With football right around the corner, the Super 25 Preseason Football Rankings have been released. The Super 25 which is compiled by the USA TODAY High School Sports staff, has been a staple of USA TODAY for more than 30 years and highlights the best teams around the nation.
Who will end up at the top come season end? Take a look at some of the best programs entering the season and key pieces that are expected to lead the charge throughout the year.
MORE PRESEASON COVERAGE: ALL-USA OFFENSE | DEFENSE
1. St. Thomas Aquinas
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
18-19 Record: 13-2
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: With 21 players on the roster ranked three-star or better between its junior and senior class, the biggest question isn’t how St. Thomas Aquinas will fill out a lineup – it’s probably a question of how all the talent will get playing time.
On offense, four-star wide receiver Marcus Rosemy is one of the top 10 wide receivers in the country. He’s not the only receiving threat, as wide receiver The’Andris Freeman and tight ends Joseph Kirner and Jake Ray are all considered three-star recruits. Running back Brian Brewton is a three-star recruit as well, and the group is protected by four offensive linemen who are all ranked three-stars or better, the most notable of which is Chosen 25 OT Marcus Dumervil.
The defense is just as deep, with four-star outside linebacker Derek Wingo, three-star OLB Devon Betty and three-star inside linebacker Andy Garcia all available. On the line, four-star 2021 strong-side defensive end Tyreak Sapp, three-star SDE Riyad Wilmot, three-star weak-side defensive end Griffin Lampton join three three-star defensive tackles. The secondary has similar strength with four-star safety Jahvante Royal and three-star cornerback Tyson Russell.
There is one question about how STA will put together their lineup, though, and it’s a mighty important one: Who’s going to start at quarterback? Three-star Brady Dean transferred in, but there’s still a battle raging between him and Zion Turner, according to the Sun Sentinel. A quarterback battle can breed competition, and if it works out right, the team might be all the better for it.
Though STA was sanctioned for recruiting violations, the punishment does not seem like it will have much impact for the on-field product. Coming off a 13-2 season, St. Thomas Aquinas will work to get back to the championship game, and this time, take home the title.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 at De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
8/31 Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
9/13 at South Plantation
9/20 Miramar
9/27 Carol City
10/4 Bye
10/11 Plantation
10/18 Deerfield
10/25 Fort Lauderdale
11/1 at Western
2. North Shore
Location: Galena Park, Texas
2018-19 Record: 16-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 2
Why them: The Mustangs, who finished No. 2 in the final Super 25 Football rankings last year, return the bulk of their core for 2019 and look like they could repeat as Texas Class 6A champions for the first time since Kyler Murray led Allen.
The No. 1 running back in the nation Zach Evans, who rushed for 1,784 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, and four-star quarterback Dematrius Davis, who completed 71.6% of his passes for 3,350 yards and 43 touchdowns, return to lead the charge on offense.
The offensive line looks formidable with three-star incoming senior Damieon George, who is a 6-foot-6.5, 348-pound offensive tackle, and four-star junior offensive guard Jaeden Roberts. The two will help give the two time to make plays as Davis looks around his receivers, notably Shadrach Banks, one of the top incoming juniors in the country.
On defense, cornerback Joseph Wilson and linebackers Corey Flagg and Matthew Roberts will be relied upon as three-star recruits to carry the load. With talent and experience returning, North Shore looks to be among the best teams in the country.
SCHEDULE:
8/29 Katy
9/5 Ridge Point
9/13 Westfield
9/27 La Porte
10/4 at King
10/11 at Deer Park
10/18 Sterling
10/24 at West Brook
11/1 Beaumont United
11/8 at Channelview
3. Mater Dei
Location: Santa Ana, Calif.
2018-19 Record: 13-2
Final Super 25 Rank: 1
Why them: Mater Dei had some big questions entering the offseason after winning the National Championship. The team lost cornerbacks Elias Ricks (IMG) and Darion Green-Warren (Narbonne). The receiving room is missing ALL-USA First Team wide receiver Bru McCoy and tight end Mike Martinez. Both running backs are gone.
But they answered the cornerback question admirably now that the room has 2021 four-star CB Jaylin Davies and 2022 CB Domani Jackson, who already has 23 offers. Additionally, Josh Hunter and Cam Sidney have come on strong as defensive back options as well. At linebacker, Raesjon Davis is a five-star 2021 linebacker, and with Moses Sepulona and Kobah Fuatuma, they can replace Mase Funa effectively.
On offense, Bryce Young enters year two as Mater Dei quarterback and is going to take on a larger play-calling role. At wide receiver, Bruce Rollinson likes what he sees from incoming four-star transfer Cristian Dixon, Kody Epps, Josiah Zamora, Kyron Ware-Hudson, and incoming sophomore CJ Williams – a group that helped Mater Dei win a 7-on-7 tournament without Young. Three running backs are fighting for the starting spot in transfer Marcueese Yetts, Quincy Craig and Cam Leofa.
Of course, Rollinson’s bread and butter are the offensive and defensive lines, and he’s confident with his groups. Myles Murao, perhaps the top offensive lineman on the team, had a strong showing at The Opening, and Rollinson thinks there’s enough depth on the defensive line to have big and small packages as he sees fit. With new players and Young entering his second year on the team, the Monarchs still look like the team to beat in California.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
8/29 Villa Park
9/6 at Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.)
9/14 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)
9/27 at St. John’s (Washington, D.C.)
10/4 Orange Lutheran
10/11 Service
10/18 Santa Margarita
10/25 at St. John Bosco
11/1 JSerra Catholic
4. St. John Bosco
Location: Bellflower, Calif.
18-19 Record: 13-1
Final Super 25 Rank: 3
Why them: The offense is poised to be strong as reigning ALL-USA Offensive Player of the Year D.J. Uiagalelei returns for his senior season. Four-star wide receiver Beaux Collins is up to 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, according to head coach Jason Negro, and he could be set to break out in his junior year. With Logan Loya transferring in and Kris Hudson returning, the wide receiver corps looks strong. Most of the offensive line is returning – and keep an eye on 2022 offensive tackle Earnest Greene, who Negro is particularly excited about.
The running back group has more holes. George Holani graduated and Keith Savage is no longer with the team, according to Negro, so Nate Jones will be expected to play a large role after being injured the majority of last season. Beyond Jones, three sophomores will battle for playing time. Negro is high on the group, calling it deep and the “fastest” since 2015, but it’s still an unproven commodity.
On defense, Bosco needs to find production after losing linebackers Ralen Gofoth (USC) and Spencer Lytle (Wisconsin) and cornerbacks Chris Steele (USC) and Trent McDuffie (Washington). Four-star Kourt Williams can be a centerpiece of the defense, and incoming linebacker AJ Gatto should provide a boost. At cornerback, James Smith (Washington) and Joshua Alford are serviceable, though likely a step down from the dominant corners of last year. John Vaughns and Jake Newman, both of who are rated three-star on Scout, are safeties.
All in all, Negro sees this Bosco team a deep team with more experience than last year, a group that’s “extremely hungry.” After falling to Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California) the last two years, can Bosco make it back to the top?
SCHEDULE:
8/24 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
8/30 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
9/6 Liberty (Henderson, Nev.)
9/13 Our Lady Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
9/21 at Mililani (Hawaii)
10/3 at Servite
10/11 at JSerra Catholic
10/18 Orange Lutheran
10/25 Mater Dei
11/1 Santa Margarita
5. St. John’s College
Location: Washington, D.C.
18-19 Record: 9-1
Final Super 25 Rank: 20
Why them: With the top three 2020 Washington, D.C. players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and three of the top four in 2021, St. John’s College looks like they can make another run at the playoffs after falling in the semifinals last year.
But it goes deeper than just D.C. talent. Mekhail Sherman and Rakim Jarrett are both among the top 20 players in the nation, according to 247Sports. Sol-Jay Maiava is a three-star quarterback with options – namely, Jarrett and three-star Caleb Coombs — and both lines have upside with four-star defensive tackles Tre Williams and Taizse Johnson and three-star offensive guard Colin Henrich.
With talent all around the field, St. John’s College bursts into 2019 as one of the best teams in the country. It will be tough to defeat this juggernaut.
SCHEDULE:
8/24 Southridge (Miami, Fla.)
8/31 Deerfield Beach (Fla.)
9/6 at St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia)
9/14 at Duncanville (Texas)
9/21 IMG Academy
9/27 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
10/12 at Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)
10/18 Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
11/2 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
11/9 Gonzaga
6. St. Frances Academy
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
18-19 Record: 10-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 4
Why them: St. Frances Academy has 11 players ranked four-stars or better and talent all over the field. The defensive end is where the team truly stands out, though. Take a look at some of these positions:
The defensive line is led by five-star WDE Chris Braswell and includes four-star WDE Demon Clowney, four-star DT Dominic Bailey, four-star DT Katron Evans, and two more three-star WDEs.
The secondary has two four-star cornerbacks in Luke Hill and Clinton Burton Jr., and four-star safety Jordan Toles. At linebacker, three four-stars (Aaron Wilson, Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Osman Savage) and three-star Nikhai Hill-Green.
Then, on offense, the line has four three-star players in Delfin Castillo, Michael Statham, Micah Mazzccua, Ja’Khi Green, which is perfect for protecting four-star running back Blake Corum.
After allowing no more than six points in its first eight games last season, and then winning its ninth and final game 43-14, SFA looks like it can be as dominant as ever in 2019.
SCHEDULE:
8/24 at Central (Miami, Fla.)
8/31 Simeon (Chicago)
9/6 Superior Collegiate (Clearwater, Fla.)
9/14 at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
9/20 Norland (Miami, Fla.)
9/28 at St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)
10/4 at Venice (Fla.)
10/18 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
10/25 St. John Lutheran (Ocala, Fla.)
10/26 St. Thomas More (Oakdale, Conn.)
11/2 Clarkson Football North (Mississauga, Ontario)
11/9 at Life Christian Academy (Chester, Va.)
11/15 Royalty Institute
7. IMG Academy
Location: Bradenton, Fla.
18-19 Record: 7-1
Final Super 25 Rank: 5
Correction: After publication, USAT HSS learned Jermaine Burton transferred back to Calabasas. His name has been removed from the description.
Why them: IMG has taken a leap the last couple months with some stud transfers joining the cause. ALL-USA cornerback Elias Ricks announced his transfer there from Mater Dei and was quickly followed by four-star cornerback Lovasea Carroll. With those two, IMG now has one of the best CB duos in the nation, and that’s not even including four-star 2021 CB Markevious Brown. Four-star safety Lejond Cavazos roams the secondary.
Four-star Michael Redding III leading the wide receiver room for quarterback D.J. Boney. There was some strong running back play in the spring game from Chandler McGruder and Jack Codwell, not to mention incoming eighth grader Xavier Terrell. While there’s no Trey Sanders or Noah Cain, the offense still has weapons. They also have protection, notably behind 2021 offensive linemen Weston Franklin, Greg Crippen and George Jackson.
The defensive line is strong with five-star defensive tackle Demonte Capehart, four-star defensive tackle Warren Brinson and three-star defensive tackle Jordan Butler. Defensive end JC Latham is now a four-star but he remains among the highest-ranked SDEs in the country.
IMG is missing some stars from last year but they’ve refilled the roster well. It’s once again one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 at Venice
8/30 Norland
9/6 Northwestern
9/6 at Neumann
9/13 at St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia)
9/21 at St. John’s (Washington, D.C.)
9/27 Booker T. Washington
10/4 Clarkson Football North (Mississauga, Ontario)
10/11 Life Christian Academy (Chester, Va.)
10/18 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)
11/1 Hoover (Ala.)
8. Duncanville
Location: Texas
18-19 Record: 14-1
Final Super 25 Rank: 10
Why them: Were it not for a miraculous Hail Mary in the state title game, we probably would have been talking about the Panthers on the top line of the Southwest region. Instead, they’ll be working on avenging their loss and coming up with one more win.
Most of the contingent that made the 2018 run to the state finals and knocked out Allen along the way return this coming season, including four-star quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson and three-star wide receive Zeriah Beason on offense. One of the most important pieces on that side of the ball is Savion Byrd, a five-star player ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the class of 2021 and the No. 3 player in the state of Texas. Duncanville also has skill in the secondary in four-star safety Chris Thompson and three-star safety Jadarius Thursby. Kendrick Blackshire is a the No. 4-ranked inside linebacker in the 2021 class, labeled as a four-star player, and 2020 three-star defensive tackle James Mitchell can help hold down the line.
Duncanville wants to prove last year’s loss was a fluke and that they are the best high school football team in what Texans argue is the best high school football state in the nation. They have strong pieces to get them there. They just need to be stronger than their opponents.
SCHEDULE:
8/30 at Lancaster
9/6 South Oak Cliffs
9/14 St. John’s (Washington, DC)
9/2 at Berkner
10/4 Skyline
10/11 Lake Highlands
10/18 at Pearce
10/24 at White
10/25 at Dallas Thunder White
11/1 Richardson
11/7 Molina
9. Marietta
Location: Marietta, Ga.
18-19 Record: 5-6
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: The Blue Devils will be strong on both sides of the ball with Harrison Bailey under center and B.J. Ojulari anchoring the defense. Ojulari led the team in tackles last season with 104 and Bailey, a Tennessee commit, completed 212 of 335 passes for 2,809 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.
Around Bailey on offense will be weapons in running back Kimani Vidal and tight end/receiver Arik Gilbert, ranked No. 16 in the Chosen 25. Gilbert and three-star wide receivers Ricky White and Kobe Stewart give Bailey plenty of options to throw to.
On defense, the addition of Rashad Torrence and Dawson Ellington in the secondary will be a big boost for the Blue Devils. They were ineligible last year due to transfer rules. With sacks leader Labarron Kennedy and three-star linebacker Kiersten Lee set to play for Marietta, there’s upside all around.
With five of the top 54 players in the state and double-digit three-star or better players, Marietta looks poised to not only jump above .500, but be one of the stronger teams in the nation.
SCHEDULE:
8/16 Tucker
8/22 at Rome
8/30 St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Penn.)
9/6 at Collins Hill
9/13 at Grayson
10/4 Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.)
10/18 McEachern
10/25 at North Cobb
11/1 Hillgrove
11/8 at Kennesaw Mountain
10. Saguaro
Location: Scottsdale, Ariz.
18-19 Record:13-1
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: Saguaro returns after winning six straight 4A state titles and is eager to prove itself against 5A and 6A competition with the new Open Division.
Second-year starting dual-threat quarterback Tyler Beverett has been around the team every year. The offense is built around running the football with an 11-personnel spread, so Beverett – who completed 66% of his passes and rushed 40 times last year – works well in it next to running back Israel Benjamin, who rushed for 1,675 yards with 27 touchdowns last year, and behind four of the five starting offensive linemen from last year.
Opposing quarterbacks will have immense difficulty finding receivers with Chosen 25 cornerback Kelee Ringo on one side and four-star Jacobe Covington on the other. The linebacking corps is also strong with four-star Damian Sellers and Will Schaeffer, a two-way starter. McCade Siegel, listed at 6-foot-2, 225-pounds is set to get an opportunity. Incoming transfer Braxton Tepler will play SAM and nickel once eligible and is expected to help replace the production of Connor Soelle.
Saguaro will miss graduates on both sides of the ball like Soelle, Jaden Swink, Clay Randall, Hayden and Hogan Hatten and Marqui Johnson, but the bulk of the roster returns to run it back. With 19 athletes with FBS/FCS offers between the 2020-22 classes, it might be the team to beat in Arizona.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 Poston Butte
8/31 at Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.)
9/7 Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas)
9/13 Desert Mountain
9/20 at Chaparral
9/27 at Arcadia
10/4 at Desert Edge
10/18 at Marcos de Niza
10/25 Seton Catholic
11/1 Mesquite
11. St Joseph’s Prep
Location: Philadelphia, Pa.
18-19 Record: 13-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 6
Why them: St. Joseph’s Prep is on the brink of an incredible four-year run after losing one game over the past three years, appearing in all three championship games and winning two of them.
Marvin Harrison Jr., named to the ALL-USA Preseason Team, is an elite option for Ohio State commit and four-star quarterback Kyle McCord. Three-star running backs Kolbe Burrell and Sahmir Hagans are a strong duo that will be able to establish the run game to open up the field for McCord.
The defense didn’t allow more than 20 points in its final 11 games of the season, including forcing a shutout in the semifinals. The highest-ranked player of the bunch is Jeremiah Trotter Jr., an inside linebacker rated four stars by 247Sports. Also part of the class of 2021 with Harrison and McCord, the juniors look ready to thrive.
They’ll face stiff competition with three teams currently ranked in the top-10 right out the gate. St. Joseph’s Prep will quickly prove if they’re in the top tier or not a contender.
SCHEDULE:
8/30 at Marietta (Ga.)
9/6 St. John’s (Washington, D.C.)
9/13 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
9/28 at La Salle College
10/4 Roman Catholic
10/12 at Archbishop Wood
10/18 at Father Judge
10/26 at Archbishop Ryan
12. St. Louis
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
18-19 Record: 12-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 12
Why them: Rostering some of the most dominant players in the state of Hawaii, Saint Louis looks like it can compete for its fourth straight championships and continue its win streak, which stands at 26 entering the season.
Saint Louis has the top five players in the 247Sports class of 2020, led by four-star linebackers in Jordan Botelho (Notre Dame) and Nick Herbig (Wisconsin). The linebacking corps will also be a huge strength with OLB Mason Tufaga and ILB Wynden Ho’ohuli ranked as the top two 2021 players in Hawaii. That’s not even mentioning three-star LBs Lawaia Brown (Central Michigan) and Darrell Masaniai, both in the class of 2020.
The defensive line has bigger holes. Losing four-star defensive tackle Faatui Tuitele (Washington), three-star defensive end Gino Quinones (USC) and three-star Liloa Kapiko (San Diego State) will be a challenge that may fall on three-star DT Stanley McKenzie’s shoulders. In the secondary, three-star safeties Kamo’i Latu and Kaiser Cambra-Cho roam.
The offense looks like it’s in good shape with quarterback Jayden de Laura returning to throw the ball to four-star Roman Wilson (Michigan) and three-star Matt Sykes (UCLA). Leading rusher Dayton Sam, who had 485 yards and eight scores last year, enters his junior year – though losing two three-star offensive lineman to graduation won’t be an easy fix. Saint Louis enters another season looking like the top Hawaii team.
SCHEDULE:
8/15 at Kapolei
8/23 at Campbell
8/30 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
9/6 Kamehameha Kapalama
9/14 Kahuku
9/20 Punahou
9/27 Mililani
10/4 at Farrington
10/11 at Wai’anae
13. Central
Location: Phenix City, Ala.
18-19 Record: 14-0
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: Without dual-threat quarterback Peter Parrish, who will take over the job? Both quarterbacks Tucker Melton and Trey Miles got to the championship of the 7-on-7 camp at Auburn with wide receivers E.J. Williams, a top-20 WR and third-best player in the state, and Peter Jakes. On the offensive line, Javion Cohen will be another key piece during the season that can help the team remain a headache for defense.
Over the last three years, the Red Devils have gone 35-3 under head coach Jamey DuBose. Last year, the team held 10 opponents to 10 points or fewer, scored more than 40 points 10 times, and took down Taulia Tagovailoa’s Thompson (Alabaster, Alabama) team in the championship game, sacking the quarterback four times, according to High School Football America.
A lot of that success came from Parrish, along with other graduates such as Clemson safety signee Ray Thornton and Arkansas running back signee A’Montae Spivey. Central will have its work cut out to replace those cogs. But with strong pieces who have proven they can connect this offseason, they look like they’re up to the task.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 Hoover
8/31 Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.)
9/6 Smiths Station
9/13 Prattville
9/20 Opelika
9/27 Park Crossing
10/4 at Enterprise
10/12 at Lee
10/18 Jefferson Davis
10/25 at Auburn
14. Narbonne
Location: Harbor City, Calif.
18-19 Record: 10-4
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: After missing five games last year due to transfer rules, 2021 five-star quarterback Jake Garcia led Narbonne to nine straight wins, including a 55-7 LA City Section championship, and completed 75.7% of his passes. With him and the two leading receivers in four-star Joshua Jackson Jr. and Eren East returning, and four-star wide receiver Traeshon Holder transferring in, the offense has a strong foundation.
The running back rotation boasts two of its three leading rushers from last season in 2020 player Jack Brown and 2020 three-star JoJuan Collins. While they are solid, the team wasn’t able to get four-star 2021 RB Seven McGee, who planned to transfer in but decided to return to New York, and 2021 three-star Marceese Yetts, who transferred to Mater Dei.
Narbonne nabbed a transfer from Mater Dei, though, in four-star 2020 cornerback Darion Green-Warren. He will play opposite of four-star Stanford commit Brandon Jones, and joining them in the secondary is three-star Oregon safety commit Jared Greenfield and four-star 2021 athlete/safety Anthony Beavers. That’s not even mentioning the highest-ranked player on defense, outside linebacker Jordan Banks, who had 20 tackles for loss and a team-high 13 sacks last year.
The team is losing pieces on defense. Its four leading tacklers graduated, including Juice Tuputa (who also had 26 tackles for loss and six sacks). Cornerback Ja’Maree Boone and safeties Vincent Tucker and Mark Gibson will also be missed – the three combined for seven interceptions and 18 passes defended.
Additionally, head coach Manuel Douglas remains on leave for allegations of academic misconduct, according to the Daily Breeze.
In place of him stands interim Joe Aguirre, who has been around the program since 2005 and seems capable of delivering with the talented roster should Douglas not return.
SCHEDULE:
8/24 at Buchanan
8/13 Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)
9/6 at St. Paul
9/13 at Orange Lutheran
9/20 Serra
9/27 at Lawndale
10/4 at San Pedro
10/18 at Gardena
10/25 Carson
11/1 Banning
15. Miami Central
Location: Miami, Fla.
18-19 Record: 11-3
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: The Rockets will have one of the most stifling defenses in the region with linebacker Jesus Machado leading the way. Last season, as one of the top linebackers in the state, Machado racked up nine sacks and 50 tackles. He’ll be joined by four-star cornerbacks Henry Gray and Jalen Harrell, who are talented enough to make teams change their offensive scheme. Linebacker Rhoody Jean Louis is also an emerging star for the Rockets who will rely heavily on their defense all season.
The Rockets’ will have a strong offensive line anchored by Laurence Seymore and will need big production from three-star quarterback Katravis Marsh, a Utah commit, and four-star all-purpose back Amari Daniels, who is entering his junior season.
That core will try to replace many of the statistical leaders from last season. On offense, Marsh and Daniels will have to make up for three-star QB Maurice Underwood and RB Lexington Joseph. Tatum Bethune and Andre Auguste combined for 125 tackles, 46 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. But with a wealth of star power, Miami Central looks to have the chops to compete on both sides of the ball.
SCHEDULE:
8/24 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)
8/30 Booker T. Washington
9/6 at Carol City
9/13 Southridge
9/27 Belen Jesuit
10/4 Northwestern
10/11 at Norland
10/17 at South Miami
10/25 at Chaminade-Madonna
16. Pickerington Central
Location: Pickerington, Ohio
18-19 Record:11-3
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: Last season, three-star quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw threw 23 touchdowns and improved his career record to 25-4. He and four-star wide receiver Lorenzo Styles will test their connection for one more year as Crenshaw plays his final high school season and Styles tries to assert himself as a top 2021 WR.
A pair of three-star 2020 defenders will be key to replacing last year’s graduates including four-star TCU signee Karter Johnson and three-star Duke signee DeWayne Carter. This year’s seniors include defensive end Ty Hamilton and defensive tackle Abraham Alabi.
The defense, as is the case for so many high school teams, will be key. Last year, the offense put up 30+ points in seven of 14 games, but even when that side of the ball couldn’t get going, the defense held strong: In games the Tigers scored 21 points or fewer, they still went 4-1, including an overtime victory and a one-point win.
Can the defense remain strong and the offense continue its strong play? If both sides click Pickerington Central could be a force.
SCHEDULE:
8/30 Winter Park (Fla.)
9/6 at Columbus East (Ind.)
9/13 Naperville Central (Ill.
9/20 at Groveport-Madison
9/27 Hilliard Davidson
10/4 at Lincoln
10/11 Lancaster
10/18 at Pickerington North
10/25 Reynoldsburg
11/1 at Grove City
17. Gonzaga
Location: Washington, D.C.
18-19 Record: 9-3
Final Super 25 Rank: 18
Why them: With five-star 2021 quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 dual-threat QB in his class, entering junior year after being at the forefront of a historically great championship moment, the sky is the limit for Gonzaga.
The offensive line is one of the strongest in the nation with four ranked players. Olu Fashanu (6-5, 320), Luke Petitbon (6-3, 285), Jestus Johnson (6-3, 324) and Patrick Matn (6-4, 296) will protect Williams and co. as they try to replicate production from last year, in which they scored at least 30 points nine times.
But it’s yet to be seen how the team can replace ALL-USA Washington, D.C. First Team selection Joseph Wete on the defensive line. Additionally, three-star linebacker Hunter Stewart was key for the 2018 defense. But this defense was incredibly strong, holding seven teams – including St. John’s in the semifinals – to 14 points or fewer. With experience at the highest level and a schedule with just two road games, it’s realistic to foresee similar outings.
SCHEDULE:
8/30 American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
9/6 at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
9/14 Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda, Md.)
9/20 Avalon (Wheaton, Md.)
9/27 Plant (Tampa, Fla.)
10/4 Leesburg (Fla.)
10/11 Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
10/19 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
10/26 Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)
11/9 at St. John’s
18. Bishop Gorman
Location: Las Vegas, Nev.
18-19 Record: 11-3
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Bishop Gorman won its tenth-straight state championship last year. Reloaded with a deep 2020 class, particularly on offense and linebacker, the Gaels hope to run it back and keep the winning streak going.
Three of the top five players in the state of Nevada hail from Gorman: three-star quarterback Micah Bowens, a dual-threat QB who completed 64.5% of his passes and rushed for 927 yards and 15 scores; four-star wide receiver Rome Odunze, who had 1,347 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns; and three-star running back Ikaika Ragsdale, who rushed for 676 yards and 11 TDs as the second-string to star Amod Cianelli last year.
The team will miss Cianelli, and they’ll also miss the production of ALL-USA First Team WR Donovan Smith, who transferred, according to Hub City Preps.
The linebacker corps of Dahlin Mesake, Bam Amina, Bryan Certain and DJ Herman – all three-stars, and all but Herman (2021) is in the class of 2020 – looks impressive. Additionally, Air Force commit Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner gives the Gaels a weapon at safety.
The team also has young talent; according to MaxPreps, 2022 running backs Cam Barfield and Jaydn Ott be productive players, and 2023 safety Kodi DeCambra, who was invited to The Opening despite being an eighth grader.
With experience and upside on both sides of the ball, Bishop Gorman once again looks like they’ll be a strong team.
SCHEDULE:
8/23 Orem (Utah)
8/30 at St. Louis (Honolulu)
9/7 Servite (Anaheim, Calif.)
9/14 at Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)
9/27 Silverado
10/4 at Desert Oasis
10/11 at Sierra Vista
10/18 Durango
10/24 at Spring Valley
11/1 Clark
19. Archbishop Hoban
Location: Akron, Ohio
18-19 Record: 15-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 8
Why them: Archbishop Hoban is looking to win its fifth straight championship, which would tie Saint Ignatius for most in state history. It hasn’t mattered which division they’re in, as they’ve won a pair in Div. III and Div. II apiece over the last four years.
Shane Hamm is listed as a pro-style QB on 247Sports and a dual-threat on Rivals – but no matter which he is, he has proven himself as a quarterback, most notably during his four-touchdown half in the Div. II state championship game. The offense is more than just Hamm, though, with four-star running back DeaMonte Trayanum, three-star wide receiver Brayden Fox and three-star tight end Caden Clark.
But the team’s identity last year was in its defense. Over a 10 game span, the Knights allowed more than eight points just once – and the outlier was a 14 point “outburst” from the opponent. A pair of ranked linebackers, three-star players Devin Hightower and Damon Ollison, will be relied upon once again.
Archbishop Hoban looks like it can compete on both sides of the ball once again. Back-to-back undefeated seasons is an unrealistic expectation, but Hoban had won 14 games in the previous three championship seasons. Can they turn this into a five-year run?
SCHEDULE:
8/31 Harrisburg (Pa.)
9/6 Cardinal Mooney
9/13 St. Ignatius
9/20 West Toronto Prep (Canada)
9/27 St. Vincent-St. Mary
10/4 at Benedictine
10/12 at Lake Catholic
10/18 Padua Franciscan
10/25 Walsh Jesuit
11/1 at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin
20. DeMatha
Location: Hyattsville, Md.
18-19 Record: 8-3
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: Bill McGregor was the DeMatha head coach for three decades. He’s back to replace Elijah Brooks, who was hired at Maryland, and ready to avenge the Hail Mary loss in last year’s championship game, which would have been its fifth title in six years.
But four-of-six is a pristine number, something most organizations couldn’t even dream of. On the path for five-of-seven, the Stags will rely heavily on the talented 2020 class led by running back MarShawn Lloyd. He’s not only eager to win the title, but he dropped to a four-star ranking on the 247Sports Composite; can he prove he’s a five-star?
Three three-star offensive linemen – Golden Israel-Achumba, Jordan White and Dwayne Allick Jr. – will be there to protect him. If incoming transfer Malakai Anthony has the starting job, the team also has a two-star quarterback to lead the charge.
One defense, Coziah Izzard is a four-star defensive tackle who can lead the way. The 2021 class has more players considered Div. I talent, with four-star inside linebacker Greg Penn III, four-star strong-side defensive end Colin Mobley and three-star safety Jalen Clyatt.
In all, DeMatha looks like it’s running out a strong lineup with talent all over the field. With the ability to score and defend at a high level, it could get back on top.
SCHEDULE:
8/24 at St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
8/30 Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Penn.)
9/13 Avalon
9/21 St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio)
9/27 Life Christian Academy (Chester, Va.)
10/4 Friendship Collegiate Academy (Washington, D.C.)
10/19 at Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
10/25 Our Lady of Good Counsel
11/2 at St. John’s (Washington, D.C.)
11/8 Bishop McNamara
21. Eastside Catholic
Location: Sammamish, Wash.
18-19 Record: 13-1
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Coming off the GEICO Series win with an experienced crop of seniors and No. 1 2021 player J.T. Tuimoloau, Eastside Catholic looks to carry momentum forward with a new head coach in Dominic Daste.
Why them: On offense, quarterback Michael Franklin returns for his senior year, as do the two leading running backs in four-star Sam Adams II and Gio Ursino. The top three pass-catchers – four-star wide receiver Gee Scott Jr., four-star tight end D.J. Rogers and Adams are back as well. The offensive line is a little thin after losing the starting center and left tackle, though. It sounds like D’angalo Titialii will play an important role this year, as he played all five line positions last year and often trains opposite of Tuimoloau. Titialii could play center as guys like Matt Morgan and Will Reed take on different line positions.
The defense, led by Tuimoloau, is where Eastside Catholic makes its money. Last year, the team had 16 interceptions and forced five fumbles with an aggressive scheme that Daste thinks will allow the numbers to be replicated this year. The team is losing key pieces, though. Andrew Peterson had four interceptions and two forced fumbles. Tony Angilau was a “stick of dynamite” who decided to play rugby, not football, at the next level. But Adams had six interceptions, Ayden Hector had three, and incoming freshman Caleb Pressley is expected to produce early.
With an experienced team and the confidence from knocking off Centennial (Peoria, Arizona) in the GEICO Series game last year, Eastside could have another great season.
SCHEDULE:
9/6 Grant (Sacramento, Calif.)
9/13 at Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.)
9/20 Pinnacle (Phoenix)
9/27 at Rainier Beach
10/4 at Garfield
10/11 O’Dea
10/18 at Seattle Prep
10/25 Bishop Blanchet
22. Lakeland
Location: Lakeland, Fla.
18-19 Record: 15-0
Final Super 25 Rank: 23
Lakeland finished with an undefeated season last year and knocked off St. Thomas Aquinas in the state title game. This year, the Dreadnaughts will again rely heavily on running back Demarkcus Bowman, a Clemson commit who rushed for 2,422 yards and 36 touchdowns and runs a 4.47-second 40-yard dash.
Fenley Graham, a cornerback who is committed to Florida, is back for the Dreadnaughts playing on both sides of the ball and returning kicks. Across from him at cornerback is Kendall Dennis, a four-star player. The secondary will also be boosted with safety Quadir Hall, who had 73 tackles and 13 tackles for loss last season. One offense, Auburn commit Chayil Garnett will be under center and will likely find a consistent target in speedy four-star wide receiver Arian Smith, who clocked a 10.3-second time in the 100 meters this spring.
Up front on defense, there may be some trouble adjusting to life without the 2019 class. All of its leading sackers – AJ Thomas Jr. (17 sacks), Lloyd Summerall (11.5), Latrell Jean (11) Tre Huntley (5.5) ad Jaharie Martin (5.5) are gone. The leading tacklers , including Martin (120 tackles, 27.5 TFLs), Khalil Crawford (112, 29), Jason Hampton (94, 13.5), Summerall (83, 27) and Jean (55, 33.5) will also need to be replaced.
There’s talent all around in the players who remain. But if Lakeland truly relied on its pressure at the line of scrimmage, there might be some growing pains as the new crop gets adjusted.
SCHEDULE:
8/16 Osceola
8/23 at Manatee
9/6 at George Jenkins
9/13 at Plant City
9/20 Hialeah
9/27 Strawberry Crest
10/4 Centennial
10/11 at Durant
10/18 at Bloomingdale
10/25 Kathleen
23. Aledo
Location: Aledo, Texas
18-19 Record: 16-0
Final Super 25 Rank:Unranked
Why them: Last year, quarterback Jake Bishop completed 70.4% of his passes. Five-star running back Jase McClellan rushed for more than 2,000 yards and had 47 touchdowns. Four-star Jojo Earle had 1,090 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. All that helped Aledo race to an undefeated season, going 16-0. All that is returning as one of the most competitive offenses in the country.
Other pieces are coming back, too. Three-star wide receiver Money Parks can help Early get open – and vice-versa – and on defense, Max Lucas had 91 tackles while DeMarco Roberts had 73. With that said, Aledo is losing some of its key defenders who put pressure up front, including Colt Ellison, Wyatt Harris and Will Greenwood. The team will rely on players like Oliver Crow and Weston Reese to step up in their absence.
In last year’s undefeated season, no opponent scored 30 points. Only two broke the 20-point plateau. In the two years prior, Aledo went a combined 31-1 with a championship. The team is experienced and poised under pressure. If it can find production to pressure the opposing quarterback, Aledo can once again thrive.
SCHEDULE:
8/30 Guyer
9/6 Linces UVM Toluca (Mexico)
9/13 Centennial
9/27 at Everman
10/4 Midlothian
10/11 at Burleson
10/18 Cleburne
10/25 at University
11/1 Joshua
11/8 at Seguin
24. Martin Luther King
Location: Detroit, Mich.
18-19 Record: 12-2
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: In the last four years, the Crusaders won three championships and went 49-6 overall. They’re losing some of those key players from the stretch, but there’s talent that can help them remain in the upper echelon of teams.
King has maybe the best wide receiver and the best running back in the state of Michigan with four-star WR Rashawn Williams and three-star RB Peny Boone. Offensive tackle Deondre Buford, listed at 6-foot-4 and 273 pounds, can provide a boost at the line.
There are also a couple strong secondary pieces, most notably 2021 four-star safety Jaylen Reed, who has 20 offers, according to 247Sports, and is ranked the No. 6 safety in the class. Additionally, Joseph Frazier has upside at cornerback as a two-star player in the 2020 class.
With all that said, King is losing important pieces, particularly three-star dual-threat quarterback Dequan Finn. If the team finds a suitable replacement for him, there’s upside around the field that can help them continue to produce at a high level.
25. John Curtis
Location: River Ridge, La.
18-19 Record: 13-0
Final Super 25 Rank: Unranked
Why them: Curtis made up for losing the 2017 title by winning last year and going undefeated in the process. Can they repeat and make this run of excellence more notable?
The team looks set up to be sustainable by keeping much of its core together on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Collin Guggenheim, who led the team in rushing, is back, as is the lead running back, three-star Corey Wren. At receiver, Joel Taylor is now a senior after leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, while Javon Davis is now a sophomore after seeing nine games during his freshman campaign.
On the defensive side, Matthew Jayne Jr. returns after leading the team in tackles, as does three-star Angelo Anderson, whose 11 sacks and 19 tackles for loss were the most at John Curtis. Additionally, 2021 three-star cornerback Caleb Spann can lead the secondary entering his junior year with Donte Thomas, who had three interceptions last year. At special teams, kicker Austin Mccready enters his senior year after nailing 90% of his PATs and all nine FG tries.
There are some players who need to be replaced – Donald Clay, Jayden Barfield and Joshua Valentine, to name a few – but John Curtis looks like it has another year in them of dominant play.
SCHEDULE:
9/5 at Edna Karr
9/14 Westlake (Atlanta)
9/28 at St. Augustine
10/11 at Archbishop Shaw
10/18 Jesuit
10/25 at Holy Cross
11/2 Archbishop Rummel
11/8 Brother Martin
