High School Football Power Rankings Week #3: Mandarin Powering Up, St. Augustine Jackets Flying In!

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After week #3, the landscape in Norttheast Florida didn’t change much after Hurricane Dorian. The teams that played in week #3 got better (literally). And because those teams got better, they got the nod in moving up in our power rankings. Creekside slides out after a disappointing showing versus Bartram. A Top 10 team should play another Top 10 team close in my opinion. Which brings us to Bartram and Mandarin.. I’m eager to see how this plays out. Will Mandarin regain their horse power, or will the Bears bounce them out of the rankings like they did to Creekside?

Power Rankings by : Andre’ Ellis

#1. Columbia(3-0)

Columbia routed Akelynn’s Christian Academy 67-12 in week #3. It was easy work for the Tigers, however they don’t have time for a let down. They face a Pine Forest team that’s waiting to catch the big cats sleeping on them. They remain our top team in the area for the third consecutive week.

#2. Bartram Trail (3-0)

Bartram took care of business against Creekside last week, continuing their winning streak in St. Johns County. The offense is on fire. Quarterback Chad Dodson, running-back Aaron Jones and running-back Eric Weatherly are all dynamic play makers for them. They’ll be hyped up to play the defending 8A State Champions Mandarin this week, as district play begins. No better way for the Bears to burst into Class 8A, than to host the Mustangs.

#3. Trinity (1-2)

Trinity took Venice to overtime last week, on a short week in which they hardly had a chance to practice. They’re getting better as a team. Although they lost a dynamic young play maker in Treyaun Webb to a potential season ending injury the week before, the team showed that they are loaded with talent that can step up. Junior Quarterback JaCory Jordan was one of those play makers. He had his best game of the year. If he and Marcus Burke continue to hook up leaving room for Herndon to run the football, they’ll beat the really good teams on their schedule. A really good one is in Duval tonight to face them… American Heritage .

#4. Oakleaf (2-1)

Oakleaf didn’t take off the week and played Ridgeview. Although the opponent wasn’t on their level, they still showed that they can dominate a county rival on a short week. It was 34-6 at halftime! This team is dangerous because Head Coach Frank Garis utilizes all his weapons. Three different running backs carried the ball for Oakleaf (Devin Outlaw, Adrian Grey, Kevin Davis). It’s not about stats for them, its about stamina for the long season in Class 8A. I predict the Knights to get even stronger

#5. Sandalwood(2-0)

Sandalwood’s game versus Deland was cancelled due to hurricane Dorian. It would’ve been a great match-up for the team to test themselves against a top out of town opponent. They enter district play tonight at Nease who scored 51 points two weeks ago vs Creekside. The Panther’s fast pace offense could spell problems for a team that’s started off slow in games so far.

#6. Raines(1-1)

Raines took their frustration of not playing in almost three weeks out on Stanton with a 67-0 romp. The only good thing that came out this non competitive contest was the fact that lots of young players got a chance to play. Raines customarily uses lots of different players rotating them. It’s the reason the entire team is good as a collective. Adrian Williams and company will look forward to facing rival Lee this Saturday. A much more competitive team.

.#7. Mandarin (2-0)

Mandarin moves up even though they didn’t play last week. Partly because some teams dropped, but more so because their team stepped up. Their defense is riding high after a dominant performance against Ribault. Now comes the true test as they travel across the county border to face the high powered Bartram offense. The extra week may have allowed Carson Beck time to gel with his receivers and running-back. Look for the Mustangs to try and get Martranius Mack in space against Bartram’s linebackers.

#8. Baldwin (3-0)

Baldwin remains in our power rankings after their 24-7 victory over Westside. They find a way to win and that’s fueling their success right now. WR Christian Sanderson and QB Bryce Tomkins play with lots of confidence and swagger. Xavier McGriff is an athletic and talented player, probably the best on the team. They’ll need him to lead them in all areas. I believe he has more inside to offer the team, and the coaches will look to focus it, and utilize it.

#9. St. Augustine (2-0)

St. Augustine makes their first appearance in the power rankings. The undefeated Jackets have a big test against Bolles tonight. Look for Jaden McDowell to showcase what he can do in front of a prime time audience at Bolles. The team goes as he goes and so far he’s been great! The Jackets are playing great as a team.

#10. Ed White (2-0)

Ed White remains in our power rankings, but they have a tough test against Baker County lined up. The week off from the Hurricane may help or hinder a young team trying ride the wave of early season success. The development of quarterback Grant Travis is key. We’ll see if the Wildcats can scare him and the Commanders, or will the Lemon heads prove they are still potent .

Makeda Lawton’s Top 10