This week is where 9 out of 10 won’t do. Or as the biblical scripture denotes, that 99 and a half won’t do. No, here in Week 9 of the Duval Sports D1 Power Rankings, it’s time for the top teams to prove that they are a 10. They must provee that they 100% belong where they claim to belong. Nease must prove they belong back where many had them at the beginning of the season. Columbia and Ed White must prove they belong among the elite of teams. Bradrod and University Christian must prove they belong in an epic showdow. While Jackson and Ribault both claim they belong higher in the rankings, well this week they can prove it against West Nassau and Yulee respectively.
No 9 isn’t enough if you are the best, you have to be a 10!
1. Raines Vikings (7-0)
This week: vs. Riverside
Raines remains the team to beat after a dominant 48-3 victory over Bishop Kenny on Monday. The Vikings pulled away with 28 points in the third quarter, showing how quickly their offense can break a game open. Quarterback Sa’mon Ellison-Morgan and running back TJ Williamson remain important offensive weapons, while defensive lineman Troy Butler has helped lead a physical defense. Raines, after beating state power Venice at home, and BK on the road now look to keep its unbeaten season rolling against a reeling Riverside team that just lost to Yulee.
2. Bradford Tornadoes (8-0)
This week: vs. University Christian
Bradford captured the District 4-2A title with a 34-17 win over Newberry, extending its perfect season to eight games. Quarterback Cy Cubbedge has been a major factor in the Tornadoes’ balanced attack, combining passing production with his ability to run. Receiver Kaidrin Jackson has also been a key scoring target, while running backs Iyen Addison and Drew Simmons provide a powerful ground game. The matchup with UC is one of the biggest tests remaining on Bradford’s schedule.
3. Columbia Tigers (7-0)
This week: at Ed White
Columbia had a bye last week after a high-scoring 51-28 win over Manatee. Quarterback Amari Green threw for 368 yards, while Kyren Caldwell caught two touchdown passes and finished with 152 receiving yards. Jaylon Willis also hauled in two touchdown receptions. The Tigers now face their most important district matchup of the season against Ed White, with the District 3-4A title at stake.
4. Ed White Commanders (6-1)
This week: vs. Columbia
Ed White delivered one of Week 8’s most emphatic results, overwhelming Ribault 52-7. The Commanders have multiple players capable of producing points, including Vedo Jones, Rontrez Loyd, and King Mercer, who all scored in the earlier comeback victory over Oakleaf. The Commanders’ defense has also stepped up during a strong stretch of football. Now, Ed White gets a chance to claim the district crown against undefeated Columbia.
5. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets (7-0)
This week: vs. Orange Park
St. Augustine stayed unbeaten with a commanding 55-0 shutout of Ridgeview. The Yellow Jackets have continued to pair offensive production with a defense that makes it difficult for opponents to stay in games. Linebacker Mason Lynch has been a defensive contributor during the season, and the team’s defensive intensity remains a major part of its success. Orange Park is next as St. Augustine looks to protect its perfect record.
6. Bolles Bulldogs (5-1)
This week: at Trinity Christian
Bolles put together a dominant performance in a 70-0 victory over KIPP Bold City. The Bulldogs have been dangerous on the ground and through the air. Running back Xander Edwards has shown his scoring ability this season, while quarterback Luke Toland has helped fuel the passing game. Bolles now turns its attention to Trinity Christian in a rivalry matchup that will provide a much tougher test than last week’s shutout.
7. Mandarin Mustangs (6-1)
This week: at Beachside
Mandarin handled Ponte Vedra 34-10, continuing to build momentum in the District 2-5A race. Running back Shaunqueze Foster has been a consistent scoring threat, while quarterback Knox Annis has several productive targets, including Brysen Wright, Will Jones, and Jace Kemp. The Mustangs now face Beachside, with an opportunity to take another step toward securing the district championship.
8. Trinity Christian Conquerors (3-4)
This week: vs. Bolles
Trinity Christian was off last week after a difficult 63-21 loss to Carrollwood Day. The Conquerors will need a stronger defensive performance and more consistency on offense to reverse their recent fortunes. A specific individual stat leader from the Carrollwood Day game was not identified in the available recap, so the focus now shifts to how the team responds against Bolles. The rivalry gives Trinity an opportunity to make a statement.
9. University Christian Christians (6-2)
This week: at Bradford
UC continued its strong run with a 59-6 win over Williston. The Christians have been led by quarterback Harrison Leddy, who has thrown for multiple touchdowns this season, and versatile athlete Kyree Wilson, who provides a dangerous rushing threat. Receivers Jacoby Walker and Jake Contner have also been important parts of the passing attack. UC now faces unbeaten Bradford in a major test of its playoff credentials.
10. Oakleaf Knights (3-4)
This week: vs. Matanzas
Oakleaf’s scheduled Week 8 game against Ocala Forest was postponed and moved to Monday. The Knights entered that matchup after a 21-18 loss to Ed White, when Vedo Jones, King Mercer, and Rontrez Loyd helped drive the Commanders’ comeback. Oakleaf needs to regain momentum as it prepares for Matanzas. Its ability to finish drives and limit big plays will be important down the stretch.
11. Nease Panthers (4-3)
This week: at Bartram Trail
Nease picked up one of its most important wins of the season, defeating Fletcher 31-27 in a key district matchup. Quarterback Aiden Phifer has been a productive passer, while running back Nate Hodge has supplied a strong rushing option. The victory kept Nease in the District 2-5A race. The Panthers now face Bartram Trail in another matchup with major implications for the district standings.
12. Bartram Trail Bears (6-1)
This week: vs. Nease
Bartram Trail showed resilience by rallying from a large deficit to defeat Beachside 33-26. The Bears’ offense has benefited from the running of Blake Soares and the passing of Xander Camus, with Cam Ganther providing another receiving threat. Bartram now hosts Nease in a district contest that could influence the race for the 2-5A title.
13. Fletcher Senators (4-3)
This week: at Ponte Vedra
Fletcher came up just short in a 31-27 loss to Nease. The Senators had opportunities in a close district battle but could not secure the win. Quarterback Ty Keister and receiver Chase Durden have connected for scores this season and will be among the offensive players Fletcher needs to make plays as it moves forward. The Senators travel to Ponte Vedra looking to bounce back.
14. Creekside Knights (5-2)
This week: at Flagler Palm Coast
Creekside delivered a statement performance, blanking Atlantic Coast 46-0. The Knights raced to a 25-0 first-quarter lead and reached 40 points by midway through the second quarter. The shutout also reinforced their position near the top of District 1-6A. Specific individual statistics were not included in the available game recap, but the Knights’ balanced effort on both sides of the ball stood out.
15. Baker County Wildcats (5-2)
This week: vs. Fort White
Baker County shut out Suwannee 42-0, earning an important win as it pursues a strong playoff position. Quarterback Kelden Dupree threw four touchdown passes, powering the Wildcats’ offense. Baker County now faces Fort White, another opponent that will test its ability to maintain its momentum. The Wildcats have a chance to add another quality win and strengthen their position in the rankings.
16. Ponte Vedra Sharks (2-5)
This week: vs. Fletcher
Ponte Vedra fell 34-10 to Mandarin in a district matchup. Quarterback Carter Sole has looked to receivers such as Cade Turner and Trent Player to create explosive plays, while the Sharks continue working to find consistency against strong opponents. Fletcher presents another district challenge, and a win would help Ponte Vedra regain confidence during the final stretch of the regular season.
17. Middleburg Broncos (5-2)
This week: at Fleming Island
Middleburg’s Week 8 game against Orange Park was interrupted by weather with the Broncos leading 15-13 early in the third quarter. The game was postponed, leaving the finish unresolved in the published recap. Running back Khaden Robinson has been a key offensive contributor for the Broncos this season. Middleburg now turns its attention to Fleming Island, another important matchup as district play continues.
18. West Nassau Warriors (6-1-1)
This week: at Jackson
West Nassau entered the latest stretch with an unbeaten record before taking on out-of-state opponent West Deptford. The Warriors’ earlier 49-12 win over Providence showcased their ability to score in bunches. A complete individual stat line from the West Deptford game was not available in the recap reviewed, so the focus now shifts to the matchup with Jackson. That contest will be a major test for both teams.
19. Clay Blue Devils (5-2)
This week: vs. Ridgeview
Clay’s Week 8 game against Fleming Island was postponed after weather interrupted play with the Blue Devils ahead 11-6. The game is scheduled to be completed later, so it did not produce a normal final result in the available report. Clay now prepares for Ridgeview. The Blue Devils will need a disciplined performance to keep their season moving in the right direction.
20. Bishop Kenny Crusaders (2-4)
This week: vs. Zarephath Academy
Bishop Kenny struggled against Raines, falling 48-3 on Monday. The Crusaders were held scoreless until a third-quarter field goal, while Raines pulled away with a big scoring run. Quarterback TJ Belton and receiver Andrew McCoy Jr. are among Bishop Kenny’s key offensive players. The Crusaders now have a chance to respond against Zarephath Academy.
21. Ribault Trojans (5-2)
This week: at Yulee
Ribault ran into a tough Ed White team and lost 52-7. Quarterback Leo Taylor has been a key part of the Trojans’ offense, with running backs Jayden Mills and Ja’Hari Payne offering additional options on the ground. Ribault will look to regroup against Yulee and get its offense back on track after a difficult outing.
22. Jackson Tigers (6-1)
This week: at West Nassau
Jackson recorded a 14-0 shutout of Baldwin, using a strong defensive performance to keep its winning season on track. Quarterback Hans Price has been a major playmaker for the Tigers, throwing and running for scores in earlier games, while defensive standout Chris Winfrey has made an impact with tackles for loss and takeaways. Jackson now travels to West Nassau for a matchup between two of the area’s most intriguing teams.
23. Episcopal Eagles (9-0)
This week: at Eagle’s View — Thursday result
Episcopal continued its unbeaten season by defeating Wolfson 41-8 in Week 8. The Eagles have remained one of the most consistent teams in the area, using strong team execution to maintain their winning streak. The published recap confirmed the result but did not provide individual player statistics. Episcopal then faced Eagle’s View on Thursday as it pursued a ninth win.
24. NFEI Eagles (3-3)
This week: vs. Taylor County
NFEI’s most recent completed game before its bye was a heartbreaking 35-34 double-overtime loss to Episcopal. The Eagles came close to handing Episcopal its first defeat but fell just short in the extra periods. A detailed individual stat line was not available in the recap reviewed. NFEI now faces Taylor County with an opportunity to get back into the win column.
25. Hilliard Flashes (7-0)
This week: at Dixie County
Hilliard remains one of the area’s most exciting unbeaten teams after a 46-27 victory over Aucilla Christian. Running back DJ Alderman delivered a standout performance, rushing for 196 yards and three touchdowns while also returning a kickoff 90 yards for a score. Alderman’s production has been central to Hilliard’s strong season. The Flashes now travel to Dixie County aiming to keep their perfect record intact.
Week 9 games to watch
Columbia at Ed White: A district-title showdown between two of Northeast Florida’s top teams.
University Christian at Bradford: An unbeaten Bradford squad faces a UC team looking to earn a major statement win.
Nease at Bartram Trail: A key District 2-5A matchup with implications for the championship race.
Jackson at West Nassau: Two ranked teams meet in a matchup that could affect both teams’ postseason momentum.
Bolles at Trinity Christian: A rivalry game that could provide a turning point for Trinity’s season.
Hilliard at Dixie County: The unbeaten Flashes look to extend their perfect start.
