Our week 7 power rankings received lots of various opinions last week. Click the link to view them on Facebook. The question that seems to be the hot topic in the area is who is better, the undefeated St. Augustine Yellowjackets, or the undefeated Raines Vikings?
Unfortunately, we won’t see this matchup on the field this year, but after 8 weeks, although Raines has more impressive wins, St. Augustine has the more difficult schedule. St. Augustine remains #1 for the third straight week, but a win over Madison County would boost the Vikings strength of schedule, and with that comes strong consideration for the Vikings to flip flop with the Jackets for the top spot on the weekly power rankings.
1. St. Augustine (6-0)
The Yellow Jackets stay No. 1 after their bye week. Before, they had another week of explosive offense and timely defense. Their 41–21 win over Columbia (9/26) was powered by Somourian Wingo (151 receiving yards, 2 TDs) and Durell Preston (104 rushing yards, 2 TDs). St. Augustine’s balanced attack — high-octane passing and downhill running — plus consistent pressure up front, keeps them the standard in the region. St. Augustine visits Clay.
2. Raines (5-0)
Raines continued to steamroll opponents in the window, posting blowouts that showcased all three phases. Highlights: a 49–0 demolition of Riverside and a 53–0 Northwest Classic win over Ribault. TJ (Timothy) Cole has been ultra-efficient (season totals entering mid-October included ~788 pass yards, 12 TDs, 1 INT per local previews) and in individual games posted lines like ~170 pass yds with multiple TDs and 50+ rushing yards. Tadarius Washington (multiple rushing TDs in big wins) and playmakers Ethan Sherman and Ziyon Butler added big receiving days. Defensively, Troy Butler and Tony Williams anchored a unit creating turnovers and TFLs.
3. Mandarin (6-1)
Mandarin kept rolling through mid-October with quality wins over First Coast (9/26) and Rockledge (10/3). Knox Annis. tossed 234 yards and 4 TDs in the First Coast game, while Brysen Wright continued to impact in multiple phases — returning kicks and making big plays downfield. Mandarin’s offense is fast and versatile; they’ll need to sustain it against the area’s best. They have strong wins over Creekside, Bradford, and Rockledge. Mandarin welcomes Fletcher in a key battle this week.
4. Bolles (5-1)
Bolles’ power run game and opportunistic defense have them solidly in the top four. Earlier in the month Xander Edwards delivered a monster rushing output of 522 yards, and 8 TDs in a key outing versus Baldwin. The Bulldogs’ ability to win both shootouts and grind-out games shows depth and playmakers on both lines. Their wins over Monarch and Oakleaf are their most significant wins on the schedule. Bolles takes on Jackson this week.
5. Nease (4-2)
Nease remains dangerous despite a narrow loss to St. Augustine, and 27-7 defeat at the hands of Buchholz.. Their offense has produced multi-score outputs. QB/skill combinations continue to move the chains. Aiden Phifer has passed for 1,148 passing yards and 9 TDs. Enrique Ordoñez has rushed for 598 yards and 4 TDs. They’re still a matchup problem for most teams when execution is sharp as they have wins over Lincoln, Creekside, and Fletcher. Nease takes on Bartram Trail.
6. Bradford (6-1)
Bradford’s defense was a season hallmark in this stretch — including impressive shutout performances — while RBs and special teams delivered explosive plays. The Tornadoes’ paint-it-black defensive identity keeps them competitive every week. Nate Raymond has 6 sacks, Jy’quez Cason has 2 ints. Bradford’s defense will hope to avenge their losses to Newberry from last year.
7. Columbia (6-1)
Columbia’s 9/26 loss to St. Augustine tested the Tigers, but they rebounded and stayed disciplined. The offense showed quick-strike capability; the defense has produced enough stops to keep Columbia in the top-10 mix. They defeated Manatee 35-0. Xavier Collins has passed for 1,127 yards and 11 TDs. Kyren Caldwell has 497 yards receiving and 11 TDs. Columbia visits Ridgeview.
8. Oakleaf (5-1)
Oakleaf’s recent wins including a 38-9 victory over Fletcher and disruptive front-seven play have them climbing. QB-WR connections produced timely TDs and the defense registers frequent back-field pressure. Jack McKissock passed for 263 yards and 4 TDs. Fareed Coleman rushed for 128 yards and a score. Oakleaf faces First Coast this week.
9. Ed White
Ed White’s window included a wild 52–49 shootout loss to Merritt Island (King Boylston: 115 rush yds + 185 pass yds, multiple TDs) and a bounce-back win over Atlantic Coast. The Commanders can score in bunches — their challenge is limiting opponent big plays. They have an easy one against Sandalwood this Friday.
10. Beachside (5-1)
Beachside rounds out the Top-10 off a strong Oct. 3 showing (45–14 over Tocoi Creek) and consistent two-way play. QB leadership and a fast linebacker corps have helped them climb; they’ll need signature wins to move up further. In four games, Edward Jordan passed for 1,265 yards and 12 TDs. They have also defeated Ponte Vedra. Beachside takes on Fleming Island this week.
Middleburg (6-0), Yulee (6-0), Ponte Vedra (4-2), Bishop Kenny (4-2), University Christian (5-2)
