Fab 5: DeLand surges to No. 1 after huge home win vs. Mainland

It's one week into the prep football season, and there has already been a seismic shift in the Fab 5.

After ending Mainland's nearly six-year local unbeaten run, a span of 35 games, DeLand vaults into the top spot for the first time since the 2013 preseason. The Bulldogs' big three, as coined by head coach Steve Allen, of Demaurez Bellamy, Dionte Marks and Avantae Williams combined for four touchdowns, all of at least 45 yards.

Flagler Palm Coast drops down one spot despite a blowout win on the road, while Mainland settles in at No. 3 for the time being.

1. DeLand (1-0)

What's left to say?

Widely viewed as underdogs, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-0 lead and capitalized on their chances. Mainland dominated time of possession and field position for long stretches of Friday's game, but could not make a dent on the scoreboard.

Following the game, Allen said DeLand may have an even greater test in Week 2, crossing county lines to the west and squaring off with reigning District 2-8A champion Sanford Seminole. It will be one of the marquee games in Central Florida this Friday.

Last Week: 3

2. Flagler Palm Coast (1-0)

FPC handled its business, and then some, against rival Matanzas. The Bulldogs put 21 points on the board in the second quarter and never looked back, winning the Potato Bowl for the second year in a row.

Running back Marc Genis has been a breakout star to this point, following up a sensational kickoff classic with three more touchdowns in the regular season opener. Tallin Coates led a dominant defensive effort.

The schedule gets significantly harder for FPC, though. Friday's home opener with New Smyrna Beach is followed by crucial non-district contests against Seminole and St. Augustine.

Last Week: 1

3. Mainland (0-1)

Mainland fared much better in the second half, aided by D'Andre McMillian's three rushing touchdowns. The Bucs got it back to a one-score game, but could not prevent the Bulldogs' big chunk plays.

The quarterback situation will be worth monitoring. Taron Keith got the start, but fellow junior Ra'Mello Dotson seemed to get the offense into a bit of a rhythm after halftime.

The Bucs have a long road trip and an anticipated neutral-site showdown ahead. They will travel to Milton, Georgia, for the opening game of the 12-team Freedom Bowl against Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Last Week: 2

4. Spruce Creek (1-0)

If Marvin Scott and Hayden Flood show up each week like they did in the opener, Spruce Creek could threaten for a third straight playoff trip.

Scott gashed Seabreeze for 212 yards and four touchdowns in his debut, while Flood scored twice and brought in four receptions of at least 20 yards. The Hawks have now defeated the Sandcrabs in each of the last five head-to-head meetings.

Spruce Creek continues its season-opening three-game road swing, battling a hungry Deltona squad coming off its first win over University.

Last Week: 5

5. New Smyrna Beach (1-0)

It wasn't the high-flying start the Barracudas might have hoped for, but it's still a win over a playoff team nonetheless. New Smyrna Beach knocked off Everglades Prep, 15-8, in John Wilkinson's coaching debut.

Einaj Carter rushed for two touchdowns, and Justin Graves generated a safety with a tackle in the end zone.

The Barracudas square off with No. 2 FPC in the week's most anticipated all-local matchup.