HS: Winter FAB 50 rankings, Feb. 20

by Sheldon Shealer

February 20, 2018

Despite a rash of playoff surprises last week, the FAB 50 Top 10s were nearly unchanged.

In fact, the only newcomer to either the boys or girls No. 10 is Canyon Crest Academy (San Diego, Calif.) sneaking into No. 10 in the boys ranking.

Teams ranked Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the boys rankings all had a tie last week, creating an even bigger gap between current FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) and the top chasers. On the girls side, it is likely the FAB 50 No. 1 spot will be secured this week as No. 1 St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park) and No. 2 Oviedo (Fla.) are favorites in their state final matches this week. St. Johns Country Day, in fact, is an overwhelming favorite to claim a seventh straight Class 1A state title. Meanwhile, Oviedo has allowed only one goal this season iwhile advancing to the final in a stronger, deeper Class 5A tournament field.

* * * * *

BIG MOVERS: BOYS: Fletcher (Neptune Beach, Fla.). Fletcher more than atoned for its district final loss by advancing to the state final. Last week's results helped Fletcher vault from No. 38 to No. 17 as the team returns to the Top 25 for the second time this season. ... GIRLS: California (San Ramon, Calif.). The EBAL has flexed its muscle, placing four teams in the CIF-North Coast Section Division 1 semifinals. California moves from No. 42 to No. 30 this week, as one of those four semifinalists.

NEWCOMERS: BOYS: No. 31 Plant City (Fla.), No. 40 Baldwin (Wailuku, Hawaii), No. 41 Bishop Lynch (Dallas, Texas), No. 44 American Heritage-Delray (Delray Beach, Fla.), No. 45 University School (Davie, Fla.), No. 46 San Antonio Reagan (San Antonio, Texas), No. 47 Clovis North (Fresno, Calif.), No. 48 Montebello (Calif.) and No. 49 Sam Houston (Arlington, Texas). ... GIRLS: No. 24 Estero (Fla.), No. 38 Palm Harbor University (Palm Harbor, Fla.), No. 44 Klein Oak (Spring, Texas), No. 45 Round Rock (Texas), No. 46 Merritt Island (Fla.) and No. 48 Largo (Fla.).