Bay Area Well Represented in Rivals’ Latest Football Poll
The 2026 Florida high school football season has officially crossed into its second half, and the stakes are rising across both the FHSAA and SSAA. The newest Rivals‑powered Massey Ratings Top 25, released Oct. 4, highlights a strong showing from the Bay Area, including a major leap from Carrollwood Day and continued dominance from Armwood.
Two newcomers cracked the Top 5 this week: Jacksonville Raines at No. 3 and Tampa’s Carrollwood Day at No. 4. Both earned their spots with statement wins. Raines edged previously unbeaten Venice, 20‑17, in a rain‑soaked thriller, while Carrollwood Day rolled past Trinity Christian Academy in a 63‑21 rout.
The Massey Ratings, once used during the BCS era, evaluate teams through game results, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. With the season tightening, the model is beginning to separate contenders from the pack.
Carrollwood Day Patriots Rise to No. 4
Carrollwood Day’s climb into the Top 5 marks one of the biggest storylines of the week. The Patriots are now viewed as a state elite, powered by a roster stacked with young talent, including 2029 four‑star cornerback James Allen. Their explosive offense and improving defensive consistency have made them one of the Sunshine State’s most dangerous teams.
Armwood Continues Its Surge
Armwood sits at No. 5 after winning four straight since its early loss to Don Bosco Prep. The Hawks’ latest performance, a 56‑0 dismantling of Plant, showcased a defense that has become one of the best in the region. North Carolina commit Theo Wilson anchors a unit that has allowed almost nothing over the past month. With Tampa Bay Tech looming, Armwood faces a pivotal matchup that could determine its path toward the FHSAA Open Division.
A Deep Field Behind the Top 5
The rest of the Top 25 features familiar names and rising programs, including Tampa Bay Tech at No. 7, Clearwater Central Catholic at No. 21, and Merritt Island at No. 25. As the season heads toward its final stretch, the Bay Area remains one of Florida’s most competitive regions, with multiple teams capable of making postseason noise.
