JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each Tuesday in the season, News4JAX will release its Super 6 football rankings of teams who play independent football. Here are the first rankings.
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Super 6 independent football rankings
Ranking, team, last season, league
1. West Nassau (12-2), Sunshine State Athletic Association
This week: at (4) Paxon, 6:30 p.m.
Why they’re here: Warriors are the unquestioned top independent team. The ground game is wicked tough and returns multiple playmakers. SSAA state title game or bust for the Warriors.
2. Fernandina Beach (7-6), Sunshine State Athletic Association
This week: at Keystone Heights.
Why they’re here: The Pirates are positioned for another step forward. Aydin Poe (Charleston Southern commit) is a problem on both sides of the ball. Beckham Rohe is another rising star.
3. Union County (2-8), Sunshine State Athletic Association
This week: vs. Lafayette, 7:30 p.m.
Why they’re here: The Tigers could be a sleeping giant, thanks to the return of coaching legend Robby Pruitt. He led Union County to three state championships and a state record 52 consecutive victories between 1994-96.
4. Paxon (7-5), Sunshine State Athletic Association
This week: vs. (1) West Nassau, 6:30 p.m.
Why they’re here: RB KJ Palmer returns after rushing for 2,262 yards and 19 TDs last season. He’ll be the focal point of this offense.
5. Episcopal (7-4), Sunshine State Athletic Association
This week: vs. Westminster Academy.
Why they’re here: The Eagles are coming off a solid season in the FHSAA, but make the move to the SSAA this season. ATH Brayden Wessinger had 14 TDs last year (12 receiving) and returns as Episcopal’s biggest threat.
6. Providence (4-7), Florida High School Athletic Association
This week: vs. Fort White, 6:30 p.m.
Why they’re here: The Stallions were a playoff team last year in state series play so expect head coach Maurice Williams to put another solid product out on the field. Providence should push for a deep playoff run in the FHSAA’s new independent bracket.