There was a little movement in the rankings as things begin to iron themselves out as each week progresses. Rabun, with a bye week, remains number one, while we did have a bit of a shuffle throughout the remainder of our local programs.
#1 RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS
RECORD: 6-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #1
REASON(S): Rabun showed out against #10 Elbert in a classic top-10 matchup. The Wildcats are now set up for a title showdown in the season finale at home against rivals Union County. Not that its overlooking any opponent until then, but it’s gearing up to be an awesome Friday night on November 2.
#2 JEFFERSON DRAGONS
RECORD: 7-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #2
REASON(S): The Dragons and backup-turned-starter Carter Stephenson continued to roll on without leader Colby Clark, who hopefully will be back for next week’s game against #3 Monroe Area.
#3 UNION COUNTY PANTHERS
RECORD: 7-0
PREVIOUS RANKING: #4
REASON(S): The Panthers are just one of two local programs still without blemish in 2018. At this point they’ve seen the best 8-AA has to offer aside from Rabun, the favorite to win a fifth straight region championship. But don’t tell Union that. They’re hungry for Week 11 on November 2 in Tiger.
#4 DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS
RECORD: 6-1
PREVIOUS RANKING: #3
REASON(S): The Tigers got a well-earned bye week to recoup from what’s been a great season to date. The guys are ready to get back to it against Fannin next week.
#5 COMMERCE TIGERS
RECORD: 7-0
PREVIOUS RANKING: #5
REASON(S): Commerce continues to have its best season since the early 2000s. The option is in elite form for the Tigers. Next up…Towns County on the road before RMA at home and then the region title game in Week 11. MaxPreps gives Commerce one of the best shots to finish the regular season undefeated.
#6 WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS
RECORD: 2-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #8
REASON(S): Back to its winning ways is White County. These guys need to win at least two of the next three to make the playoffs, so they’re all in…
#7 STEPHENS COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 4-3
PREVIOUS RANKING: #6
REASON(S): Stephens fought hard against a tough Oconee team, but fell just short. Things aren’t much easier when traveling to a pesky North Oconee team next week.
#8 HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS
RECORD: 4-3
PREVIOUS RANKING: #7
REASON(S): The Raiders had a bye week to prep for state ranked and region toppers Dacula in Week 9. This one will really push the defense to a level it hasn’t seen since perhaps Week 0 against Dawson County.
#9 LUMPKIN COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 3-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #9
REASON(S): Lumpkin had the unfortunately task of taking on GAC at home, and it didn’t go very well against the powerhouse program. Lumpkin next has North Hall, which also will prove difficult before closing against Fannin and East Hall. The Indians need to win now!
#10 BANKS COUNTY LEOPARDS
RECORD: 3-4
PREVIOUS RANKING: #10
REASON(S): Banks fell hard against Union on the road and are now 2-2 in region play. Next up is Putnam and Monticello, so the Leopards need to win at least one of those two games. Elbert is the season finale.
#11 TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS
RECORD: 2-5
PREVIOUS RANKING: #11
REASON(S): Towns County had a bye week to prepare for Commerce, but the four-game losing streak might stretch to five unless it completely shuts down the #3-ranked Tigers at home next week.
