#1. Nease (4-0)- We have a new number one team atop the power rankings, and after their thrilling overtime win over St. Augustine, Nease deserves the top spot. They’ve shown the incredible ability to beat teams in every phase of the game. It was a pick 6 that jump started their comeback. It was an onsides kick that gave them an extra possession to force overtime. And it was their explosive offense that couldn’t be stopped in the second half and overtime that won the game of the week.
#2. Bradford (5-0)
Bradford falls one spot this week, but of no fault of their own. They had a bye week last week, and had a very easy win over a weak opponent in Keystone Heights. Nease’s strength of schedule gave them the edge to jump Bradford. Yet, the Tornadoes have not lost steam leaning on their championship defense.
#3. Raines (4-0)
The Vikings had a bye week, and will get even more rest after the hurricane postponed their game this week. It is a team that did not need the rest as they were clicking on all cylinders. Timothy Cole has shined bright, passing for 903 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs, and rushing for 249 yards at 2 TDs. He leads Raines in both categories and has some dynamic receivers who have stepped up big in big games. The defensive unit is probably the most impressive though. There are several players making plays for Raines that aren’t among the heralded highly recruited. When you combine their play making skill with the obvious talent of their deep roster, Raines is one of the hardest teams that can take opponents will during the game..
#4. Mandarin (3-2)
In back to back tests that no other team in Northeast Florida can tout, Mandarin took L’s against undefeated Bradford County, and 4-1 IMG Academy. The Mustangs were severely undermanned without two of their best players. They were hoping to get a bounce back game against First Coast. This team is talented enough to bounce back in a big way. They have the best secondary in Northeast Florida.
#5. Bolles (3-1)
Bolles showed everyone what they were made of in a high scoring 57-50 shoot-out with Oakleaf. It was the highest scoring game for Bolles, since a Jawan Jamison led team defeated Bradford County 55-54 in 2008. This team was led by quarterback Ethan Drumm who passed for 288 yard 4 TDs and 0 Ints. He willed his team to an improbable victory, and took his game to another level in the process.
#6. St. Augustine (4-1)
The Jackets fell to Nease in overtime last week. A game in which they jumped out to a 21-0 lead. It illuminated one of the concerns for this team, their defense. They’ve been able to start fast offensively, including a 20 -0 start resulting in a 27-6 win over Columbia on Wednesday due to hurricane Helene. However, the defense has let both Riverside and Nease keep games close by scoring lots of second half points. They’ll have to figure out a solution to that. One answer to their problems may beTrendell Anderson. The running back has 11 touchdowns on the season, benefiting from an explosive offense that keeps them in the redzone. Maybe the Jackets need to control the clock more between the 20’s with the ground game against good opponents. Time of possession may work in their favor down the road.
#7. Oakleaf (3-2)
One team that couldn’t run out the clock last week was Oakleaf. A powerful running game led by Chris Deuce Foy scored twice and rushed for 204 yards against Bolles. Yet leading 50-43 with 6 minutes to play, Oakleaf not only couldn’t execute when it counted on offense, but couldn’t stop Bolles from scoring twice on defense. They let a huge win slip from their fingers, but have a chance to take the bull by the horns and ride wins the rest of the way. They are that talented.
#8. Baker County (3-1)
Don’t look now, but Baker County is quietly winning games big and building confidence with evry game. Last week they defeated Baldwin soundly 45-24. Hudson Register passes for 242 yards and 2 TDs. Hudson Hodges was the benefactor catching 2 passes for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kenais Williams ran for 3 touchdowns in the game They have a bye week before taking on Tallahassee Godby. No clue if that game will be affected by the aftermath of the hurricane.
#9. Ponte Vedra (3-1)
Ponte Vedra seems to be in a groove since they beat Bartram. But their games have been close outside of a contest last week against a weak Menendez team. They cant keep it close against Fleming Island, the Golden Eagles have the talent to steal one. The Sharks have talent too in running back Brian Case (401yds 5 rushing TDs) and quarterback Drew Price 533 yards 4 TDs. 6 foot 6, 230 pound Ryker Kemp has 5 sacks on the season.
#10. Beachside (4-1)
Making their power rankings debut is Beachside who has played a tough schedule, only falling to Ponte Vedra 17-14. The Barracudas actually led in that game. Edward Jordan once again is lighting it up passing for 1,534 yards 13 touchdowns and 2 Ints. Brennan Monaco led them in receiving against Bishop Kenny with 117 yds in route to a 41-8 dominating performance. This is a team that has a precession offense and big athletes who can test any team physically. They have Tocoi Creek, Fleming Island, undefeated Middleburg, and undefeated Nease on the schedule which will be big tests for them.
Outside Looking In: Middleburg (5-0), Tocoi Creek (4-1), Creekside (2-3), Trinity (3-2), (Riverside 3-2)
