Northeast Florida — Week 5 gave the Duval Sports D1 Top 25 plenty to consider. Raines took control of the biggest game of the week with a 31-13 win over Mandarin, Columbia remained undefeated after rallying past Trinity Christian, Bradford stayed perfect with a 48-10 win over Tocoi Creek, and Ed White picked up one of the biggest wins of the season by defeating Camden County 48-44.
There was also movement throughout the middle of the rankings. Bartram Trail edged Creekside 10-9, Ponte Vedra defeated Fleming Island 31-18, and West Nassau took control of the Nassau County rivalry with a 28-7 win over Yulee.
Here are the Duval Sports D1 Week 6 Top 25 Power Rankings, including each team’s previous ranking, last week’s result, key performers and this week’s opponent.
1. Raines Vikings (5-0)
Previous: No. 1 | No change
Raines stays at No. 1 after taking down No. 7 Mandarin 31-13 in the biggest game of Week 5. The Vikings have now won 20 straight games. TJ Williamson, Tacori Allen, Travis Dixon Jr. and Roderick Adams Jr. were selected as Raines’ players of the game, with Williamson continuing to lead the ground attack.
Raines has walked the walk with one of the toughest schedules in the area. Oakleaf, Ed White and now Mandarin have met their demise. They can be the talk of the state defeating Venice next week after the bye. As for now, Coach Masline can rest, and plan for the second half, as they eye back to back titles.
This week: BYE. Raines returns Oct. 2 against Venice.
2. Columbia Tigers (5-0)
Previous: No. 3 | ▲1
Columbia moves into the No. 2 spot after another impressive victory. The Tigers erased a 20-6 deficit to defeat Trinity Christian 27-20, remaining undefeated at 5-0. Running back Jerome Horne has been a major part of Columbia’s offensive success, while the Tigers’ defense continues to make timely plays.
At this point they are the unquestioned second best team in Northeast Florida based on the strength of schedule. Bolles on the road:Win.. Madison County: Win.. Trinity on the road: Win.. I know Coach Brian Allen would love a crack at Raines, and one of his former stars that currently plays for the Vikings. They’ll have to wait another time for that, as the two teams are not on the schedule.
This week: vs. Riverside.
3. Bradford Tornadoes (5-0)
Previous: No. 4 | ▲1
Bradford continues to roll. The Tornadoes dominated Tocoi Creek 48-10, improving to 5-0. Drew Simmons was the game’s leading rusher with 219 yards on 24 carries, while quarterback Cy Cubbedge completed 9 of 11 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Koy Hartley also caught a touchdown pass.
Their schedule has not been particularly tough as they have blown lots of teams out. Although we will see this week how they fair against Madison County, a much tougher test than recent weeks. It’s on the road so it will be a tough environment, but the result will tell us a lot about Bradford and if they belong at the top with the Columbia’s and Raines’ of the Rankings.
This week: at Madison County.
4. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets (6-0)
Previous: No. 5 | ▲1
St. Augustine remained perfect with a 24-20 victory over Orlando Evans. The Yellow Jackets continue to get strong production from quarterback Cash Downey, running back Chance Carter and receivers Anthony Washington, Ry’Lend Williams and Ray’shawn Jeffries. Carter has rushed for 405 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while Downey has thrown 10 touchdown passes.
St. Augustine’s win over Evans was the statement they needed around the state that this team is legit.
This week: St. Augustine defeated Clay Thursday, September 24th 37-13. Chance Carter rushed for two touchdowns, while quarterback Cash Downey hooked up with Dexter Baker for a score. Nate Preston got back into the endzone, and even the defense got into the scoring action with a Mason Beane sack fumble resulting in a Tray Campbell
5. Ed White Commanders (3-1)
Previous: No. 6 | ▲1
Ed White moves up after one of the most impressive wins in the program’s recent history. The Commanders defeated Camden County 48-44 in Georgia.
Quarterback King Boylston was sensational on the ground, rushing for 205 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries, including the game-winning touchdown with less than 30 seconds remaining. King Mercer added 37 receiving yards.
Raines, Camden, Trinity, Ed White has faced tough challenges head on, and come out on the other side of the mid-season mark 3-1. That is a winning formula for Coach Johnson.
This week: vs. Yulee.
6. Bolles Bulldogs (3-1)
Previous: No. 7 | ▲1
Bolles made one of the biggest statements of Week 5 by defeating Oakleaf 42-24. The Bulldogs dominated the second half and have now won four straight meetings against the Knights.
Xander Edwards led the way with 165 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries. Quarterback Luke Toland threw three touchdown passes.
After a week 1 shocker at home loss against Columbia, Bolles has won 3 straight. They haven’t been challenged locally by a team ranked higher than them, so we are still waiting to see who this team really is when matched against a Top 5 team.
This week: vs. Baldwin.
7. Mandarin Mustangs (3-1)
Previous: No. 2 | ▼5
Mandarin takes the biggest drop in this week’s rankings after suffering its first loss, falling to Raines 31-13. The Mustangs struggled to protect quarterback Knox Annis, who completed 8 of 17 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Shaunqueze Foster rushed for 68 yards, while five-star athlete Brysen Wright caught three passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Mandarin now gets an immediate opportunity to respond against Fletcher.
Mandarin can bounce back big with a win over Fletcher.
This week: vs. No. 8 Fletcher.
8. Fletcher Senators (4-1)
Previous: No. 8 | No change
Fletcher remains No. 8 after shutting out First Coast 48-0. The Senators have won three straight since their loss to Plant City.
Quarterback Ty Keister completed 13 of 18 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Jahmyri Jennings rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Chase Durden added 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Fletcher has waited for this game. They have played them close in recent years, and look to finally shock the area with a victory over the Mustangs.
This week: at No. 7 Mandarin.
9. Oakleaf Knights (2-2)
Previous: No. 9 | No change
Oakleaf falls to 2-2 after losing to Bolles 42-24. The Knights battled for four quarters but struggled to slow down the Bulldogs’ explosive offense.
Syncere Murphy remains one of Oakleaf’s key offensive weapons, while Isaiah Pierre-Val continues to be a leader on defense.
Jaiden Delaune and Mike Conner lead the offense
Oakleaf has been steady at the mid-season mark. They look to bounce back against West Port after falling to Bolles.
This week: vs. West Port.
10. Trinity Christian Conquerors (2-3)
Previous: No. 10 | No change
Trinity dropped a tough one to Columbia 27-20 after holding a 20-6 lead in the second quarter. The Conquerors remain one of the area’s most experienced programs, but the loss puts them at 2-3.
Quarterback Terel Dallas and the Trinity defense led by Terrell Pinkney and Adrian Williams will be important as the Conquerors try to bounce back. Christian Washington has been a secret weapon on both sides of the ball for Trinity.
This week: at NFEI.
11. University Christian Fighting Christians (3-2)
Previous: No. 11 | No change
UC delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, defeating NFEI 42-14. The Fighting Christians controlled the game and improved to 3-2.
Quarterback Harrison Leddy and running back Kyree Wilson remain important pieces of the offense.
UC has had a very productive and promising start of the season. A close loss ot Madison County and Trinity, both on the road are the only blemishes on a record that saw them out again both opponents in losses. Their consistency is a credit to their coaching, they win the games they are supposed to, and they’ll look to keep that going tonight.
This week: vs. Impact Christian.
12. Bartram Trail Bears (4-1)
Previous: No. 15 |
Bartram Trail won a defensive battle against Creekside, edging the Knights 10-9 on a late 30-yard field goal by Caleb Smith. Jonah Roberson sealed the victory with an interception late in the game.
The Bears now get another important district matchup. Bartram is back and their schedule has seen them face Fletcher, Creekside, and now Ponte Vedra. Going 2-1 with those teams would be a successful mid-season goal for Coach Cory Johns and company.
This week: vs. Ponte Vedra.
13. Baker County Wildcats (4-1)
Previous: No. 13 |
Baker County defeated Palatka 22-7 to improve to 4-1. The Wildcats continue to rely on their physical running game and defense.
Detron Ruise leads the team in rushing, Peyton Jones leads the team in receiving on offense and interceptions on defense. While Josh Clark leads the team in tackles and sacks.
Bake County has made an impressive turn around from last year. At the mid-season mark, Coach Jamie Rodgers and staff look to take down a tough Godby team in Tallahassee.
This week: at Godby.
14. Creekside Knights (3-2)
Previous: No. 12 |
Creekside suffered a heartbreaking 10-9 loss to Bartram Trail. The Knights moved the ball well enough to stay in the game but could not hold off Bartram’s late field goal.
Rozzi Sperry, Timmy Goodrich and Davis Baldwin remain the central pieces of Creekside’s offense, while linebacker Sutton Hooker continues to lead the defense.
At the mid-season mark, Creekside has battled Nease, Fletcher, and Bartram Trail. It’s an impressive resume for an above .500 team for Coach Sean MacIntyre and company.
This week: at No. 25 Sandalwood.
15. Nease Panthers (2-3)
Previous: No. 14 |
Nease was off last week after losing to Mandarin 32-14. The Panthers have been led offensively by Chase Phifer and Enrique Ordoñez, while linebacker Devon Wentley and pass rusher Chase Bogle have been defensive standouts.
After a very tough road against Mandarin, and Creekside, Nease has rebounded impressively. their most recent win has Coach Collin Drafts and company one game within .500 at the midway mark.
This week: Nease defeated Beachside 49-14 Thursday, September 24th. Quarterback Aiden Phifer ran a TD in the route.
16. Ponte Vedra Sharks (2-3)
Previous: No. 18 |
Ponte Vedra has quietly put together a two-game winning streak. The Sharks defeated Fleming Island 31-18, following their earlier win over Beachside.
The Sharks finished with 240 passing yards and 146 rushing yards against Fleming Island, while their defense recorded four sacks.
Alex Winkles leads the team in rushing averaging 84 yards a game a;pmg with 6 TDs. Cade Turner also has 6 TDs on the season.
After a very slow start, the Sharks are lurking back towards the top again. A win over rival Bartram can get them back to .500 and back up the rankings just at the right time.
This week: at Bartram Trail.
17. Middleburg Broncos (3-2)
Previous: No. 19 |
Middleburg earned a dramatic 20-17 overtime victory over Newberry. Freshman Khaden Robinson continued to make an impact, rushing for 77 yards and a touchdown while adding seven receiving yards.
The Broncos have now won two of their last three. Coach Wolfe’s crew are getting hot at the right time.
This week: at Ridgeview.
18. West Nassau Warriors (4-0-1)
Previous: No. 18 |
West Nassau remains unbeaten after taking down Yulee 28-7 in the Nassau County rivalry. The Warriors’ physical rushing attack once again controlled the game.
Shamoi Green has been the team’s leading rusher and top scoring threat, while Nate Batrous has been a defensive leader.
West Nassau took down who many thought were the Kings if the County in Yulee. Now, the Warriors can cement their claim as County champs tonight.
This week: at Fernandina Beach.
19. Fleming Island Golden Eagles (2-3)
Previous: No. 20|
Fleming Island moves up to No. 19 despite losing to Ponte Vedra 31-18. The Golden Eagles played a competitive game but struggled to slow Ponte Vedra’s defense, which recorded four sacks.
Zion Longmire and Greyson Critch remain key players for the Golden Eagles.
Fleming Island has had an up and down first half of the season. They’ve beaten the teams they are supposed to be at, yet fallen to the teams that were more competitive. They have to learn to get over the hump.Getting to .500 today is a perfect start
This week: at Orange Park.
20. Bishop Kenny Crusaders (1-3)
Previous: No. 17 |
Bishop Kenny fell to Merritt Island 45-23. Despite the loss, running back Caleb Mattison continued to produce, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. B. O’Neill also caught a touchdown pass.
After a tough first half of the year, Kenny gets a much needed reprieve so they can regroup at the mid-season mark, and makes run at the playoffs.
This week: BYE.
21. NFEI Eagles (3-1)
Previous: No. 22 |
NFEI suffered its first loss of the season, falling to University Christian 42-14. The Eagles entered the game unbeaten at 3-0 and now face another difficult opponent immediately.
They get no time to worry about that game as they host Trinity Christian this week in back to back district powerhouses.
This week: vs. Trinity Christian.
22. Ribault Trojans (3-1)
Previous: No. 24 |
Ribault bounced back from its loss to Columbia by defeating Ridgeview 18-10. The Trojans are now 3-1 and continue to receive strong production from Javion Willis, Terence Croley and Taevaughn Winters.
The Trojans are a great story at 3-1. Now they just have to keep the momentum and keep playing like they have nothing to lose.
This week: vs. Englewood.
23. Jackson Tigers (3-1)
Previous: Unranked |
Jackson made a statement by shutting out Paxon 21-0. The Tigers are now 3-1 and have won three of their first four games.
Jaysahn Patton has been one of Jackson’s leading offensive players, while Hans Price has provided steady quarterback play. The defense also held Paxon scoreless.
Jackson has impressed this year with quality wins and competitive losses. They deserve to be in the Top 25 after their win over Paxon. We heard you loud and clear Tiger fans. They won and we delivered on our promise.
This week: vs. KIPP Bold City.
24. Episcopal Eagles (5-0)
Previous: No. 23 |
Episcopal was off last week but remains perfect at 5-0. The Eagles have been one of the most dominant small-school programs in Northeast Florida, outscoring opponents 221-38 through five games.
Amir Allen has been the team’s leading rusher and touchdown producer, while Brayden Wessinger has been a leading receiving threat.
At the mid-season mark, many didn’t have the Eagles as one of the only undefeated teams left. Episcopal has beaten everyone in front of them. A big fish swimming in a small pond, is still a big fish. They look to devour Duval Charter this week at the mid-way mark.
This week: at Duval Charter.
25. Sandalwood Mighty Saints (4-1)
Previous: Not ranked | NEW
Sandalwood makes its debut in the Duval Sports D1 Top 25 after destroying Westside 63-6. The Mighty Saints have now won four games this season after enduring a 29-game losing streak over the previous three seasons.
Quarterback Jaime Rodriguez threw for 195 yards and five touchdowns, while Michael Hills caught four passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Hills has been one of the area’s most productive all-around players, averaging 225 all-purpose yards per game and scoring 17 touchdowns. Jarelle Sims has passed for 707 yards and rushed for 347yds in 4 games.
Even with a different quarterback, new head coach Malik Reaves has the Saints off to a 4-1 start their best start since 2020.They played Fletcher tough, now they have a tough test against Creekside. A win here would be extremely big for the program, and a big upset in the area.
This week: vs. No. 14 Creekside
Week 6 Games to Watch
Week 6 features several games that could dramatically affect the next rankings.
Bradford at Madison County
The undefeated Tornadoes face their toughest test of the season in Madison County. Bradford enters the game at 5-0.
Fletcher at Mandarin
This is one of the biggest games of the week. Mandarin is coming off its first loss, while Fletcher enters after a 48-0 shutout of First Coast.
Creekside at Sandalwood
A new Top 25 team meets a team trying to rebound from a one-point loss. Creekside is 3-2, while Sandalwood enters at 4-1.
Yulee at Ed White
Yulee will try to bounce back from its loss to West Nassau against an Ed White team that just stunned Camden County 48-44.
Ponte Vedra at Bartram Trail
Ponte Vedra enters with two straight wins, while Bartram Trail is coming off its 10-9 victory over Creekside.
Columbia vs. Riverside
Columbia enters Week 6 at 5-0 and has now won five straight to open the season.
