A top team falls, and others move up

Palm Beach Central picked up a strong, 43-21 home victory over Jupiter last week to remain the No. 1 team in the Palm Beach County top 10, but it could be tested this week in a matchup of unbeaten teams against Park Vista.

Atlantic and Dwyer are 2-3 following blowout victories, while Glades Central was the lone team in the rankings to taste defeat following a controversial, 20-18 loss to visiting Carol City.

Seminole Ridge, Cardinal Newman, Park Vista and Pahokee all picked up impressive wins this week to keep pace. Waiting in wings on the bubble are three 4-1 teams in Boca Raton, King’s Academy and Glades Day.

All games start at 6:30 p.m. Friday unless noted. Teams’ positions in last week’s rankings are in parentheses.

1. (1) Palm Beach Central (5-0)

The Broncos’ Ahmad Haston threw for three more scores, bringing his total to 23 in five games as Palm Beach Central doubled up Jupiter. The Broncos’ Javorian Wimberly had one of those scores from 80 yards out, and the team will face another stiff test this week when it takes on another ranked team, a resurgent Park Vista.

Next: vs. Park Vista

2. (3) Atlantic (3-2)

Freshman QB Lincoln Graf was 7-of-8 passing for 225 yards and three TDs last week, while senior defensive end Levert Edwards had 13 tackles and five sacks in Atlantic’s 67-0 win over Olympic Heights. The Eagles should be more challenged this week, as they travel to the west coast to face Naples (5-0), the No. 3 Class 6A team in the state.

Next: at Naples, 7:30 p.m.

3. (4) Dwyer (4-1)

Freshman Xanai Scott (7 carries, 74 yards, TD; 2 receptions, 50 yards, TD), senior Xavier Scott (3 carries, 73 yards, TD), and senior Ian Zern (2 sacks) helped lead the Panthers to a 40-0 blowout win over Sebastian River to move up one spot in the rankings after its third straight victory.

Next: vs. Boca Raton

4. (5) Benjamin (4-1)

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Aronson threw for 252 yards and three TDs as the Buccaneers rebounded from a 49-14 loss to Gulliver Prep with a 28-22 victory over visiting American Heritage-Delray.

Next: vs. Daytona Beach Mainland, 6 p.m.

5. (6) Seminole Ridge (5-1)

The Hawks continue to soar in the rankings after a 34-0 victory over Fort Pierce Westwood. Senior quarterback Will Rimes (60 yards rushing, TD; 44 yards passing,

TD) and freshman linebacker Ty Jackson (8 tackles, sack) contributed to the team’s win.

Next: Bye

6. (2) Glades Central (3-2)

Glades Central slipped in the rankings this week following a controversial safety late in the game against visiting Miami Carol City that led to a 20-18 setback. The Raiders travel to Miami this week to take on Booker T. Washington (2-4).

Next: at Booker T. Washington, 7 p.m.

7. (7) Cardinal Newman (3-2)

The Crusaders feasted on winless Suncoast (0-3) last week as freshman quarterback Davi Belfort (11-for-12 passing for 164 yards, 3 TDs), sophomore WR/CB Josh Philostin (15-yard TD reception, 90-yard kickoff return TD) and senior OLB Dom Fusca (4 TFL, 2 sacks) helped pave the way in a 65-0 win.

Next: at St. John Paul II Academy, 7 p.m.

8. (9) Park Vista (5-0)

The Cobras are off to their best start since 2016, when they finished 10-1 and fell in the first round of the playoffs to Palm Beach Gardens. Park Vista moves up one spot, and their stingy defense, allowing just 15 points in five games, will be tested this week against top-ranked Palm Beach Central. Park Vista defensive lineman Gavin Peacock (8 tackles, sack, 4 tackles for loss, blocked punt), junior CB Tyler Reis, and junior LB Keith Radar (30-yard INT returns for TDs) helped the Cobras rout winless Santaluces, 69-0.

Next: at Palm Beach Central

9. (8) Palm Beach Gardens (4-2)

Senior middle linebacker Brandon Powell had a team-high 11 tackles in the Gators’ 35-14 win over Palm Beach Lakes. Palm Beach Gardens, winners of three consecutive games, has the week off before facing a struggling Royal Palm Beach team (0-5) on the road.

Next: Bye

10. (10) Pahokee (4-1)

The Blue Devils’ defense was led by junior SS Ejavious Boswell (13 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 TFL, forced fumble), senior DE Omari Mitchell (9 tackles, 2 TFL), while freshman QB Austin Simmons (306 yards passing, four TDs) and senior WR Maurice Collier (3 catches for 155 yards, 2 TDs) helped Pahokee to a 41-7 win over Okeechobee on the road.

Next: vs. Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie)

On the bubble: Boca Raton (4-1), King’s Academy (4-1), Glades Day (4-1), Wellington (3-2), Jupiter (3-3).

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/SUN SENTINEL Palm Beach Central players celebrate a touchdown during the first half of their game against Dwyer on Sept. 3.