The Prep Zone

Sonic Drive-In Player-of-the-Game for Oct. 29 – Kennedy Wade (Buchholz)

Mike Ridaught

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October 29, 2019

Sonic Drive-In Player-of-the-Game for Oct. 29 – Kennedy Wade (Buchholz)

The Sonic Drive-In Player-of-the-Game for Tuesday, October 29, was Kennedy Wade of the Buchholz (Gainesville) volleyball team.

The senior finished with 21 kills and 15 digs as the Bobcats defeated visiting Chiles (Tallahassee) in five sets in the Class 6A-Region 1 Semifinals.

“I think I did really well,” she said. “I’m really happy with how my hitting was and my defense. Overall, I think I did pretty well.”

Buchholz, which is seeded 2nd in Region 1, took an early 2-0 lead but the Timberwolves (20-9) would battle back, outscoring the Bobcats 25-21 & 25-17 in the third and fourth sets.

After Chiles forced the decisive fifth set, Wade said she felt like the Bobcats’ energy proved to be the difference.

“We were really down and they had all the momentum,” she said. “But I felt like once we regrouped and focused on what we could control then everything was great.”

Bobcats’ coach Bailey Coleman said it came down to which team wanted it more with the score tied 2-2.

“We’re a senior team and we needed them to come together and know that this could be our last shot and whoever wants it more is going to show it,” she explained. “They showed me right there they want to go state.”

One of those seniors who stepped up was Wade.

“She had her ups and downs but when we needed her, she turned it on,” said Coleman. “She kind of hit a stride tonight and I’m excited for the next match because she’s been struggling but tonight she really took the reigns and led this team, especially in the fifth set.

“I think she’s got her edge back and her confidence.”

Up next for Buchholz (22-5) is a trip on Tuesday, November 5, to top-seeded Leon (Tallahassee), which swept Forest (Ocala). The winner will advance to the Class 6A state semifinals.

“It’s going to be a tough match,” Coleman noted. “We’re going in to win but we know it’s going to be a dog fight no matter what and they have home court advantage.”

Every game The Prep Zone will recognize a Player-of-the-Game. The recipient receives a $10 gift certificate courtesy of Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville & Ocala.

The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week – Cole Gonzales (Oak Hall)

Mike Ridaught

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October 29, 2019

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The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week – Cole Gonzales (Oak Hall)

The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week for the week of October 14 is COLE GONZALES* of the Oak Hall (Gainesville) football team.

*Gonzales helped lead the Eagles to a 49-14 win on Homecoming against
visiting Niceville Rocky Bayou Christian (Niceville). The sophomore quarterback threw for 218 yards, rushed for 103, and accounted for five touchdowns – including a pick-6.

Nominate an Athlete of the Week each week no later than Sunday at 6 p.m. Email your nominations to mike@ThePrepZone.com

Previous 2019-20 winners:

October 7 – Elise Bauer (Forest swimming)
Bauer won two events to help Forest win the Mid-Florida Conference meet out of 17 teams. The University of Florida commit won the 200 free (1:57.24) and the 500 free (5:01.73).

September 30 – Taria Liles (Bell volleyball)
The junior helped lead the Class 1A No. 1-ranked Bulldogs to a 3-0 week with wins against Taylor (Pierson), Branford, and Union County. Liles finished the week with 55 kills, 59 digs, and five aces, as Bell improved to 21-1 overall.

September 23 – Trevor McGovern (P.K. Yonge boys swimming)
McGovern won two events at the Rob Ramirez City Championships in Gainesville to help lead the boys’ team to its first city title since 2007. The senior won the 50 free with a time of 21.79. He also won the 100 back with a time of 50.83.

September 16 – Jamarian Samuel (Trinity Catholic football)
Samuel had a monster game as the Celtics crushed defending 2A state champion North Florida Christian (Tallahassee), 42-13. The junior tailback started slow, with just 12 yards on his first five carries. However, by halftime, Samuel would finish with 17 carries for 262 yards and four touchdowns. It was his fourth straight game over 100 yards, which also put him over 1,000 yards at the halfway point of the season (1,078 yards) for the Celtics (5-0).

September 9 – Deiontae Simpkins (Lake Weir football)
Simpkins completed 10-of-14 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns as the Hurricanes blew past Belleview, 48-0, in the annual War for the Oar to win their first game of the season. The senior quarterback led his team to a TD on its opening drive thanks to three straight quarterback runs, finishing the night with 127 yards rushing and a score on only 12 carries.

September 2 – No award (Hurricane Dorian)

August 26 – Trevor Holtzendorf (Union County football)
The sophomore played a big role in Union County’s come-from-behind 15-12 win at Williston. Holtzendorf recorded 14 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Union County (2-0) didn’t allow a score in the second half.

August 19 – Quan Smith (Buchholz football)
Smith helped lead the Bobcats to a 21-20 win against Eastside by rushing for 190 yards. The junior had 108 yards in the first half. However, it was his late fourth quarter 46-yard run, right after Eastside’s TD but blocked extra point, that helped seal the win. Smith had a 44-yard TD run in the first half and had Buchholz’s only score of the second half on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Jack Hevesy.

Week 11 – 2019 FloridaHSFootball.com Florida Top 25 & classification rankings

Mike Ridaught

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October 29, 2019

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Week 11 – 2019 FloridaHSFootball.com Florida Top 25 & classification rankings

Area teams in bold

FLORIDA TOP 25
Rank, Team, Classification, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Lakeland (7A), 10-0, 1
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (7A), 8-0, 2
3. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A) 8-1, 3
4. Miami Northwestern (5A), 7-2, 4
5. Armwood (7A), 8-1, 6
6. Edgewater (7A), 8-1, 7
7. Seminole (Sanford) (8A), 9-0, 9
8. Booker T. Washington (4A), 8-2, 10
9. Escambia (6A), 8-0, 11
10. Jones (5A), 8–1, 12
11. Rockledge (5A), 7-1, 13
12. Cardinal Gibbons (4A), 7-2, 14
13. Lakewood (4A), 9-0, 15
14. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (8A), 9-0, 16
15. Wakulla (5A), 10-0, 18
16. Lake Wales, 9-0, 19
17. Vero Beach (8A), 8-0, 20
18. Chaminade-Madonna (3A), 7-2, 24
19. Miami Central (6A), 7-3, 5
20. Palmetto (6A), 8-1, 8
21. Miami Palmetto (8A), 8-1, NR
22. Apopka (8A), 7-1, 21
23. Gaither (6A), 8-0, 22
24. Palm Beach Lakes (7A), 8-0, 23
25. Niceville, 10-0, 25

CLASS 8A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Seminole (Sanford), 9-0, 1
2. Bartram Trail (St. Johns), 9-0, 2
3. Vero Beach, 8-0, 4
4. Miami Palmetto, 8-1, 7
5. Apopka, 7-1, 5
6. Western, 7-1, 6
7. South Dade, 7-2, 3
8. Osceola (Kissimmee), 7-1, 8
9. Steinbrenner, 9-0, 9
10. Dr. Phillips, 8-2, 10
First Five Out: Riverview (Sarasota), 7-2; Deerfield Beach, 6-3; Treasure Coast, 8-1; Palm Beach Central, 6-2; Douglas, 8-0.

CLASS 7A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Lakeland, 10-0, 1
2. St. Thomas Aquinas,87-0, 2
3. Armwood, 8-1, 3
4. Edgewater, 8-1, 4
5. Palm Beach Lakes, 8-0, 5
6. Niceville, 10-0, 6
7. Plantation, 7-1, 8
8. Bloomingdale, 7-2, 9
9. Wekiva, 7-2, 10
10. Lincoln, 6-3, 8
First Five Out: Atlantic (Delray), 6-2; Fleming Island (Orange Park), 8-0; Viera, 6-2; McArthur, 6-2; Mitchell, 8-1.

CLASS 6A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Escambia, 8-0, 3
2. Miami Central, 7-3, 1
3. Palmetto, 8-1, 2
4. Gaither, 9-0, 5
5. Naples, 9-0, 5
6. Columbia (Lake City), 7-2, 6
7. Lake Gibson, 9-0, 7
8. Dillard, 9-0, 8
9. Ponte Vedra, 7-1, 9
10. Fort Myers, 7-2, 10
First Five Out: Port Charlotte, 8-1; Hillsborough, 7-2; Lake Minneola, 6-3; Springstead (Spring Hill), 8-1; Washington (Pensacola), 8-1.

CLASS 5A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. American Heritage (Plantation), 8-1, 1
2. Miami Northwestern, 7-2, 2
3. Jones, 8-1, 3
4. Rockledge, 7-1, 4
5. Wakulla, 10-0, 5
6. Lake Wales, 9-0, 6
7. Dunnellon, 8-1, 8
8. Jesuit, 7-2, 9
9. Vanguard (Ocala), 6-2, 10
10. North Marion (Citra), 7-2, 7
First Five Out: Pine Forest, 6-2; Cypress Lake, 8-2; Citrus (Inverness), 8-1; Eau Gallie, 8-1; Miami Killian, 7-2.

CLASS 4A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Booker T. Washington, 8-2, 1
2. Cardinal Gibbons, 7-2, 2
3. Lakewood, 9-0, 3
4. Gulliver Prep, 9-0, 4
5. Cocoa, 6-2, 5
6. NSU University School, 7-2, 6
7. Bolles (Jacksonville), 7-1, 7
8. South Sumter (Bushnell), 7-2, 8
9. The Villages, 6-2, 9
10. West Nassau (Callahan), 7-2, NR
First Five Out: Miami Carol City, 4-5; American Heritage (Delray), 5-4; Keystone Heights, 7-1; Marianna, 6-4; Tampa Catholic, 5-4.

CLASS 3A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Chaminade-Madonna, 7-2, 1
2. Florida High, 8-1, 2
3. Berkeley Prep, 6-1, 3
4. Pensacola Catholic, 9-0, 4
5. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville), 5-5, 8
6. Trinity Catholic (Ocala), 7-2, 5
7. Bishop Verot, 7-2, 6
8. Baldwin, 7-2, 7
9. Clearwater Central Catholic, 6-3, 9
10. Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale), 9-1, 10
First Five Out: Lakeland Christian, 6-2; Cardinal Newman, 6-2; Miami Edison, 5-4; Calvary Christian (Clearwater), 7-2; Oasis, 5-4.

CLASS 2A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. University Christian (Jacksonville), 8-1, 2
2. Champagnat Catholic, 6-3, 1
3. Victory Christian, 7-1, 3
4. First Baptist (Naples), 9-0, 5
5. Cambridge Christian, 8-2, 4
6. Foundation Academy, 8-2, 6
7. Maclay, 8-1, 7
8. Aucilla Christian (Monticello), 9-0, 8
9. Admiral Farragut, 5-3, 10
10. Northside Christian, 7-2, NR
First Five Out: Oak Hall (Gainesville), 6-3; Zephyrhills Christian, 6-3; Westminster Academy, 9-1; Orangewood Christian, 5-4; Keswick Christian, 5-4.

CLASS 1A
Rank, Team, Record, Previous Ranking
1. Madison County, 7-2, 1
2. Blountstown, 9-0, 2
3. Baker, 9-0, 3
4. Newberry, 9-1, 4
5. Hawthorne, 7-2, 6
6. Lafayette (Mayo), 8-1, 6
7. Sneads, 8-1, 8
8. Northview, 6-2, 9
9. Dixie County (Cross City), 6-2, 10
10. Graceville, 7-2, NR
First Five Out: Taylor County (Perry), 6-3; Vernon, 5-3; Wildwood, 5-4; Freeport, 6-3; Chiefland, 5-4.

The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week – Elise Bauer (Forest)

Mike Ridaught

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October 29, 2019

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The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week – Elise Bauer (Forest)

The Trophy Shop Athlete of the Week for the week of October 7 is ELISE BAUER* of the Forest (Ocala) girls swimming team.

*Bauer won two events to help Forest win the Mid-Florida Conference meet out of 17 teams. The University of Florida commit won the 200 free (1:57.24) and the 500 free (5:01.73).

Nominate an Athlete of the Week each week no later than Sunday at 6 p.m. Email your nominations to mike@ThePrepZone.com

Previous 2019-20 winners:

September 30 – Taria Liles (Bell volleyball)
The junior helped lead the Class 1A No. 1-ranked Bulldogs to a 3-0 week with wins against Taylor (Pierson), Branford, and Union County. Liles finished the week with 55 kills, 59 digs, and five aces, as Bell improved to 21-1 overall.

September 23 – Trevor McGovern (P.K. Yonge boys swimming)
McGovern won two events at the Rob Ramirez City Championships in Gainesville to help lead the boys’ team to its first city title since 2007. The senior won the 50 free with a time of 21.79. He also won the 100 back with a time of 50.83.

September 16 – Jamarian Samuel (Trinity Catholic football)
Samuel had a monster game as the Celtics crushed defending 2A state champion North Florida Christian (Tallahassee), 42-13. The junior tailback started slow, with just 12 yards on his first five carries. However, by halftime, Samuel would finish with 17 carries for 262 yards and four touchdowns. It was his fourth straight game over 100 yards, which also put him over 1,000 yards at the halfway point of the season (1,078 yards) for the Celtics (5-0).

September 9 – Deiontae Simpkins (Lake Weir football)
Simpkins completed 10-of-14 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns as the Hurricanes blew past Belleview, 48-0, in the annual War for the Oar to win their first game of the season. The senior quarterback led his team to a TD on its opening drive thanks to three straight quarterback runs, finishing the night with 127 yards rushing and a score on only 12 carries.

September 2 – No award (Hurricane Dorian)

August 26 – Trevor Holtzendorf (Union County football)
The sophomore played a big role in Union County’s come-from-behind 15-12 win at Williston. Holtzendorf recorded 14 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Union County (2-0) didn’t allow a score in the second half.

August 19 – Quan Smith (Buchholz football)
Smith helped lead the Bobcats to a 21-20 win against Eastside by rushing for 190 yards. The junior had 108 yards in the first half. However, it was his late fourth quarter 46-yard run, right after Eastside’s TD but blocked extra point, that helped seal the win. Smith had a 44-yard TD run in the first half and had Buchholz’s only score of the second half on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Jack Hevesy.

Chiles at Buchholz – Class 6A-Region 1 Semifinal

Mike Stanton

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October 29, 2019

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Chiles at Buchholz – Class 6A-Region 1 Semifinal

Tuesday, Oct. 29 – High School Volleyball, Chiles (Tallahassee) at Buchholz (Gainesville)

Join Marty Pallman (Play-by-play) & Rachel Rosenblum (Color) for this Class 6A-Region 1 Semifinal in the second round of the FHSAA state playoffs.

Due to technical difficulties there are two broadcast files. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Gainesville Cross Country – Fall 2019

Mike Stanton

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October 28, 2019

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Monday, Oct. 28 – “The Prep Zone” Sports Show presented by Sonic Drive-In (broadcast from Sonic Drive-In on 39th Ave. in Gainesville)

Join Mike Ridaught & Marty Pallman as they talk high school sports from Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville. Our guests for this episode include Gainesville High girls & boys cross country coach Curtis Cooper and members of both teams who earned a spot in this week’s regional cross country championships.

Eastside at Santa Fe – Football 2019

Mike Ridaught

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October 28, 2019

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Friday, Oct. 25 – High School Football, Eastside (Gainesville) at Santa Fe (Alachua)

Radio: 104.9 FM in Gainesville/Alachua/High Springs

Join Michael Knauff (Play-by-play) & Conlan Birdsall (Color) for this Alachua County showdown as the Raiders try and keep their postseason hopes alive. Plus, our Raider Greats segment at the half featuring an interview with David Sutton, who was the left tackle for the 1991 state championship team and currently serves as the Raiders’ offensive line coach.

‘Canes lead early, fall late

Mike Ridaught

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October 26, 2019

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By Rachel Rosenblum
Twitter – @rachrosenblum_

The Lee (Jacksonville) Generals came marching down to Gainesville Friday night to face the one-win Gainesville Hurricanes for a Class 6A-District 2 game.

The Generals are in the midst of an impressive season as they are receiving votes in the Class 6A state rankings.

The Hurricanes are struggling to get another win and for the first half of the night it looked like it wasn’t too far out of reach.

Gainesville’s defense showed up early sacking quarterback Cale Zarah and forcing a quick 3-and-out by the Generals.

Shortly after, a muffed punt by the Generals set up a 14-yard touchdown run by KZ Hutchinson.

Lee struggled to get any sort of offense going for most of the first quarter as the Hurricanes’ defensive line was not letting anything get by them.

After a rough start by Zarah, he found his groove and used his legs a lot. A 20 yard run from him late in the first quarter set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Kevonte Doles to tie the game at 7.

One of the big problems for both teams were the flags flying all over the field. So many big plays and long drives were negated by penalties.

One drive in particular featured one of the plays of the night.

Gainesville QB Rod Williams connected with Alex Brown who made an unbelievable one handed grab for a gain of 52. Unfortunately penalties later in the drive brought the ball back and Gainesville was forced to punt.

Lee was still struggling to get something going on the offensive side of the ball and at one point during the second quarter they were forced to punt from their own 4-yard line.

Gainesville took advantage of this field position and would end up blocking the punt into the endzone earning a safety and a 9-7 lead.

Gainesville would add three more to the board before the halfway mark, and a 12-7 lead at the half, but that’s all they would get.

Lee came out of that locker room with a whole new attitude and it showed on the field.

“We had to man up, we were allowing them to push us around,” said coach O.J. Small, a former Gator wide receiver.

Small talked about how his boys just needed to show some more effort and he made sure to make some second half adjustments. He mentioned how big time players made big time plays.

“All we can ask for in life is opportunities,” he said. “Once you get the opportunity you have to take advantage of it.”

Lee substituted Cobie Bates in at quarterback and he got it started for the Generals. Facing 4th and 9, Bates ran for about 35 yards into the endzone. After a successful 2-point conversion, Lee led, 15-12, and would never trail again.

Williams was picked off twice in the second half.

Robert Simmons took his interception to the house and Larry Smith also recorded an interception.

Gainesville couldn’t get much going on offense in the second half. Lee would go on to score again with a minute left on the clock and the final score ended up being 27-12.

The Generals flipped off the field victorious.

Lee (6-3) will host Ed White (Jacksonville) on Thursday. Gainesville (1-8) will close the regular season at city rival Eastside on Friday.

Buchholz comes up short on Senior Night

Mike Ridaught

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October 25, 2019

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By Timothy Williams
Twitter – @Timothy3pk

There are reasons why people love sports and football in general.

So many emotions simmer on the field and boil over into the bleachers. The roller coaster of emotions can take us to Everest before dropping us off in Death Valley.

For the Buchholz Bobcats, the roller coaster parked in Death Valley for the end of their contest against the Creekside (St. Johns) Knights.

The Bobcats entered Thursday’s 7A-District 2 game with a record of 4-4 overall. They matched up against a Creekside team that was 3-5 and losers of their last four.

In all senses of the word, Buchholz entered this game with all the momentum.

However, after a scoreless first quarter it seemed as if these two schools had much more of a battle going on than was previously expected.

The momentum shifted after Creekside was able to score two quick touchdowns in the second quarter as a result of Creekside’s senior QB Quinn Sieger and a pair of textbook completions.

The third quarter was more of the same for Buchholz, although they were able to stifle the offense of the Knights enough to prevent any more points from being added onto the total.

Buchholz seemed to save their best for last, however, as the fourth quarter began to get underway.

The scoring for the Bobcats finally began after the defense was able to capitalize on excellent defensive field position as a result of a textbook punt. The Bobcats were able to tackle Sieger in the endzone to get their first two points of the contest.

After more excellent Buchholz defense, the Bobcat’s junior QB Jack Hevesy put six points on the board with an 80-yard bomb to Damien Curtis. This was followed by an extra point to bring the score to 14-9.

Creekside fumbled on the next possession and allowed senior RB Quan Smith to take a handoff 14 yards for the score. This was immediately followed by a successful two-point conversion to allow Buchholz to take their first lead of the game at 17-14 with 2:56 remaining.

With everything pointing towards a Bobcat’s victory, adversity hit when Quan Smith lost the ball on a short handoff. His first lost fumble of the year, Creekside was able to score the ball and hold off Buchholz’s offense to narrowly win with a final score of 21-17.

Following the game, Buchholz hung their heads and held back tears as their coach, Mark Whittemore, addressed the team.

As they turn their attention to next week’s matchup at Sante Fe (Alachua), Whittemore proudly comforted his team.

“I’d rather lose with you than win with them,” he said.

He related the game of football to life. Sometimes it isn’t fair, and you just get hit in the mouth.

While life certainly is not fair, it was just downright unfortunate for the Bobcats.

With all eyes on Sante Fe, these young men must prepare for a new week, and hopefully, a better result.

The Prep Zone Power Poll powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville – 2019 Football Poll #10

Mike Ridaught

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October 24, 2019

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The Prep Zone Power Poll powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville – 2019 Football Poll #10

Bartram Trail (St. Johns) still unanimous top-ranked team in regional all-classification rankings after wrapping up district title

GAINESVILLE — The high school football season is winding down with only two weeks remaining, and many district championships will be decided this week.

But one team who has wrapped up a district crown is the Bartram Trail (St. Johns) Bears. And for the second week in a row, Bartram Trail is the unanimous #1 team in The Prep Zone Power Poll.

The Bears (8-0) scored late to win 31-24 at #16 Oakleaf (Orange Park) to wrap up the District 1-8A title.

Bartram Trail received all nine first-place votes and remain one of only two undefeated teams in the poll. The other unbeaten is #7 Fleming Island (Orange Park).

North Marion (Citra) remains 2nd.

The Colts (7-1) blasted Belleview, 84-0, a week ago, but face a much tougher test this week at #4 Dunnellon. Both teams are in good shape to make the playoffs, with Dunnellon 3rd and North Marion 6th in RPI in Region 2-5A.

But the District 6-5A championship could be on the line on Friday.

Also in the mix for this district championship is #6 Vanguard (Ocala). Vanguard has beaten North Marion but lost to Dunnellon.

Madison County moves to 3rd after a 42-34 win over a good independent team in Clearwater Academy International.

The Cowboys (7-2) have a bye this week before closing the regular season with a game against 7A Crestview next week. Madison County remains #1 in RPI in Region 3-1A this week.

Dunnellon moves up two spots and back into the top five as they tuned up for the huge North Marion matchup with a 44-7 win at Lake Weir (Ocala).

Rounding out the top five this week is Columbia (Lake City).

The Tigers (6-2), who were atop the poll for seven straight weeks, dropped their second straight game, 35-21, to 7A #10 Atlantic (Delray Beach). Columbia drops two spots again this week but remains in the top five.

Vanguard moved up one position after a 50-34 win at Lake Minneola.

The Knights (5-2) close District 6-5A play at home against Lake Weir (Ocala), but will also be very interested in the North Marion-Dunnellon matchup. Vanguard is currently 4th in RPI in Region 2-5A.

Fleming Island is the thir team in the top 10 to clinch a district title, joining Bartram Trail & Raines (Jacksonville).

The Golden Eagles (7-0) wrapped up District 2-7A after waxing Buchholz (Gainesville), 42-19. Fleming Island is currently 3rd in RPI for Region 1-7A, but they are assured of at least a home playoff game in the first round of the playoffs.

After Fleming Island is Flagler Palm Coast, which moves up a position to #8.

The Bulldogs (7-1) face a huge District 2-8A matchup at #14 DeLand this week. Seminole (Sanford) has beaten both teams and clinched the district title, but Flagler Palm Coast is right ahead of DeLand in RPI as the two teams fight for wildcard positions in 8A.

Ponte Vedra moves up two spots and into the top 10 at #9. The Sharks (6-1) are coming off a bye week but face a battle for the District 3-6A championship this Friday at home against St. Augustine.

Rounding out the top 10 are two teams tied for 10th, both former district rivals in Bolles (Jacksonville) and two-time defending state champion Raines.

Bolles (6-1) won its sixth game in a row, 41-7, over Clay (Green Cove Springs). The Bulldogs are in excellent shape for the postseason, ranked 1st in RPI this week in Region 1-4A.

Raines punched its ticket to the postseason last week as the Vikings (5-2) clinched the District 4-5A crown with a 40-0 romp over Yulee. Raines hosts #13 Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) this week.

Trinity Christian moves up three spots this week after a 21-12 win over then-#5 Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville). Despite a 4-5 record, the Conquerors continue to hold on to the 6th and final spot in RPI for Region 1-3A.

Robert E. Lee (5-3) falls out of the top 10 to #12 this week after the loss.

That loss came on the heels of an upset win over then-#1 ranked Columbia. The Generals can wrap up the District 2-6A championship with a win at Gainesville on Friday.

Moving into the top 20 for the first time this season is Westside (Jacksonville), which is tied for 20th with Ribault (Jacksonville).

Westside (7-1) won its fifth game in a row last week, 35-24, over Ed White (Jacksonville). It was the Wolverines’ first win over the rival Commanders in 15 years.

Westside travels to RV Terry Parker (Jacksonville) this week in a game that will decide the District 3-5A championship. Even with a loss this week, Westside is in excellent shape for the playoffs as they are currently 2nd in RPI in Region 1-5A.

Citrus (Inverness) drops out from the previous poll after losing its first game of the season, 39-14, to RV Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville).

The Prep Zone Power Poll ranks the top 20 high school football, basketball, baseball & softball teams (regardless of FHSAA classification) across 26 counties in North Florida (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Sumter, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union & Volusia counties). It is voted on weekly by sportswriters and sportscasters and it is powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville.

THE PREP ZONE POWER POLL – 2019 FOOTBALL POLL #10
(School, followed by classification, first-place votes, current record and total points)
1. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (8A) (9) (8-0) – 180
2. North Marion (Citra) (5A) (7-1) – 165
3. Madison County (1A) (7-2) – 157
4. Dunnellon (5A) (7-1) – 145
5. Columbia (Lake City) (6A) (6-2) – 135
6. Vanguard (Ocala) (5A) (5-2) – 131
7. Fleming Island (Orange Park) (7A) (7-0) – 127
8. Flagler Palm Coast (8A) (7-1) – 120
9. Ponte Vedra (6A) (6-1) – 102
10T. Bolles (Jacksonville) (4A) (6-1) – 91
10T. Raines (Jacksonville) (5A) (5-2) – 91
12. Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) (6A) (5-3) – 71
13. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (3A) (4-5) – 69
14. DeLand (8A) (5-2) – 64
15. University Christian (Jacksonville) (2A) (7-1) – 62
16. Oakleaf (Orange Park) (8A) (5-3) – 59
17T. Mandarin (Jacksonville) (8A) (5-3) – 31
17T. Trinity Catholic (Ocala) (3A) (7-1) – 31
19. Mainland (Daytona Beach) (6A) (4-3) – 17
20T. Ribault (Jacksonville) (5A) (3-4) – 7
20T. Westside (Jacksonville) (5A) (7-1) – 7
Also receiving votes: Baldwin (3A) (7-2) – 5; The Villages (4A) (5-2) – 5; South Sumter (Bushnell) (4A) (6-2) – 4; Springstead (Spring Hill) (6A) (8-0) – 4; Keystone Heights (4A) (6-1) – 3; Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville) (5A) (5-4) – 3; Citrus (Inverness) (5A) (8-1) – 2; Menendez (St. Augustine) (5A) (5-2) – 2; Terry Parker (Jacksonville) (5A) (5-2) – 1.