Middle Georgia HS football power rankings: Top two teams fall after close losses

Week 9 in Middle Georgia high school football saw some exciting games including the top two teams in last week’s power rankings suffering close defeats.

For the first time this season there is a new team at the top.

1. Bleckley County

The Royals put together an outstanding defensive performance against Northeast last week. Bleckley County is 8-0 on the season. The Royals have had some close calls, but each game they’ve found a way to get the job done. Next up is a showdown with Washington County.

A win would likely lock up the region title and the one seed for the Royals barring a stunning upset in the final week against Southwest.

Last week: 9-6 win over Northeast

Previous rank: 4

2. Warner Robins

Since the preseason, the Demons have stood alone at the top of the power rankings.

After falling down 22-0 on the road against Ware County, Warner Robins stormed back in the final quarter. But it was too little, too late. Losing to Ware County will likely cost Warner Robins the one seed and region title. But this is still a team who should be favored to make a run deep into the playoffs.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Warner Robins and Ware County meet again in the postseason and perhaps with the title on the line in 5A.

Last week: 29-21 loss to Ware County

Previous rank: 1

3. Baldwin

The Braves continue to win and remain perfect in region play. If Baldwin County can win its final two games over Spalding and Perry, it will lock up the region title. The game against Spalding has a ton on the line as each team is undefeated in the region. A win by Baldwin could go a long way in securing the one seed.

Last week: 20-7 win over Howard

Previous rank: 3

4. Northeast

Northeast looked as though it would once again hold on in a close game. But this time it was the Raiders who fell victims to the comeback as Bleckley County pulled it out late in the fourth quarter. Northeast now needs some help from Washington County to stay in the hunt. However, the Raiders still have three games they must win to try and secure the best seeding possible. First up is Dodge County at home on Friday.

Last week: 9-6 loss to Bleckley County

Previous rank: 2

5. Jones County

The Greyhounds managed to avoid the chaos in Week 9 by simply having an off week. They return this week to take on Eagle’s Landing. The biggest thing is Jones County can’t afford to get caught looking ahead to games against Woodland and Dutchtown.

Last week: Bye

Previous rank: 5

6. Perry

Perry’s loss to Spalding still looms large as it was a stunning loss in region play to a team that many had written off as contenders for the region title. But the Panthers have bounced back in a big way, including a beat down of a good West Laurens team. Perry will need a couple breaks but the season should come down to a showdown with Baldwin in the finale.

Last week: 32-0 win over West Laurens

Previous rank: 6

7. FPD

The Vikings are 2-0 against their rivals so far this season and they’ve looked impressive in wins over Mount de Sales and Tattnall. This looks like the team to beat in this region.

Last week: 33-14 win over Mount de Sales

Previous rank: 7

8. Stratford

Stratford moved to 2-0 in region play but still have tough games left on the schedule against Tattnall and FPD. A win over Tattnall would set up the Eagles showdown against FPD on Oct. 29 as a pseudo region title game. Tattnall has had a week off to regroup after the stunning shutout loss to FPD.

Last week: 41-0 win over Strong Rock

Previous rank: 8

9. Northside

The Eagles have been on a bit of a rollercoaster this season when it comes to the power rankings. They’ve spent time near the top before losses to Warner Robins and Colquitt County knocked them back out altogether. But a huge win over Valdosta has this team trending in the right direction at the best time of the year.

Last week: 13-10 win over Valdosta

Previous rank: Unranked

10. Peach County

Another team that avoids chaos simply by being off is Peach County. It’s hopefully been a week for the Trojans to regroup after a tough loss to Crisp County.

Jackson is next on the schedule. Look for a focused Peach County team to take care of business in this one.

Last week: Bye

Previous rank: 10

Teams that dropped out: Houston County (9)