High School Football Power Rankings Week #2: Enter Baldwin and Ed White; Trinity Looking to Make Moves

As we head into a modified week 3 thanks to Hurricane Dorian, we take a look at how teams fared in week #2 and where they’re positioned in our weekly power rankings. This week we didn’t see much movement at the top, but there’s lots of movement at the bottom as new teams stake their claims to our weekly power positions.

Power Rankings by : Andre’ Ellis

#1. Columbia(2-0)

It was a great win on the road at Oakleaf for Coach Brian Allen and his Columbia Tigers in week #2. It would’ve been a perfect time for a let down after their blowout win over Trinity in week #1, but not this team. They picked up the slack where others were lacking and found a way to win. Kylen Callum seemed to get stronger as the game went on. That’s the true make up of a championship team.

#2. Bartram Trail(2-0)

Have you ever heard the one about the Pirate that poked the Bear? Well if you hadn’t, lets just say it didn’t end so well for the Pirate. Bartram remains undefeated and #2 in the power rankings after going to Georgia and beating Brunswick. It wasn’t a flawless game though as the high powered offense was idle for two quarters. Fortunately their defense held them scoreless till the fourth quarter. They return to Florida for a good ole neighborhood rivalry with Creekside. An early battle of the unbeatens.

#3. Sandalwood(2-0)

Sandalwood was the better team, and their big win over rival Fletcher showed it. They dominated on both sides of the ball, and the best player on the field (Jeff Sims) played like it. He showcased his big arm and his running ability which is a nightmare for defensive coordinators. He’ll be the best player on the field versus every opponent all season. And if he continues to play like it, the Saints will be hard to defend.

#4. Oakleaf(1-1)

They didn’t win the game no, but they just might’ve won something more important, and that’s confidence. Playing without their senior leader Jalen Rivers (injury), Oakleaf still took Columbia the distance and ran all over them with running backs Devin Outlaw and Adrian Grey. Ironically, on the failed 2-point conversion that could’ve tied it and the failed 4th down run that could’ve extended the game winning drive, Rivers might’ve changed the outcome. The ball carrier was stopped short of the marker both times. When they get Rivers back watch out. In the mean time, offenses shouldn’t take chances against Chantz Williams… he’s a beast!

#5. Trinity(1-1)

This was supposed to be the rebound game that boosted the entire team’s confidence easily. Well there was nothing easy about Trinity’s overtime win over Godby last week. Still, play makers make plays and in the end it was key addition Kyjuan Herndon’s 5 TDs and defensive back Fred Davis PBU that set up the game winning field goal by Clayton Roeriq. While everyone else cancelled games, Trinity scheduled a big one. They now host Venice(1-1) in week #3 instead of win-less Ribault. The Conquerors will need more play makers to step up to get that signature Trinity victory over a fellow state power and look to move up in the rankings.

#6. Creekside (2-0)

Creekside found themselves down early to Nease and ended up in a shootout, winning 58-51. Perhaps they were looking ahead to Bartram and forgot about Nease. Perhaps they are not as good as we thought they were. Or perhaps….. we will find the answers this Saturday versus Bartram.

#7. Raines(0-1)

Raines drops a spot in the power rankings, but its no fault of their own. They didn’t play a game in week #2 due to Hurricane Dorian. Fortunately, their week #3 game versus Lee was rescheduled for Tuesday 9/10/19. The Vikings are chomping at the bit to get back on the field after their week #1 loss.

#8. Baldwin (2-0)

The Indians are 2-0 after their upset win over Bradford last week. It was a game that showcased their ability to win with defense and special teams as their kicker Zach Norris scored all of the Indians offensive points on a rain soaked field. They showed in week #1 that they could put up points, which should give coaches comfort knowing the team can adjust to different types of games played this year. This bodes well for them as Monday they face an undefeated Westside (2-0) team which no one truly knows what to expect.

#9. Mandarin(2-0)

Mandarin’s defense stepped up big versus Ribault with three interceptions including two pick sixes. The Mustangs weathered the early storm and settled down leading to points on offense as well. Last week I mentioned they looked like a prize fighter on the ropes, well against Ribault they came out swinging like a champion. They get an extra week to prepare for district foe Bartram Trail on September 13th.

#10. Ed White(2-0)

Entering the power rankings for the first time this year is Ed White. Coach Lawrence Johnson is off to a great start with wins over First Coast, and Ridgeview. They are powered by running backs Kentrelle Williams and Jaison Patterson. Williams rushed for 260 yards and 3 TDs vs Ridgeview. Patterson added 157yds rushing and a score. A team that can run the ball is a team that should be taken very seriously.

Tre Brown’s Top 10