There are only five area teams left in the playoffs after last week. How convenient. Those are the teams that make up this week’s top five. This will be the final top five during the season. After everyone has finished playing, there will be one final ranking. Franklin County continues to hold on to the top spot after its impressive victory at Philadelphia last week. The Bulldogs are just one step away from a possible rematch with Tylertown for the South State championship, but can’t overlook a very strong Morton team tonight.

1. Franklin County (10-3)

Last week: defeated Philadelphia 20-7

Tonight’s game: at Morton

Why ranked here: Franklin County is one of the hottest teams in the state in Class 3A. Ever since losing their first two games, the Bulldogs have won 10 out of their last 11, and they have been lights out in the playoffs, outscoring their two opponents by a combined score of 53-7. Last week’s road win over Philadelphia was particularly impressive, as the Tornadoes had only lost one game all season prior to last week.

2. Natchez High (9-3)

Last week: defeated Petal 19-17

Tonight’s game: at Ocean Springs

Why ranked here: The Bulldogs just keep pulling big wins out of the fire. Last week, Natchez overcame a 14-0 second quarter deficit to take a 19-17 victory, scoring the winning touchdown with just 35 seconds remaining. This is the second straight season the Bulldogs have advanced to the second round of the playoffs after not even making the postseason any of the previous 11 years. Natchez is just two wins away from a state title game, and tonight’s game against a tough Ocean Springs team will give Natchez respect around the state.

3. Trinity Episcopal (10-3)

Last week: defeated Sylva Bay 43-28

Tonight’s game: vs. Riverfield

Why ranked here: While Trinity may have had some struggles against the Class AA teams they played this season, the Saints are dominating the Class A teams they face. Last week’s game was supposed to be a tough test for Trinity, but the Saints dominated Sylva Bay in a contest that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. Trinity desperately wants to get back to the state championship game, and a home victory over Riverfield will send them there.

4. Ferriday (8-3)

Last week: defeated Welsh 33-14

Tonight’s game: at Farmerville

Why ranked here: The Trojans dominated Welsh in the first round of the LHSAA Class 2A playoffs last week, taking a 27-0 halftime lead en route to the 19-point victory. Tonight they want revenge against a Farmerville team that spanked them 44-24 in their final regular season game two weeks ago. A win over the No. 5 seeded Farmers will give Ferriday a big boost of confidence as they strive for a state title.

5. Block (6-5)

Last week: defeated Southern Lab 20-14

Tonight’s game: vs. West St. John

Why ranked here: It’s been a while since the Bears were ranked in the top five, but after dropping their first five games of the season (two by forfeit), Block has won six straight, including a big upset in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs last week. Block is continuing to garner respect around the state, and should they knock off West St. John, people might start mentioning the Bears when they talk about the strong 1A teams.