BENSALEM, Pa. – Well, it’s that time of year again!

High school football season is all the rage this time of year and Blue Star Media Elite 25 high school football rankings are here. It’s been eight months since the pigskin flew nationwide and there are lots to catch up.

First, is the good news. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) is the preseason top-ranked team. The Braves are atop the high school landscape, at least to start, and will do so in fashion. That’s because the school christens new football stadium when Timpview of Utah visits this month. Bosco’s Panish Family Stadium (cost about $7.2 million) was blessed last month in Roman Catholic tradition (sprinkling of the Holy Water) and will host six “true” home games this fall. The Braves have been on the road since 2014. The new venue seats 5,000.

Mot recently Bosco played home games at local junior college stadiums and despite their national and state success never felt like it was home.

Well, click your heels three times and repeat, “There’s no place like home …” No Toto this not Kansas but hip, sunny southern California.

In the opening three weeks of the season, the Elite 25 rankings will get tested with at least 10 teams facing one another or high-powered opponents.

The Elite 25 rankings feature a whopping five teams from Texas and four more from California. There are three each from Florida and Georgia. That totals 15 from those power states that normally set the tone for college recruiters.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings will return on Sept. 4 and go through until the final rankings are dropped on Dec. 24. It’s always a blast when the calendar reads August, meaning the interscholastic sports scene cranks up for the next 10 months. Can’t wait to tell you about the next crop of talented players and teams.

Until Sept. 4, enjoy the games and Labor Day Weekend. Hope to see you at a game soon. — Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Preseason Elite 25 Football Rankings, Aug. 7, 2018

1. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (11-3)

The Rub: The Braves have oodles of talent. It’s spread around the field and on both sides of the ball. Let’s start on defense with CB Chris Steele (USC recruit) and CB Trent McDuffie. At 6 feet 4 inches, 240 pounds, QB DJ Uiagalelei is the nation’s top signal-caller from the Class of 2020 and joined by classmates RB Nathaniel Jones, WR Kris Hudson (USC) and OT Drake Metcalf, and seniors TE Jude Wolfe and WR Colby Bowman (Stanford). Both lines are big, strong and ready to take on a rugged schedule to back up the lofty ranking in the Elite 25.

Opens: Aug. 17 vs. Timpview (Provo, Utah).

2. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (16-0)

The Rub: The reigning Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions have QB Bryce Young to direct an offense with WR Braeden Huffman-Dixon (Colorado), TE Michael Martinez (UCLA) and OT Luke Felix-Fualalo (Utah) all committed to Pac-12 schools. A trio of Oregon recruits, including Keyon Ware-Hudson, LB Mase Funa and Jeremiah Criddell, are top defenders. Elias Ricks and Oklahoma-bound junior Darion Green-Warren are lock-down defensive backs. Another challenging schedule lies ahead with at least four highly ranked national programs but it’s top-ranked St. John Bosco on Oct. 12 that is must-see football and likely to determine the Trinity League title. A rematch in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs would decide much larger stakes in the Open Division.

Opens: Aug. 17 vs. Bishop Amat (La Puente). Jeremiah Smith (Georgia),

3. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (10-2)

The Rub: A squad flush with talent would be an understatement. Georgia’s top two senior recruits are OLB Owen Pappoe (Auburn) and OT Wayna Morris (Tennessee). There’s more talent on defense with DB Kenyatta Watson (Texas) and DE Kevin Harris (Alabama). The offense is bolstered by WR Kenyon Jackson (Texas A&M) and RB Ronald Thompkins (Nebraska). Winning the large-class (AAAAAAA) in Georgia is major chip this season, so the Rams won’t duck anyone instate with games against No. 9 Marietta, Colquitt County and No. 21 Archer, while they also meet No. 23 Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) in nearby Buford.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Tucker.

4. Allen, Texas (16-0)

The Rub: One of the nation’s top programs is fresh of winning the Class 6A, Division state title and the program’s fifth championship since 2008. The state’s most dangerous pitch-and-catch combination of dual-threat QB Grant Tisdale (Mississippi recruit) and WR Theo Wease (Oklahoma) are ready to pick up from where they left off. DT Jayden Jernigan (Oklahoma State) and OG EJ Ndoma-Ogar (Oklahoma) man each side of the line. If the Eagles land at No. 1 in the Elite 25, it’s because the California schools ranked ahead of them beat each other as league brethren or succumbed to their brutal nonleague schedules.

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Mesquite Horn.

5. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (8-0)

The Rub: At 6-4, 235 pounds is the nation’s No. 2-rated defensive end and will sign with Georgia. Meanwhile, massive OT Evan Neal (6-8, 390) is the lead blocker for RBs Trey Sanders and Noah Cain. IMG might play the nation’s mot adventurous schedule as an independent but does not compete for a Florida state championship, and carries a 37-gam win streak into the season.

Opens: Aug. 23 at Pine-Richland (Gibsonia, Pa.).

6. Central, Miami (10-4)

The Rub: Four losses in one season is unlike the Rockets, including two against archrivals Northwestern (Miami). Coach Roland Smith will refocus his team relying on junior CB Henry Clay, who has already verballed to the Miami Hurricanes and DE Jesus Machado is an elite-level transfer. The backfield is stocked with Kejon Owens and Lexington Joseph.

Opens: Aug. 25 at Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale).

7. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (13-2)

The Rub: Keep an eye on OG Beau Taylor (UCLA), CB Kyu Blu Kelley (Stanford) and DE Treven Ma’ae as known senior leaders. Junior Micah Bowens is the incumbent field general who has a doozy of an opening night game. The schedule is loaded with Mater Dei and De La Salle from California and Orem (Utah). But when the action shifts to the postseason, the Gaels will be in position for a 10thstraight Nevada state championship. That’s considered a decade of dominance.

Opens: Aug. 24 vs. No. 2 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.).

8. Chandler, Ariz. (13-2)

The Rub: QB Jacob Conover (32 TD passes), a BYU pledge, put on a show at the GEICO Bowl Series last December. That was right after he guided the Wolves to their second straight Class 6A state title. The pro-style Conover will hook up with TE Brayden Liebrock (Texas commit) and super athletic RB DeCarlos Brooks, who will sign with California. By the way, his father, Carlos, played in NFL for Cardinals.

Opens: Aug. 17 at No. 16 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

9. Marietta, Ga. (8-5)

The Rub: The Blue Devils return 18 starters with junior QB Harrison Bailey leading the way. Bailey threw for 1,824 yards and 20 TDs, including five in the Class AAAAAAA loss to eventual champion North Gwinnett (Suwanee). WR Dominick Blaylock (Georgia verbal), Ramel Keyton (Tennessee) and 6-6 junior Arik Gilbert are main targets in the pass-happy offense that third-year coach Richard Morgan installed. Junior OT Jake Wray committed to Ohio State.

Opens: Aug. 16 at Rome in Corky Kell Classic.

10. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (13-0)

The Rub: The Panthers enjoyed the program’s finest season in program history, climaxing with Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship and captured a game at the GEICO Bowl Series. Since coaches Hank Russell and Biff Poggi arrived St. Frances has won with a suffocating defense that allowed only 6 points per game a year ago. The D-line is fortified by juniors Demon Clowney and Chris Braswell and Alabama-commit Shane Lee is the top linebacker. RB Joachim Bangda is a slick runner but dual threat QB Jalon Jones transferred back to a Virginia school for his senior year. The Panthers will play an independent schedule.

Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Doral (Fla.) Academy.

11. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (10-3)

The Rub: After an uncharacteristic “down” year, the Raiders are back and ready to conquer Class 7A. The top recruits include RB Daniel Carter, ILB Avery Huff (Miami), DB Jaden Davis (Oklahoma), DB Semar Melvin (Wisconsin), DE Braylen Ingraham, C Vince Murphy (South Carolina), S Jordan Battle (Ohio State) and junior WR Marcus Rosemy. Well, you get the picture that Aquinas is back and deep.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. DeMatha (Hyattsville. Md.).

12. Hoover, Ala. (11-3)

The Rub: The Bucs are gunning for a third consecutive Class 7A state championship. It is the program’s 14thoverall state title and the eighth for coach Josh Niblett at two schools. Junior QB Robby Ashford, WR George Pickens (Auburn) and RB Larry McCammon III are the playmakers. The Bucs have a weapon in Alabama-bound PK/P Will Reichard averaged 38 yards a punt and will play in the Under Armour All-American Game on Jan. 3 in Orlando, Fla.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Pinson Valley (Pinson).

13. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (9-2)

The Rub: The Cadets finally broke the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference stranglehold that rivals DeMatha, Gonzaga and Good Counsel held for decades by bagging the league crown for the first time since 1989. Coach Joe Casamento’s pass-first happy offense will be triggered by transfer-QB Sol-Jay Maiava (from Kahuku, Hawaii), who tossed for 15 TDs and 1,541 yards. Speedy RB Keilan Robinson (Alabama pledge) isn’t the only elite recruit joining S Quentine Johnson, DE Teymon Morris-Brash, LB Mekhail Sherman and juniors DB Luke Hill and WR Rakim Jarrett.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Johns Greek (Ga.).

14. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (11-2)

The Rub: The Spartans captured their 26th straight sectional title but lost in the CIF Open Division final to Mater Dei (Santa Ana). LB/RB Henry To’oto’o (6-2, 210) and 6-5 TE Isaiah Foskey are the main recruits. The opening day is considered one of the toughest games but at least it’s at home. The game at No. 7 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) on Sept. 14 will be shown on ESPNU.

Opens: Aug. 17 vs. Folsom.

15. Lake Travis, Texas (13-3)

The Rub: Coach Hank Carter has groomed several elite QBs, most notably Baker Mayfield, the first pick of the Cleveland Browns. The next in line is junior Hudson Card, who accounted for 12 TDs as a backup for the Cavaliers, who lost in the Class 6A, Division I final to Allen. Ohio State-bound WR Garrett Wilson (69 receptions for 1,137 yards, 26 TDs) will team with Card, while the defense has DT Kaleb Wenson.

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Arlington Martin.

16. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (10-2)

The Rub: Coach Matt Morgan has transformed the Huskies into one of California’s top team but unfortunately play in the unforgivable CIF-Southern Section with several powerhouse programs. Having said that DE Drake Jackson is strong on the weakside edge and junior WR Gary Bryant is the top target. The signal-caller is either junior pocket passer Carter Freedland or dual-threat Reggie Retzlaff—both transfers.

Opens: Aug. 17 vs. No. 8 Chandler (Ariz.).

17. Katy, Texas (12-1)

The Rub: RB Deondrick Glass is the main ball carrier and junior Jordan Patrick is the primary receiver for coach Gary Joseph’s squad. OT Cole Birmingham (6-5, 295) is the muscle up front and headed to Oklahoma State. District 19-6A is improved but Katy should run the table again. When the Class 6A, Division I playoffs roll around expect the Tigers to make another deep run.

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. North Shore (Galena Park).

18. Lufkin, Texas (11-3)

The Rub: This could be the year the Panthers win it all and that’s because they’ve dropped to Class 5A after reaching the Class 6A, Division II semifinal but return quite a talented squad. Arkansas-bound DE Carl Williams (6-3, 305) is a monster up front and athletic 6-4 playmaker Breylon Garcia (Nevada recruit) is a catalyst. The opener is a rematch of last year’s state semifinal that ultimately sent the Panthers home.

Opens: Aug. 31 at Longview.

19. Westlake, Austin, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: The Chaps reached the Class 6A, Division II semifinals before losing to eventual champion Cy-Fair (Cypress). This go-around they have playmakers at all levels of the defense. It starts with DE David Neill (13 sacks), MLB Jake Ehlinger (104 tackles, 4 sacks) and DB Sage Luther (79 tackles, 3 INTs). The offense is in good hands with QB Taylor Anderson, who completed 189 of 299 passes for 2,879 yards and 32 TDs) and ran for 1,139 yards and 12 more scores. Junior Mason Mangum (43 catches for 725 yards, 10 TDs) is the main vertical threat.

Opens: Aug. 31 at Belton.

20. Warren Central, Indianapolis (7-4)

The Rub: Indiana’ top-ranked Class 6A team ended last season giving eventual champion and Elite 25 squad a scare in the sectional playoffs. QB Jayden George (his dad Jeff played in the NFL) threw for 1,510 yards and 15 TDs and could be more this year with an up-tempo offense. Transfer QB is a dual threat Roman Purcell (from Cathedral, Indianapolis) accounted for 1,300 yards and 17 TDs on offense. Add Iowa-bound T Justin Britt, RB Romeir Elliott (1,113 yards, 18 scores) and WR David Bell (52 catches for 1,075 yards, 18 TDs) and it’s easy to see the why the Warriors are the preseason favorite.

Opens: Aug. 17 at Center Grove.

21. Archer, Lawrenceville, Ga. (12-1)

The Rub: The Tigers are hungry to complete the job this season after advancing to the Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals. There is a solid core. LB/RB Emmanuel Michel (66 tackles), DB/WR Taiyon Palmer (6 INTs) and Clemson-bound CB/WR Andrew Booth (59 tackles, 4 INTs) are gifted two-way players and tackling machines. Junior QB Carter Peevy and RB Semaje Banks (664 rushing yards, 6 TDs) form a solid backfield.

Opens: Aug. 17 vs. Milton (Alpharetta) in the Corky Kell Classic in Atlanta.

22. Saint Louis, Honolulu (10-0)

The Rub: Coach Cal Lee (273 wins) is closing in on 300 victories and has a defense that includes blue chips USC-bound DE Gino Quinones, DT Faatui Tuitele (6-3, 287) and LB Jordan Botelho (6-3, 220). QB Jayden de Laura inherits the position that is used to putting up globs of points. The two-time state champions are going for a third straight but will have a stiff test in the Open Division mainly from Kahuku and against Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) on Aug. 17 in a nonleague matchup.

Opens: Aug. 10 vs. Waianae.

23. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (10-2)

The Rub: The Crusaders bagged their first state title in 13 years in December but with success there comes change as coach Vito Campanile inherits the head gig after his brother, Nunzio, bolted for Rutgers University. Yet the roster has talent with TE Tyler Devera, shifty RB Josh McKenzie and LB Aeneas DiCosimo (6-3, 225).

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. No. 3 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.).

24. Bingham, South Jordan, Utah (13-1)

The Rub: The Miners recorded a second straight and fourth overall unbeaten season capped by a 27-14 win over East (Salt Lake City) in the inaugural Class 6A state final before losing in the GEICO Bowl Series. Despite the losses, RB Braedon Wissler carried for 878 yards and 10 scores but DT Simote Pepa (6-3, 330) can collapse the pocket for a team that was Utah’s defensive unit. The opening night is a battle of reigning state champions.

Opens: Aug. 16 at Orem.

25. Phillips, Chicago (14-0)

The Rub: The defending Illinois Class 5A champions will lean on Alabama-bound DE Jahleel Billingsley and Illinois-commit WR Fabian McCray. The opening day game is scheduled for the ESPN family of networks.

Opens: Aug. 26 at regionally ranked Pickerington (Ohio) Central to be played Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. DePaul Catholic, Wayne, N.J. (8-3)
2. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (6-5)
3. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (13-1)
4. Imhotep Charter, Philadelphia (13-2)
5. Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va. (12-3)

Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Midwest

1. Pickerington (Ohio) Central (14-1)
2. Archbishop Hoban, Akron, Ohio (14-1)
3. Trinity Catholic, St. Louis (9-1)
4. Kimberly, Wis. (14-0)
5. Belleville, Mich. (10-1)

Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Southland

1. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (11-4)
2. Converse (Texas) Judson (10-2)
3. North Gwinnett, Suwanee, Ga. (15-0)
4. Cardinal Gibbons, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (11-2)
5. University Lab, Baton Rouge, La. (13-0)

Geography:Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Far West

1. Folsom, Calif. (16-0)
2. Narbonne, Harbor City, Calif. (12-3)
3. Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (6-6)
4. Saguaro, Scottsdale, Ariz. (12-2)
5. Eastside Catholic, Sammamish, Wash. (10-1)

Geography:Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

About:The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Football Rankings are released weekly from September until the conclusion of the high school season. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition, and quality of the team’s league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. The final rankings will be released in late December. Follow him on Twitter at #clawlor.