Power Poll: Wayne, Glynn set to collide Friday as top two teams in rankings

This week, we are looking at our first matchup between the top two teams in the Southeast Georgia High School Football Power Poll as Wayne County and Glynn Academy are just days away from their much-anticipated early-season matchup.

The Yellow Jackets (3-0) held serve this past Friday with their 35-7 trouncing of Beaufort (S.C.) on the road while the Red Terrors (2-1) were off this past week after playing each of the first three weeks of the season.

Remember, Glynn started the season in the No. 1 spot despite having a young team, but the Terrors lasted just a week at the top of the poll as they lost to South Carolina power Fort Dorchester in their opening game.

Thus, Wayne took over the top position and has stayed there after winning each of its first three games.

Of course, the No. 1 ranking will be at stake Friday when the Jackets and Terrors clash at Jaycee Stadium in Jesup.

Also in this week’s poll, you will notice some movement by the Ware County Gators who have jumped into the top five.

Here is how the teams stack up in the power rankings this week:

1. Wayne County (3-0, 0-0 Region 2-5A, ranked No. 8)

Last week: Won 35-7 at Beaufort (S.C.)

This week: Home vs. Glynn Academy

The skinny: The Yellow Jackets lost their starting quarterback early in their game on Friday, but still managed to score all of their 35 points in the first half. The Jackets get set to take on Glynn Academy in a big-time matchup this Friday in Jesup.

2. Glynn Academy (2-1, 0-0 Region 2-6A, ranked No. 6)

Last week: Off

This week: at Wayne County

The skinny: The Red Terrors were off last week after whipping up on Groves two weeks ago. Glynn will get tested this Friday when the Terrors go to Jesup to encounter top-ranked Wayne County.

3. Camden County (3-1, 0-0 Region 1-7A)

Last week: Won 33-6 at Richmond Hill

This week: at Brunswick

The skinny: The Wildcats are coming off a road win at Richmond Hill where they gave up only two first-half field goals and pulled away from the other Wildcats after halftime with strong defense and their run game. Camden comes to Brunswick this week looking to avenge its loss to the Pirates last season.

4. Pierce County (4-0, 0-0 Region 2-3A)

Last week: Won 47-0 vs. Randolph-Clay

This week: Off

The skinny: The Bears rested their starters after they played only two series Friday against a Randolph-Clay team which has not scored in three straight games to start the season. Pierce will rest some more this week before going on the road a week from Friday to play South Effingham.

5. Ware County(3-1, 0-0 Region 2-5A, ranked No. 9)

Last week: Won 25-7 vs. Jonesboro

This week: Off

The skinny: The Gators move up two spots this week after knocking off Jonesboro at home this past Friday. Their only loss thus far was to rival Coffee which is ranked second in Class 6A. Ware is off this week and has two weeks to prepare for its home game a week from Friday against Glynn Academy.

6. Liberty County (2-1, 0-0 Region 2-3A)

Last week: Won 32-19 vs. Evans

This week: Home vs. Cross Creek

The skinny: The Panthers won their home opener Friday over the Knights and will stay at home this week to take on Cross Creek. Liberty lost two weeks ago to Statesboro (2-1) which lost for the first time Friday at Veterans.

7. Charlton County (2-1, 0-0 Region 2-A, ranked No. 6)

Last week: Off

This week: Home vs. Atkinson County

The skinny: The Indians were off this past week. They are set to return to action Friday at home when they host Atkinson County for their region opener.

8. Frederica Academy (2-2, 0-0 GISA Region 2-3A, ranked No.7)

Last week: Won 60-21 vs. Bethlehem Christian

This week: at Augusta Prep

The skinny: The Knights posted 60 points a second straight game as they jumped out to a 27-0 lead in the first quarter Friday at home against Bethlehem. FA goes on the road for the second time on Friday to play Augusta Prep (0-3).

9. Brunswick (1-2, 0-0 Region 2-6A)

Last week: Off

This week: Home vs. Camden County

The skinny: The Pirates move up a spot this week despite having last week off. The Pirates picked up their first win of the season two weeks ago at McIntosh County Academy and they will play at home for the first time this season on Friday against Camden County.

10. Richmond Hill (1-2, 0-0 Region 2-5A)

Last week: Lost 33-6 vs. Camden County

This week: Home vs. New Hampstead

The skinny: The Wildcats fell Friday at home to Camden County for their second straight loss. They lost two weeks ago to Wayne in Jesup. They will try to stop their slide this Friday with another home game against New Hampstead.