Into the thick of it: Here are your Big Bend football rankings heading into Week 9

It's getting into crunch time as there are only five more weeks left of the regular season before we find out the lucky teams that get into the playoffs.

And no one wants to be caught on the outside looking in.

Heading into another week, here are this week's rankings provided by prep sports reporter Jack Williams, Big Bend Area Football founder Chris Lucas and Varsity Sports Network Tallahassee broadcaster Andrew Joop.

More: Vote for this week's Big Bend Preps Athlete of the Week

More: Districts: Maclay cross country places both teams on podium; FSUS volleyball advances to title game

More: Join us Wednesday night at 9 p.m. on Twitter Spaces

No. 10

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Gadsden County (2-5)

The Jaguars hold down the No. 10 spot in the rankings coming off a blowout win over Marianna this Friday. This a team that has finally gotten through the growing pains and is starting to thrive, especially in the passing game. Michael Thomas and Nasir Williams received for over 100 yards and Shawnterris Thomas threw for over 300.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Madison County (2-5

Madison is another team in the area that has gotten a tough deal with injuries this season. A rough schedule gives Madison County no breaks as they come off a 36-7 loss against a very talented Suwannee team and have to head on the road to Oakleaf.

Junior Omarion Gentles’ pass rush and Jonathan Akins’ coverage in the secondary will be huge in a matchup against the pass-happy Knights. I like the Cowboys to bounce back this week, don’t quit on Madison County!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Madison County (2-5)

One of the most disappointing teams this season is just struggling week after week as now Madison County is now just a decent 1R team and not the dominating team that we’re used to seeing.

The Cowboys will get into the playoffs regardless due to their strength of schedule but they will more than likely be on the road for the entire playoffs. Are the Cowboys still good enough to go deep in the playoffs and repeat as state champions?

No. 9

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Munroe (4-3)

These final three games could be Munroe's breakthrough moment. They've hung around .500 all season and have two blowout wins over Rocky Bayou Christian and Maclay. With undefeateds Pensacola Catholic, North Florida Christian, and Trinity Christian, one win in this stretch could give the Bobcats huge momentum.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Munroe (4-3)

Bobcats reminded you that they are still one of the top dogs of 1S-Region 1 with a 42-0 victory over district opponent Maclay this past Friday. After a tough week versus Florida High, Munroe showed grit in a big bounce-back win on both sides of the ball, totaling 586 yards of offense and holding the Maclay passing game to 154 yards, which had been averaging nearly 300 yards per contest.

Munroe is looking sharp as they head into a tough two-game stretch: (8-0) Pensacola Catholic and then (8-0, maybe 9-0 by then) NFC for the district title, excited to see where the Bobcats go from here!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Munroe (4-3)

One of the quieter teams this season. The Bobcats secured a dominating victory over Maclay. The road will definitely get more challenging as they host Pensacola Catholic on Friday and potentially first of three games against undefeated teams.

No. 8

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Madison County (2-5)

The Cowboys are still one of the top teams in the area, but the now five-game losing streak continues to hamper this team. Coming off their first loss to Suwannee in almost 30 years, this team is in dire need of a win. Facing an Oakleaf squad similar to Chiles and a rising Rickards squad, a win is going to be hard-fought.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Rickards (3-5)

Just when you think you have Rickards figured out, they surprise you, and this time it was the defense! For the first time this year, the Raiders picked up a win by scoring less than 38 points, as they held Lincoln to just one score this past week (their least number of points allowed this season) in a big 19-7 district dub.

If the Rickards', defense has a similar performance versus Arnold this week, look for the Raiders to lock up the District and clinch that 3S-2 automatic playoff spot!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Rickards (3-5)

The Raiders secured a season-saving victory over Lincoln that will more than likely grant them a district title and an automatic bid to the playoffs. Rickards will have to defeat Arnold in order to make it official. One thing that is official is the Rickards Raiders are your Leon County Public School City Champions they finished the regular season with the best record against Leon County public schools.

No. 7

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Rickards (3-5)

On the rise is Rickards, who pulled off a major upset of Lincoln in Week 8. It looks like things are starting to come together on all ends for the Raiders, seeing its stars shine, it's defense hold the line and playing up to the standard they expect. With the win over the Trojans, Rickards has just about punched its ticket into the playoffs.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Gadsden County (2-5

The Jaguars are rounding into form and have now won two straight in the second half of the season against Marianna and Rickards. A team that we knew would battle and play good defense is now showing signs that the Winters-era offense is in full swing. Gadsden County dominated Marianna this past week in a 39-0 win.

There's a dangerously talented opponent brewing out in Havana FL as we head toward playoffs, they’ll have a playoff atmosphere and another opportunity to prove their merit against a tough Columbia team down in the Tiger Den.

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Gadsden County (2-5)

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises this season. The Jaguars are currently on a two-game winning streak that puts them right back in the mix for the playoffs. We shall see if Gadsden County’s offense can continue to progress as the regular season winds down.

No. 6

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Chiles (3-5)

From this point on the only thing, Chiles can do is win, and that's what they've done so far. They're coming off a dominant win over Leon and have the chance to clean up again against American Collegiate Academy, who's coming off a 55-point shutout loss to IMG's A-team. I'm not 100 percent sure if "win and you're in" is true for Chiles, but they can sure try.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Chiles (3-5)

The Timberwolves took care of business this week winning their third game in four weeks. This past Friday, versus rival Leon, senior running back Tre Jones, looks as healthy as he has all season posting a 270, three-touchdown performance against the Lions.

On defense, Williams Sconyers showed out this week with FOUR sacks and six tackles. If the defensive and offensive lines are healthy along with Tre and sophomore running back, Jaylin Jones, I like Chiles week in and week out and they should run themselves into the playoffs.

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Chiles (3-5)

The T-Wolves did what they are supposed to do against Leon but will need to win out and hope for teams ahead of them to stumble. Will Chiles have enough on their resume to make the playoffs when it’s all said and done?

No. 5

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Lincoln (4-3)

Since its Bartram Trail loss, Lincoln has been playing with fire. It lost back-to-back games, granted to strong opponents but saw warning signs when its quarterback went down and beat Leon by only 27. The Rickards game finally burnt them, falling to the Raiders by 12, and now putting them in a difficult position. The Trojans could definitely beat Arnold, but there is the possibly of ending the year at .500.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Lincoln (4-3)

Lincoln drops to number five this week after a tough loss against Rickards. The Trojans have been hit hard with injuries and that is the real reason I have them floating in the middle of the pack right now. When full strength we know what Lincoln is and what they can do, but an unfortunate side of sports has them in limbo and in need of a change of direction.The

Trojans will still be in the mix come playoff time. I trust Tyson and staff to get the boys back in the win column soon, plus you know the run game with Demetric Stevens and the defense-led Raylin Wilson are too good to keep down. Keep fighting Lincoln!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Lincoln (4-3)

Injuries are starting to plague the Trojans as they fall to Rickards which more than likely cost them the district title and automatic bid to the playoffs. The Trojans also put themselves in a tough spot as they are now on the verge of potentially missing the playoffs.

No. 4

Williams (Big Bend Preps): St. John Paul II (tie for No. 3; 5-1)

The Panthers are in another waiting period between games, similar to the one they were in leading up to Wakulla. At this time they need to win big before leading up to their regular season finale against Cavalry Christian. A late-season win over the Warriors could propel JPII over NFC in the end. A big win over Arnold and most likely two more over SJPII (Boca Raton) and FAMU DRS should help the effort.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): St. John Paul II (5-1)

The panthers jump up to number four this week after a huge, short week, road win vs 3S Arnold! Panthers will try to keep the momentum rolling into "The Battle of JP IIs" down in Boca Raton this week as they look to stay undefeated (and improve to 3-0) against non-big bend competition this season.

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): North Florida Christian (8-0)

NFC has been nothing but flawless in all three phases of the ball. The Eagles have dominated every opponent leading up to their 8-0 start. This Friday we’re going learn how good North Florida Christian truly is as they will travel down to Crawfordville to face Wakulla.

No. 3

Williams (Big Bend Preps): North Florida Christian (tie for No. 3; 8-0)

This is the week for NFC. This is the week that they need to prove to everyone that they aren't just bulldozing through weak teams. They are at 2S front runner Wakulla this week and if they win in Crawfordville, they will make up my mind as one of the top overall teams in the area. This a big moment for the Eagles. Will they be able to step up to the challenge?

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): North Florida Christian (8-0

Eagles continue to soar in 2022! Rocky Bayou was the latest victim, as the Homecoming festivities started early and often in 55-0 victory. The Eagles have now scored 50+ points four weeks in a row. Eight different players scored on Friday, including sophomore Terrion Martin, who locked in his first score of the season!

The defense also continues to be stingy, posting their second straight shutout and shrinking their season average to just 4.25 points per game (34 points all year) allowed to opponents. NFC looks primed and ready for their biggest test of the year Friday vs Wakulla!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): St. John Paul II (5-1)

A team on a major mission. The Panthers coming off a dominating victory over Arnold. They will get tougher as they will travel down to Boca Raton for the Battle of The Real JPII vs St. John Paul II Academy on Friday.

No. 2

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Wakulla (7-1)

The week is also huge for Wakulla as we'll see if they'll be able to operate without its starting quarterback. Early reporters suggested that Haden Klees broke his collarbone against Taylor County, leaving the War Eagles without the centerpiece on offense. If he is out, will the rushing game be able to hold up, and will the QB stepping in be able to continue to hit targets like Samron Brinson and Jeremiah Thomas consistently? The defense will be an anchor for Wakulla.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Wakulla (7-1)

Wakulla puts up another solid performance as they vault into rarefied air in the Big Bend: the seven-win club with Florida High and NFC(the top three in the ranks). War Eagles once again displayed their talent on both sides of the ball battling to a 35-12 win over rival Taylor County.

The only damper on the Wakulla’s party last week was some crucial injuries, but they'll look to get healthy as they host NFC on Friday!

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Wakulla (7-1)

The War Eagles had a nice cruising win over Taylor County but suffered a critical injury within their QB. We shall see if the War Eagles can still persevere as they will host NFC on Friday.

No. 1

Williams (Big Bend Preps): Florida High (7-0)

The Seminoles have two more challenges on their schedule and one of them is this week. They head down to Chiefland, one of the top teams in Rural, and has wins over Suwannee and Wildwood. It's a really tight race at the top of 2S, so this may be a critical win for Florida High in locking down the top seed in the state and getting some playoff atmosphere experience.

Joop (VSN Tallahassee): Florida High (7-0)

Seminoles add another win to their total as they push to 7-0 on the year after a big district win versus Godby last week, 51-7. The FSUS defense has now held five straight opponents to one score or less and is averaging less than eight points against them for the entire 2022 season.

Now that Florida High has locked up the district title (and automatic playoff spot) with the win last week, they can concentrate on the remainder of their tough schedule, this week it will feel like a playoff matchup as they battle (5-0) Chiefland, the TOP team in the Rural Classification.

Lucas (Big Bend Area Football Talk): Florida High (7-0)

The Seminoles continue to control their own destiny consistently dominating their opponents. Don’t expect the Noles to slow down anytime soon.

Jack Williams covers prep sports for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams. 

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here are your Big Bend football rankings heading into Week 9