There was a little movement in the rankings as things begin to iron themselves out as each week progresses.
The top five are still churning out Ws, but a crushing blow was dealt to Commerce to end its perfect season. Rabun, Dawson, Union, Jefferson and Commerce are now 41-5 overall. These are legit deep playoff teams.
#1 RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS
RECORD: 8-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #1
REASON(S): Rabun had no issues with Oglethorpe, crusing to yet another blowout 63-6 win. That pits the top two offenses in Class 2A for the 8-AA Region title game this coming Friday against Union County in Tiger.
#2 DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS
RECORD: 8-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #2
REASON(S): The Tigers got one last tune-up (and a blowout at that) before a much-anticipated matchup with #10-ranked North Hall. The game is in Dawsonville and determines who region runner-up in 7-AAA, which means home field for at least the first round of the playoffs.
#3 UNION COUNTY PANTHERS
RECORD: 9-0
PREVIOUS RANKING: #3
REASON(S): The Panthers’ perfect run is intact still after a practice run against Social Circle (42-7). Next up is the aforementioned rivalry intense “for-all-the-marbles” matchup at Rabun County. We’re already nervous.
#4 JEFFERSON DRAGONS
RECORD: 8-2
PREVIOUS RANKING: #4
REASON(S): The Dragons rebounded from their second loss with a convincing 36-6 win over Jackson County to close the regular season a week before everyone else. That gives time to rest up for the playoffs as Jefferson is set to host the first round. Will Colby Clark finally be back in time for the playoff run?
#5 COMMERCE TIGERS
RECORD: 8-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #5
REASON(S): Perhaps the largest upset anywhere in the state happened when #3-ranked Commerce fell to a 4-4 Riverside team that rose up for the challenge. Hats off to them, but you have to feel back for the Tigers as the perfect season is over on the eve of their region title game.
#6 STEPHENS COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 5-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #6
REASON(S): The Indians’ short losing streak was snapped with a momentum-gaining win over Madison County at home. Stephens County has secured a playoff spot with that one region win, but would love to show something to St. Pius this upcoming week.
#7 HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS
RECORD: 5-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #7
REASON(S): The Raiders’ playoff hopes are alive with a much-needed and relatively easy win over Winder-Barrow. That puts Habersham at 2-2 in region play with a date with Apalachee to close the regular season.
#8 WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS
RECORD: 3-6
PREVIOUS RANKING: #8
REASON(S): The Warriors technically stayed alive in the playoff hunt with a big win over Chestatee, but now they need help from others and/or a win next week over powerhouse Blessed Trinity, a team that no one has beaten.
#9 BANKS COUNTY LEOPARDS
RECORD: 4-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #9
REASON(S): The Leopards needed a win against Monticello but came up just short, 36-33. This puts Banks County in a tough spot with one game to play, and against a very good Elbert team.
#10 LUMPKIN COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 3-6
PREVIOUS RANKING: #10
REASON(S): The Indians fell for the third straight time, this time against Fannin to knock any playoff hopes out the window.
#11 TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 2-7
PREVIOUS RANKING: #11
REASON(S): Towns County’s five-game losing streak turned to six with a last second trick play TD by a win-less (or used to be) Lakeview team.
