ELITE EIGHT: Jackson Christian soccer is new No. 1

Second week of the season brings another week of changes throughout the boys soccer Elite Eight.

There is a new No. 1 team in the rankings as Jackson Christian are now 2-0 against teams from the state of Tennessee. The Eagles were winless in their first two games against teams that played for a state title in Alabama.

There is also a new team in the rankings as McNairy Central has beaten Scotts Hill, Riverside and St. Augustine to open the season.

Some teams add the past week off because of Spring Break, and that week off comes this coming week for other teams.

1. Jackson Christian (15 A-AA) (2-1-1) – The Eagles are now 2-0 against teams in West Tennessee, but this week will test them as they play TCA, Sacred Heart and USJ during Rivalry week. Results: Beat Westview, McKenzie. Last week: No. 2.

2. Lexington (14 A-AA) (1-3) – The Tigers had this past week off other than finishing up the Smoky Mountain Cup with an 0-3 record, but there are two possible wins this week. Results: Lost to Murfreesboro Central. Last week: No. 1.

3. USJ (Division II-A) (2-0) – The Bruins took the week off for Spring Break, but they come back this week with two games against district opposition. Results: Did not play. Last week: No. 3.

4. Madison (15 A-AA) (2-1) – The Mustangs outscored their two opponents this week 12-0. They have one district game this week before heading to Chattanooga. Results: Beat Liberty, Covington. Last week: No. 4.

5. Sacred Heart (Division II-A) (1-0) – The Knights opened the season with an easy win, but competition gets tougher this week with Jackson Christian on Thursday. Results: Beat Fayette Academy. Last week: No. 5.

6. North Side (15 A-AA) (1-0) – The Indians finally got the season started on Thursday after Tuesday’s game with Riverside was postponed. Scotts Hill and Union City await this week. Results: Beat Liberty. Last week: No. 6.

7. Chester County (14 A-AA) (1-0-1) – After picking up their first win of the season, the Eagles have two weeks off before playing Peabody on Apr. 6. Results: Beat South Side. Last week: No. 8.

8. McNairy Central (14 A-AA) (3-0) – The Bobcats are unbeaten in their first three matches of the season. Ripley and Fayette-Ware are on the schedule this week. Last week: Beat St. Augustine. Last week: Not ranked.

Dropped out: South Gibson (2-1).

Teams eligible for the Elite Eight rankings are those who represent schools from The Jackson Sun’s 13-county circulation area: Madison, Gibson, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman, Haywood, Crockett, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Decatur, McNairy and Hardin. 

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.