DIRTY DOZEN: 6 teams named best by at least 1 voter

This was an interesting week in the voting for the Dirty Dozen.

For possibly the first time ever (we don't really do a good job of keeping records of such things), six teams received at least one first-place votes among the 12 voters on the panel.

Those six were the top six vote receivers this week and some worthy teams of being ranked among the best in the area.

The ironic part is No. 2 Liberty received the most first-place votes despite taking a loss this week, but apparently those three voters are willing to give the Crusaders the benefit of the doubt playing at Brentwood Academy this week.

We also had our first two ties of the season: Adamsville and Liberty are tied at No. 2 and Lexington and Camden are at No. 9.

There are three Dirty Dozen matchups this week: No. 1 Crockett County is at No. 6 Milan, No. 2 Adamsville is at No. 5 Trinity Christian and No. 12 Bruceton is at No. 11 Huntingdon.

It will be the second week in a row for TCA and Huntingdon to be in such matchups.

1Crockett Co. (2) (2-0): The Cavaliers have been merciless so far. Total voters' points: 125. Last week's ranking: 2. This week's result: Won at South Side 56-7. Next week: At No. 6 Milan.

2Adamsville (2) (2-0): The Cardinals excelled in all phases of the game. Total voters' points: 107. Last week's ranking: 3. This week's result: Beat Bolivar 41-9. Next week: At No. 5 TCA.

2Liberty (3) (1-1): Voters had a lot of respect for Liberty's strength of schedule. Total voters' points: 107. Last week's ranking: 1. This week's result: Lost at Brentwood Aca. 43-19. Next week: Host Haywood.

4Peabody (2) (2-0): The Golden Tide will be dangerous all season. Total voters' points: 102. Last week's ranking: 4. This week's result: Won at Dresden 42-20. Next week: At South Fulton.

5TCA (2) (1-1): The Lions beat a big rival even worse than last year. Total voters' points: 88. Last week's ranking: 6. This week's result: Beat USJ 52-14. Next week: Host No. 2 Adamsville.

6Milan (1) (2-0): We find out for sure if Milan is back next week. Total voters' points: 87. Last week's ranking: 5. This week's result: Won at Humboldt 41-6. Next week: Host No. 1 Crockett Co.

7North Side (2-0): The Indians will take an ugly win over a pretty loss. Total voters' points: 79. Last week's ranking: 7. This week's result: Beat Hardin Co. 34-31. Next week: Host Covington.

8Westview (2-0): The Chargers are raising their season expectations every week. Total voters' points: 78. Last week's ranking: 8. This week's result: Beat No. 11 Huntingdon 27-26. Next week: At South Gibson.

9Camden (2-0): The Lions have managed to get it done against formidable 3A competition so far. Total voters' points: 47. Last week's ranking: 12. This week's result: Beat Fairview 35-20. Next week: Host Montgomery Central.

9Lexington (1-1): Defense could've been better but the point was the Tigers had more points at the end. Total voters' points: 47. Last week's ranking: 10. This week's result: Won at Riverside 52-41. Next week: Host McNairy.

11Huntingdon (1-1): The Mustangs had their chances to win this week. Total voters' points: 35. Last week's ranking: 9. This week's result: Lost at No. 8 Westview 27-26. Next week: Host No. 12 Bruceton.

12Bruceton (2-0): The Tigers will be severely tested next week. Total voters' points: 10. Last week's ranking: RV. This week's result: Beat McEwen 53-14. Next week: At No. 11 Huntingdon.

Also receiving votes: Scotts Hill (2-0), Chester Co. (1-1), USJ (1-1), Riverside (0-2), Hardin Co. (1-1) and Haywood (1-1).

A group of 12 panelists vote each week in the Dirty Dozen, and teams from the Sun's 13-county circulation area are eligible for the rankings. Those counties are Madison, Gibson, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman, Haywood, Crockett, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Riverside, McNairy and Hardin. Numbers in parentheses next to a team's name indicates number of first-place votes received. RV with a team's last week's ranking indicates the team received votes last week but wasn't among the top 12.

Brandon Shields, 425-9751