PALM BEACH COUNTY – The second week of the regular season is officially in the books, which was highlighted by some marquee matchups.
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. Atlantic (Delray Beach) (2-0) [Last Week: 2; Greatest Gainer]
Is it the new uniforms? Community support? School administrative staff? Coaching staff? What are these guys eating for their pre-game meal?
One thing that we all can agree on is this: No one will be sleeping on Atlantic from here on out.
The new-look Atlantic team has silenced all doubters in back-to-back weeks after taking down two previous No. 1 teams in Palm Beach Central (14-0) and Dwyer (30-13). Atlantic’s strength of schedule is paying dividends as this young team is finding a way to win each week and shocking the county in the process.
Starting quarterback Kalani Ilimaleota is healthy, energetic, and coming into his own as an offensive leader that will keep the Eagles going strong.
Atlantic’s defense is a legitimate threat and their front seven can compete with anyone in the county. Zack Ceci led the Eagles defensive charge with three sacks, and the defensive line as a whole recorded eight sacks. Henry Bryant III, Arkel Williams, DJ Wells, and Jalen Wring are some guys to look out for.
Atlantic will be on the road to face Pahokee in Week 3.
2. Pahokee (1-0) [Last Week: 3]
The Blue Devils had a bye in Week 2. Staying healthy will be key for this Pahokee squad moving forward.
Pahokee will host No. 1 Atlantic in Week 3.
3. Dwyer (1-1) [Last Week: 1; Biggest Drop]
Dwyer has loads of talent and looked to be on track after posting 40-0 victory over Park Vista in Week 1. But the 30-13 loss to Atlantic in Week 2 is definitely a wake up call for the Panthers, who still have state championship aspirations.
The Panthers offense will have to limit their turnovers, which plagued them against Atlantic. They will look to get a statement win on the road against Glades Central in Week 3.
4. Palm Beach Central (1-1) [Last Week: 4]
Palm Beach Central bounced back in Week 2 against Ferguson after being upset by Atlantic (14-0) in Week 1. Central put up 42 of its 48 points in the first half. This was definitely a statement win.
Central will look to capture another victory at home in Week 3 against Braddock (0-1), a team from Miami.
5. Park Vista (1-1) [Last Week: 5]
Park Vista responded to last week’s blowout lost to Dwyer by posting a shutout of its own. The Cobras took down the West Boca Raton Bulls in a 31-0 triumph on the road in Week 2.
Park Vista will host No. 10 Wellington in Week 3.
6. Palm Beach Gardens (2-0) [Last Week: 6]
The Gators are proving they’re a force to reckoned with on a weekly basis. They posted another blowout win in a 44-7 takedown of Royal Palm Beach in Week 2.
Palm Beach Gardens will look to keep the good times rolling in Week 3 against Lake Worth.
7. Forest Hill (2-0) [Last Week: 7]
The Falcons are starting to look better each week. After posting back-to-back blowout wins against Suncoast in Week 1 and Santaluces in Week 2, Forest Hill is looking a lot like last year’s team that opened the year 6-0.
Forest Hill will host John I. Leonard in Week 3.
8. Palm Beach Lakes (1-1) [Last Week: 8]
The Rams capitalized at home against Lake Worth and captured a 34-6 victory in the process. They will be on a bye this week and will have two weeks to prepare for Dwyer in Week 4.
9. Glades Central (1-1) [Last Week: 9]
The Raiders were able to squeak out a win in their first home game of the season as they defeated Oakleaf, 32-26. They overcame a slow start to come from behind.
Their next test will be a home game against No. 3 Dwyer in Week 3.
10. Wellington (1-1) [Last Week: 10]
Wellington had their first real test on the road against a tough Vero Beach team. The Mark Antony Richards-led team was defeated on the road (46-0) by a team that could be state-bound this year.
Wellington will look to get back on track against No. 5 Park Vista in week 3.
Honorable Mention: Olympic Heights (2-0)
Olympic Heights is slowly making a name for itself right now with its play as of late. Coach Baz Alfred and staff have the Lions off to a 2-0 start and the team playing with confidence. Olympic Heights posted a impressive 42-7 victory over Spanish River in Week 2.
Quarterback Connor Hone, wideout Aaron Jacobs, wideout Jack Coulson, and athlete AJ Wicihowski will play huge factors in the Lions success. Christian Ippolito, Nick Palmenteri, and Wilkinson Saul will headline the Lions defensive charge.
TEAMS ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Olympic Heights (2-0), Boca Raton (1-1), Seminole Ridge (2-0)
PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOL RANKINGS: TOP 10
1. American Heritage (Delray Beach) (2-0) [Last Week: 1]
The Stallions look to be back on track with dominating wins as they took down Holy Trinity Episcopal 35-14 at home in Week 2. Heritage will have a bye in Week 3 as they prepare to take on Monsignor Pace in Week 4.
2. King’s Academy (2-0) [Last Week: 2]
The King’s Academy Lions actually looked pedestrian in their 41-21 win over John Carroll. The Lions have averaged 61.5 points through their first two games (Kickoff Classic and Week 1).
Senior quarterback Justin Wake got to play an entire game as he racked up three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown to Jeremiah Scroggins. Lions receiver Cory Croteau recorded a 99 yard interception return late in the third quarter, and Wake would seal a game in fourth quarter with another touchdown.
King’s will face off against Glades Day in Week 3.
3. Benjamin (2-0) [Last Week: 3]
The Bucs struggled against North Broward Prep. Benjamin would explode in the third and fourth quarter to capture a 28-7 victory.
Joshua Pierre-Louis was the star of the game as he accounted for three of the Bucs touchdowns (two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown on a punt return).
Benjamin will be on the road to face LaSalle in Week 3.
4. Cardinal Newman (2-0) [Last Week: 4]
The Crusaders had a tough game against Jupiter in the first half with a back-and-forth battle, but they would pull it off to win 43-41.
Newman’s offensive and defensive charge was lead by junior RB/DB Chris D’Or that totaled 250 yards of offense for the crusaders. He also had a interception return of 40 yards on defense. D’Or accounted for two rushing touchdowns of 80 yards and a receiving touchdown of 60 yards.
Newman will be on the road to face Olympic Heights in Week 3.
5. Glades Day (1-1) [Last Week: 5]
The Gators went on the road for their game against Community School of Naples and came with a big 41-10 victory to get their first win of the year.
6. Jupiter Christian (1-0) [Last Week: 6]
Jupiter Christian traveled to Fort Myers last Friday for an away conference game at Gateway Charter where they opened the season with a 46-14 victory.
Jupiter Christian will host Pinecrest Prep in Week 3.
7. St. Andrews (1-1) [Last Week: 8]
St. Andrews got back on track in a Week 2 win over Pembroke Pines Charter, 34-24.
Sophomore running back Jovan Joseph racked up 21 carries for 168 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Scots offensive charge.
St. Andrews will host Inlet Grove in Week 3.
8. Inlet Grove (1-0) [Last Week: 10]
The Hurricanes got off to an early 20-7 start against Berean Christian before the game was suspended due to lightning. The teams would like to finish the game on Thursday, Oct. 4, but must get approval first from the FHSAA, according to Inlet Grove head coach Robert McKay III.
Inlet Grove will be on the road at No. 7 St. Andrews in Week 3.
9. Berean Christian [Last Week: 7]
The Bulldogs were down 20-7 when their game was called due to lightning. See Inlet Grove note above for more information on that one.
Berean will look to finish a game and get a win on the road against Holy Trinity Episcopal in Week 3.
10. Somerset Academy-Canyons (1-1) [Last Week: Not Ranked; Returns after one week absence]
After being knocked off in Week 1 by Inlet Grove, the Cougars bounced back by posting a 39-7 blowout win against St. John Paul II.
Somerset Academy-Canyons will host Somerset Academy in Week 3.
DROPPED FROM RANKINGS: Boca Raton Christian (0-2)
Week 3 team rankings release (public and private/charter): Monday, Sept. 10
