GAEL FORCE: No. 8 Bishop Gorman (NV) rolls to state championship; Georgia power enters Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings

BENSALEM, Pa. – Hark, a state champion!

No. 8 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) becomes the first team from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings to be crowned a champion. The Gaels did it in emphatic fashion by hammering Bishop Manogue (Reno, Nev.), 70-6, Saturday in the Nevada Class 5A final.

Really, a large-school classification blowout by 64 points in the final? Yep. The Gaels scored 42 points in the opening quarter and that was it. Dominance it the only word to describe this one. The Gaels were playing on another plane and it showed. They scored on seven of eight first half possessions.

Gorman went 13-1 and captured their 19th overall title and 13th since 2007.

There was an upset and one team entering the Elite 25 from Georgia. No. 25 Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) is in and will play in the Georgia Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals on Friday.

No. 24 Buford (Ga.), which won the last two Class AAAAAA titles, lost and crashed 17 spots. The Wolves remain ranked but who knows how long it will last.

Six teams from the top-10 slide up two spots while another eight advance one. No. 10 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) recorded the biggest win of the season, beating No. 11 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) in the season finale for both independent teams. Neither team plays in the postseason.

This weekend feature two rematches from the Elite 25. The famed Rose Bowl in Pasadena will host the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Open Division final between No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and Trinity League rival and No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) on Friday night. Mater Dei won the regular season meeting in October. In East Rutherford, N.J., No. 20 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) and league rival and No. 21 Bergen Catholic (Oradell) hook up for a second straight year at MetLife Stadium for the Non-Public A state championship on Friday. Bosco claimed the first meeting last month but BC is the reigning champions. Great game. We attend this one.

No. 23 Basha (Chandler, Ariz.) starts the Arizona Open Division playoffs this weekend and No. 21 Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.) is off and will play for a state title on Dec. 1 in Chattanooga.

In Champaign, Ill., No. 17 Mount Carmel (Chicago) goes for a perfect season against Batavia (Ill.) in the Class 7A final in Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. All eight Illinois state titles will be decided on the campus of the University of Illinois beginning Friday.

With all the playoffs games slated for this weekend, there’s Turkey Day football to be played on Thursday morning.

Here is a smattering of games from the Northeast and one from the Midwest, where the Thanksgiving Day tradition lives on.

Greenwich (Conn.) at Staples (Westport, Conn.), 10 a.m.: The Nutmeg playoffs have not started but two 8-1 teams will wage battle serving as a preview.

Xavier (Manhattan) vs. Fordham Prep, 10 a.m.: New York City’s Jesuit Bowl is played at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn. Xavier (8-2) won the NYCFL Class AA2 title last weekend on Long Island.

Cardinal Hayes (Bronx) at Mount St. Michael (Bronx), 10:30 a.m.: The Battle of the Bronx is all set. The Mount dropped the NYCFL Class AA2 title game on Saturday and now look to close out on a winning note versus their borough rivals.

Easton (Pa.) vs. Phillipsburg (N.J.), 10:30 a.m.: The interstate border cities have been playing this one since 1905. Both teams were eliminated from the postseason, so expect the game played at Fisher Stadium on the campus of Lafayette College to have extra motivation … if any is needed. Phillipsburg is 10-1 and Easton is 3-7 and won last year’s edition 7-3 to take an all-time series edge, 67-42-5.

Boston (Mass.) College High at Catholic Memorial (West Roxbury, Mass.), 10:30 a.m.: BC is 4-6 and Catholic Memorial is going for a perfect record in the Catholic Conference. CM will play for a state title the following week.

Philadelphia features three games involving Public vs. Catholic league schools: Neumann-Goretti at Southern (at South Philly Supersite); Father Judge at Lincoln; and Archbishop Ryan at George Washington.

Kirkwood (Mo.) at Webster Groves, 12 p.m. CT: The Kirkwood Pioneers (6-4) were eliminated from the Class 6 playoffs on Nov. 4 and well rested. Webster Groves (1-8) could salvage its season with a win in the only Turkey Day game west of the Mississippi.

If you live in one of these states or cities, make sure you attend a game. It’s considered one of the great social opportunities of the year with so many people heading home for the four-day weekend.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings will return on Nov. 29. That means just one month remains and final three weekends should produce high drama and newly minted state champions.

If you are a hoophead, check out the Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys preseason rankings. For the next five months we’re spreading the news about the top teams and players as we do in girls volleyball and football. We’ll update the basketball rankings in December.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until the next time, stay safe. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings, Nov. 22, 2022

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (12-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Defeated Los Alamitos, 52-0, in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 semifinals. The Monarchs pulverized a quality team.

Next: Friday vs. No. 3 St. John Bosco in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

2. Westlake, Austin, Texas (12-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated New Braunfels, 45-14, in Class 6A, Division I Area playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. San Benito in Class 6A, Division Region 4 semifinals at San Antonio’s Alamo Stadium.

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

Previous: 3.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 24 Mission Viejo, 41-6, in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 semifinals. The 2022 Game of the Year 2.0 is upon us.

Next: Friday vs. No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

4. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (12-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated Dickinson, 43-34, in Class 6A, Division I Area playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Katy Cinco Ranch in Class 6A, Division I Region 3 semifinals at Katy’s Rhodes Stadium.

5. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (11-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Atlantic (Delray Beach), 63-14, in Class 3M, Region 3 semifinals.

Next: Friday vs. Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) in Class 3M, Region 3 final.

6. Central, Miami (11-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated Northwestern (Miami), 34-30, in Class 2M, Region 4 semifinals. The Rockets nipped their crosstown rivals.

Next: Friday vs. Norland (Miami) in Class 2M, Region 4 final.

7. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (12-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated Wolfforth Frenship, 69-14, in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. McKinney in Class 6A, Division II Region 1 semifinals at Arlington’s Choctaw Stadium.

8. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (13-1)*

Previous: 10.

Recap: Won Class 5A state championship, defeating Bishop Manogue (Reno), 70-6, in final. The Gaels led 42-6 after one quarter. Season complete.

9. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (8-1)

Previous:11.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore). The Ascenders are an independent and do not compete in the postseason.

Next: Season complete.

10. Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, Hollywood, Fla. (10-0)

Previous: 12.

Recap: Defeated Avant Garde Academy (Hollywood), 48-0, in Class 1M, Region 3 semifinals.

Next: Friday vs. Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) in Class 1M, Region 3 final.

11. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (8-1)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Lost to then-No. 11 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), 27-16. The Panthers were one game away from a perfect season and had their win streak halted at 16 games. Season complete.

12. Duncanville, Texas (11-0)

Previous: 13.

Recap: Defeated Wylie, 41-0, in Class 6A, Division I Area playoff game.

Next: Saturday vs. The Woodlands in Class 6A, Division I Region 1 semifinals at Pflugerville’s The Pfield.

13. Denton (Texas) Guyer (12-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated Highland Park, 63-42, in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game.

Next: Saturday vs. Byron Nelson (Trophy Club) in Class 6A, Division II Region 1 semifinals at Frisco’s Ford Center.

14. Katy, Texas (12-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated Houston Memorial, 62-21, in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Summer Creek (Humble) in Class 6A, Division II Region 3 semifinals at Humble’s Turner Stadium.

15. Longview, Texas (12-0)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Frisco Lone Star, 38-17,  in Class 5A, Division I Area playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Port Arthur Memorial, Class 5A, Division I Region 2 semifinals at Lufkin’s Martin Stadium

16. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (11-1)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Defeated Boynton Beach, 49-0, in Class 2M, Region 3 semifinals.

Next: Friday vs. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) in Class 2M, Region 3 final.

17. Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. (12-0)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated Webb School (Bell Buckle), 44-7, in Division II, Class AA semifinals. The Mustangs are back in the state final.

Next: Dec. 1 vs. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville) in Division II, Class AA final to be played University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s Finley Stadium.

18. Mount Carmel, Chicago, (12-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated St. Rita (Chicago), 20-9, in Class 7A semifinals.

Next: Saturday vs. Batavia in Class 7A final to be played of Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

19. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (13-1)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated Mentor, 27-0, in Division 1, Region 4 final.

Next: Friday vs. Lincoln (Gahanna) in Division 1 semifinals.

20. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (9-2)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Seton Hall Prep (West Orange), 48-14, in Non-Public A semifinals. The Ironmen are back in the state final for a second straight term.

Next: Friday vs. No. 21 Bergen Catholic (Oradell) in Non-Public A final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

21. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (10-1)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Defeated Delbarton (Morristown), 28-7, in Non-Public A semifinals. Trailing 7-0 after one quarter, the Crusaders exploded for 21 points in the second.

Next: Friday vs. No. 20 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) in Non-Public A final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

22. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (12-0)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Defeated Harrison (Kennesaw), 49-28, in Class AAAAAAA second round.

Next: Friday vs. North Gwinnett (Suwanee) Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals.

23. Basha, Chandler, Arizona (9-1)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek) in Arizona Open Division quarterfinals.

24. Buford, Ga. (11-1)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Upset by Walton (Marietta), 42-35, in Class AAAAAAA second round. The Wolves were heavily favored in Georgia’s largest classification but were ousted. The score was even at 21 through three quarters before a wild fourth sealed it. The Wolves remain in the Elite 25 for now. Season complete.

25. Mill Creek, Hoschton, Ga. (11-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated North Cobb (Kennesaw), 43-7, in Class AAAAAAA second round.

Next: Friday vs. Westlake (Atlanta) in Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals.

Dropped: No. 24 Mission Viejo (Calif.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (9-1)
2. Archbishop Spalding, Severn, Md. (11-1)*
3. Catholic Memorial, West Roxbury, Mass. (10-0)
4. St. Anthony’s, Mehlville, N.Y. (11-1)*
5. Garnet Valley, Glen Mills, Pa. (12-0)

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

Midwest

1. Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati (13-1)
2. Belleville, Mich. (13-0)
3. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (13-0)
4. Archbishop Hoban, Akron, Ohio (13-1)
5. Kimberly, Wis. (13-1)*

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

Southland

1. Bryant, Ark. (10-0)
2. Destrehan, La. (11-0)
3. Columbus, Miami (11-1)
4. Tupelo, Miss. (13-0)
5. Lakeland, Fla. (12-0)

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

Far West

1. Serra, San Mateo, Calif. (12-0)
2. Kahuku, Hawaii (11-2)
3. Liberty, Peoria, Ariz. (10-0)
4. Folsom, Calif. (11-1)
5. Skyridge, Lehi, Utah (13-1)*

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

* Denotes a state or conference postseason champion

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 at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.