High School Football Power Rankings: Surprises and Shifts Unveiled!
High school football rankings shift as Raines remains No. 1, with Hawthorne among the top teams after a strong opener.
High School Football Power Rankings: Surprises and Shifts Unveiled!
As the dust settles from Week One of high school football in 2025, the buzz in the air is palpable. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the teams are stacking up, and the latest Prep Zone Football Power Poll has brought some surprises and changes. According to Mainstreet Daily News, Raines High School from Jacksonville holds on to the top position, despite having its opener against Central from Miami cancelled. This team still managed to secure three of the nine first-place votes and is set to kick off its season against Sandalwood this Friday.
Right behind Raines is Buchholz from Gainesville, which edged out No. 9T Vanguard in a tightly contested match that ended 15-13, although it faced a bit of weather delay too. Buchholz also received three first-place votes and will go up against Vero Beach this week. Meanwhile, Bolles from Jacksonville has made a remarkable move to third place after a resounding 34-15 victory over Monarch, also picking up three first-place votes. They’ll be back on their turf this Friday, playing against Trinity Christian, currently ranked 20th.
Shuffling in the Rankings
St. Augustine struggled to hold on to its high rank, dropping to fourth even after a spectacular 41-0 win over Palatka, largely thanks to their opponents fumbling the ball eight times. Nease from Ponte Vedra rounds out the top five, celebrating a 38-28 win over Ponte Vedra and gearing up to host RV Creekside from St. Johns shortly. Oakleaf from Orange Park is holding strong in sixth place after a respectable 23-14 triumph at Riverside, followed closely by Bradford in seventh place after a 24-0 win over Baker County.
| Rank | Team | Record | Notable Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raines (Jacksonville) | 0-0-0 | Opened against Sandalwood |
| 2 | Buchholz (Gainesville) | 1-0-0 | Defeated No. 9T Vanguard 15-13 |
| 3 | Bolles (Jacksonville) | 1-0-0 | Beat Monarch 34-15 |
| 4 | St. Augustine | 1-0-0 | Win over Palatka 41-0 |
| 5 | Nease (Ponte Vedra) | 1-0-0 | Victory against Ponte Vedra 38-28 |
A glance at the ranks reveals a mix of familiar names alongside newcomers. Among the receiving votes this week are Newberry, Chiefland, and Williston, with Ed White making a notable entrance at number 17 after a 45-28 win over Trinity Christian. DeLand climbed to twelfth post their nail-biting 21-20 upset over Madison County, previously ranked fifth. Meanwhile, South Sumter from Bushnell is making its mark at number 19. It’s worth mentioning that several teams have dropped out of the ranking, including Newberry and Bishop Kenny, among others, leaving fans curious about next week’s performances.
Looking Ahead
In the broader context of Florida high school football, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) laid out new standards with a shift to using the MaxPreps Rankings formula. As Florida Gridiron Preps highlights, rankings will roll out every Tuesday until the playoffs kick off, giving teams a fresh opportunity to showcase their skills and improve their standings. The final FHSAA rankings for the 2024 season saw Chaminade-Madonna, Venice, and IMG Academy among the top contenders, each leaving their mark in playoff history.
What’s clear is that the competition in Florida’s high school football scene is heating up. With so much talent on display, it’s anyone’s game. Keep an eye on these teams as the season unfolds; they’ll surely give fans plenty to cheer for. The excitement is just beginning!