The top-ranked team in Southwest Florida got back on the saddle in Week 8. But a new face has moved into second after a statement victory in this week's Super 10 rankings.
Each week we will rank the top 10 football teams from our coverage area, comprised of Collier and Lee counties, plus LaBelle. The power rankings are based on record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head matchups for the area's 30-plus teams.
Here are The News-Press/Naples Daily News Power Rankings after Week 8 of the 2026 regular season. Be sure to look online each week during the season to see our updated rankings.
Games played through Monday, Oct. 12.
1. Bishop Verot (4-2)
Last Week: 1
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 2
The Vikings bounced back from their loss to Port Charlotte with a resounding, 64-point shutout against Island Coast on Oct. 2. After scoring just one passing touchdown against the Pirates, Bishop Verot tore through the Gators' defense, scoring five passing touchdowns to go with two rushing touchdowns. Connor Pierre snagged two touchdown receptions for himself, one of four different receivers to score as the Vikings' offense put their entire repertoire on display.
2. St. John Neumann (7-1)
Last Week: 7
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 3
The Celtics continue to tear through their competition, boasting an offense that averages 42 points per game. Senior quarterback Carter Quinn posted a season-high 301 passing yards and five touchdowns on 17 of 29 attempts in the Celtics' win over First Baptist on Oct. 9. Neumann sealed the District 1A-9 title with its victory over the Lions, winning its first District title in program history.
3. South Fort Myers (6-1)
Last Week: 2
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 5
The Wolfpack rolled past Fort Myers on Oct. 9, picking up their second straight win by 40 or more points. Junior quarterback James Kelly has been exceptionally efficient in his last two games, throwing a combined 27 of 36 passing attempts for 523 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. Kelly also showed what he can do on the ground in their win over Fort Myers, recording 113 rushing yards on 13 attempts and scored a touchdown as well.
4. Cape Coral (5-2)
Last Week: 3
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 9
The Seahawks' defense has been lights out of late, shutting out Cypress Lake and North Fort Myers in their last two games. The offense have found their groove as well, with 102 combined points scored between those two victories. Cape heads into a vital District 5A-11 matchup with Immokalee on Friday, look for Caleb Cobb to build off his 160-yard performance over Cypress Lake.
5. Naples (4-3)
Last Week: 5
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 4
The Golden Eagles made a strong statement with their lopsided victory over Gulf Cost on Oct. 2, becoming just the second team this season to successfully hold Gio Marenco out of the end zone. Junior running back Jevan Raphael, on the other hand, had another fine performance with 150 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts, bringing him up to 39th in the state in total rushing yards (883 yards).
6. Dunbar (6-2)
Last Week: 4
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 6
The Tigers eventually came out on top with a staggering 60-22 victory over Mariner on Oct. 9, but the game did not begin as lopsided as it ended. The Tritons scored twice in the opening quarter, matching Dunbar's output in the first before getting blanked in the second and third quarters while Dunbar ran away with the game. The Tigers cannot afford another sloppy start when they take on South Fort Myers on Friday.
7. Riverdale (4-3)
Last Week: 9
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 10
The Raiders came out of the bye week and picked up an impressive 28-12 victory over Charlotte on Oct. 9, recovering nicely from their one-point loss to Cape Coral on Sept. 25. Junior running back Josiah Bataille rushed for a season-high 177 yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts, crossing 100 rushing yards for the first time since Riverdale's victory over Estero on Aug. 21.
8. Immokalee (6-1)
Last Week: 8
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 8
The Indians maintained their form with a 63-point shutout over East Lee County on Oct. 8, their second straight shutout. Youvensley Methelus and Marshon Jackson powered the Indians' run game with 249 combined rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Indians will look to make it four wins in a row and climb the District 5A-11 standings when they face Cape Coral on Friday.
9. Gulf Coast (4-3)
Last Week: 6
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 13
The Sharks did not cover themselves in glory in their 34-10 loss to Naples on Oct. 9. The hosts were shut out in the second half and Gio Marenco was held out of the end zone for the first time since their loss to South Fort Myers on Sept. 4. Marenco was held to a season-low 105 rushing yards by the Golden Eagles, bringing him to fifth in the state with 1,473 rushing yards.
10. First Baptist (6-1)
Last Week: 10
MaxPreps SWFL Region Ranking: 12
The Lions fought valiantly in their 42-20 loss to Neumann on Oct. 9, but the hosts were simply outmatched by the visiting Celtics. The defense struggled to contain Neumann's passing game, allowing for over 300 passing yards and five touchdown receptions. Junior quarterback Dominick Sgambellone completed a season-high 33 passes on 50 attempts to keep his side in the game, finishing with 230 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Next Five
11. Estero (3-3)
12. Community School (2-4)
13. Barron Collier (3-3)
14. Aubrey Rogers (5-2)
15. ECS (4-2)
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who's on top of SW FL Super 10 football rankings after Week 8?