Defense rules the day, and in the case for many of the teams in this week’s power rankings, defense ruled the week. Several teams in the top 10 held their opponents to no scores or just one score. Defenses are key to winning championships, and these teams are showing why they are front runners in the city. Check them out!
- Bolles (2-0) – The Bulldogs jump two spots from #3 to #1 after their impressive domination over Columbia last Friday 34-7. The defense held Columbia to -37 yards of total offense, led by sack masters DT Bradley Mann, LB Trent Carter, LB Jack Pyburn, DE Hayden Swartz, and LB Breeland Madison who each registered a sack in the game. Kavon Miller added an interception for the defense. Running back Kade Frew continued his assault on Bolles rushing records this season, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown. This was by far the most dominating performance by a defense this season over a Top 10 opponent. Next up: Home vs St. Augustine (1-0)
2. Riverside (2-0)– Falling one spot from #1 to #2 (no fault of their own) is Riverside, who dismantled fellow unbeaten Atlantic Coast last Friday 40-7. Masiah Wells intercepted quarterback Baylor Hayes to seal Coast’s fate against the vaunted Generals defense. DE De’Avery Weeks had 2 sacks in the game, while Zaire Moody, Michael Paulino, and Jamari Allen registered a sack each. Running back Al Gibson rushed for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns, for his second consecutive 100-yard rushing effort. Generals are firing bombs right now. Next Up: at Ribault (0-2)
#3. Trinity Christian (2-0) – Another masterful defensive performance has this team in the Top 3 are the Conquerors. Led by new Linebacker Keaton Thomas who ran a pick 6 back for a touchdown, Trinity routed Ribault 37-0. Thomas Fryer also had an interception and fumble recovery in the game. Sophomore linebacker Cam Anderson led the team with 13 tackles. Freshman Quarterback Colin Hurley had a coming out party passing for 298 yards and 4 touchdowns. Next Up: Zarepheth Academy (1-0)
#4. University Christian (2-0)– Moving up four spots from #8 is University Christian who has looked extremely impressive in their wins this season. They defeated Zephyrhills 37-27 last Friday to improve to 2-0. Orel Gray has been a touchdown and interception machine, scoring 3 on the ground last week and adding an interception, his third of the season. Gabe Mc Lamb has led the way on the O-line for Grey’s 248 yds rushing this season, yet unfortunately the 6’3, 285 pound guard/ d-tackle was lost for the season with an injury last week. UC has plenty of weapons in Desirrio Riles, Jawon Grey and Jerome Manning to keep the ball rolling. Next Up: Home vs Madison County (0-1)
#5. Bartram Trail (2-0) – The Bears clamped down on Columbus last Friday as their defense led them to a 12-6 victory. Micah Pollard (DE) had a sack and forced fumble in the game. But it was linebacker Bryce Johnson’s interception that set the tone for the entire game. Ezekiel Romero got a sack in the game, while also recovering a fumble. Another fumble was recovered by LB Dylan Chiedo. The Bears fall from #4 to #5 as they must figure out their quarterback conundrum. Riley Trujillo may be the one they’ve found. Next Up: Lincoln at home
#6. Ed White (1-0) – Unfortunately for the Commanders they were forced to cancel their came against Westside last week due to their school being shut down for an entire week due to Covid protocol. They are back in school this week, but as fate would have it their schedule has a bye in week #3. They’ll have a long layover before they face Suwannee at home September 7th. They hope their defense continues to play well. They generated 6 turnovers last game. Next Up: BYE
#7. Oakleaf (2-0) – The Knights are stoked by Stubbs! That’s Dylan Stubbs and Hylton Stubbs, two brothers who joined their defensive unit this year. After losing one of their top defensive backs to Trinity this year, the Stubs boys have come in and provided energy and big plays to give the unit confidence. Dylan “Drake” Stubbs recorded a sack and 11 tackles against Carol City, while his brother Drake nabbed the game deciding interception to seal Oakleaf’s comeback win over Miami Carol City. Don’t look now, but Oakleaf has lots of confidence going into their game against Columbia (1-1) this Friday. Next Up : Columbia
#8. St. Augustine (1-0)– After their week 1 game against Dunnellon was cancelled, St. Augustine welcomed rival Menendez who was unbeaten coming into the contest. The Jackets stung their cross county counter parts 44-0. Serving up a goose egg in your first game deserves recognition for a defense that dominated all game. Pablo Rivera recovered a fumble in the end zone to stop a score, while Tyshawn Campbell scored twice on the ground for St. Augustine. They make their firs tappearance into the power rankings at #8. Next Up: Away Bolles
#9. Creekside (2-0)– The Knights improved to 2-0 on the season defeating Nease 37-27 last Friday. The Knights road to victory behind 162 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns from Preston Strope, as the Panthers defense had no answers for Creekside’s attack. They enter the power rankings at #9, but they will have to shore up their defense. The Knights had their hands full with QB Marcus Stokes of Nease who passed for 340 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week, they’ll have to stop the rushing attack from Fleming Island and Sam Singleton. Next Up: Fleming Island at home
#10. Raines (1-1) – The Vikings bounced back nicely against First Coast. They round out our power rankings as their defense destroyed the Bucs offense 39-0. The Vikings forced turnovers and flustered First Coast. DB Craig Jenkins registered an interception in the game, Kareem burke rushed for 101 yards, but the star of the show was Reshawn Latimore. “Latt” tossed 3 touchdowns and ran for 2 more in the game. He has played WR, DB and now QB. It will be interesting to see how Raines uses in going forward and if he can be a key to their success on offense.
Outside looking in: Clay (1-0), Fleming Island (1-1), Baker County (1-1), Columbia (1-1), Sandalwood (1-1)
