There were a few teams that had something to say about the power rankings of Northeast Florida, and they said it loudly. Two major upsets were worthy of consideration this week. Those two teams that pulled the upsets were rewarded for their victories with spots on this week’s power rankings.
#1. Bradford (6-0)
The Tornadoes were the only team to shut-out Oakleaf this year. Their suffocating defense proved that they are elite against weak teams and strong teams alike. They have another strong one tonight against True North Classical Acdemy (6-0) in Miami.
#2. St. Augustine (6-0)
Starting quarterback Locklan Hewlett returned for St. Augustine after missing several games with an injury. The Wake Forest commit was perfect against the Panthers, passing for nearly 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. It’s a testament to how deep this team is, as they did not miss a beat with backup Dylan Cook. They have a bye this week.
#3. Creekside (3-3)
The Knights had a week off after winning two straight to prepare for their most important game of the season. At least for the kids in the neighborhood that is. Will this be the year Creekside finally beats Bartram? They’re 1-15 all-time against them with the last win coming nearly a decade ago in 2014.
#4. Mandarin (5-2)
The Mustangs as predicted got back to their winning ways against winless Westside last week. It was a great game to get everyone involved and to build morale after back to back losses. They know they’re a good team, now it’s about putting it all together to be an elite team. They have Fleming Island (2-4) today.
#5. Bartram (3-3)
It’s that time of the year again. Their annual shootout against Creekside. Bartram wants to keep this streak going, as they failed to keep the five game streak against St. Augustine going. Outside of a loss to IMG Academy last week, the Bears have been clicking with starting quarterback Riley Trujillo back. They’ll lean heavily on running back Laython Biddle who is having a spectacular year.
#6. Raines (5-1)
The Vikings like to keep their fans in suspense, but once again they pulled out a gutsy close win over a team. Amazingly in three consecutive weeks Raines has defeated their three opponents by a combined 4-points! Last week it was First Coast 27-26. Now they turn the page to the annual Northwest Classic against Ribault (3-3).
#7. Ponte Vedra (5-1)
The most impressive win this week came from Ponte Vedra who completely dismatled Bishop Kenny 55-20. Quarterback Ben Burk tossed 4 touchdowns last week. Burk has done it twice this season. Ponte Vedra’s effeciency in the red-zone is superb. They have Tocoi Creek (4-3) this week.
#8. Riverside (5-2)
The Generals definately had one of the biggest upsets of the week, going to Trinity and defeating the Conquerors 14-12. Quarterback Glenn Foreman III led a game winning drive against powerhouse Trinty as Riverside stunned the Conquerors last week. He’s gained confidence with every snap, and the team looks more confident with him. They host another confident team in Jackson (3-3) this week.
#9. Fletcher (5-2)
The Senators are the most resillient team in Northeast, Florida, showing it every week. Against Ed White, they were down 19-6 in the fourth quarter, and came back for the win. Two weeks prior at home, they trailed Sandalwood before pulling ahead of them. Our Week 7 Player of the Week was Fletcher’s WR Anthony Vaglienti, who now has scored 5 TDs the last 3 weeks, including 2 TDs with the game winner against White. This week, they have an upstart Englewood (4-2) team.
#10. Columbia (2-4)
Power rankings are not meant to reward records, they are meant to reward readiness. And Columbia was ready to play against Bolles last week. They’ve had arguably the toughest schedule in Northeast Florida, already playing Buchholz, Deland, Madison County, and Trinity Christian. Their comeback upset win against Bolles was mounmental for their season. Sophomore Jonathan Andrews rushed for 3 touchdowns, Cade Frier went for 125 receiving yards and a TD, while Jerome Carter and D’Mari Bruce registered 2 interceptions in the win. They’ll try to build momentum against Middleburg (3-3) this week.
Outside looking in:
Bolles(3-4), Trinity Christian (4-3), Ed White (4-3), Nease (4-3), Baker County (3-3)
Featured image courtesy of TCA Facebook
