PALM BEACH COUNTY – The Palm Beach County football season officially kicked off last week.
With that said, we have complied a list of the top 10 teams in the county. The rankings are separated into public school ranks and private/charter school ranks.
Stay tuned as the list will be updated each week based on the teams’ performances, strength of schedule, team record, and coaches suggestions.
PUBLIC SCHOOL RANKINGS: TOP 10
1. Dwyer (1-0) [Last Week: 2]
Dwyer looked great in its 40-0 victory over a very good Park Vista squad. Gio Richardson threw his first touchdown of the season.
Dwyer’s defense will be something to watch week in and week out, as they continue to build chemistry with each other.
In essence Dwyer looks to be dominant throughout the next few months, en route to a possible state title appearance.
No. 1 Dwyer will face Atlantic in Week 2.
2. Atlantic (Delray Beach) (1-0) [Last Week: 6; Greatest Gainer]
After getting routed by nationally ranked Miami Central in the kickoff classic game, Atlantic bounced back in a big way with a 14-0 over previous No. 1 Palm Beach Central. Running back Antonio Gonzalez lifted the Eagles to victory with his two rushing touchdowns.
Starting quarterback Kalani Ilimaleota looks to be healthy as he played a complete game and looked more confident and comfortable with every throw. The Eagles defense will be a major factor in the team’s success with Henry Bryant III, Arkel Williams, DJ Wells, and Jalen Wring playing a huge part in the process.
No. 2 Atlantic will host No. 1 Dwyer in Week 2.
3. Pahokee (1-0) [Last Week: 5]
The Blue Devils bounced back in a big way against a talented Palm Beach Lakes squad in a 28-19 victory on the road.
Lavonski Wiliams led Pahokee with two touchdowns on offense, while defensive lineman Tamarick Best led the defensive charge with five sacks.
Staying healthy will be key for Pahokee in its hopes of making a run at its second state title in three years.
4. Palm Beach Central (0-1) [Last Week: 1]
The Broncos have a very tough defense, which is led by Akeem Dent. But their offense couldn’t seem to get anything going against Atlantic in a disappointing 14-0 loss.
The Broncos racked up a flurry of penalties against the Eagles. They will need to be more discipline on both sides of the ball in order to make a state title run.
Palm Beach Central will take on Ferguson in Week 2 as it looks to bounce back and run the table from here on out.
5. Park Vista (0-1) [Last Week: 3]
After having a great showing against a talented Pahokee team in the kickoff classic, the Cobras faced a loaded Dwyer squad and got shut out on the road.
Park Vista will look to bounce back on the road against West Boca Raton in Week 2.
6. Palm Beach Gardens (1-0) [Last Week: 7]
The Gators are really starting to wake some people up this season, as they made a statement with a 40-6 win over John I. Leonard in their season opener.
Wideout Javarius Williams is making a name for himself as he’s been one of David Studstill’s favorite targets. Opposing teams should be ready to get a heavy dose of sophomore running back Antonio Outler.
Palm Beach Gardens will look to keep the good times rolling in Week 2 against Royal Palm Beach.
7. Forest Hill (1-0) [Last Week: 9]
The Falcons opened the season 1-0 after routing Suncoast in a 40-12 victory. Senior Darius McClendon showed that he’s ready to lead the Falcons to a successful season with his three-touchdown performance.
The Falcons face a very athletic Santaluces team this week. It’s definitely not a team they’re taking lightly.
8. Palm Beach Lakes (0-1) [Last Week: 4; Biggest Drop]
The Rams were downed by Pahokee in a 28-19 loss last week. They will look to bounce back in Week 2 at home against Lake Worth.
The Rans can run the ball. But as the season progresses, the offense may begin to air it out due to the amount of talent the Rams have at receiver.
9. Glades Central (0-1) [Last Week: 8]
The Raiders opened the season with a 35-6 loss to a tough University School squad on the road. They will look to get back on track in Week 2 at home against Oakleaf, who is 1-0 after defeating Orange Park 45-14 in its season opener.
10. Wellington (1-0) [Last Week: 10]
Wellington opens the season 1-0 after shutting out Royal Palm Beach in 38-0 victory. The Wolves will look to go 2-0 this week as they face Vero Beach in Week 2.
Honorable Mention: Boca Raton (1-0)
The Bobcats are slowly showing that they are a true contender for a top 10 position after beating Doral 36-13 in the season opener. Head coach Brandon Walker has the Bobcats playing with confidence. They’re definitely a team to watch.
TEAMS ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Boca Raton, Olympic Heights, Seminole Ridge, Jupiter
PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOL RANKINGS: TOP 10
1. American Heritage (Delray Beach) (1-0) [Last Week: 1]
The Stallions narrowly escaped with a 36-29 victory over Belen Jesuit. They will face Holy Trinity Episcopal at home in Week 2.
2. King’s Academy (1-0) [Last Week: 2]
The King’s Academy Lions put up 69 points and pitched a shutout against Saint John Paul II Academy. Senior quarterback Justin Wake will continue to lead the King’s squad as they put up video game-type stats each and every game. The Lions look to be in mid-season form already.
King’s will face off against John Carroll Catholic in Week 2.
3. Benjamin (1-0) [Last Week: 3]
The Bucs may have found a replacement for last year’s stellar quarterback Jordan Travis with the emergence of Santino Marucci. Benjamin captured a 30-8 victory over Glades Day last Thursday.
The Bucs sophomore quarterback is showing his worth in more ways than one by getting the ball to his playmakers. Roshaune Downie is starting to make a name for himself as he emerges as one of the top receivers in the county after his two-touchdown performance.
Benjamin will face North Broward Prep in Week 2.
4. Cardinal Newman (1-0) [Last Week: 6]
The Crusaders had a tough game against King’s Academy last week, but they bounced back in Week 1 against Spanish River with a 49-14 victory to start the season 1-0. Newman will face Jupiter in Week 2.
5. Glades Day (0-1) [Last Week: 4]
Glades Day fell to Benjamin in a 30-8 loss. The Gators will be on the road for their next game against Community School of Naples.
6. Jupiter Christian (0-0) [Last Week: 5]
Jupiter Christian will travel to Fort Myers this Friday for an away conference game at Gateway Charter.
7. Berean Christian (1-0) [Last Week: 9]
The Bulldogs look to gain the respect they deserve after downing previously number eight ranked Boca Christian in a 26-13 victory. David Rimes led the Bulldogs to victory with his two rushing touchdowns. Berean Christian will face Inlet Grove in Week 2.
8. St. Andrews (0-1) [Last Week: 7]
The Scots played this past Friday night against Palmer Trinity in Miami as they lost 41-7. St. Andrews will look to get back on track in Week 2 against Pembroke Pines Charter.
9. Boca Raton Christian (0-1) [Last Week: 8]
Boca Raton Christian was defeated by a tough Berean Christian team. The Blazers fought hard as the game was close all the way until the end. Boca Christian will look to bounce back in Week 2 against Somerset Academy-Canyons.
10. Inlet Grove (1-0) [Last Week: Not Ranked]
The Hurricanes surprisingly knocked off Somerset Academy- Canyons in a 18-2 victory. Berean Christian is slated to play Inlet Grove next.
“Hard work pays off a lot of people are doubting us,” Inlet Grove junior athlete Jahiem Franklin said via Twitter post. “We proving people wrong.”
Week 2 team rankings release (public and private/charter): Monday, Sept. 3
