By: Ross Van De Griek
There is a new #1 ranked team in the Tampa Bay area boys soccer rankings this week, following Jesuit's 2-0 win over Wiregrass Ranch on Saturday night to clinch the 2nd Annual Champions League title. Find out where your team is ranked below
1. Jesuit (8-1-1)
Last Week: Defeated Blake 8-0, Defeated Shorecrest Prep 3-2, Defeated Lakeland Christian 3-0, Defeated Steinbrenner 2-0 & Defeated Wiregrass Ranch 2-0
This Week: vs Jefferson (Tues.), vs Calvary Christian (Fri.)
The Jesuit Tigers are coming off a 5-0 week last week, as they won their first Champions League title last weekend. The Tigers also didn't concede a goal in the semifinal match vs Steinbrenner or the final vs Wiregrass Ranch.
2. Wiregrass Ranch (8-1-1)
Last Week: Defeated Pasco 3-1, Tied Bloomingdale 2-2, Defeated Osceola 3-2 & Lost to Jesuit 2-0
This Week: vs Steinbrenner (Mon.), vs Mitchell (Tues.)
The Wiregrass Ranch Bulls have one of the toughest schedules heading into the New Year, as they will be facing three Top 10 teams within the next two weeks. Junior striker Justin Amis leads the team with eight goals scored this season.
3. Sunlake (10-0-0)
Last Week: Defeated Trinity Catholic 8-0, Defeated Leto 4-2, Defeated Cypress Creek 4-0 & Defeated Fivay 4-0
This Week: @ Pasco (Mon.), @ Gaither (Thu.), @ Lakewood (Fri.)
The Sunlake Seahawks come into this week, as the lone unbeaten team in Pasco County, as they have not conceded a goal in three of their last four games. The Seahawks come into this week as the #6 ranked team in Class 6A, according to MaxPreps. Junior striker Ethan Sternberg leads the team with 22 goals scored this season.
4. Tampa Catholic (6-1-1)
Last Week: Defeated Carrollwood Day 4-0 & Defeated East Lake 4-2
This Week: @ Wesley Chapel (Tues.), @ Tampa Prep (Thu.), vs St. Petersburg Catholic (Fri.)
The Tampa Catholic Crusaders remain at #4 in this week's Tampa Bay high school boys soccer rankings. Senior forward Tony Watson scored two goals, in their 4-2 win last game over East Lake. Tampa Catholic has a huge showdown vs rival Jesuit on Friday, December 20 @ Tampa Catholic.
5. Mitchell (5-1-3)
Last Week: Tied River Ridge 0-0, Defeated Sickles 2-0 & Defeated Palm Harbor University 2-0
This Week: vs Anclote (Mon.), @ Wiregrass Ranch (Tues.)
The Mitchell Mustangs have not conceded a goal in their last three games. The Mustangs come into this week as the #15 ranked team in Class 6A, according to MaxPreps. Junior Aidan Meyer & senior Jordan Minaca are each tied for the team lead with four goals scored this season.
6. Newsome (5-0-1)
Last Week: Defeated Durant 3-0 & Defeated Gaither 1-0
This Week: vs Lennard (Tues.)
The Newsome Wolves enter the Tampa Bay boys soccer rankings for the first time this season. The Wolves are coming off a 2-0 week with wins over Durant & Gaither. Senior midfielder Owen Lucey leads the team with five goals scored this season.
7. Northeast (6-0-0)
Last Week: Defeated Dixie Hollins 8-0, Defeated Lakewood 3-0
This Week: @ Shorecrest Prep (Tues.), @ Clearwater (Thu.)
The Northeast Vikings enter the Tampa Bay boys soccer rankings for the first time this season, coming in at #7. The Vikings enter this week only allowing four goals so far this season. Senior striker Dayne Baldwin leads the team with 12 goals scored this season.
8. Shorecrest Prep (4-2-0)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Prep 2-0 & Lost to Jesuit 3-2
This Week: vs Northeast (Tues.), vs Boca Ciega (Thu.)
The Shorecrest Prep Chargers drop from #5 to #8 in this week's rankings following their second loss of the season to Jesuit last week. The Chargers have a Tampa Top 10 showdown tomorrow night, as they host #7 Northeast. Senior forward Max Consoni leads the team with seven goals scored this season.
9. River Ridge (3-1-2)
Last Week: Tied Mitchell 0-0 & Tied Berkeley Prep 0-0
This Week: vs Fivay (Mon.), @ Countryside (Wed.)
The River Ridge Knights enter the rankings for the first time this season, as they are coming off two consecutive draws. Senior midfielder Antonio Federico leads the team with just three goals scored so far this season. River Ridge enters the week ranked #13 in Class 5A, according to MaxPreps.
10. Plant City (3-1-1)
Last Week: Lost to Strawberry Crest 1-0 & Tied Durant 3-3
This Week: @ Bloomingdale (Tues.), @ King (Fri.)
The Plant City Raiders are coming off a winless week, but remain in this week's rankings. The Raiders look to get back on the winning side tomorrow night, as they'll face rival school Bloomingdale. Senior David Espinoza leads the team with four goals scored this season.
On The Bubble: Bloomingdale, Keswick Christian, Land O'Lakes, Nature Coast Tech, Osceola, Palm Harbor University, Seminole, Steinbrenner, Weeki Wachee, Wesley Chapel