Who's on top in latest Sarasota, Manatee boys soccer Power Rankings?

The high school soccer season is only just a few weeks old, but it's already starting to become clear which teams are the best.

Lakewood Ranch's boys team is undefeated and winning most of its games by decisive margins one year after making it to a regional final. Another emerging contender is Venice, which has already started with a 9-1 record against a respectable schedule.

Though these teams have already separated themselves, there's still plenty of time for others to catch up.

Here are the Herald-Tribune boys soccer power rankings:

Boys Soccer

1. Lakewood Ranch (6-0)

Last week: Did not play

Analysis: Last year's top boys soccer team has held down the top spot early this year. Lakewood Ranch has won by multiple goals in five of its six matches. The Mustangs are averaging 4.5 goals per match and have allowed just four total goals to be scored against them.

2. Venice (9-1)

Last week: Defeated Immokalee, lost to Stuart Pine, defeated Manatee, defeated Aubrey Rodgers

Analysis: Venice is already one win away from a double-digit win total despite being just a few weeks into the season. The Indians have been winning with a suffocating defense that has allowed just seven goals through 10 matches, including five shutouts.

3. Sarasota (4-1-1)

Last week: Did not play

Analysis: The Sailors opened the season with a blowout loss to Lakewood Ranch, but have gone unbeaten since, including wins over North Port and Out-of-Door Academy, two teams also on this list.

4. Braden River (2-1-1)

Last week: Did not play

Analysis: Braden River has allowed just two goals through four matches this season, with both coming in a 2-0 loss to Lakewood Ranch.

5. Out-of-Door Academy (3-2)

Last week: Did not play

Analysis: Out-of-Door Academy opened the season with three straight wins, but has since dropped matches against Sarasota and Seffner Christian. Despite those two losses, the Thunder have allowed just four goals against through five matches.

6. North Port (3-3)

Last week: Lost to Golden Gate

Analysis: North Port has lost to Venice and Sarasota, so it cannot be ranked much higher on this list for now, but the Bobcats have been competitive and effective in their other matches, including wins over Cardinal Mooney, Booker and Bayshore.

7. Cardinal Mooney (3-4)

Last week: Defeated Port Charlotte

Analysis: The Cougars have played a tough schedule to start, and have lost to North Port and Lakewood Ranch, two teams on this list, but have shown potential, with outbursts of six goals (Clearwater Central Catholic) and eight goals (Port Charlotte).

8. Parrish (3-3)

Last week: Lost to Mitchell and Wiregrass Ranch

Analysis: Parrish opened the season in dominating fashion, notching three straight wins with 21 goals. However, the Bulls have since lost three straight matches to tough competition.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota, Manatee boys soccer Power Rankings starting December