BENSALEM, Pa. – Take notice football aficionados.

Annually when the Blue Star Media high school football rankings are released in early August until the first regular season set are revealed after Labor Day, multiple teams will spin into the rankings.

This year only three teams join the Elite 25 after three weeks of the young season. Four others lost games but managed to hang on for another week because of their strength of schedule. That means more than ever, Elite 25 teams are playing one another while creating appetizing matchups. For the Elite 25 winning is an attitude and losing better not become habitual.

Eight teams from the preseason Top-10 remain but there were two party crashers, No. 8 Marietta (Ga.) and No. 9 Katy (Texas), that zoomed up the rankings after key victories.

The same goes for No. 14 Allen (Texas), No. 19 Northwestern (Miami) and No. 24 Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) who were the three additions to the Elite 25 and hail from the nation’s top-three power states of Florida, Texas and California.

Speaking of Florida, two teams from the Elite 25 lost games last weekend due to Hurricane Dorian. The hurricane is supposed to unleash its fury this week and coastal states such as Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina could be affected. We’ll keep you in the loop with any changes or cancellations of games involving Elite 25 teams.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings will return on Sept. 10. By next week the entire Elite 25 will have played. But with so many national matchups, the first month of the season is more vital than ever.

Things start picking up and for the next four months it’s nonstop action. Get out and check a game in your hometown. The weather is still summerlike and the play is just as hot. We hope to see you at a game soon. — Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings Sept. 3, 2019

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

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: The nation’s top-ranked team started the season with a dose of the East Coast. QB DJ Uiagalelei tossed five touchdown passes to carve up Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), 56-21. Uiagalelei rang up four TD passes and rushed for another when the Braves led, 42-14, at the break. In the season opener, the Braves routed regionally-ranked DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 35-7. The Clemson-bound Uiagalelei hit on 17 of 37 passes for 322 and two TDs as the Braves were up 21-7 at halftime.

Next: Friday vs. Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) at the Polynesian Football Classic in Henderson, Nev.

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

Previous: 2.

Recap: The Monarchs overwhelmed two opponents by a combined score of 111-19. USC-bound QB Bryce Young totaled five TDs to stop Villa Park, 63-7. Young threw for four scores and added another on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter. In the season opener, they defeated then-No. 10 Corona Centennial, 48-12, as Young completed 19 of 26 passes for 191 yards and three TDs.

Next: Friday at Centennial (Phoenix).

3. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (2-0)

Previous: 3.

Recap: The Cadets passed two early tests against Florida competition. QB Sol-Jay Maiava passed for two TDs and dashed for two more in a 52-30 victory over Deerfield Beach (Fla.). Maiava ran 24 and 30 yards for TDs and tossed a pair to LSU-bound WR Rakim Jarrett and Jamell Overton. In the second half, Overton added his second score of the afternoon on a pick-six from 23 yards. SJC also topped Southridge (Miami), 48-0. The Cadets scored 34 points by halftime.

Next: Friday vs. No. 22 St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) in the Rumble on the Raritan at Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.

4. Duncanville, Texas (1-0)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Defeated Lancaster, 24-3. QB Ja’Quiden Jackson, a Texas recruit, hit on 10 of 16 passes for 218 yards and all three TDs, including an 88-yarder to Marquelan Crowell.

Next: Friday vs. South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

5. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (2-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Defeated Simeon (Chicago), 55-0, behind another strong defensive effort. Also crushed then-No. 11 Central (Miami), 49-13, as Michigan-bound RB Blake Corum put on a show with four TDs and had a fifth called back on a penalty.

Next: Friday vs. American Collegiate Academy (Clearwater, Fla.).

6. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (1-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Venice, 46-7, on Aug. 23, but saw its game with Norland (Miami) last weekend cancelled by Hurricane Dorian. The Ascenders lose one of their 10 scheduled games thanks to inclement weather. Perhaps this weekend’s game will be affected too.

Next: Friday vs. No. 22 Northwestern (Miami).

7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (1-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Game with Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) last weekend was cancelled due to Hurricane Dorian. A state of emergency was declared in the state of Florida. The Raiders also stopped De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 24-14. Sophomore QB Zion Turner threw for 100 yards and two scores. The Raiders head into their bye week.

Next: Sept. 13 at South Plantation (Plantation).

8. Marietta, Ga. (2-0)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 17 St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia), 21-17, and Rome (Ga.), 48-14. Against SJP, Tennessee-bound signal-caller Harrison Bailey tossed the game-winner to Ricky White (Michigan State) from 23 yards with 14 seconds left to rally from a 17-14 deficit. The Blue Devils recorded two quality wins and get a well-deserved bump in the Elite 25 rankings.

Next: Friday at Collins Hill (Suwanee).

9. Katy, Texas (1-0)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Defeated then- No. 5 North Shore (Galena Park), 24-21. QB Bronson McClelland fired a late five-yard TD pass to Samuel Dunn to complete a 21-7 comeback win.

Next: Friday vs. Atascocita (Humble).

10. Eastside Catholic, Sammamish, Wash. (0-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: The season kicks off in the Pacific Northwest this weekend.

Next: Friday vs. Grant Union (Sacramento, Calif.).

11. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, N.J. (1-0)

Previous: 12.

Recap:  Defeated JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), 24-13, at The Honor Bowl in San Diego, Calif.  Sebastian Tasko’s 22-yard field goal with :37 left iced the contest. The game turned on back-to-back possessions late in the first half when Logan Rivera had a 35-yard pick-six for a 14-10 lead and moments later following another interception, QB Michael Alaimo threw a 50-yard TD strike to Albert Serrano and a commanding 21-10 edge. The Greens Knights enter their bye week.

Next: Sept. 14 vs. Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

12. Saint Louis School, Honolulu (3-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: The Crusaders passed their biggest test over the week, topping then-No. 23 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), 31-19. The offensive rolled up 443 yards and Wisconsin-bound LB Nick Herbig returned a fumble 11 yards for a defensive TD.

Also beat Campbell (Ewa Beach), 48-27, and Kapolei, 34-6, as QB Jayden de Laura threw for 274 yards and two scores and Kainalu Tumpap ran for two six-pointers in the latter game.

Next: Friday vs. Kamehameha School (Honolulu) at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

13. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (1-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated North Gwinnett (Suwanee), 17-6, at the Corky Kell Classic in Atlanta. RB Daijun Edwards’ short run provided the Packers with a 7-0 lead on Aug. 24.

Next: Friday vs. Thomasville.

14. Allen, Texas (1-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated Cedar Hill, 41-28, in the Tom Landry Classic in Allen. SMU-bound QB Raylen Sharpe completed 17 throws for 270 yards and rushed for 118 yards on 15 carries while accounting for four TDs. The Eagles open with three straight home dates.

Next: Friday vs. Dickinson.

15. Parkview, Lilburn, Ga. (1-0)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Mountain View (Lawrenceville), 28-18, on Aug. 23. Last weekend the Panthers were idle.

Next: Friday at Lowndes County (Valdosta).

16. Lakeland, Fla. (2-0)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated American Collegiate Academy (Clearwater), 55-13, and Manatee (Bradenton), 45-0.

Next: Friday at George Jenkins (Lakeland).

17. Archbishop Hoban, Akron, Ohio (1-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Harrisburg (Pa.), 42-12. The Knights rolled to a 35-6 lead in the second quarter and coasted. Michigan State-commit LB Devin Hightower had a pick-six in the second quarter to make it 28-0.

Next: Friday vs. Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown).

18. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C (1-0)

Previous: 24.

Recap: Defeated American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), 33-14. The defending Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title-holders kicked off their 131stseason on the gridiron with a quality win over a quality opponent from south Florida.

Next: Friday at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). Junior QB Caleb Williams ran for three TDs and RB Aaron Turner rumbled 80 yards for six points in the second half to put the game out of reach.

Next: Friday at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.).

19. Northwestern, Miami (2-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: The Bulls left the gate on a vengeance, shutting out Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale), 32-0, and Carol City (Miami), 10-0. This weekend’s game is another tall order.

Next: Friday at No. 6 IMG Academy (Bradenton).

20. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (0-1)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Lost to then-No. 22 Katy, 24-21. The Mustangs blew a 21-7 halftime lead but remain in the Elite 25 for the quality non-district foe.

Next: Thursday vs. Ridge Point (Missouri City).

21. Central, Miami (1-1)

Previous: 11.

Recap: Lost then-No. 6 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), 49-13, but rebounded to knock off rivals Booker T. Washington (Miami), 32-29. The Rockets have a huge matchup this weekend in south Florida.

Next: Friday at Carol City (Miami Gardens, Fla.).

22. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (0-1)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Lost to then-No. 21 Marietta (Ga.), 21-17. Malik Cooper caught a 29-yard TD pass from QB Kyle McCord in the second period but it wasn’t enough for coach Tim Roken in his debut with the Jesuit school. The Hawks have a neutral site game against a powerhouse program this weekend.

Next: Friday vs. No. 3 St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) at the Rumble on the Raritan at Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.

23. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (1-0)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Overwhelmed Spring Valley (Columbia), 49-0. Also on Aug. 23, the Silver Foxes tied Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.), 27-all. The game was postponed several times by lightning and eventually cancelled with no result.

Next: Friday at Irmo.

24. Cathedral Catholic, San Diego (2-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: The Dons have an early season signature victory as they defeated then-No. 18 Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), 18-10, at the Honor Bowl in San Diego. They also beat La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.), 42-9. This weekend is another big-time challenge against a high-powered offense.

Next: Friday vs. No. 25 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

25. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (1-1)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Wiped out Orange (Calif.) Lutheran, 45-14, but took one on the chin, losing to No. 2 Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 42-12. Both opponents are members of the Trinity League. This weekend’s game features another quality opponent.

Next: Friday at Cathedral Catholic (San Diego).

Dropped: No. 13 Lake Travis, Texas; No. 18 Saguaro, Scottsdale, Ariz., and No. 23 Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (1-1)
2. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (1-0)
3. Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (2-0)
4. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (1-0)
5. Highland Springs, Va. (1-0)

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

Midwest

1. West Bloomfield, Mich. (1-0)

2. Pickerington (Ohio) Central (1-0)

3. Mentor, Ohio (1-0)

4. Muskego, Wis. (2-0)

5. Lakeville North, Lakeville, Minn. (1-0)

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

Southland

1. Hoover, Ala. (2-0)
2. Longview, Texas (1-0)
3. John Curtis Christian, River Ridge, La. (0-0)
4. Broken Arrow, Okla. (1-0)
5. Trinity, Louisville, Ky. (2-0)

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

Far West

1. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (1-1)
2. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (1-1)
3. JSerra, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (1-1)
4. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (3-0)
5. Folsom, Calif. (1-0)

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 on December 24. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.