Pre-Season Big Bend rankings

With the season two weeks away, we begin to break down Northeast Florida with regional rankings. We start with the Big Bend, make our way to the Gainesville/Ocala area and finish with the First Coast area.

Ranking order is based on the teams best chances to bring home  a state title.

North Florida Christian starts the season as the No. 1 team in our Pre-Season Big Bend rankings.


Big Bend Pre-Season rankings

1. North Florida Christian (13-0): NFC cruised to another state title putting 60 on its opponent in the title game. We see no reason at all, the Eagles won't make it back-to-back Class 2A state titles.
2. Jefferson County (9-5): Don't let the record fool you, a top notch schedule last season and this season had the Tigers prepared for the postseason on their way to winning the schools fifth overall state title. Can the Tigers become the first team in school history to win back-to-back state titles, we think so.
3. Madison County (12-2): Madison started and ended the season on the same note with losses. The last one was a bitter pill to swallow players said during Media Day. Look for the Cowboys to be back in Orlando looking for redemption.
4. East Gadsden (10-3): Only one thing stood in the way of the surprise team of the area making the state finals last season-Bolles...We see no reason the Jaguars won't be back there again.
5. Wakulla (12-3): A surprising run to Orlando last season may be alot tougher this season with the loss of several key players. However there is enough on offense to make another serious run but they won't be taken lightly this season.
6. FAMU (8-3): Only one things stands in the way of another run to Orlando, district rival NFC..FAMU started out on fire last season wining eight in a row before a beatdown from NFC in the district title game sent them on a three game losing streak to end the season.
7. Lincoln (9-2): With the best receiving core in the nation, the Lincoln Trojans have tons of athletes, but can they put the pieces together again to make another run to Orlando like they did two seasons ago.
8. Godby (9-3): You lose 6 Division I-A starters you are bound to have somewhat of a drop off. Not saying the Cougars won't make the playoffs, but we don't expect them to make another run to Orlando.
9. Maclay (9-2): Okay Maclay can't win a state title but we see no reason why the Marauders can't bring home another North Florida Football Conference title. Kyler Hall is building one heck of a program over there and we look forward to when they jump into Class 2A district play in 2013.
10. Rickards (0-10): It's not everday you would see a winless team start off the next season ranked in the pre-season rankings. However, several coaches feel Rickards is ready for a breakout season and we don't disagree keep an eye on the Raiders this season

Honorable Mention: Liberty County (8-3), Florida High (7-6), Taylor County (7-4), Leon (5-5), Aucilla Christian (7-3), Port St Joe (3-7)