We’re just past the mid-way point of the season and most teams are getting into the tough parts of their schedules. District matchups, city rivals, and county clashes make up this week 6 power rankings. Take a look.
- Bolles (6-0)- This is the only local poll where Bolles will not have to move up. They solidified their place as the best team in the city with a dominant shutout of Trinity Christian. Kade Frew scored three touchdowns while Jack Pyburn led the defense scoring the goose egg. Now Head Coach Matt Toblin must keep his team focused for the rest of the season to prevent their annual “let down game” that spoils a perfect regular season record. Last year it was Creekside, the year before it was Mainland. This year, they look to go 10-0. Clear Water Academy is the next big test for them.
2. Riverside (6-0)- The Generals remain undefeated after defeating Englewood 42-18. Running back Alvin Gibson continues to tear up the season rushing for 168 yards and 3 TDS. Riverside has had a fairly easy schedule thus far and have won in convincing fashion like they should. Next up, however is their toughest opponent to date as Riverside faces Columbia (4-2).
3. Creekside (6-0)- The Knights jump to #3 from #4 after their tough hard fought victory over county line rival Mandarin 20-16. Creekside once again rode the legs of Preston Strope on the ground, rushing for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also surpassed 3000 yards rushing in his high school career. Creekside travels to 2-3 Atlantic Coast.
4.Trinity Christian (5-1)- It was an ugly showing for the Conquerors versus Bolles, being shutout and dominated in every phase of the game. They drop only two slots in the power rankings however, because Bolles is just that good. Trinity must put that game behind them and focus on the team that’s coming up I-95 this weekend in American Heritage. Trinity shut them out last year for the first time in 15 years 3-0. The Patriots will be looking for revenge.
5. Ed White (4-0)- The Commanders rode the legs of Christian Ellis and the hands of Davaughn Patterson all the way to a 44-0 victory over Paxon. Ellis rushed for 201 yards 3 TDS and caught a 4th touchdown reception, while Patterson had two interceptions on defense, including a pick 6. After defeating teams from down I-10 (Suwannee and Wakulla), Ed White will now face it’s hardest test within the city limits in Mandarin(2-4).
6. Bartram Trail (4-1)- Bartram comes off the bye well rested and ready to face St. Johns County foe Ponte Vedra (3-3). The Bears got their bye at the right time as several players were banged up. They look to finish the second half of the season strong, starting with getting the ball into the hands of Eric Weatherly their playmaker.
7.Union County (5-0)– 47-0 was the final score of the Union County Akelynn Christian game last week. The Tigers defense completed dismantled the Wildcats. Union County registered 6 sacks in the game. Curann Webb had 1.5 and Dayviontae Thompson had 2.5 sacks in the contest.3-2 Dixie County is next up today.
8.Nease (5-1)- Everyone is not a believer of the Nease Panthers but I am. Marcus Stokes has revitalized this team and turned them into a winner over night. A 1 win team a year ago is now 5-1. They defeated First Coast 35-14 last week and now face a huge test in St. Augustine (3-2). It’s a measuring stick game, and Nease could discover that they measure up to the task.
9. Columbia (4-2)- It’s another big game for Columbia as they try to win one of the prime time matchups that they face this year. They’ve come up short twice to undefeated teams from Duval County. Now they face another undefeated team in Riverside (6-0). The Tigers would love to reverse that trend with an upset win.
10. Raines (3-2) – The Vikings defeated Terry Parker(4-2) 13-9 in a crucial District game last week. The Vikings rebounded well after a loss the week before. The Vikings punishing defense tallied 9 sacks in the game, led by 2 by Jalen Armstead. Eight different defenders registered sacks in the game. The Vikings take on a familiar Gateway Conference foe in Sandalwood (2-.
Oakleaf (4-2), University Christian (3-2), Baker County (4-2), Hilliard (5-0), St. Augustine (3-2)
