Dresden up to No. 5 in the Jackson area high school football poll

A look at the top high school football teams in West Tennessee, as ranked by the USA Today Network – Tennessee. Teams eligible come from The Jackson Sun’s 13-county coverage area – Madison, Gibson, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman, Haywood, Crockett, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Decatur, McNairy and Hardin counties.

1. Huntingdon (5-0) – The Mustangs proved to be the better 4-0 team in Region 6-1A, but now it’s time for one of the biggest rivalries in the area. Last week: No. 1. This week: Friday vs. Milan.

2. Crockett County (5-0) – The Cavaliers have given up an average of 12 points per game this season. Last week: No. 2. This week: Friday at Lexington.

3. Haywood (4-1) – The Tomcats bounced back from a loss to pick up a Region 7-4A victory. Last week: No. 3. This week: Friday at MUS.

4. South Gibson (4-1) – After a 2-0 start in Region 7-3A play, the Hornets get to face a 1-3 team from Memphis at home. Last week: No. 4. This week: Friday vs. Middle College.

5. Dresden (5-0) – The Lions, who have won 20 straight games, will get a better test this week than it has gotten in the past two weeks. Last week: No. 8. This week: Friday vs. Trenton Peabody.

6. Bolivar (4-1) – The Tigers had to score to beat McNairy Central, and now they get another team on the upswing. Last week: No. 5. This week: Friday vs. South Side.

7. Peabody (4-1) – The Golden Tide have gotten comfortable with Courtlen Wade at quarterback the past two weeks, but the defending Class 1A state champion is next. Last week: No. 9. This week: Friday at Dresden.

8. Milan (3-2) – Overtime was a negative for the Bulldogs for the second time this season, and the competition doesn’t get any easier this week. Last week: No. 6. This week: Friday at Huntingdon.

9. TCA (4-1) – The Lions scored 43 points in the second half to improve to 2-0 in Region 7-2A play; now they get a week off. Last week: No. 10. This week: Bye.

10. Riverside (3-1) – Starting 1-0 in Region 6-2A play was no problem for the Panthers; now they look to continue to improve with a non-district contest. Last week: No. 12. This week: Friday vs. Camden.
11. South Side (3-2) – The Hawks are alone on top of the Region 6-4A standings at 2-0, and Bolivar will provide a good road test. Last week: Not ranked. This week: Friday at Bolivar.

12. Hardin County (3-2) – Four interceptions cost the Tigers from staying unbeaten in Region 6-4A play, but they are now one of four teams at 1-1 in the region. Last week: No. 11. This week: Friday at Lawrence County.

Dropped out: McKenzie (2-2).

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