- The Vikings are back in the power rankigns agina after the Bolles loss to Bishop Kenny, and Kenny’s loss to U.C last night. It was a tough game against Jackson which the team came up short against last week. But the Vikings can finish strong at 8-2 if they defeat Westside in the finale.
Outside looking in: Ed White (6-2), Ponte Vedra (5-4), Bishop Kenny (8-2), Union County (5-2), Columbia (6-3)
