Well, it took a while but we finally have a new No. 1 in the top five. Trinity has held the top spot since the second week of the season, but finally gave it up after a 27-25 loss to River Oaks last Friday. That means Ferriday, which defeated Peabody 32-12 last week, slides up a notch to No. 1. Trinity slips to the No. 3 spot while Franklin County is up to No. 2 after handily defeating Wilkinson County last week. Tonight should be another exciting night of football with more shakeups in the top five.

1. Ferriday (4-1)

Last week: defeated Peabody 32-12

Tonight’s game: vs. Mangham

Why ranked here: The Trojans are on a roll, winning four straight games since a 12-6 loss to Natchez to open the season. Ferriday has played a tough non-district slate to prepare them for District 2-2A play, which begins tonight. The Trojans are in a tough district, so no games will be easy from here on out.

2. Franklin County (5-2)

Last week: defeated Wilkinson County 49-24

Tonight’s game: vs. Hazlehurst

Why ranked here: Franklin County got a good start in its region last week with a big win over an improved Wilkinson County team. The Bulldogs have now won five in a row and seem to have found their groove after dropping their first two games. Hazlehurst is always a very strong team and a win over the Indians would push the Bulldogs back into the forefront of Class 3A football.

3. Trinity Episcopal (6-1)

Last week: lost to River Oaks 27-25

Tonight’s game: vs. Brookhaven Academy

Why ranked here: Three missed extra points were the difference in a two-point loss to River Oaks last week. However, losing by two points on the road to one of the top teams in a larger classification isn’t enough to drop you very far in the poll. Trinity takes on another top team in Class AA in undefeated Brookhaven tonight. A win will have them fighting for the top spot again.

4. Natchez High (4-2)

Last week: defeated Oak Grove 48-45

Tonight’s game: at Brandon

Why ranked here: Yes, the Bulldogs did upset the No. 4 ranked team in Class 6A last week. However, that is counteracted by the 35-0 loss the previous week at home against Meridian. Natchez has been inconsistent this year, sometimes looking like a very good team and other times looking just average. Tonight’s game is a must-win if the Bulldogs want to stay in the race for a top two finish in Region 3-6A and a first-round playoff home game.

5. Adams County Christian (5-2)

Last week: defeated Riverdale 53-14

This week: at Central Private

Why ranked here: ACCS was impressive last Friday in a homecoming blowout over Riverdale. It’s true that the Rebels haven’t had the most imposing schedule in the world, but they are winning the games they are supposed to. Tonight’s district game is huge for ACCS, with only the top two teams being guaranteed a playoff spot and Centreville looming on the horizon. A win tonight would almost lock up a playoff berth for the Rebels.