Another week, another Florida team dropped from the No. 1 spot in the national POWERADE FAB 50. Last week it was Olympia that fell, suffering its first loss of the season to eventual Class 8A state champ Spruce Creek. Jesuit assumed pole position in the state and national rankings, but the Tigers fell to Plantation American Heritage, the eventual state champ in 6A, in the state semis last week.
Florida's new No. 1, Bishop Verot, will take on Monsignor Pace in the Class 4A semifinals on Wednesday. If the Vikings can prevail in that game and again on Thursday in the final, they'll finish tops in the state and top 3 in the nation, with an outside chance at a national championship. Plantation American Heritage, Pensacola Catholic and Jesuit could all conceivably finish in the top 10.
Here's how this week's top five shakes out (last week's ranking in parentheses):
1 (2)Bishop Verot, 28-2
Bishop Verot was off last week and will take on Monsignor Pace (Miami) in the Class 4A state semifinals on Wednesday.
2 (3) Plantation American Heritage, 27-4
After their 3-0 win in eight innings over previous FAB 50 No. 1 Jesuit (Tampa) in the Class 5A state semifinals, the Patriots blanked Ponte Vedra 9-0 in the Class 5A state final. Zach Collins' grand slam sparked the offense, while Alex Seibold allowed only one hit in a six-inning stint.
3 (1)Jesuit, 28-2
The Tigers fell to No. 2 American Heritage 3-0 in eight innings in the Class 5A state semifinals. Jesuit managed just one hit off American Heritage pitcher Shaun Anderson, while its own ace, Lance McCullers Jr., didn't allow a run in six innings of work.
4 (4)Pensacola Catholic, 25-3
The Crusaders were idle last week and will play Bishop Moore (Orlando) in the Class 4A state semifinals on Wednesday.
5 (7)Spruce Creek, 28-4
The Hawks won their first state title with a 7-1 Class 8A finals' win over Miami Columbus and ended season on an 11-game win streak. Griffin Fuller (9-1) got the win with six strong innings on the mound. This is the team that earlier won regional title with upset of national FAB 50 No. 1 Olympia.