BENSALEM, Pa. – Following a long off-season full of recruiting twists, player transfers and coaching transactions, the Blue Star Media High School Football Go-To 25 rankings are here.
Two of the top three teams in the Go-To 25 are Miami-Dade schools, including top-ranked Booker T. Washington. The rankings reflect the dominance of the South, as 16 schools, nearly two-thirds, comprise the Go-To 25. Football hotbeds California, Florida and Texas contribute four; Georgia adds three; and New Jersey and Louisiana have two representatives.
Expect the top three to shift early as No. 1 BTW travels to No. 2 Norcross (Ga.) Saturday in a nationally televised game.
An updated version of the Go-To 25 rankings will appear next on September 9. Until then check back each Saturday for the weekly updates. Should another exciting season. Hope to see you at a game soon. — Christopher Lawlor
Go-To 25 Rankings
1. Booker T. Washington, Miami (13-1)
The Rub: There’s talent galore in Miami-Dade County and that’s case on NW 6th Avenue for coach Tim “Ice” Harris. The Tornadoes return a bevy of starters (14) who will head to major programs. For starters QB Treon Harris (the coach’s son and off to Florida State) will enter his third season as the primary signal-caller after completing 138 passes for 2,787 yards and 35 TDs and rushing for 751 yards and 15 scores. RBs Krondis Larry and sophomore Mark Walton will alternate carries and main targets include WRs West Virginia-commit Lamar Parker and Deltron Hopkins. DE Chad Thomas (57 tackles, 6 sacks) has verballed to Miami and will wreak havoc in opposing backfields. Get through the opening game and a second straight Class 4A title becomes the ultimate goal. Don’t surprised when the Tornadoes run the table and bag the school’s third state hardware since opening in 1999.
Opens: Aug. 24 at No. 2 Norcross (Ga.).
2. Norcross, Ga. (15-0)
The Rub: After blowing through 15 opponents last year, the Blue Devils are back for more mostly because they return 16 starters from the Class AAAAAA titlists. DE Lorenzo Carter (6-5, 235) is considered the state’s top player and best at his position in the land. WR Myles Autry is a nifty route runner and threat each time he possesses the ball and LB Kevin Mouhon (6-1, 215) will sign with Tennessee and FS Jordan Noil is another big-time prospect. Coach Keith Maloof has four quarterbacks vying for the starting nod while RBs Brandon Garner, KaDarius Garrett and Jibri Hicks are in the backfield mix.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. No. 1 Booker T. Washington (Miami).
3. Central, Miami (12-2)
The Rub: The two-pronged running attack of Joseph Yearby (1,448 yards, 20 TDs) and Dalvin Cook (1,452 yards, 21 TDs) means double trouble. Da’vante Phillips is a blue-chip receiver. Coach Roland Smith’s crew will play a tough schedule, which is highlighted by a visit to No. 1 Booker T. Washington (Miami) on Sept. 6.
Opens: Aug. 30 at American Heritage (Plantation).
4. Allen, Texas (15-1)
The Rub: The Eagles will rely on their depth and 10 returning starters to defend the Class 5A, Division I title. The offensive triggerman is junior dual-threat QB Kyler Murray, who passed for 2,004 yards and 17 TDs. DB Chad Adams leads a supercharged defense that has eight starters back, including Arizona State-bound LB Christian Sam. The first two games will challenge coach Tom Westerberg’s squad but a second straight state title drive is in the work.
Opens: Aug. 30 at Southlake Carroll.
5. Edna Karr, New Orleans (14-0)
The Rub: The defending Class 4A champions return 15 starters and welcome first-year head coach Nathaniel Jones. His main weapons are WR Devante Noil and DL Gerald Willis (6-3, 275). The real test is on Sept. 26 when No. 11 John Curtis Christian visits to determine, at least in the regular season, which is Louisiana’s top team.
Opens: Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s (Covington).
6. Cibolo (Texas) Steele (14-1)
The Rub: The Knights will be strong on the lines, returning kicks and punts and in the offensive backfield. Texas Tech-commit RB Justin Stockton rushed for 2,044 yards and 30 TDs while DE Josh Malin (6-6, 260) is a defensive stalwart.
Opens: Aug, 30 vs. Madison (San Antonio).
7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (13-2)
The Rub: The seven-time Florida state champions are fresh off a state title run, the first for coach Rocco Casullo. Notre Dame-bound WR Corey Holmes (6-2, 180) is one of south Florida’s top players, possessing deceptive speed as a possession pass catcher, nabbing 28 balls for 511 yards and five TDs. At 6-4, pocket-passer Wade Freebeck will sign with Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Al Harris Jr. (his dad played in the NFL) is headed to South Carolina. C Nicholas Linder and NT Anthony Moten (4 sacks) are tops in the trenches.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Northwestern (Miami) at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens.
8. Hoover, Ala. (15-0)
The Rub: The Bucs open the season against the program’s architect, Rush Probst, who bolted for Georgia after a successful run. DB Marlon Humphrey is one of the nation’s top defenders. The offense includes three running backs looking for reps and two receivers, who will look for balls from junior QB Jack Hutcheson. Junior OLB Darrell Williams (6-2, 200) is being courted by Florida State, Tennessee, Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State and Alabama.
Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.).
9. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (15-0)
The Rub: Legendary coach Bob Ladouceur, 399-25-3, stepped down after 34 years. The Blue Star Media Go-To 25 National Champion in 2012 won a fourth California state bowl championship in December. First-year head coach Justin Alumbaugh inherits 11 starters and a relatively cakewalk schedule. Larry Allen and Sumner Houston anchor a strong O-line. RB Daz Tautalatasi will be the beneficiary of their blocks.
Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Clayton Valley (Concord).
10. John Curtis Christian, River Ridge, La. (14-0)
The Rub: Graduation hit the Patriots—especially on the O-line—hard but talent is aplenty with WR Malachi Dupre (15 TDs) and RB Raekwon James.
Opens: Sept. 6 vs. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.).
11. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (9-3)
The Rub: The Stags are back in a big way. For starters they return 10 defensive starters. WR Cameron Phillips (Virginia Tech), RB Mark Allen (Penn State), DE Deonte Holden (North Carolina State), RB Taiwan Deal (Wisconsin) are four headed to big-time programs with at least six more waiting to pledge.
Opens: Aug. 24 at Phoebus (Hampton, Va.).
12. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (11-1)
The Rub: After reaching the Division I semifinals a year ago, the Eagles are poised to win it all in Ohio’s top classification. Junior RB Andrew Dowell is lucky to have a massive line, led by Ohio-bound Jake Pruehs (6-3, 282). Junior DB Shaun Crawford is an elite defender.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Glenville (Cleveland).
13. Mount Carmel, Chicago (13-1)
The Rub: The Class 8A champions added an 11th chip to the Southside school’s hardware case. RB Matt Domer, an Illinois recruit, is the main offensive weapon for coach Frank Lenti’s squad and DE Enoch Smith Jr. (6-3, 265) is another reason to fear the Caravan’s vaunted defense.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. St. Patrick (Chicago) at Soldier Field in Chicago.
14. Katy, Texas (16-0)
The Rub: The Tigers defense will carry the load paced by LB Jake Blomstrom, DE Tim Wilkerson, NT Cody Gessler and sophomore DB Colin Wilder. Junior RB Rodney Anderson, a Texas A&M recruit, carries the load after totaling nearly 1,400 yards and 23 TDs last season.
Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Klein.
15. Serra, Gardena, Calif. (14-2)
The Rub: The Cavaliers enter the season having won 10 straight games. Boise State-bound QB Jalen Rose targets WR Jordan Lasley and elite LB Dwight Williams buoys the defense.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Desert Ridge (Phoenix).
16. DeSoto, Texas (14-1)
The Rub: The Eagles have 10 starters back—eight on defense—but the real deal is mercuric 5-8 QB Desmon White, who threw for 3,524 passing yards and 34 scores and 1,413 yards and 12 TDs on the ground.
Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Martin (Arlington).
17. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (14-2)
The Rub: QB Robert Webber and California-bound TB Tre Watson kick-start the offense and USC-recruit DE Austin Maloata and DB John Plattenberg are top defenders. A Sept. 13 date with national powerhouse Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) is the first true test but a week earlier it’s St. Bonaventure (Ventura).
Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Liberty (Henderson, Nev.).
18. Apopka, Fla. (13-2)
The Rub: The Blue Darters return 12 starters, including seven total in both backfields, from the Class 8A champions. Nebraska-bound QB Zack Darlington—head coach Rick Darlington’s son—is a dual threat passing for 1,725 yards and 19 TDs and running for 708 yards and 10 scores. Junior RB Daquon Isom rushed for 798 yards and two TDs as a backup. The offensive line has been rebuilt but the defensive front is solid with five regulars back.
Opens: Aug. 24 at Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.).
19. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (8-5)
The Rub: Junior QB threw for more than 2,000 yards and 22 TDs last season, Expect bigger things this fall. DE Malik Dorton registered six sacks as a junior.
Opens: Aug. 30 at Dominguez (Compton).
20. Sandy Creek, Tyrone, Ga. (15-0)
The Rub: The Class AAAA Patriots aren’t the biggest school in Georgia but do feature QB Cole Garvin, who passed for 2,740 yards and 21 TDs; WR Demarre Kitt (Clemson); DL Chris Williams (Mississippi); junior RB Eric Swinney (1,414 yards, 23 TDs) and LB Khari Lain.
Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Plant (Tampa, Fl.).
21. Ensworth, Nashville, Tenn. (13-0)
The Rub: The defending Division II state champions are stacked on the defensive line with T Michael Sawyers and junior Myles Douglas. The traditionally strong running game is in good shape with RB D’Andre Ferby. A challenging schedule will be highlighted by a trip to Trinity (Louisville).
Opens: Aug. 23 at Trinity (Louisville).
22. Colquitt County, Moultrie, Ga. (10-4)
The Rub: The Packers, Georgia’s No. 2-ranked Class AAAAAA team, advanced to the state semifinals last season but want more with an aggressive schedule. QB Daniel Mobley leads a pass-happy offense and WR Todd Boyd (46 receptions for 836 yards, 6 TDs) will stretch the field. LB Brandon Key is the top returning tackler with 108.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Grayson (Loganville) at Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
23. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (14-1)
The Rub: QB Randall Cunningham—yes, his dad played in the NFL—is one of five high-major players on the field for the Gaels. A brutal national schedule features six opponents, including three from California and one each from Arizona, Florida and New Jersey.
Opens: Aug. 23 vs. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) in Sollenberger Classic.
24. Paramus (N.J.) Catholic (10-2)
The Rub: The defending Group 4 state champions are loaded and so is their schedule. Michigan-bound performer Jabrill Peppers (6-0, 205) might be the nation’s most exciting player. The Paladins play on national TV this season; it’s must-see programming.
Opens: Sept. 8 vs. Gilman School (Baltimore) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.
25. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (8-3)
The Rub: Temple-bound QB Frank Nutile is an underrated signal-caller on a team aching to usurp the trophy from league rivals Paramus Catholic. Dates with Bergen Catholic (Oradell) and St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) spice up the fixtures.
Opens: Sept. 7 vs. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia).
High-Fives by Region
East
1. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, N.J. (10-2)
2. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh (10-3)
3. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (11-1)
4. Ocean Lakes, Virginia Beach, Va. (14-1)
5. St. Joseph Prep, Philadelphia (10-1)
Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.
Midlands
1. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (6-5)
2. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (8-2)
3. Arrowhead, Hartland, Wis. (13-0)
4. Blue Springs, Mo. (13-1)
5. Cass Tech, Detroit (12-2)
Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
South
1. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (12-2)
2. Jenks, Okla. (12-2)
3. Byrnes, Duncan, S.C. (12-2)
4. University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (13-0)
5. Mallard Creek, Charlotte, N.C. (12-2)
Geography: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Far West
1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (11-3)
2. Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (12-2)
3. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (12-4)
4. Bellevue, Wash. (14-0)
5. Bingham, South Jordan, Utah (10-3)
Geography: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
About: The Blue Star Media Go-To 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 December 23. Follow him on Twitter @clawlor.
