Head to Head Match Ups Shape Week #11 Power Rankings

The final week of the regular season is already here. Wow, what an amazing ride! If you look back at week #1, Northeast Florida looked a little bit differently at the start of the season, than it did toward the end. ( Week #1 Power Rankings) After losing their starting Quarterback and running back last year, St. Augustine burst onto the season out of nowhere. Whereas usual suspects like Lee, Bartram Trail, Raines and Ribault all solidified themselves as top High School Football programs in Northeast Florida. So heading into this final week Andre’ and Corey’s top 10 rankings have certainly shifted and vary. The only common denominator is head to head match ups, so check out the power rankings and Andre’ and Corey’s individual top 10, as we get ready for the playoffs.

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Week 11 Power Rankings

1. St. Augustine (8-0)

They are the only undefeated team in our area, and the consensus #1 team among DuvalSports.com analysts. They posses the top pass/catch duo in the state, a physical defense, and great coaching. You name them, they beat them (Baker County(8-1), Bartram Trail (6-3), Menendez (6-3) , Ponte Vedra 7-3). To their critics who say they haven’t played particular teams, we’ll rebut that by saying be thankful you haven’t played them. They are multifaceted, disciplined and confident, a perfect recipe for winning their district and advancing in the playoffs.

2. Bartram Trail (6-3)

Bartram’s record doesn’t tell the entire story about their season. This impressive team went to Cartersville Georgia (9-0) to face arguably the top Quarterback in the country. Traveled to St. Augustine(8-0) and faced the top passing and receiving duo in the state, then faced the top running back in the state from Cocoa (8-0). Three losses to three great teams yes; but six wins against six really good teams like Clay (6-3), Mainland (6-4), and Fleming Island (7-2) have the Bears battled tested for a long playoff run. The new High School Football Playoffs points system will definitely be in their favor based on their strength of schedule.

3. Trinity Christian (7-3)

Trinity has once again captured the attention of the football heads albeit in controversial fashion. After being forced to forfeit their district win against Bolles earlier in the season, Trinity attempted to appeal this week but lost. Now the district is in a three way tie although the Conquerors are clearly the best team. Proving it with wins against Ponte Vedra and Bishop Kenny in consecutive weeks.

4. Ribault (8-2)

Ribault traditionally starts the season cold but ends hot. They have kept that trend this year again. After a loss to Baker County earlier in the season, the Trojans have won six in a row. Their upset of Lee propelled them up the rankings, and now they can cap a great season by beating another great team in Raines for the third straight year.

5. Lee (8-1)

The Generals have regrouped after their loss to Ribault a few weeks ago. Three straight wins, including one over Fletcher have them marching into the playoffs as district champions. Ed White (5-6) is in trouble tonight.

6. Baker County (8-1)

The Wildcats undoubtedly are a team to reckon with. After losing to the undefeated Yellow Jackets the first game of the season, Baker County has won eight games in a row. Ribault(8-2), Menendez(6-3), and Clay have all fallen to this ground and pound team. Beating some of the best in Duval, Clay, and St. John’s Counties qualifies you a top spot in the rankings.

7. Raines (8-1)

After a 20-16 loss to Lee the first game of the season, the Vikings have won eight in a row including wins against Rickards, Lincoln, and Mandarin. They are getting rival Ribault at the best time, as they are playing with confidence and cohesion. They look to try and end the Trojan’s two game win streak in the classic rivalry.

8. Columbia (7-2)

Columbia has won four in a row and playing their best football of the season. They’ve averaged 45 points in that span and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. They can deal Bolles (7-2) a serious blow in the High School Football Playoff ring with a loss, as the points system may affect the Bulldogs. Columbia will get the Bulldogs best shot tonight, but the Tigers will be ready .

9. University Christian (7-1)

The Christians haven’t had many strong local tests in their season, but they certainly have one tonight against Clay. This team has been rolling along with their only stumble to the powerful Cowboys of Madison County. They can make a legitimate statement tonight against the (6-3) Blue Devils.

10. Fleming Island (7-2)

Fleming Island suffered a shocking upset to Creekside two weeks ago, dropping them to the bottom spot of the rankings. This is still a very good team with a great defense headed into the playoffs. They showed it against Ed White.

Honorable Mention: Ponte Vedra, Clay, Bradford, Menedez, West Nassau

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