While the top two teams in the top five won convincingly, the rest of the teams weren’t as fortunate, as they all lost. So once again, that means a big shakeup in the poll. The season is entering its final third so teams are jockeying for playoff positioning and positioning in the top five. Ferriday once again holds on to the top spot after dismantling Mangham 34-12 last week. Franklin County won its sixth game in a row to claim the No. 2 spot once again.

1. Ferriday (5-1)

Last week: defeated Mangham 34-12

Tonight’s game: at Jonesboro-Hodge

Why ranked here: The Trojans opened up District 2-2A play with a solid performance last week against Mangham. Ferriday scored two late first-half touchdowns to blow the game open against the Dragons. Ferriday is stout on both offense and defense and will be tough to beat in the district.

2. Franklin County (6-2)

Last week: defeated Hazlehurst 33-6

Tonight’s game: vs. Amite County

Why ranked here: The Bulldogs continue their hot streak, as they dominated a good Hazlehurst team last week to win their sixth game in a row. Franklin County is hitting its stride at the right time, as the playoffs loom in a few weeks. The Bulldogs face a very winnable game this week before hitting the road next week to play the No. 1 team in Class 3A in Tylertown.

3. Centreville (5-3)

Last week: defeated WCCA 40-13

Tonight’s game: vs. Trinity Episcopal

Why ranked here: The Tigers have had a schizophrenic season. They lost their first game before winning four in a row. Then they suffered a two-game losing streak. However, they are back on the winning track after a big win over WCCA last Friday. Tonight’s game against Trinity is a huge one in the private school ranks, as the top two private school teams in the area go at it.

4. Trinity Episcopal (6-2)

Last week: lost to Brookhaven Academy 25-21

Tonight’s game: at Centreville

Why ranked here: After winning its first six games, Trinity is dealing with something it’s not used to — a two game losing streak. Even worse, those two losses are by a total of six points against two very good Class AA teams. The Saints play their fourth AA opponent in a row tonight, and they are going to want some payback. Centreville has beaten them twice in a row, including a 35-14 win in the Class AA South State championship game two years ago.

5. Natchez High (4-3)

Last week: lost to Brandon 44-15

This week: at Jim Hill

Why ranked here: It was a battle between three teams that got blown out last week for the No. 5 spot, and Natchez beats out Adams County Christian and WCCA because of their strength of schedule. But the Bulldogs had better get their act together tonight in a critical Region 3-6A match-up against Jim Hill on the road. The Bulldogs sit at 1-2 in region play and need to win at least their next three region games to put themselves in playoff position. Tonight’s game is a must-win.