In an epic week of big time matchups, several teams came out on top against undefeated opponents to shoot their shots for the #1 spot on the Duval Sports Power Rankings. Who made the shot? Check out the teams below.
#1. Oakleaf (4-2) – The Knights ride into this week secure at #1 for the second straight week after stampeding over Mandarin. Walter Simmons III, Terrance Anthony, Cobie Bates, Adrian Grey, Larry Smith, and many more athletes make up a team that can beat you in many different ways. Their game against Bartram Trail this week, highlights these athletes and the intriguing matchups.
#2. Lee (4-0) –Coming off the bye week, Undefeated Lee scored 25 points in the second quarter to defeat Columbia. They move up from #3 to #2 with their eyes set on #1. To do so, they’ll need to take care of business in the back yard against Trinity Christian. Another game featuring big names including Jaheim Singletary, Cale Zarah, Alvin Gibson, Dedrick Smith, and Jeremy Robinson. Defensive lineman Elijah Harris who had 3 sacks and defensive back Joe Morrison who had 3 interceptions vs Columbia last week look to repeat performances.
#3. Bolles (5-1)- Bolles gave Baker County a dose of their own medicine. Running early, running often and running wild with several players. The Bulldogs move up to #3 from #7 after defeating previously undefeated Baker. Their win against Trinity head to head allowed them to stay in front of them. They face University Christian (2-3) this week who bested them last year at the beginning of the year.
#4 Trinity (4-1) – Trinity traveled down to Miami and defeated the #6 team in the state and #20 in the nation, American Heritage (3-1). American Heritage had already traveled up I-95 to Northeast Florida and handed Bartram their only loss, so the Conquerors move ahead of Bartram in the rankings due to common opponents. Similar to Bartram Trinity has a tall test this week that will challenge their athletes. Jacory Jordan, Treyaun Webb, Austin Barber, Corey Coley, Kaleb Killian. Linebacker Johnathan Goddard who had 2 sacks, and defensive back Christian Ellis who had an interception and game deciding fumble recovery recovery vs American Heritage, look to repeat performances versus Lee.
#5. Bartram Trail (5-1)- Bartram got a nice bounce back win over rival Ponte Vedra and then over Nease last week. They fell from #2 last week, but of no fault of their own. Their toughest test locally awaits, as Santino Marucci, Eric Weatherly, Sharif Denson, Segree Graham, and Ajay Jones prepare to match play for play with opposing playmakers for Oakleaf.
#6. Fleming Island (5-1)- Fleming Island did what they were supposed to do against First Coast. Buchholz (3-1) is up next. A team that has had to cancel several games due to opponents battling Covid concerns. The Golden Eagles won’t face another Top 10 opponent this regular season, the reason they fell from #5 to #6.
#7- Baker County (5-1) – It wasn’t the result the Wildcats wanted, but nothing to hold their heads down over. They lost to a very good team in Bolles, and how they bounce back from it will indicate what type of team they can be for the rest of the season. Dropping from #4 to #7, West Nassau (2-5) is up next.
#8 Creekside (4-2) – The Knights shutout Atlantic Coast 29-0 last week to make a statement. With no Top 10 teams on the schedule remaining, Shutouts like that keep them in the conversation. They game against Fletcher this week would’ve been a good one, yet it was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns.
#9- Sandalwood (5-0) – The Saints crack the top 10 for the first time this year. Outside of Nease, Sandalwood is winning by the slimmest of margins, but winning none the less. The Saints are still looking for that big win that makes everyone believers. A win over Trinity Catholic (Ocala Fl), has them trending in the right direction. They travel to Mandarin (1-4) this week, a team they cannot sleep on.
#10 Baldwin (6-0)- Baldwin cracks the Top 10 for the first time this year after a 40-0 shellacking of Fort White. Coach Shields and company have navigated a season winning mostly close games until last week. When ever you can shut teams out in this era of football, it’s impressive.
Outside looking in:
Fletcher (4-1), Clay (5-0), Hilliard (5-0)
Featured image courtesy of Trinity Christian Academy Facebook
