Middle Georgia HS football power rankings: Who is at the top heading into final week?
Week 11 in Middle Georgia high school football saw some exciting games as most of the Top 10 held serve with key wins.
Teams have started to clinch playoff seeds and region championships as the playoffs picture begins to take shape.
Each week, The Telegraph will release power rankings for the top teams in the area. This isn’t a ranking of who would beat who on a neutral field; it’s based on a team’s success in their respective classifications.
1. Bleckley County
The Royals finished their regular season undefeated at 10-0 and picked up a region title. Bleckley County will have a week off before the playoffs begin to rest and prepare for the home playoff game they will host in two weeks. As a No. 1 seed in 2A, they have a path to a state title and have earned the right to stay at the top of the power rankings.
Last week: 42-6 win over Southwest
Previous rank: 1
2. Warner Robins
This is the most talented team in Middle Georgia but, because of the Ware County loss, their path through the playoffs will be slightly more difficult, even if they lock up the No. 2 seed.
The Demons still have the talent and coaching to once again reach the state title game. Middle Georgia has legitimate contenders this year in multiple classifications.
Last week: 22-7 win over Coffee County
Previous rank: 2
3. Baldwin
The Braves currently hold the lead in their region but the showdown with Perry looms large. A win will lock them in as region champions but a loss could create a three-way tie at the top with Perry and Spalding.
If this team can secure a No. 1 seed and the region title, they’ll be one of the favorites for a state title.
Last week: Bye week
Previous rank: 3
4. Northeast
The Raiders continue to win and take care of business down the stretch. Their 9-6 loss to Bleckley County will cost them the region title and No. 1 seed, but head coach Jeremy Wiggins didn’t let his team lose focus.
This team is still set to host a home playoff game and can play with anyone in 2A. Look for Northeast to also be primed for a deep run in the playoffs.
Last week: 40-7 win over Jasper County
Previous rank: 4
5. Jones County
The Greyhounds offense showed up last week and blasted through Woodland. The race for the region title will come down to the final game with Dutchtown.
Both teams are undefeated in the region. Jones County has the chance to get back in the playoffs as a No.1 seed again. This team has made it to back-to-back semifinals in 5A. A win over Dutchtown could help create a path to a state title for Jones County.
Last week: 69-26 win over Woodland
Previous rank: 5
6. Perry
Three straight shutouts by this defense has been a solid bounce back after losing Spalding and struggling with Washington County. The Panthers might be one of the most complete teams in Middle Georgia.
It looks as though they are peaking at the right time. A win over Baldwin on Friday could prove to be the most significant victories of the season.
Last week: 35-0 win over Howard
Previous rank: 6
7. FPD
The Vikings locked up their second straight region title with a close win over Stratford. FPD has a great defense and it continues to show up when needed the most.
The unquestioned leader of the unit is Coleman Cauley. If this team is going to make a run in the playoffs it will be because their star linebacker has made some key plays down the stretch.
Last week: 14-7 win over Stratford
Previous rank: 7
8. Peach County
The Trojans hung on for a 32-28 win over Jackson but bounced back with a dominant performance over Upson-Lee. This is a talented team and will likely head into the playoffs as the No. 2 and have a home playoff game.
Peach County can make a deep run if they get the right matchups. But they must stay focused and not get caught looking ahead to future rounds.
Last week: 46-16 win over Upson-Lee
Previous rank: 8
9. Tattnall
A week after grabbing a thrilling win over Stratford, Tattnall had a little more of a relaxing win over Strong Rock. This game was never in question and the Trojans didn’t need an overtime two-point conversion to seal this one.
Tattnall is likely going to come out of this region as the No. 2 seed and can make some noise in the playoffs.
Last week: 41-16 win over Strong Rock
Previous rank: 9
10. Northside
Their win over rival Houston County clinched the No. 2 seed for Northside and ensure the opening round of the playoffs will be a home game for the Eagles. Head coach Chad Alligood has turned this program around in a short amount of time. Victories over Valdosta and Houston County are big steps in the right direction.
Last week: 38-21 win over Houston County
Previous rank: Unranked
Teams that dropped out of the rankings: Stratford (10)
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 5:00 AM.