PALM BEACH COUNTY – Now that we have completed a part of our abbreviated season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a good time to let you know which teams are the best in our area.

Since there are only nine high school football programs playing right now – all private – we are going to make this really simple.

We will rank only the top five teams for the next several weeks. In addition, we will place one program as a Close to 5 selection.

With that said, here are our top private school teams in Palm Beach County – for now.

NEW ERA PREP TOP 5: PRIVATE

1.  American Heritage-Delray Beach Stallions (1-1)

The Stallions have had a tough road so far, with games against Bishop Verot and Benjamin. The team’s defense is arguably the best in the county and their offense, though young, is improving.

2. St. John Paul II Eagles (2-0)

Under head coach Kelcey Brooks Sr., the Eagles have defeated two fellow private schools (Berean Christian and Westminster Academy) and have looked good in both games.

3. Cardinal Newman Crusaders (1-1)

After falling to Calvary Christian in the team’s first game, a strong showing against King’s Academy puts them at No. 3 with the potential to move up.

4. King’s Academy Lions (2-1)

After starting the season 2-0, a loss to Cardinal Newman puts the Lions at No. 4. Head coach Keith Allen has a solid team that can move up the rankings at any point in this shortened season.

5. Jupiter Christian Eagles (2-0)

Jupiter Christian has doubled its win total from 2019 with two early wins against Berean Christian and Boca Raton Christian.

Close to 5: Glades Day (1-1)

NEXT RANKINGS RELEASE: Monday, Oct. 5

PHOTO CREDITS: Nick Martinez