Power poll: Saint Stephen’s moves into top spot among private schools

Note: These are power rankings, meaning hypothetical head-to-head matchups aren’t considered. Actual head-to-head games, how the team is trending and recently performed are weighed. Considerations to keep teams where they were after a loss are based on the opposition’s strength and how close a game was.

Public

1. (1) Braden River, 5-1

The first-team defense gave up 53 total yards of offense, while Deshaun Fenwick (217 rushing yards), Knowledge McDaniel (148 receiving yards) and Bryan Gagg (200 passing yards) cruised in two quarters of action before the backups went in for mop up duty in a North Port blowout.

Up next: at Sarasota Booker

2. (3) Manatee, 4-2

The Hurricanes had a bye week to heal up but move up in the Power Poll after Palmetto got routed. Yes, the Tigers blew out the Hurricanes earlier this season, but the Power Poll rankings are week-to-week, not on head-to-head matchups. The Canes have a huge game Monday and need it for a potential playoff berth.

Up next: vs. Lithia Newsome

3. (2) Palmetto, 5-3

The Tigers can’t let their guard down. For the first time in recent seasons, the finale against Punta Gorda Charlotte means something after the loss to Venice. Palmetto can stake a claim for a playoff berth with a victory over the Tarpons, before doing some calculating with the playoff points standings.

Up next: vs. Punta Gorda Charlotte

4. (4) Southeast, 6-1

A week after a key loss, the Seminoles rebounded in a big way. Southeast’s defense limited Sarasota Booker in the district finale for both teams. The Seminoles were without six players but played like a team at full strength. They’ll need to keep it going against Class 7A Harmony to try making the playoffs as a wild card.

Up next: vs. Harmony

5. (5) Lakewood Ranch, 3-4

A devastating loss at the wrong time for Lakewood Ranch. The fourth straight defeat sent the Mustangs from potentially snagging a playoff berth for the first time in a long time to needing major help to get in.

Up next: at Arcadia DeSoto

6. (6) Bayshore, 1-6

The Bruins defense, which has kept an anemic offense in games all year, struggled to contain Lemon Bay. Bayshore was blanked 28-0 and head into the season finale looking for some momentum heading into the offseason.

Up next: at Mulberry

Private

1. (2) Saint Stephen’s, 7-0

Both sides of the ball were dominant once again. The Falcons are clicking without trouble, but can’t lose focus in a rematch with Out-of-Door Academy. Chase Brown (151 rushing yards) and Fred Billy (125 rushing yards) powered the running game, while the defense allowed minus-7 total yards of offense in two quarters before the starters were mostly lifted.

Up next: vs. Out-of-Door Academy

2. (1) IMG Academy Blue, 6-0

The Ascenders play a brutal schedule. They were off last week and haven’t lost in forever. So it’s hard to argue dropping them for a week, but they haven’t exactly overpowered teams with ease this season.

Up next: at Hoover (Ala.)

3. (4) Out-of-Door Academy, 6-1

Well, the first playoff game since 2010 didn’t have any hiccups. The Thunder now have the unenviable task of playing juggernaut Saint Stephen’s in the second round of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs.

Up next: at Saint Stephen’s

4. (3) Cardinal Mooney, 2-6

The Cougars season, which showed so much promise early on, swerved downward with the two forfeited losses and now two consecutive on-field losses, including Friday’s blowout to archrival Clearwater Central Catholic.

Up next: vs. Hollywood West Park Prep

5. (6) Bradenton Christian, 3-6

The Panthers played magnificent in shocking No. 2-seeded Mount Dora Christian for a 13-0 lead during Friday’s SSAC first-round playoff game. However, that lead evaporated as MDC claimed an 18-13 victory. The way BCS played bumps the Panthers up.

Up next: Season complete

6. (5) IMG Academy White, 2-3

The Ascenders’ second varsity team was off this past week and is slated to make a trek to Key West this week. Hurricane Irma ravaged Key West in September, but the Conchs haven’t halted their season. They’re in position for a Class 4A playoff berth and pose a big threat to the Ascenders’ White team in the season finale. Especially,with the travel to get there.

Up next: at Key West

This story was originally published October 28, 2017 at 7:29 PM with the headline "Power poll: Saint Stephen’s moves into top spot among private schools."