It was a season of some turbulence in the top five, but five programs really separated themselves from the rest of the pack, and pretty much stayed in the top five all season, just switching spots at times. Franklin County had been No. 1 for several weeks, but cedes the top spot to Trinity Episcopal after the Saints 37-7 victory over DeSoto to win the MAIS Class A state championship. Trinity was the only school to win a state title this season, so it is only fitting that they finish the season ranked No. 1. It’s been fun doing the top five each week and reading the reader feedback. I look forward to doing it again next season.

1. Trinity Episcopal

Final record: 12-3

Why ranked here: The Saints overcame a midseason three-game losing streak to win their final six games and romp through the Class A playoffs. Trinity was hardly challenged in the playoffs and finished its season in style with a 30-point romp in the championship game. Saints players and coaches set their goal of a state title back in the summer and worked hard to accomplish it. Congrats go out to the Saints.

2. Franklin County

Final record: 10-4

Why ranked here: It was a tough deciding between Franklin County and Natchez High for the No. 2 spot, but Franklin County gets it because of their four losses, one was to south state champion Tylertown and the other was to state semifinalist Morton in the playoffs. Franklin County lost their first two games, but rallied to win 10-of-11 down the stretch until their playoff loss to the Panthers. Franklin County will reload and be challenging for the top spot again next season.

3. Natchez High

Final record: 9-4

Why ranked here: Coach Lance Reed has done a remarkable job with the Natchez football program, taking them from a team that won one game in three years earlier this decade and turning them into a playoff team two years in a row. The Bulldogs not only advanced to the playoffs for the second straight year, but they won their first round game for the second season in a row. They also notched a landmark victory against Oak Grove, who, by the way, is playing for the Class 6A state championship tonight against South Panola. The two losses that keeps Natchez out of the No. 2 spot is a 35-0 loss to Meridian and a 44-15 loss to non-playoff team Brandon. Other than that it was a stellar year.

4. Ferriday

Final record: 8-4

Why ranked here: The Trojans bounced back from a disappointing 5-6 season last year to win eight games, including a first round playoff game. The big stumbling block for Ferriday was Farmerville, which gave the Trojans two of their four losses, including a 21-0 win in the second round of the playoffs. Nevertheless, it was a good bounce back year for Ferriday, and the Trojans will look to be back and even better next year.

5. Centreville Academy

Final record: 9-4

Why ranked here: After winning two consecutive MAIS Class AA state championships, the Tigers weren’t quite able to climb the mountain for the third straight year. Centreville’s defense wasn’t quite as good as years past, and it finally caught up with them in the playoffs. A 57-56 double overtime loss to eventual state champion Brookhaven Academy kept the Tigers from yet another state championship. But if their two-point conversion in the second overtime was successful, who knows? There might have been two state champs in the Miss-Lou this year.