HALT! Three from Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings have winning streaks ended; No. 18 Lone Peak (UT) is lone newcomer

BENSALEM, Pa. – Three healthy winning streaks from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 football brethren ended last weekend.

If the numbers 18, 23 and 27 held any significance, they are history. DeSoto (Texas), Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and Massillon (Ohio) Washington—all reigning state champions—had their lengthy win streaks halted and thusly tumbled in the Elite 25 rankings.

No. 9 DeSoto’s 23-game streak was crushed in a crazy 57-51 loss to then-No. 15 North Crowley (Fort Worth) in a Metroplex showdown. DeSoto is the two time UIL Class 6A, Division II champions but were simply outscored by a team that few on the national scene respected in the preseason ranking with the exception of the Elite 25.

In Ohio, No. 25 Massillon Washington lost to then-No. 20 Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), 35-21. The Tigers (2-1) had their streak halted at 18 and hang in the Elite 25 because of their strong scheduling that could play dividends in the coming weeks.

Yet, the 27-game streak held by No. 10 Bishop Gorman was vanquished early when top-ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) jumped to a 14-0 lead en route to a 31-15 victory at the Santa Ana Bowl. It was the most hyped game of the weekend but the Monarchs were in control from the opening whistle. Gorman, who dipped six spots, has a shot at redemption this weekend when No. 13 Orange (Calif.) Lutheran visits Friday. Orange Lutheran is a member of the vaunted Trinity League—same as Mater Dei.

So, all three start over with the season only three games old. Credit all three for scheduling difficult nonleague fixtures.

No. 18 Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) joins the Elite 25. The Knights (4-0), No. 1 in Utah’s Class 6A rankings (largest classification), already owns an impressive win over Elite 25 stalwart Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) but will have their hands full with a road game at No. 23 Corona (Calif.) Centennial on Saturday night

As for the rest of the Elite 25 there was plenty of movement especially in the top-10 where eight teams shifted because of the losses. No. 1 Mater Dei and No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) remained the same and No. 18 Lone Peak is only newcomer. There were 14 teams that moved up with No. 10 North Crowley jumping 10 slots. That leaves eight that dropped, including two from Ohio. No. 24 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) and No. 25 Massillon Washington cratered 11 and 12 positions, respectively. No. 9 DeSoto and No. 10 Bishop Gorman were dumped six apiece.

The only guarantee in the Elite 25 is change: Rise or fall depending on the results.

Before we sign off, it’s time for remembrance.

We take a moment to reflect on 9-11. Wednesday, Sept. 11 is the 23^rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers in lower Manhattan, in the sky on United Airlines Flight 93 that eventually crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the attack on the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

Since I reside in New Jersey, about 15 minutes west of New York City, it hits home. For weeks there were plumes of smoke rising from the rubble in Lower Manhattan. Many lives were lost on a bright, sunny Tuesday morning and there are lives snuffed out today because of the residual effects of the attacks in New York. Heroes were born that day and others made the ultimate sacrifice to help save lives at the WTC.

Emotions are still raw. For weeks after 9/11, there were parties held for the fallen when their families realized the inevitable and needed to celebrate a good life. Religious services from all faiths were held and the tri-state was cast into a state of disbelief and mourning. My recollection was people walking with their heads down like zombies. Nary a word was spoken.

Eventually, life returned to a semblance of normalcy but it has never been the same.

You should take a moment on Wednesday morning for silent prayer or reflection at 8:25 a.m. EDT. Do it for the fallen police, firemen, first responders and ordinary citizens that senselessly perished. Never forget the victims and their families.

Okay, back to football.

This week there are marquee games in California, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio and Nevada. The key four matchups are: Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) at No. 15 Buford (Ga.),  Mater Dei at Kahuku (Hawaii), Orange Lutheran at Bishop Gorman and Lone Peak at No. 23 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

That’ll do it for the first week of September. The national matchup will continue for a few weeks but then it’s the start of league, region, conference or district play for most. The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings return on Sept. 17.

Don’t forget to check out the Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings that drop Wednesdays throughout the season.

And here’s a new wrinkle we’ve added to this weekly column, “I’m Just Saying.” It is merely an observation, thought or prediction.

This week, I’m thinking the College Football National Championship game in January 2025 will be Mississippi vs. Oregon.

Bye for now.

We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Football Rankings, Sept. 10, 2024

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

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Defeated then- No. 4 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), 31-15. Washington-bound QB Dash Beierly completed 13 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. The Monarchs led 14-0 after the first quarter and never trailed.

Next: Saturday at Kahuku (Hawaii).

2. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (3-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth), 38-28. The Braves led 17-7 at halftime as QB Matai Fuiava tossed two TDs, including a 96-yarder to junior WR Madden Williams, who finished with 10 receptions for 255 yards and three scores.

Next: Saturday at Serra (San Mateo).

3. Duncanville, Texas (1-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated South Oak Cliff (Dallas), 27-12. SMU-bound QB Keelon Russell completed 25 of 39 passes for 325 yards and five TDs. WR Zach Turner caught five balls for 66 yards and two scores.

Next: Saturday vs. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

4. Milton, Alpharetta, Ga. (3-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday at Blessed Trinity (Roswell).

5. North Crowley, Fort Worth, Texas (2-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 3 DeSoto, 57-51. The teams combined for 43 points in the second quarter alone. QB Chris Jimerson Jr. and WR Quentin Gibson hooked up for four TD passes. RB Cornelius Warren carried 16 times for 152 yards and three scores.

Next: Friday vs. Guyer (Denton).

6. Carrollton, Ga. (4-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Lithia Springs, 63-0. QB Julian Lewis threw five of his six TD passes in the opening quarter. He hit on 12 of 14 passes for 282 yards.

Next: Friday vs. Gainesville.

7. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (2-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated Crowley, 28-13.

Next: Friday vs. Spring Westfield.

8. Westlake, Austin, Texas (2-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated San Benito, 63-7.

Next: Friday vs. Atascocita (Humble).

9. DeSoto, Texas (1-1)

Previous: 3.

Recap: Lost to then-No. 15 North Crowley (Fort Worth), 57-51. QB Keiden Ryan accounted for six TDs. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 117 yards and two scores and ran for 175 yards and four scores on 18 carries. The winning streak was stopped at 23 games.

Next: Friday vs. Miller (Corpus Christi).

10. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (2-1)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Lost to No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 31-15. The Gaels trailed 14-7 at halftime and 21-7 after three quarters. They play a Trinity League opponent for the second straight game this weekend.

Next: Friday vs. No. 13 Orange (Calif.) Lutheran.

11. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (2-1)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Cocoa (Fla.), 34-13. QB Ty Hawkins threw for three TDs.

Next: Thursday vs. Mount Zion Prep (Lanham, Md.).

12. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (2-1)

Previous: 11.

Recap: Defeated Columbus (Miami), 42-6.

Next: Friday at Western (Davie).

13. Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (3-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), 15-13. Nebraska-bound QB T.J. Lateef threw for 171 yards and a TD and ran for another score.

Next: Friday at No. 10 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas).

14. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (1-1)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 12 Massillon (Ohio) Washington, 35-21. RB Najee Calhoun carried 44 times for 251 yards and two TDs. Calhoun’s 2-yard TD run in the third quarter gave the Crusaders a 28-21 lead.

Next: Saturday at Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.).

15. Buford, Ga. (2-1)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Roswell, 52-17.

Next: Friday vs. Douglas County (Douglasville).

16. Liberty, Peoria, Ariz. (2-0)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated O’Connor (Phoenix), 46-0.

Next: Friday vs. Mountain View (Mesa).

17. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (1-1)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.), 44-16. The Hawks are off this week and will prepare for a powerhouse from the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference.

Next: Sept. 20 at Good Counsel (Olney, Md.).

18. Lone Peak, Highland, Utah (4-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated Mountain Ridge (Herriman), 38-13. QB Kepa Niumeitolu accounted for four TD, including three in the air. Jayden Mayberry had a 36-yard, pick-six late in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring. The Knights travel to Southern California this weekend.

Next: Friday at No. 23 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

19. Gaffney, S.C. (2-0)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Greenville, 54-14. The Indians honored coach Terance “Boo-Boo” Ratchford

Next: Friday vs. Freedom (Morganton, N.C.).,

20. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (3-1)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Farmington, 42-7. Junior QB Helaman Casuga threw for three scores and darted 20 yards for another in the first quarter. WR with Chryshaun Lee caught a pair of TDs from 7 and 16 yards.

Next: Friday at Skyridge (Lehi).

21. Mission Viejo, Calif. (3-0)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Defeated Liberty (Henderson, Nev.), 46-0. Earlier last week, WR Phillip Bell gave a verbal to attend Ohio State. He chose the Buckeyes from a list of 30 offers.

Next: Friday at Highland (Palmdale).

22. Archbishop Spalding, Severn, Md. (3-0)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Defeated Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.), 45-0.

Next: Friday vs. McDonogh (Owings Mills).

23. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (1-2)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Defeated Timpview (Provo, Utah), 56-20. The Huskies play a Utah power for the second straight week.

Next: Friday vs. No. 18 Lone Peak (Highland, Utah).

24. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (2-1)

Previous: 13.

Recap: Upset by Boyle County (Danville, Ky.), 38-21.

Next: Saturday vs. Elder (Cincinnati).

25. Massillon (Ohio) Washington (2-1)

Previous: 12.

Recap: Lost to No. 20 Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), 35-21. The Tigers had their win streak snapped at 18 games and remain in the Elite 25 because of their strength of schedule.

Next: Friday vs. Canisius (Buffalo, N.Y.).

Dropped: No. 24 American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. DePaul Catholic, Wayne, N.J. (2-0)
2. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (2-1)
3. North Allegheny, Wexford, Pa. (3-0)
4. Cardinal Hayes, Bronx, N.Y. (1-0)
5. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (1-1)

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

Midwest

1. Belleville, Mich. (2-0)
2. East St. Louis, Ill. (2-0)
3. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (2-0)
4. Cardinal Ritter College Prep, St. Louis (2-0)
5. Westfield, Ind. (3-0)

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

Southland

1. Phenix City (Ala.) Central (3-0)
2. Summer Creek, Humble, Texas (2-0)
3. Norland, Miami (2-0)
4. Douglas County, Douglasville, Ga. (4-0)
5. Boyle County, Danville, Ky. (3-0)

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

Far West

1. JSerra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (3-0)
2. Kahuku, Hawaii (3-1)
3. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (2-0)
4. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (2-1)
5. Basha, Chandler, Ariz, (2-0)

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

Records are through Sunday

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Football Rankings are released weekly from August 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 December of the 2024 season. Follow him on X at @clawlor.