BENSALEM, Pa. – The Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason high school rankings are out and De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) has the distinction of being the top-ranked team.

Fifteen of the Elite 25 are from the Southland Region. Texas contributes five selections, Florida is runner-up with four and California adds three.

Voila!

The next set of Elite 25 rankings will appear on Sept. 8 and continue until the conclusion of the state playoffs in late December. Until September, hope to see you at game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason High School Football Rankings August 5, 2015

All records and statistics are from the 2014 season. All players are seniors unless denoted.

1. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (14-0)

The Rub: Head coach Justin Alumbaugh has all the ingredients for a National Championship run: tradition, talent and challenging schedule. The defensive line will dominate play behind Devin Asiasi and Boss Tagaloa. The offense is run-oriented and seldom passes so RBs Andrew Hernandez and Antoine Custer will be busy. Once again the Spartans won’t back playing a neutral site game in Texas to open the season and then four high-profile in-state contests before the postseason. If the Spartans win out a date with No. 7 St. John Bosco in the CIF Open Division Bowl championship would be an early Christmas present.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Euless (Texas) Trinity.

2. DeSoto, Texas (10-2)

The Rub: The Eagles are bolstered by the return of six starters on offense and another five on defense. Dual-threat signal-caller Tristen Wallace accounted for 1,184 yards and 14 TDs but missed a chunk of the season with an injury. His main protector is Josiah Washington (6-5, 280). Blue chip DB Alvin Green (28 tackles, 3 INTs) marshals the secondary. Coach Todd Peterman, the former offensive coordinator, inherits the program from Claude Mathis, who bolted for college ranks at nearby SMU. The opener is quite an introduction to the big time.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Arlington Martin.

3. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (15-0)

The Rub: The defense has eight regulars back, featuring T Haskell Garrett, Ikem Okeke and Alex Perry. Highly touted QB Chase Martell, who threw for 40 TDs and 2,500 yards, punctuates the offense. There’s a change at the top as Kenneth Sanchez takes over as head coach for his brother Tony, who departed for UNLV. Six of the Gaels’ games will be against out of state opponents, including ranked teams Chandler (Ariz.) and Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) to kick-start the schedule.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. No. 5 Chandler (Ariz.).

4. Central, Miami (14-1)

The Rub: The three-time defending state champions simply reload under the tutelage of coach Roland Smith. This time the Rockets have a stout D-line with Eric Mitchell (Florida commit) and Keir Thomas (Florida State) and LB Donovan Thompson.  DB Jamel Cook is a lock-down defender. QB Jerrod Thomas triggers the offense with transfer WR Darnell Solomon the main deep-ball threat and RB Kenio Mike slicing up defenses with shifty runs.

Opens: Aug. 29 at No. 17 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.).

5. Chandler, Ariz. (13-1)

The Rub: Hard to believe but the Wolves, who are the Division I title holder, might be better than last years. That’s because three game-changing transfers dot the roster. Oregon State-bound QB Mason Moran is a first-year starter with speedy targets Johnny Johnson III, Kolby Taylor and N’Keal Harry. The linebacking corps feature junior transfer Hamilcar Rashad (6-4, 220) and K.T. Tilini. A year ago the defense was young but that’s not the case in the East Valley this year. The Wolves will be tested on Aug. 29 at No. 3 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

Opens: Aug. 20 at Pinnacle (Phoenix).

6. Allen, Texas (16-0)

The Rub: The two-time Blue Star Media National champions must adjust to life without national player of the year Kyler Murray but help arrived over the winter when Oregon-bound QB Seth Green, who transferred in from Minnesota. Green’s transition will be eased by RB David Feliciano (12 TDs rushing) and WR Kerry Hall (8 TDs receiving). The defense returns eight starters, led by DB Jaylon Jones (117 tackles) and DL Levi Onwuzurike (6-3, 240). The Eagles, who have won the last two large-school state titles, should be in the mix again and open with a dangerous opponent.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. Denton Guyer in the Tom Landry Classic.

7. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (12-2)

The Rub: Washington-bound Sean McGrew (1.814 yards, 28 TDs) powers the running game and QB Quentin Davis takes over for prolific passer Josh Rosen.  Arizona State-commit S D.J. Morgan (112 tackles) and Traveon Beck (California) shore up the defense. Speaking of which if the defense rounds into shape then the Braves are back from last year’s dip and the postseason run will go deeper.

Opens: Aug. 28 at La Mirada.

8. Archer, Lawrenceville, Ga. (11-4)

The Rub: After losing their first three games against Georgia’s top-flight competition, the Tigers won 11 straight en route to the Class AAAAAA final. WR Kyle Davis (South Carolina recruit) and DL Kobe Smith (North Carolina State) are two building blocks for a run at the state crown. DB Dylan Singleton (4 INT, 141 tackles) added over 1,000 all-purpose yards. The Tigers host Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee) on Aug. 29 (ESPNU, 7 p.m. ET).

Opens: Aug. 21 vs. North Paulding (Dallas) at Corky Kell Classic in Powder Springs.

9. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (12-3)

The Rub: An explosive offense features Washington-bound QB Kentrell Love, WR Javon McKinley, RB J.J. Taylor (Arizona) and T Daniel Juarez (California). Desmond Williams (Boise State) and Camryn Bynum (California) fuel the secondary. Reaching the CIF Open Division Bowl final is feasible but there are aplenty roadblocks in the region.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. East (Salt Lake City, Utah).

10. Katy, Texas (14-2)

The Rub: The Tigers are well coached (by Gary Joseph) and experienced (11 starters) and a return to the Class 6A, Division II final is expected for the Houston area powerhouse. LB Paddy Fisher (6-2, 220) was a First Team All-State pick last year and the secondary features Collin Wilder and Travis Whillock. The run-oriented attack has RB Kyle Porter (974 rushing yards, 21 TDs) and QB Garrett Doiron (110 completions for 1,569 yard, 23 scores) balances it by chucking it to Tony Mullins and Grant Jackman.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. Kingwood.

11. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (14-1)

The Rub: QB Jake Allen is joined by WRs Sam Bruce and Michael Irvin Jr. (his father is the Hall of Famer).  Strongside DE Nick Bosa (6-3, 250) has committed to Ohio State, where his brother stars. Coach Roger Harriott inherits a state-championship caliber program that will be challenged but needs to slay Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) on Nov. 6 in Week 10.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. Booker T. Washington (Miami).

12. Cedar Hill, Texas (14-2)

The Rub: Never count out coach Joey McGuire’s club, which lost several starters at skill positions. The two-time state champions rely on greenhorn QB Avery Davis and electric WR Jaylon Jackson to trigger the offense. DE Deondre Carter will bring the heat from the edge. District 8-6A is loaded with No. 2 DeSoto and Mansfield.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

13. McEachern, Powder Springs, Ga. (10-4)

The Rub: DT Julian Rochester (6-5, 315), the reigning Class AAAAAA defensive player of the year, is committed to Georgia. So is junior QB Bailey Hockman and OT Tremayne Anchrum could be also on his way to Athens. The primary wide threat for Hockman is Tyler Smith. The Indians have reached the state semifinals for two straight years but this could be their year.

Opens: Aug. 22 vs. Tucker at Georgia Dome, Atlanta.

14. Clay-Chalkville, Pinson, Ala. (15-0)

The Rub: The Cougars look to repeat in Alabama’s deepest classification (6A) on the strength of powerful attack featuring QB Ty Pigrome who accounted for 61 TDs and WRs 6-5 junior Nico Collins and T.J. Simmons (Alabama recruit).

Opens: Aug. 22 at Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.).

15. Paramus (N.J.) Catholic (9-2)

The Rub: The Paladins gush talent, led by behemoth Rashan Gary (6-4, 295)—the top defender in the Class of 2016. Juniors DE Corey Bolds and LB Drew Singleton provide support as sophomore does QB Allan Walters and WR Donald Stewart (34 catches, 662 yards, 8 TDs) on the other side of the ball. Impactful DB-WR DeJohn Rogers recently transferred in, giving PC more depth. John Westervelt, a PC alumnus, takes over as head coach, and plays in the nation’s top league (Big North United) and must navigate the treacherous Non-Public Group 4 bracket to regain state supremacy. In other words, the Paladins will earn their silverware.

Opens: Sept. 4 vs. Eastern Christian Academy (Elkton, Md.).

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

The Rub: The top-level athletic-centric school on the Gulf Coast gathers elite players nationally (think Oak Hill Academy and Findlay Prep from the boys basketball world). At least seven players are ranked in the top 300—TE Isaac Nauta, DE Shavar Manuel, QB Shea Patterson (Ole Miss)—and three in the top 20. Other players have verballed to LSU, Clemson and Ohio State. Chemistry not talent will be the key here for coach Kevin Wright. The Ascenders play a national schedule, including three from New Jersey and two from Texas, but won’t contend for a Florida state championship.

Opens: Aug. 22 vs. American Heritage (Plantation).

17. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (9-3)

The Rub: It should be another banner year on the recruiting front for the Stags but will they hang a Washington Catholic Athletic Conference banner? With DE Shane Simmons (Penn State), OG Terrance Davis, WRs Tino Ellis and Darryl Turner (both to Maryland) and Lorenzo Harrison (Maryland) on board it will be hard to deny them. However, the opening game against Central (Miami) and archrival Good Counsel (Olney) on Nov. 6 and likely again in the WCAC playoff will settle the score.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. No. 3 Central (Miami).

18. Ocean Lakes, Virginia Beach, Va. (15-0)

The Rub: The defending Class 6 champions are ready to make it two straight with seven starters on both sides of the ball returning. DB Levonta Taylor (Florida State) is the top defender but transfer RB Khalan Laborn will at charge to the offense.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. Salem (Virginia Beach).

19. Mallard Creek, Charlotte, N.C. (15-1)

The Rub: The Mavs return a good chunk of starters from a squad that annexed a second straight Class 4AA title last December. QB James Smith (3,357 yards, 35 TDs) is a dual threat with 1,350 yards on the grounds and 25 scores. He’s protected by three starters on the O-line. Florida State-bound Josh Brown is the top defender.

Opens: Aug. 22 vs. Independence (Charlotte).

20. Bingham, South Jordan, Utah (13-2)

The Rub: The two-time Class 5A champions scored big points for Utah football with an impressive showing in the Burger King Bowl Series last December. LB Parker Workman typifies Bingham’s blue-collar approach and a trio of talent O-linemen will give time for transfer QB Keaton Torre (from Oklahoma) to ignite the attack.

Opens: Aug. 21 vs. Westlake (Saratoga Springs). John Lambourne is the new head coach and was an assistant to previous coach Dave Peck for 21 years. Expect little to change for the Miners, including winning.

21. Manvel, Texas (13-1)

The Rub: The Mavericks return 14 starters, seven on each side of the ball. QB D’Eriq King is the playmaker accounting for nearly 4,000 yards from scrimmage and fired 47 TD passes and ran for 12 more. DB Deontay Anderson (54 tackles, 2 INTs) is a nationally rated prospect.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. Westfield (Houston).

22. Mainland, Daytona Beach, Fla. (13-1)

The Rub: Junior QB Denzel Houston was gangbusters for the Buccaneers throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 34 TDs and ran for 12 more. With four pass-catchers and RB Adrian Killins the offense is loaded. So is the defense with DT Jachai Polite. The Bucs will likely see No. 4 Central (Miami) in the Class 6A semifinals again.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. DeLand.

23. Archbishop Rummel, Metairie, La. (11-1)

The Rub: QB Chase Fourcade completed 94 passes for 1,463 yards and 13 scores and scooted for 493 yards and 13 more TDs. The run-oriented offense receives a boost with the return of slippery RB Israel Tucker (5-9, 195) after a knee injury. CB Kristian Fulton (6-1, 175) picked off 11 passes in only nine games and is one of the nation’s top shutdown defenders. He has help Arkansas-bound DL Briston Guidry (6-3, 275) has 19 sacks in the last two seasons. A challenging schedule will have the Raiders in line for a third state title in four years.

Opens: Sept. 4 at University (Baton Rouge).

24. Fayetteville, Ark. (11-3)

The Rub: The Purple Bulldogs are in search of their first state hardware since 2012. The schedule is loaded but the donnybrook is saved for the last game when Bentonville visits on Nov. 6.

Opens: Sept. 4 vs. Eisenhower (Lawton, Okla.).

25. St. Ignatius, Cleveland (7-5)

The Rub: The Wildcats had a few hiccups last year but should rebound in a big way this fall especially an explosive offense headed by QB Dennis Grosel who will target WRs Jack Cook and Calvin Grbac. RB James Andrews will run behind a line anchored by T William Eichenberg (Notre Dame). Another challenging schedule gets a jolt on Sept. 4 at Mentor.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Normandy.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (11-1)

2. Lake Taylor, Norfolk, Va. (15-0)

3. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (8-3)

4. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (7-4)

5. Gilman School, Baltimore, (8-3)

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

Midwest

1. Colerain, Cincinnati (8-4)

2. St. Mary’s Orchard Lake, Mich. (12-2)

3. Homewood-Flossmoor, Ill. (11-3)

4. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (10-3)

5. Carmel, Ind. (13-1)

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

Southland

1. Cibolo (Texas) Steele (13-2)

2. Flanagan, Pembroke Pines, Fla. (13-1)

3. Oxford, Miss. (13-2)

4. Spartanburg, S.C. (12-3)

5. Colquitt County, Moultrie, Ga. (15-0)

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

Far West

1. Eastside Catholic, Sammamish, Wash. (13-2)

2. Bishop Amat, La Puente, Calif. (9-4)

3. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (9-3)

4. Mililani, Hawaii (13-0)

5. Central Catholic, Portland, Ore. (13-1)

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.