1. Lakewood (3-0)
Up next: vs. Osceola (Oct. 15)
Last spot: No. 1
The Spartans have won 13 straight regular season games, a streak that dates back to 2018 and is currently the longest among area teams. They kept it going last week thanks to their defense. Aumhyraun Brown returned an interception for a touchdown in a 10-3 win over Braden River. Lakewood has allowed a combined nine points in the first three games.
2. Clearwater (1-2)
Up next: at Clearwater Central Catholic
Last spot: No. 2
The Tornadoes’ two losses have come against Jesuit and Plantation American Heritage, which are both ranked among the top 20 in the state regardless of classification by MaxPreps. Because of that, Clearwater stays put. Another challenge awaits this week when Clearwater travels to take on city rival Clearwater Central Catholic.
3. Calvary Christian (3-0)
Up next: vs. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney
Last spot: No. 3
Big plays have been a staple in the Warriors perfect start. Take last week. Makkah Jordan ran 74 yards for a touchdown and London Hall returned a kickoff 99 yards for another score in a 42-16 win over IMG White.
4. Clearwater Academy (0-2)
Up next: at Jacksonville Sandalwood
Last spot: No. 4
After lengthy road trips the first two weeks of the season, the Knights returned home for a much-needed two week break. Both losses were to a pair of quality opponents.The road show continues with another tough matchup at Jacksonville Sandalwood this week.
5. Boca Ciega (1-1)
Up next: vs. St. Petersburg
Last spot: No. 5
Down by nine points early in the first half, Boca Ciega came storming back to beat previously unbeaten Seminole 54-9. Taffrey Peterman threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 52. On defense, Evan Graham had a monster game. The Georgia State commit had 13 tackles, three sacks, an interception that was returned for a touchdown and a forced fumble.
6. East Lake (2-1)
Up next: vs. Mitchell
Last spot: No. 7
Since losing to Sarasota Riverview in the season opener, the Eagles have recorded two straight shutouts. The latest came in a 30-0 win over Palatka. It was a balanced effort on both sides of the ball. Nine players had at one carry or reception. And there were 12 players who made at least one tackle.
7. Countryside (3-0)
Up next: at Largo (Thursday)
Last spot: No. 8
Last week’s 13-10 double overtime victory over Palm Harbor University was not pretty. The Cougars turned the ball over four times and trailed most of the game. But they showed their resolve by scoring in the fourth quarter to force overtime before winning. Colin Krueger led the defense with 11 tackles and a sack.
8. Clearwater Central Catholic (1-2)
Up next: vs. Clearwater
Last spot: No. 6
The rough start was to be expected considering how many underclassmen the Marauders are starting on both sides of the ball. Part of the problem is a lack of scoring. CCC has put up a combined 29 points in the first three games. It does not get any easier against Clearwater in a game both teams need to win.
9. Pinellas Park (1-1)
Up next: at Leto
Last spot: No. 9
The Patriots, who return from their bye week, should have no problem getting above .500 this week. Pinellas Park’s running game should also get back on track against the Falcons, who allowed more than 40 points in each of their first two games.
10. Seminole (2-1)
Up next: at Osceola (Thursday)
Last spot: No. 10
After their first 2-0 start in more than a decade, the Warhawks came back to earth with a loss to Boca Ciega last week. Seminole will try to bounce back against winless Osceola in the biggest rivalry game of the season. There is plenty of incentive for the Warhawks, who have lost each of the past two meetings by a point.
On the bubble
Largo (0-3), Gibbs (1-2)
