High School Football Power Rankings Week #7: The Proving Ground

After 7 weeks in Northeast Florida High School Football, we’ve seen some teams prove themselves in many areas. Some teams have put together lots of wins, while others have lost to big time opponents yet played them really close. Case in point, Columbia and Bartram continue to prove themselves with their undefeated records and taking down tough opponents. But both teams still have yet to prove that they are the kings of their district. Even in a loss, Ponte Vedra proved they belonged as they had the Bears on the ropes. Yet being close doesn’t prove anything when it come s to an “L”. Fleming Island is undefeated, but has faced only one team above .500 this year. Bolles is wining big, but their competition is measuring up really small. University Christian has toughed out wins against teams who are down this year like First Coast and Bradford, but has yet to get a win against a top tier team in the state.

In fact, every team except for one from #4 -#10 on this list has yet to prove themselves against tough opponents. Yet they have won nonetheless, and I subscribe to the old adage that “you beat who ever is on your schedule”. And these schedule gets tougher for some teams, and the proving ground begins this week for the aforementioned teams. Check out the hottest teams heading into week #8 of the power rankings below.

1.Columbia (6-0)

Columbia went to perennial powerhouse Madison County and won for the first time in five decades. This special accomplishment was sealed by a special team with special players. One of those player’s, linebacker LaVontae Camiel, sealed the win when he separated ball from ball carrier on the goal-line. It’s plays like that, and wins like that, which keeps Columbia on top. They’re in the back-yard tonight against Lee, where cannon shots and diesel horns are sure to sound off all night. It’s their toughest district game, so they have something to prove after Lee bounced them out of the playoffs last year.

2. Bartram (6-0)

Bartram remained undefeated by taking down previously undefeated Ponte Vedra. In a wild shoot-out, the Bears capitalized on the play making ability of running-back A Jay Jones who put Bartram on top for good with a 39 yard touchdown. The Bears move up in our rankings after taking down an undefeated opponent. Their record and schedule has them tops in Class 8A in the FHSAA playoff points. They take on Nease.

3. Oakleaf (5-1)

After their bye week, the Knights fell one spot, but its of no fault of their own. Bartram’s win against an undefeated opponent gave them the nod over the Knights. However, they resume play today against the defending state champion Mandarin Mustangs in a showdown of quarterbacks between Mandarin’s Carson Beck, and Oakleaf’s Walter Simmons III. Ironically, it was Beck who had a trio of wide receivers last year that aided his Mr Football campaign. This year, Oakleaf has a trio of their own hoping to repeat the success of the Mustangs.

4. Fleming Island (5-0)

The Eagles took a bye week to get ready for First Coast this week. It’s a big district match-up that the Eagles need to take seriously. First Coast has talent to match them in Tyree Saunders and Jaylen Evans, so its important for Fleming to keep their consistency in execution and not have a let down. DB Isiah Blair and LB Zach Payne lead a defense that will look to force turnovers tonight.

5. University Christian (5-1)

After dismantling Clay, UC improves to 5-1 on the season and moves up one spot in rankings. They have a “prove it ” game tonight versus Foundation Academy who is 6-1 on the season. UC defensive backs Orel Grey and Ja’Won Grey will be tasked to stop Foundation’s passing attack as five different receivers have caught passes for the Lions, including former Trinity Christian receiver Treven Postell.

6. Ponte Vedra (5-1)

The Sharks put up a valiant effort against top ranked Bartram last week, as they actually led in the fourth quarter of the contest. Because of the tight game, they only fall one spot on the list. They’ll have a tune up against Englewood tonight before taking on St. Augustine and Creekside to end the season. They can keep their #4 playoff rankings in region 1 of the FHSAA rankings if they keep the winning going.

7. Bolles (5-1)

The Bulldogs out hustled the Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers last week 48-6. They have yet to be truly tested in this span, and the test wont come this week as win-less Clay is on deck for them. It looks like the Bulldogs won’t get big time competition until their final week versus Mainland. It’s a blessing and a curse as the team seems stuck at #7.

8. West Nassau (5-1)

After a close win over Bradford last week, the Warriors gear up for their rivalry game versus Fernandina Beach. It would be one of those ” throw the records out the window” games however, Fernandina’s three wins have been against Paxon, Jackson, and Stanton. The Warriors just have to handle business and stop Fernandina running-back Cam Miller who has rushed for 900 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. It should work in their favor as West Nassau’s Wyatt Rochay, Michael Thorn, and Colby Beverly all have 5 or more sacks this year.

9. Baldwin (6-1)

It gets interesting tonight for Baldwin as they come off an easy win versus Jackson in which they forced several turnovers. Aaren Sim and Marquis Lundy Jr gained interceptions in the win. Fort White is not the team it’s been of recent years, but they are still a team that can provide a big problem for the Indians and their #9 ranking in the Class 3A FHSAA points rankings. This is definitely a prove it game for themselves.

10. Westside ( 5-1)

In Region 1 of the Class 5A FHSAA playoff rankings, Westside is ranked #2 overall. That’s right behind Tallahasse Godby and ahead of local teams like Raines, Ribault, Terry Parker, and Bishop Kenny. Kenny will be looking to gain ground in the rankings and can do so with a big win over the Wolverines. Westside must stay consistent and beat the teams they are supposed to beat in order to remain in the top 10. So far, they are doing that, but in order to move up they need a signature “prove it” win.

Best of the Rest: Trinity (3-4), Lee (4-2), Christ’s Church (6-0), Providence (4-1), Episcopal (6-1), Raines (3-2), Sandalwood (3-3), Mandarin (3-3), Lee (4-2)

Makeda Lawton’s Top 10