Middle Georgia HS football power rankings: Can Warner Robins regain the top spot?

Week 10 in Middle Georgia high school football saw some exciting games including the top two teams in last week’s power rankings picking up 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 are 9-0 and have clinched the region title. But more importantly, Bleckley County will own a No. 1 seed when the playoffs begin. Last season, this team was a No. 4 seed and made some noise in the playoffs, beating a pair of higher seeds before losing in a thrilling game to Rabun County. This season the Royals will get a chance to play at home to open the postseason and that could be the key to making a deep run.

Last week: 28-23 win over Washington County

Previous rank: 1

2. Warner Robins

There is no question that Warner Robins is the most talented team in Middle Georgia. The Demons once again showcased that against Wayne County.

However, their loss to Ware County likely means they will be No. 2 seed in the playoffs, barring another defeat. A second seed will mean more travel in the playoffs for the Demons, which may not matter as good as this team is.

They’ll have a more difficult road to the title game, but Warner Robins should still be considered one of the favorites to win the 5A title.

Last week: 70-14 win over Wayne County

Previous rank: 2

3. Baldwin

The Braves just keep winning. Next up is an off week before taking on Perry in a game that will likely determine who takes home the region title.

A season ago, Perry knocked off the Braves 23-20. If Baldwin can win, it will lock up its first region title since 2018. This will be the toughest region matchup for either team.

Last week: 27-13 win over Spalding

Previous rank: 3

4. Northeast

The Raiders lost a 9-6 game against Bleckley County and needed to defeat Dodge County to give themselves a shot at the region title. Despite getting the victory, the Royals’ win over Washington County ended the Raiders’ hopes of picking up the No. 1 seed.

But the victory over Dodge County gives this team an inside track for the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game. Northeast must avoid a letdown in its final two games of the year against Jasper and Lamar.

Last week: 21-7 win over Dodge County

Previous rank: 4

5. Jones County

The Greyhounds remained undefeated in region play with a win last week. Jones County has won back-to-back region titles and have used that to propel them to back-to-back semifinals appearances in the playoffs.

If the Greyhounds are able to knock off Woodland, then the game against Dutchtown in the final week of the season will be for the region title. Jones County has won three straight games on the road and will get to end its regular season with back-to-back home games.

Last week: 41-20 win over Eagle’s Landing

Previous rank: 5

6. Perry

Since the loss to Spalding, the Panthers have been on an absolute tear. This is the one team no one wants to play right now.

Perry has won its last two games by a combined score of 77-0 over Westside and West Laurens. The Panthers can’t get caught looking ahead to the showdown against Baldwin when it takes on Howard this week.

Last week: 45-0 win over Westside

Previous rank: 6

7. FPD

The Vikings picked up another win this week and in dominating fashion. The game against Stratford will likely be the biggest on the season for the Vikings.

FPD has a win over Tattnall, so a win over Stratford will give them a second straight region title. A loss could mean a three-way tie at the top between those three Macon private schools.

Last week: 42-7 win over Deerfield-Windsor

Previous rank: 7

8. Peach County

The Trojans managed to get a win over Jackson and likely means a No. 2 seed if they can grab wins over Upson-Lee and Central to end the season. The loss to Crisp County will end Peach County’s streak of five straight region titles. If Peach County can figure some things out in the next couple of weeks, this team could be dangerous in the playoffs.

Last week: 32-28 win over Jackson

Previous rank: 10

9. Tattnall

The play call to go for two in overtime proved to be the right one. Tattnall picked up a huge win in the rivalry game over Stratford. This could be the difference between a No. 1 seed and a No. 3 seed for this team depending on how the final few weeks play out.

The Trojans must close out the season with win over Strong Rock and Mount de Sales but should be favored in both of those games.

Last week: 42-41 win over Stratford

Previous rank: Unranked

10. Stratford

For much of the game against Tattnall, it looked as though the Eagles would be able to advance to the game against FPD for an outright region championship game. But Tattnall managed to stage a late-game comeback and won on a walk-off two-point conversion.

Stratford will need to put the heartbreaking loss behind them quickly.

Last week: 42-41 loss to Tattnall

Previous rank: 8

Teams that dropped out of the rankings: Northside (9)

This story was originally published October 26, 2021 at 10:46 AM.