SPORTS

Dirty Dozen: Unbeatens are top 5

Brandon Shields
bjshields@jacksonsun.com

One thing is different about the Dirty Dozen rankings compared to past weeks.

Liberty remains ranked No. 1 in the Dirty Dozen, ahead of the other four undefeated teams in our coverage area.

For the first time all season, the area’s undefeated teams are separated from the rest as the five local teams with a “0” in the loss part of their record are the top five teams in the ranking.

Peabody’s loss dropped the Golden Tide from the ranks of the top 5, and South Gibson, who’s been tied with Adamsville in voters’ points the last two weeks, separated itself from the Cardinals to make it to No. 5.

Hardin County seemed to be closing the voting gap with Liberty for the top spot last week, but Liberty gained some separation from the Tigers this week as the voters seemed to respect the way the Crusaders pulled away for a big victory late.

Dresden gained a No. 1 vote after its dominating win at Peabody, and the Lions are now the sole third-ranked team.

Huntingdon stayed at No. 4 as the Mustangs continue to dominate their competition, this time vs. another Associated Press top 10 team.

Next week’s Dirty Dozen game schedule appears to be relatively quiet as four teams will have their bye week, and there will be one Dirty Dozen matchup. Hardin County will host North Side next week. North Side (No. 11) and Milan (No. 12) returned to the rankings after being out a few weeks.

1Liberty (8) (7-0): The Crusaders continue to be one of the best second-half teams in the area. Total voters’ points: 116. Last week’s ranking: 1. This week’s result: Beat Westview 53-20. Next week: Bye week.

2Hardin Co. (1) (6-0): The Tigers showed their fans something when they came back for a win. Total voters’ points: 107. Last week’s ranking: 2. This week’s result: Won at Haywood 21-20. Next week: Hosts No. 11 North Side.

3Dresden (1) (7-0): Those who expected the Lions to win this week with a mercy rule running clock know something nobody else does. Total voters’ points: 100. Last week’s ranking: 4. This week’s result: Won at No. 8 Peabody 39-0. Next week: Bye week.

4Huntingdon (6-0): The Mustangs made a statement to the entire state this week. Total voters’ points: 97. Last week’s ranking: 4. This week’s result: Beat Houston Co. 55-14. Next week: At McEwen.

5South Gibson (6-0): The difference between this year’s Hornets and last years is they’re winning the close games in 2015. Total voters’ points: 67. Last week’s ranking: 6. This week’s result: Won at South Side 30-27. Next week: Hosts Westview.

6Adamsville (5-1): The Cardinals appear to be back on track as a team. Total voters’ points: 61. Last week’s ranking: 6. This week’s result: Beat Jackson Christian 41-7. Next week: Hosts Gibson Co.

7Chester Co. (5-1): The Eagles continue to win the close games. Total voters’ points: 59. Last week’s ranking: 8. This week’s result: Beat Dyer Co. 24-14. Next week: At Crockett Co.

8Peabody (5-2): The good news for the Golden Tide is they’re through the tough part of their schedule. Total voters’ points: 48. Last week’s ranking: 3. This week’s result: Lost to No. 3 Dresden 39-0. Next week: At Lake Co.

9USJ (6-1): The Bruins get a week off next week after a quality start to the season. Total voters’ points: 42. Last week’s ranking: 9. This week’s result: Beat Rossville Christian 49-28. Next week: Bye week.

10Lexington (5-2): The Tigers are winning enough games so far to stay in playoff contention. Total voters’ points: 33. Last week’s ranking: 11. This week’s result: Won at Ripley 49-13. Next week: Hosts Obion Co.

11North Side (5-2): The Indians won in surprising fashion. Total voters’ points: 17. Last week’s ranking: RV. This week’s result: Beat Crockett Co. 35-0. Next week: At No. 2 Hardin Co.

12Milan (4-3): The Bulldogs have won three in a row after a slow start. Total voters’ points: 15. Last week’s ranking: RV. This week’s result: Beat Dyersburg 20-6. Next week: Bye week.

Receiving votes: Haywood (4-2); Scotts Hill (5-2); Crockett Co. (3-3).

Teams representing schools in the Sun’s 13-county circulation area are eligible for ranking in the Dirty Dozen. 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 indicate number of first-place votes the team received.The Dirty Dozen is voted on by a panel of 10 people involved in Friday night football coverage for the Sun.

Brandon Shields, 425-9751