Middle Georgia HS football power rankings: This new team locks down the number 2 spot
High school football is well underway in Middle Georgia, and Week 4 saw some exciting games with multiple teams in the Top 10 taking losses and a few putting together dominating performances.
That meant plenty of movement in this week’s rankings, with a pair of new teams entering the Top 10. Friday will feature a showdown between No. 6 and No. 7 7 as Mary Persons takes on Peach County.
1. Warner Robins
All this team does is win and win big. The Demons are the best team in Middle Georgia and the margin feels rather significant at this point. The Demons beat their rival Northside, another Top 5 team in the rankings, and it was never close. Warner Robins is one of the best teams in the state.
Last week: 49-7 win over Northside
Previous rank: 1
2. Perry
The Panthers are another undefeated team and perhaps the most surprising team through the first four weeks. Perry started the season outside the power rankings but a steady supply of wins has them all the way up to second. A look at the remaining schedule: it is possible this team won’t move from this spot. The Panthers are locked in and could go undefeated this season.
Last week: 34-14 win over Veterans
Previous rank: 6
3. Northeast
If there is ever such a thing as a good loss, then Northeast experienced it last Friday. It was a hard-fought loss by a field goal to a solid Doughtery team. The Raiders have a chance to get refocused in time for region play and the defeat should be a nice wake-up call. This is a really good team, but they aren’t unbeatable. Look for Northeast to bounce back quickly.
Last week: 10-7 loss to Doughtery
Previous rank: 2
4. Northside
It is hard to fault Northside for another blowout loss to Warner Robins. The Demons are in a class of their own right now and have been for the last few seasons. Head coach Chad Alligood is rebuilding this team the right way — the Northside Way — and it won’t be long before this team returns to former glory.
Last week: 49-7 loss to Warner Robins
Previous rank: 3
5. Stratford
It might be a good thing for the Eagles they were off last week, because the teams in the power rankings took a lot of losses. Stratford moves up a spot despite being on a bye. The Eagles have looked impressive through the first couple of weeks.
Last week: Bye
Previous rank: 6
6. Peach County
Peach County has been on bye for two weeks in a row and should be well-rested for the game against Mary Persons this week. Peach County is 0-2 with losses to a pair of great teams, including Northside. Peach County will need to slow Mary Persons running back Duke Watson down to have a chance in this one, but it’s a game the Trojans will be favored in heading into Friday night.
Last week: Bye
Previous rank: 7
7. Mary Persons
Duke Watson is one of the top three running backs in Middle Georgia. The stats he has put up through the first few games are impressive. He has scored at least twice in every game and has a pair of 200-yard rushing performances. Despite another great performance from him, Mary Persons lost a close one in Newnan as an interception on the last drive sealed its fate.
Last week: 39-32 loss to Newnan
Previous rank: 5
8. Jones County
No team has moved up and down this list more through the first few weeks than Jones County. The Greyhounds have a pair of impressive wins over Union Grove and North Gwinnett to go with two losses against Northeast and Veterans. The Greyhounds have the talent to make a deep run in the playoffs. Jones County typically shines in region play and now is the time to see if it can turn it on once again.
Last week: 38-22 win over Union Grove
Previous rank: 10
9. Bleckley County
The Royals are undefeated on the season and could be poised to rocket up the rankings over the next few weeks with matchups against Dodge, Jasper and Lamar. Bleckley County has won a few games by close margins and would be higher up if the wins had been a bit more decisive. Look for Bleckley to make a statement soon and show themselves as contenders this season.
Last week: 26-13 win over Vidalia
Previous rank: Unranked
10. Tattnall
The Trojans have looked good through their first two games with a pair of blowout wins. This is another team that could make a big move up the rankings if they can continue to pile up the wins. There is a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Tattnall has given up just one score all season.
Last week: 42-7 win over Deerfield-Windsor
Previous rank: Unranked
Teams that dropped out of the top 10: FPD (8), Veterans (9)
Games of the week
Three Telegraph staffers will make picks each week for the top five matchups around Middle Georgia, and we’ll keep track of how we do.
Justin (10-8)
- Warner Robins over Houston County
- Peach over Mary Persons
- Upson-Lee over Pike
- GMC over Hancock Central
- Jones County over Stockbridge
Caleb (11-7)
- Warner Robins over Houston County
- Mary Persons over Peach
- Upson-Lee over Pike
- Hancock Central over GMC
- Jones County over Stockbridge
Jason (11-7)
- Warner Robins over Houston County
- Peach over Mary Persons
- Upson-Lee over Pike
- Hancock Central over GMC
- Jones County over Stockbridge
This story was originally published September 15, 2021 at 11:23 AM.