"I'm a little surprised," coach Bruce Miller said. "We'll see how our guys adjust. We can't let this go to our heads."

High school sports writers from around the state, including The Times' Robert Watson, vote in the poll each week.

Gainesville is coming off what was expected to be its toughest test of the season. The Red Elephants shut out previously unbeaten West Hall 38-0 Friday night at West Hall.

Gainesville now leads Region 7-AAA by a half-game over the Spartans (7-1) and by a full game over North Hall (6-1).

The Elephants appear to be a good bet to finish the regular season undefeated, with home games remaining against Pickens (5-2), Fannin County (4-3) and Flowery Branch (0-9).

"The thing is to go on instead of being satisfied," said Miller, in his first year with the Red Elephants. He led North Forsyth to a spot in the Class AAA final four last season.

The only other two schools in the area that are ranked stayed put in the poll.

Defending Class A champion Buford (7-0) is No. 2 in Class AA behind Americus. Commerce (6-1) is ranked sixth in Class A.