Bay County high school football is back this week, and so are the weekly power rankings. With a new season comes a fresh slate for all six teams, but where does each stand heading into Week 1? This week’s rankings are based on last season’s results, offseason additions and losses, and performances in the Kickoff Classics.
Week 1 Bay County Football Power Rankings
1. Mosley (0-0)
The Dolphins get the slight edge at No. 1 despite losing the head-to-head matchup with Bay High last season. Mosley returns several key pieces, including quarterback JP Holsombake, running back Samuel Chisolm and wide receiver Ga’Marcus Halstead.
The offensive line remains young but gained valuable experience last season. Defensively, the Dolphins could make a strong case for having the best unit in Bay County. Up front, edge rushers Cole Archambeau and Elijah Waldrop lead the way, while linebackers Kane Colbert and Charlie Cotter anchor the middle. Cotter led the area in tackles last season.
In the secondary, Kingston Paul returns after earning several Division I offers. As Week 1 approaches, the Dolphins are once again the team to beat in Bay County.
2. Bay High (0-0)
The Tornadoes have a legitimate argument for the No. 1 spot after sweeping their county competition last season and outscoring those opponents 258-66.
Still, Bay High must replace a significant amount of production, including its starting quarterback, two running backs and two wide receivers. The defense also lost its top two tacklers and sack leader TJ Davis.
The talent returning is still impressive, led by wide receivers Noah Clement and De’Jay Davenport. Two-way contributors Kaden Brown and Darryl Andrews will also play important roles. The offensive line gets a boost from Jeremiah Brown, Charles Grubbs and Hayden Lowery, while Melvin Monds, Lowery and Hayden Garrette provide experience along the defensive front.
The Tornadoes remain firmly at No. 2.
3. Arnold (0-0)
The Marlins enter the season with an experienced roster, but they are also navigating a transition at quarterback following the departure of Will Cotter. River Walding takes over under center and will have plenty of talent around him.
Daelyn Davis anchors the defensive line and will also contribute in the backfield. Nathan Neely returns to lead the secondary, while wide receivers AJ Morris and Xzavier Morris give Walding reliable targets on the outside.
Arnold still has plenty to figure out, but the Marlins have enough talent and experience to put together a solid season.
4. Bozeman (0-0)
The Bucks enter the season under new leadership and could make a case for moving ahead of Arnold. However, the loss of both running backs from a season ago puts added pressure on quarterback Hayden Gay to make plays.
Gay will have help from wide receivers Evan Clements and Rylee McNeil, who should make life easier for the new-look offense.
Defensively, Jarret Gay gives the Bucks one of the area’s most dominant edge rushers and provides an anchor capable of creating pressure and forcing turnovers.
5. Rutherford (0-0)
The Rams bring back an experienced group led by quarterback Jaleel Reed and running back Jamarion Blount. As has become the norm, several players will contribute on both sides of the ball.
Rutherford showed its potential for quick-strike offense in its Kickoff Classic victory over Port St. Joe. Reed and Blount each scored on runs of more than 50 yards, providing an early glimpse of the explosive plays the Rams could produce this season.
If Rutherford can build on that performance, the Rams have the pieces to make some noise in Bay County.
6. North Bay Haven (0-0)
The Buccaneers are one of the more intriguing teams in Bay County after winning three games last season following a winless campaign the year before. There is plenty of potential, but questions remain, particularly along the offensive line and whether the group can hold up long enough to protect quarterback Caleb Muszynski.
Sean Williams and Jackson Horne give the offense a pair of key weapons, but replacing the defensive production of Jireh Coney, Tyler Murzyn and Bear Siegal will be a challenge. Chason Lee should provide stability at linebacker and give the Buccaneers a reliable piece to build around defensively.
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mosley claims top spot in Week 1 Bay County football rankings
Reporting by Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
