This week many teams can make big statements with big wins against opponents today. There are several teams right on the cusp of breaking through as Top 10 teams and it feels like one of them will get an upset win this week. On the other hand, there are Top 10 teams that can make statements about who they truly are with wins over tough opponents. Check out which team falls into one of these categories on this week’s power rankings.
#1. Bradford (3-0)- The Tornadoes remain atop the Duval Sports Power Rankings for the 4th straight week. However, this will be their toughest test as they welcome undefeated Mandarin (3-0) to Starke, Florida. They can send a message around the state that the demise of Bradford was greatly exaggerated.
#2. Raines (3-0)- The Vikings fell down early to Trinity Christian and needed a second half comeback to defeat the Conquerors. Coach Masline just needed to light a fire under them as they shut-out Trinity in the second half. It’s the Vikings first win over Trinity in football ever, and that’s worth moving up in our power rankings. They can make a statement by defeating defending state champion Mainland today.
#3. Nease (2-0)- Nease did not play last week, as their contest against Ridge Community was canceled due to weather. They fall from #2 to #3, but of no fault of their own. They are still a dynamic team with several dynamic players. Hopefully they won’t have any rust because a big matchup versus Fletcher is ahead. A game where they can make a statement against another undefeated squad.
#4. St. Augustine(2-0)- The Jackets did not play either as their game against Bolles was canceled and will not be rescheduled unfortunately. They still have a matchup with Riverside. Although the Generals are not in our Top 10, they are a Top 10 team of talent, and are looking to upset the Jackets to get back into the thick of it. St. Augustine’s receivers can make a statement today, that they are the best overall unit in Northeast Florida.
#5. Mandarin (3-0)- The Mustangs were not challenged against Sandalwood last week. Possibly the worst team in Northeast Florida right now. However, Mandarin handled their business and did what they were supposed to do. That’s why they move up one spot from last week on the power rankings. This week, they have a much tougher test in Bradford, and if they can pull off the win, it will be considered an upset in many eyes and a powerful statement towards their team without their starting quarterback.
#6. Oakleaf (3-0)- The Knights squeaked out a win against Fleming Island, a game that many thought wouldn’t be as close. It’s the reason they fall one spot in the power rankings. Oakleaf still managed to get the win against a Clay County rival, so Fleming Island most certainly was playing with a little extra motivation. Oakleaf will have extra motivation to knock off defending state champion Hawthorne tonight. They would shake up the state and shoot up the power rankings if they can by that statement victory.
#7. Bolles (2-0)- The Bulldogs could’ve made a lot of noise in the state with a win over St. Augustine. Instead, the game was canceled and Bolles remains at #7 in the power rankings. They have an interesting matchup against Bishop Kenny (1-1) this week. A team that looked very physical against Tocoi Creek in a week 3 win. Kenny has upset Bolles before in recent years, and would like nothing better than to do it again. Bolles is looking for that statement game that they missed against St. Augustine and Raines, maybe Kenny is that contest.
#8. Fletcher(3-0)- The Senators defeated Atlantic Coast to remain undefeated on the season. The game was not close in the beginning as Fletcher displayed their air arsenal. But Fletcher let AC hang around and eventually just won by five 26-21. Fletcher cannot afford to play around with Nease today. The Panthers might be playing the best football in Northeast Florida. That’s why a win by Fletcher would be a tremendous statement around the region.
#9. Ponte Vedra (1-1)- The Sharks remain at #9 after their game against Baker County was rescheduled due to the weather. They have a very intriguing matchup against Beachside (2-0). The Barracudas have one of the top passing attacks in Northeast Florida. They’ll get to test it against a big time program in Ponte Vedra. The Sharks have the weapons to win. The Sharks should win. Yet this game screams upset for some reason. We’ll see which team makes their statement win.
#10. Bartram Trail (2-1)- Bartram got a huge overtime win over Ware County 43-42 in overtime last Thursday night. They remain at #10 on this week’s power rankings. Now they face a Creekside team that is hungry for a win. They need a statement win. The Bears can’t sleep on the Knights, like they slept on Ponte Vedra two weeks ago. They must make a statement of their own that they are consistent.
Outside Looking In : Baker County (1-1), Riverside (2-1),Bishop Kenny (3-0), Columbia (2-1), Beachside (2-0).
