H.S. FOOTBALL DIRTY DOZEN: Top 7 remain the same

None of the top six-ranked teams in last week’s Dirty Dozen rankings lost this week.

In fact, this was a week when teams like Crockett County, Trinity Christian, Liberty and Westview either proved something about themselves or flexed their muscle before wrapping up the regular season next week in their respective districts.

Four of the bottom six in last week’s ranking including Nos. 7-9 all took losses this week.

The most intriguing placement of those four teams that lost is Peabody, who held its own with Union City before falling behind in the second half. The Golden Tide didn’t drop any in the ranking and held their own at No. 7.

Milan jumped three spots and actually leap-frogged Hardin County, who went up a spot itself, after a big win on the road in a high-profile rivalry game.

Next week’s schedule has one Dirty Dozen matchup as Crockett County travels to Martin to take on Westview.

But that’s not to say that’s the only big game for a ranked team next week. TCA hasn’t won its district title yet, and Adamsville hasn’t secured the district runner-up. North Side is playing for runner-up. Peabody is too.

Hardin County and Chester County are both playing for district championships.

There’s a lot riding on next week as the regular season winds down.

1Crockett Co. (11) (9-0): The Cavaliers’ defense didn’t allow their opponent to cross the 50 this week. Total voters’ points: 143. Last week’s ranking: 1. This week’s result: Won at Lexington 48-0. Next week: At No. 5 Westview.

2TCA (1) (8-1): If there were any doubters of the Lions left, some of them were silenced this week. Total voters’ points: 127. Last week’s ranking: 2. This week’s result: Beat ECS 35-28. Next week: At Riverside.

3Liberty (7-2): The Crusaders are firing on all cylinders. Total voters’ points: 125. Last week’s ranking: 3. This week’s result: Won at Millington 63-10. Next week: Host Ripley on Thursday.

4Adamsville (8-1): The Cardinals want to go into the playoffs riding a lot of momentum. Total voters’ points: 107. Last week’s ranking: 4. This week’s result: Bye week. Next week: At Jackson Christian.

5Westview (8-1): The Chargers’ defense is playing well right now. Total voters’ points: 91. Last week’s ranking: 5. This week’s result: Won at No. 12 McKenzie 36-10. Next week: Host No. 1 Crockett Co.

6North Side (8-1): The Indians won without their starting QB. Total voters’ points: 89. Last week’s ranking: 6. This week’s result: Won at South Gibson 19-7. Next week: Host Haywood.

7Peabody (7-2): The Golden Tide hung with one of the best teams in the state for a while. Total voters’ points: 58. Last week’s ranking: 7. This week’s result: Lost at Union City 42-16. Next week: Host Humboldt.

8Milan (6-3): The Bulldogs’ defense may be the best in the local area right now. Total voters’ points: 53. Last week’s ranking: 11. This week’s result: Won at Huntingdon 27-0. Next week: Host Obion Co.

9Hardin Co. (6-3): The Tigers will play at home next week for a district title. Total voters’ points: 42. Last week’s ranking: 10. This week’s result: Beat Bolivar 28-17. Next week: Munford Hardin Co.

9Camden (7-2): The Lions have secured a top-two district finish. Total voters’ points: 42. Last week’s ranking: RV. This week’s result: Beat Stewart Co. 40-19. Next week: At Creek Wood on Thursday.

11Chester Co. (7-2): A win next week gives the Eagles their first-ever district title. Total voters’ points: 23. Last week’s ranking: 8. This week’s result: Lost at USJ 24-19. Next week: Host McNairy.

12McKenzie (6-3): The Rebels will now try to start another win streak they hope lasts five or six games. Total voters’ points: 15. Last week’s ranking: 9. This week’s result: Lost to No. 5 Westview 36-10. Next week: At West Carroll.

Also receiving votes: Riverside (6-3), USJ (6-3), Huntingdon (5-4), Scotts Hill (5-4) and Bruceton (6-3).

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, Decatur, 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