It’s hard to believe that the end of the regular season is here in Northeast Florida. All teams should be commended for navigating this season of uncertainties with determination and resolve. Sure there were several bumps in the road, but we made it, and now it’s time to prepare for the playoff push. But before that we take a look at the final regular season Top 10 teams in the Duval Sports High School Football Power Rankings.
1. Trinity 7-1 (Week 1 ,#2)- After a week 1 loss to Bolles, Trinity Christian hasn’t lost a game. They’re one of the best defenses in the state, as the unit didn’t give up more than a touchdown in six weeks. Including shutting out American Heritage for the first time in 15 years. Amazingly, Head Coach Verlon Dorminey has done all of this with his best offensive player sidelined all year with a lingering injury. Scary how good they can be when everyone gets healthy. Signature win vs Plantation American Heritage
2. Bartram Trail 8-1 (Week 1 ,#3)- One of the highest scoring teams in the area, Bartram’s only loss came to American Heritage. Head Coach Darrell Sutherland has the longest winning streak against local teams in Northeast Florida at 22-games. Signature win vs Oakleaf
3. Bolles 6-2 ( Week 1, # 1)- Bolles continued to show why teams circle their calendars when playing them. With a powerful running game, dynamic receiver, and staunch defense, Head Coach Matt Toblin’s squad started and ended the season as one of the best teams in the area. Their overtime loss to Creekside, and to a good Daytona Beach Mainland team stung, but wins over undefeated Baker County, and Trinity were impressive. Signature Win vs Trinity Christian ( Jax)
4. Oakleaf 6-3 ( Week 1, #4)– Oakleaf and Head Coach Frank Garis navigated a very tough schedule, taking on powerhouses Lowndes County (Ga), Camden County ( Ga), and Bartram, falling to all three. But the character of the team showed in wins over undefeated teams Fleming Island and Clay. They are the clay county champions. Signature Win vs Fleming Island
5. Lee 5-1 ( Week 1, #5)– The Generals only loss on the season came to Trinity as Lee took care of business against every team on their schedule. A hard hitting defense and a scrappy play making offense makes them dangerous. Lee Head Coach OJ Small, all he does is win. Signature win vs Lake City Columbia
6. Fleming Island 6-2 (Week 1, #9)– Fleming Island at one time was ranked #1 in our power rankings. Their undefeated season however was upended by a come from behind win by Oakleaf and then a 3-point loss to Buchholz. Yet the Golden Eagles turned those losses into a golden opportunities to get better and they did. Cudos to Head Coach Damenyum Springs: Signature Win vs Creekside
7. Fletcher 6-1 (Week 1, Unranked)– Going from unranked to the #7 program in the area is a great accomplishment for first year Head Coach Bobby Raulerson and the Senators. An early season loss to Fleming Island was their only blemish on the season as they have won 5 in a row. Signature Win vs Flagler Palm Coast
8. Baker County 7-2 (Week 1, Unranked)– The Wildcats at the beginning of the season were the hottest team in the area, destroying opponents by 40 point margins. Yet they were brought back down to earth by Bolles, and a late season loss to a very good Suwannee team. Still, an impressive showing for Coach Kevin Mays and his team. Signature Win vs Westside
9. St. Augustine 6-2 ( Week 1, Unranked)- The yellow jackets have reeled off 5 wins in a row after falling in consecutive contests to top ranked teams Bolles and Bartram. Head Coach Brian Braddock has an arsenal of playmakers who can get it done on both sides of the ball. Signature win vs Flagler Palm Coast
10. Creekside 5-3 ( Week 1, Unranked)– Closing out our top 10 in the 2020 power rankings is Head Coach Sean McIntyre and his Creekside Knights. The Knights finished the season 5-3, their best season since 2011! What makes this team different is their strength of schedule. Their shocking loss to Fleming Island, and defeats at the hands of Bartram and Buchholz showcased a team that went toe to toe with the best teams in the area. They proved you have to score and score a lot to beat them. Their lowest point total this year was 27 points. Signature win vs Bolles
Outside Looking in:
Clay (7-1)- It was a regular season to remember for Coach Kyle Kennard and Clay as they ran through every opponent until the end versus Oakleaf. Signature Win vs Menendez
Baldwin (8-0)- Great season by Head Coach Robert Shields. The Indians won every game on their schedule including several come from behind victories. Signature Win vs University Christian
Mandarin (3-5)- Head Coach Bobby Ramsay had one of the toughest schedules in the area and navigated a season with players out due to Covid-19. Yet they banned together and road the wave all the way to the end. Signature Win vs Sandalwood
Sandalwood (6-2)- Head Coach Adam Geis suffered a season ending injury to his best offensive player before the season, yet still navigated a 6-2 season Signature Win vs Trinity Catholic
Hilliard (7-0)– The Red Flashes finished their season unblemished at 7-0. Head coach John Pate should be commended on an outstanding season. Now his players look forward to the playoffs where it’s going to be a different ball game than their regular season opponents. Signature Win vs Fernandina Beach
