BENSALEM, Pa. – Are you ready for some football?
Hard to believe but the season kicks off this weekend in some states. The rollout continues each weekend until mid-September when every state and the District of Columbia are in full swing.
Blue Star Media might be associated with grassroots and high school basketball but are now branching out into high school football with the inaugural Blue Star Media Go-To 25 rankings.
No surprise the Sun Belt states dominate the preseason rankings, checking in with a whopping 17 schools. Florida and Texas account for four schools, California adds three.
Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), a defending Class 5A state champion, is the top-ranked team from the loaded Peach State. Grayson plays a highly competitive schedule, with its opener next Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. On August 31, the Rams will host No. 3 Central High of Miami (Fla.) in a game that will go a long way in determining a mythical national champion.
Grayson’s top player is Robert Nkemdiche, a defensive end who committed to Clemson. He’s also considered the nation’s top prospect from the senior class. Nkemdiche was also selected to the Blue Star Media Preseason All-American Team.
Each Monday afternoon, starting Sept. 3, the Go-To 25 football rankings can be viewed at www.bluestarmedia.org. Additionally the rankings are live on Facebook and Twitter (@clawlor). We’ll provide weekly news and notes, preview top games of the week and handout a game ball to the national player of the week.
Blue Star To-Go 25 Preseason rankings: August 16, 2012
(Teams are listed with their 2011 record)
1. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (15-0)
The Rub: Coach Mickey Conn’s team will be tested early when No. 3 Central (Miami) visits on Aug. 31. If the Rams win, they will cruise to the Class 5A playoffs, where it will have difficult road. Don’t be surprised when the Rams face Camden County, Colquitt County or Lassiter en route to a second straight state championship in Atlanta. The quarterback job is between transfer David McTier (from Greater Atlanta Christian) and junior Tyler Knight. The nation’s top defender is end Robert Nkemdiche (6-foot-5, 265 pounds), who committed to Clemson. DE Jack Banda (Arizona recruit), CB David Kamara (Clemson), RB Wayne Gallman (Clemson) and CB Kasey Gaines are impact players and that’s exactly what the nation’s top-ranked team needs to peel off 15 consecutive wins for the second straight season.
Opens: Aug. 25 vs. McEachern (Powder Springs) in Corky Kell Classic at Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
2. Skyline, Dallas (14-1)
The Rub: Everyone in Texas knows the Raiders are on a mission after losing in the Class 5A, Division I semifinals. This season coach Reginald Samples’ squad has studs on both sides of the ball: WR Ra’Shaad Samples (1,369 yards, 19 TDs) and DT Kerrick Huggins 6-4, 285). QB Devante Kincade clicked on 186 of 263 passes for 3,270 yards and 33 TDs and rushed for 857 yards and 17 TDs. DB Will Barrow (60 tackles) and OT Dominic Woods (6-2, 295) are key players with experience. Juniors CB Cedric Collins and OT Ty Barrett (6-5, 300) and sophomore LB Malik Jemison (6-2, 200) are future stars.
Opens: Sept. 1 vs. The Woodlands.
3. Central, Miami (0-14)*
The Rub: The Rockets are an interesting team, surrounded by oodles of controversy. First, they forfeited all 13 wins from the 2011 season after reaching the Class 6A final, where it fell to Armwood (Seffner), which wound up vacating the season crown. Confused? According to state officials, Central is clear for this year and schedule that includes Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), Booker T. Washington, Manatee and Columbus to open the season. Easily it’s the nation’s most challenging schedule.
DB Da’Wan Hunte (North Carolina State), LB Marquez Hodge (Syracuse) and S Ahmad Thomas (Oklahoma) fuel the Rockets red glare. Junior RBs Joe Yearby and Dalvin Cook are promising prospects.
Opens: Aug. 31 at No. 1 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.).
4. Manatee, Bradenton, Fla. (13-2)
The Rub: The defending Florida Class 7A champions are built on the powerful right arm of QB Cord Sandberg, the state player of the year, and an experienced defensive line. The Hurricanes have at least nine major prospects, including linemen DeMarcus Christmas, Marquis Dawsey, Derrick Calloway and Blake Keller. The O-line, punctuated by Kyle Mauk, Michael Galati and Thor Miller, will block for RB Anthony Lauro.
Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Miramar.
5. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (13-2)
The Rub: The defending Division I state champions are loaded n both sides of the ball. Nebraska-bound Johnny Stanton is a dual threat quarterback who should rack up 4,000 total yards and benefit from a line that averages nearly 300 pounds. OG Eric Bunte (6-7, 325) is headed to UCLA while C Dane Crane (6-3, 315) to Washington. WRs River Cracraft (Washington State), Connor O’Brien (Washington) and Sean Modster form a talented troika and RB Ryan Wolpin (28 TDs) is a reliable scorer. The secondary returns intact – O’Brien, R.J. Mazolewski, Gian Carlo Spinosi and Reid Andrew.By midseason veteran coach Harry Welch (244 wins) will have won his 250th game but the Eagles are aiming high especially since there are 15 returning starters (nine on offense) in the fold.
Opens: Aug. 25 at Brophy Prep (Phoenix).
6. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (16-0)
The Rub: The Dragons were hit by graduation but with 20 experienced players, including six starters, reloading should not be difficult. QB Kenny Hill (1,399 passing yards, 24 TDs), RB A.J. Ezzard, C Ray Crockett and OT Cam Manning (6-3, 275) are offensive stalwarts. S Tanner Jacobson had 160 tackles and beats up offenses with his exceptional speed and innate feel for the game. Junior RB Steven Bergmark (6-1, 210) is already receiving high marks. The opening game is tricky but the rest of the schedule is negotiable. A record ninth state championship could be a stretch.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Allen.
7. Booker T. Washington, Miami (12-2)
The Rub: South Florida’s most exciting player is OLB Matthew Thomas (6-4, 210) and destined for the NFL. OL Denver Kirland (6-3, 290) is another special prospect as is CB Michael Johnson, who committed to Florida State. The schedule includes back-to-back encounters with No. 3 Central (Miami) and Texas powerhouse Cedar Hill. Keep an eye on the junior trio of DE Chad Thomas (6-4, 225), QB Treon Harris (5-11, 185) and DB Nigel Patten (5-10, 165) – they are special.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Carol City (Miami).
8. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (13-1)
The Rub: The Spartans have one of the nation’s strongest defenses, spearheaded by heat-seeking LBs Michael Hutchings (USC recruit), David Moffitt and Victor Egu. Two-way end Austin Hooper (6-4, 235) has the entire Pac-12, Mountain West and Notre Dame chasing his verbal. The offense lacks an experienced quarterback but that’s OK because RBs Tiapepe Vitale (1,270 yards, 18 TDs), Kyle Mouton, David Riopelle (767 yards, six TDs) and junior Dasmond Tautalatasi will ease the transition. The Spartans, coached by legend Bob Ladouceur, have rolled to the last three California Open Division titles but a fourth might be tough with No. 4 Santa Margarita, a likely opponent representing the Southern Region, providing a roadblock.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Bellarmine (San Jose) at San Jose Community College.
9. John Curtis Christian, River Ridge, La. (14-0)
The Rub: The Patriots (surprise, surprise!) are loaded with 16 returning starters and as many as 14 college prospects. Coach J.T. Curtis (his father founded the school near New Orleans) enters 44th season with an eye-popping 506-54-6 career mark. The slate includes a date in Week Two with No. 15 Plant (Tampa, Fla.) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Football Classic in the Superdome. OLB Duke Riley (6-1, 210) is an undersized defender but has heart and a boatload of scholarship offers.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Franklinton.
10. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (12-0)
The Rub: Coach Bob Milloy’s team is now the gold standard in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, wresting that claim from longtime frontrunner DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.). CB Kendall Fuller is the nation’s top cover-corner and will sign with Virginia Tech. Two-way performer RB-OLB Dorian O’Daniel (Clemson) had 5 sacks, 38 tackles, 897 rushing yards and 17 TDs; lockdown CB Kirk Garner, 6-2 athletic WR Andre Levrone and 6-5 QB Brandon Marshall, who operates from a shotgun formation, all committed to Virginia. The Falcons first six games are against nationally ranked Bishop Gorman , Gilman School (Baltimore), St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.), Woodson (D.C.), Gonzaga (D.C.) and DeMatha. If they win all six, expect the Falcons to cruise into the league’s title game on Nov. 18 in Annapolis.
Opens: Aug. 24 at No. 22 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas).
11. Camden County, Kingsland, Ga. (12-1)
The Rub: The Wildcats love to grind it out with J.J. Green carrying the rock from QB Brice Ramsey. Both will sign with Georgia. The line is anchored by South Carolina-bound J.P. Vonashek. The Wildcats play in the loaded Region 1-AAAAA with Lowndes County, Valdosta and Colquitt County (Moultrie), a team that ended their season in the playoffs. A fourth state title in 11 years will go through No. 1 Grayson in December at the Georgia Dome.
Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee) at Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
12. Vista Murietta, Murietta, Calif. (8-5)
The Rub: The record is misleading, as five forfeits still couldn’t stand in the way of an Island Division title. Coach Coley Candaele’s squad. Su’a Cravens will sign with USC and will share ball-carrying responsibilities with Kishawn Holmes and Kei-ron Long. QB Nick Stevens drives the Broncos’ vaunted offense.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch, Colo.).
13. Butler, Matthews, N.C. (11-2)
The Rub: Funny thing happened last fall during Butler’s drive for a second straight Class 4AA state title: A loss. Tennessee-bound QB Riley Ferguson is a three-year starter and he favors WR Uriah LeMay, a Georgia recruit. LB Peter Kalambayi has committed to Stanford and is flanked by Sean Wiggins and Todjrei Graham. DL Grant Polofsky is a force and CB Channing Stribling is headed to Michigan. If the Bulldogs win the opener against Mallard Creek, it could mark the start of perfection.
Opens: Friday vs. Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
14. South Panola, Batesville, Miss. (9-4)
The Rub: An uncharacteristic four losses, including the fourth in the in the Class 6A quarterfinals denied the Tigers a 10th straight trip to state finals. Coach Lance Pogue had a young team last year but what a difference a year makes. There’s talent spread all over the field but the Tigers feature a pair of senior standouts. S Antonio Conner (6-2, 205) is a candidate for Mississippi’s Mr. Football award after going both ways. He rushed for 1,472 yards and 22 TDs, with 2 INTs after being named all state for the second time. Mississippi State-bound OT Deon Mix (6-5, 315) will play on Sundays one day.
Opens: Saturday vs. West Point.
15. Plant, Tampa, Fla. (14-1)
The Rub: The Class 8A state champions are in line for a fifth crown since 2006 but must navigate a treacherous field. The pass-happy offense of coach Bob Weiner has produced several big-time signal callers, this time it’s Aaron Banks. Florida State-bound tackle Richy Klepal is the main protector while OLB Mitchell Wright (South Florida) is a top-notch defender. Wesley Bullock rushed for more than 1,000 yards and will be the recipient of a veteran line. The Panthers have a showdown in New Orleans vs. No. 9 John Curtis Christian.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Jesuit (Tampa).
16. Trinity, Louisville (14-0)
The Rub: Coach Bob Beatty’s program has won its 21st state championship in 2011 while some services had the Shamrocks ranked No. 1. Blue chip recruits include WR James Quick (80 receptions, 1,435 yards, 21TDs in 2011), fearsome DE Jason Hatcher (USC recruit) and speedy RB Dalyn Dawkins (5-9, 175). A loaded schedule has the Rocks playing teams from Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana.
Opens: Aug. 17 vs. Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy.
17. Moeller, Cincinnati (9-4)
The Rub: This is the 50th Year of Moeller football, brought to national light by former coach Gerry Faust in the 1970s. It’s been a while for the Crusaders at the top of Division I but this should be the year. Michigan State-bound LB Shane Jones (6-1, 220) paces the defense and RB Keith Watkins (6-0, 180) is a main threat after rushing for 625 yards and 9 TDs; as are QB Spencer Icavone (1,635 yards, 19 TDs passes) and OT Alex Gall (6-4, 295), a Miami recruit. TE Evan Jansen will sign with Indiana.
Opens: Aug. 26 vs. Gilman School (Baltimore).
18. Lake Travis, Austin, Texas (16-0)
The Rub: The Cavaliers peeled off five consecutive state championships in Class 4A — and their reward? Now it’s time to tackle Class 5A. With five defensive starters back, along with QB Baker Mayfield, WR Zach Austin and junior RB Shaun Nixon, the Cavaliers will explode the scoreboard again while pursuing another state crown in Texas’ largest classification.
Opens: Aug. 31 at Converse Judson.
19. Hoover, Ala. (13-2)
The Rub: The Bucs are favored to win Alabama’s large-class (6A) championship and open on the road with a doozy. The Bucs are defensive-oriented, with seven key returnees back, including backs Devon Earl and Marlon Humphrey and LB Jamal Lucas (Southern Mississippi). The lines are green and must protect QB Connor Short.
Opens: Aug. 31 at No. 14 South Panola (Batesville, Miss.).
20. Ensworth School, Nashville, Tenn. (12-1)
The Rub: Tennessee’s top-ranked program is a private school, with power and superior coaching. Corn Elder is a jack-of-trades on both sides of the ball. QB Andrew Bowers, whose father Ricky is the head coach, is a prolific passer playing behind an experienced line. A big test is next week against Lexington (Ky.) Catholic on ESPN.
Opens: Friday vs. Memphis University School.
21. Katy, Texas (12-1)
The Rub: Tradition never graduates at the Houston area school, which has annexed six state, 12 region and 25 district championships. The Tigers return 10 players who earned all-district honors, including senior DL Matt Dimon, WR Kevin Fulks and exciting sophomore Rodney Anderson, the district’s newcomer of the year in 2011.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Klein at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
22. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (17-0)*
The Rub: Arizona-bound QB Anu Solomon, who passed for 2,744 yards and 41TDs as a junior, triggers the offense as the Gaels enter the season on a 27-game win streak having captured the last three Nevada Class 4A titles. All-purpose back Lorenzo Fertitta (Villanova) and RB Shaquille Powell (Duke) are two more options for coach Tony Sanchez.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. No. 10 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) on ESPN.
23. Goose Creek, S.C. (14-1)
The Rub: The Class AAAA-Division II champions have a shot at two straight with the backfield of QB Jaquan Marsh and RBs Virgil Smalls and junior Caleb Kinlaw.
Gerald Turner and Mike Myers fortify the defensive line.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Ashley Ridge (Summerville).
24. Bellevue, Wash. (14-0)
The Rub: The Wolverines are the top-ranked team in the Pacific Northwest LB Myles Jack (6-4, 230), a UCLA recruit, spearheads a stingy defense.
Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Trinity (Euless, Texas) at Seattle Memorial Stadium, ESPN.
25. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (11-0)
The Rub: Until someone defeats the Ironmen, most notably an instate team, coach Greg Toal’s squad is still the team to beat in the Northeast. A loaded schedule includes Florida power St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) and blood rivals Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.). DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (6-4, 230) is the Ironmen’s star prospect.
Opens: Sept. 8 vs. Gilman School (Baltimore) in Annapolis, Md.
High-Fives by Region
East
1. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (8-3)
2. Gilman School, Baltimore (10-1)
3. Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va. (14-1)
4. Central Dauphin, Harrisburg, Pa. (15-1)
5. North Allegheny, Wexford, Pa. (14-1)
Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.
Midlands
1. Wheaton (Ill.)-Warrenville (10-4)
2. Cathedral, Indianapolis (12-3)
3. Cass Tech, Detroit (11-3)
4. St. Ignatius, Cleveland (13-2)
5. Colerain, Cincinnati (10-2)
Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
South
1. Euless (Texas) Trinity (12-1)
2. Union, Tulsa, Okla. (14-1)
3. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (10-3)
4. Lassiter, Marietta, Ga. (10-4)
5. Fayetteville, Ark. (12-2)
Geography: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Far West
1. Servite, Anaheim, Calif. (9-2)
2. Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (13-1)
3. Skyline, Sammamish, Wash. (11-3)
4. Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (14-0)
5. Jesuit, Portland, Ore. (9-4)
Geography: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
* Includes forfeit wins or losses
About: The Blue Star Media Go-To 25 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 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.
2012 Blue Star Preseason Football All-American Team
(Players are listed alphabetically by position, with height, weight, high school, city, state, and college choice)
Quarterbacks
Max Browne, 6-5, 210, Skyline, Sammamish, Wash., USC
Shane Morris, 6-3, 190, De La Salle, Warren, Mich., Michigan
Kevin Olsen, 6-3, 195, Wayne Hills, Wayne, N.J., Miami
Tyrone Swoopes, 6-5, 220, Whitewright, Texas, Texas
Cody Thomas, 6-5, 217, Heritage, Colleyville, Texas, Oklahoma
Running Backs
Greg Bryant, 5-11, 195, American Heritage, Delray Beach, Fla., Undecided
Ty Isaac, 6-2, 210, Joliet Catholic (Ill.) Academy, USC
Derrick Henry, 6-3, 235, Yulee, Fla., Undecided
Thomas Tyner, 6-0, 210, Aloha, Beaverton, Ore., Oregon
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Ahmad Fulwood, 6-4, 200, Bishop Kenny, Jacksonville, Fla., Florida
Robert Foster, 6-2, 185, Central Valley, Monaca, Fla., Undecided
O.J. Howard, 6-5, 225, Autauga Academy, Prattville, Ala., Alabama
Marquez North, 6-3, 205, Mallard Creek, Charlotte, N.C., Undecided
Ricky Seals-Jones, 6-5, 220, Sealy, Texas, Undecided
Linemen
Kenny Bigelow, 6-4, 325, Eastern Christian Academy, Elkton, Md., USC
Darius James, 6-6, 325, Harker Heights, Killeen, Texas, Texas
Dee Liner, 6-2, 255, Muscle Shoals, Ala., Auburn
Robert Nkemdiche, 6-5, 275, Grayson, Loganville, Ga., Clemson
D.J. Park, 6-5, 320, Dillon, S.C., South Carolina
Laremy Tunsil, 6-6, 280, Columbia, Lake City, Fla., Undecided
Linebackers
Reuben Foster, 6-1, 240, Auburn, Ala., Auburn
Peter Kalambayi, 6-3, 235, Butler, Matthews, N.C., Stanford
E.J. Levenberry, 6-3, 230, Hylton, Woodbridge, Va., Florida State
Tim Williams, 6-4, 230, Southern Laboratory School, Baton Rouge, La., Undecided
Defensive Backs/Athletes
Antonio Conner, 6-2, 205, South Panola, Batesville, Miss., Mississippi State
Su’a Cravens, 6-1, 205, Vista Murrieta, Murrieta, Calif., Southern California
Jalin Marshall, 6-0, 192, Middletown, Ohio, Ohio State
Tray Matthews, 6-1, 190, Newnan, Ga., Georgia
The Blue Star Preseason All-American Team was selected by Christopher Lawlor of Blue Star Media. The 2012 All-American will be released in January 2013.
