No. 22 St. Edward (OH) joins Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings; No. 23 Corner Canyon (UT) sees win record streak halted at 48 games

BENSALEM, Pa. — The calmness of a warm autumn weekend is soothing. And a few upsets that come out of nowhere. It’s called being blindsided in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 high school football rankings.

A week ago, La Salle College (Wyndmoor, Pa.) sprang an upset of itself won in the topsy-turvy Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division. The Explorers beat powerhouse St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) before 10,000 fans in Franklin Field.

Well, the No. 23 Explorers checked into the Elite 25 and had a seemingly easy one next with Roman Catholic (Philadelphia). Wrong. It was sub-.500 Roman’s turn to spring the upset and did so after a 27-20 win on Saturday afternoon. After one week, No. 23 La Salle College is out and No. 22 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) is in.

The Eagles (7-0) are worthy of Elite 25 status and are currently Ohio’s top-ranked Division I team. Traditionally one of Ohio’s top teams, the Eagles host Moeller (Cincinnati) Saturday. After that coach Tom Lombardo’s team wraps up the regular season with Archbishop Hoban (Akron) on Oct. 22.

Autumn change is normally associated with leafy mountains and suburbs and usually occurs on the gridiron in November when the playoffs heat up nationwide. Indiana and Utah finished their penultimate weekends and in less than two weeks, the single-elimination brackets will be drawn up before playing down to champions. This weekend, Alaska will crown champions in Division II and III and the Division I final follows on Oct. 22.

Last week, there was another upset in the Elite 25. In the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, then-No. 12 Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) had its state record win streak halted at 48 games following a 41-16 pasting at the hands of Lone Peak (Highland). Usually, the high-powered Chargers zing their opponents with a prolific passing game but the Knights wouldn’t budge. Corner Canyon (8-1) fell for the first time since the Class 5A semifinals in 2017 when Zack Wilson (now the New York Jets quarterback) was under center. The Chargers are back at it Wednesday and then the Class 6A playoffs. The two could meet again in the later rounds.

No. 23 Corner Canyon, who held the nation’s longest week win for week, dipped 11 spots but not out of the Elite 25.

In Indiana, No. 18 Center Grove (Greenwood) clinched the Metropolitan Conference title and were unbeaten in league play. The Spartans visit undefeated and the Class 5A No. 1 Cathedral (Indianapolis) Friday in the regular season finale. Center Grove, No. 1 in Class 6A and defending state champions, won last year’s tilt 17-13. The Fighting Irish (8-0) are out to avenge their lone setback in 2020 en route to the Indiana 5A title. Clearly, the Game of the Week material will be contested at nearby Arlington High School in Indianapolis.

Everyone else in the Elite 25 held serve or enjoyed their bye weeks.

Finally, a heartfelt congratulations to coach J.T. Curtis of John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.) who became the second member of the exclusive 600-career win club, joining John McKissick of Summerville (S.C.)–the national leader with 620 wins. In his 51^st year and 26 state championships, Curtis (600-72-6 overall) will likely establish a new standard in 2023.

So, that’s a wrap for the second week in October. The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings return on Oct. 19. Stay safe!

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings, Oct. 12, 2021

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (5-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Defeated Orange (Calif.) Lutheran, 55-16. Sophomore QB Elijah Brown tossed a pair of touchdowns for the Monarchs, who opened up a 27-9 halftime lead. Quincy Craig scored three TDs, including taking the second-half kickoff 92 yards to the house. RB Ajon Bryant dashed for two scores.

Next: Friday vs. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita).

2. Westlake, Austin, Texas (6-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated Bowie (Austin), 35-0. The Chaps pitch a second straight shutout and have allowed just six points in the last three weeks.

Next: Friday at Hayes Consolidated (Buda).

3. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (6-1)

Previous: 3.

Recap: Defeated JSerra (San Juan Capistrano), 44-7. Six different players found the end zone during a comprehensive victory. When the Braves built a 20-0 halftime edge, QB Pierce Clarkson found TE Matayo Uiagalelei for a 25-yard reception, Michael Hayes scored on a short run and Rayshon Luke sped 48 yards for another score. Logan Booher, Khalil Warren and Raiden Brown scored in the second half with the clock running for the mercy rule.

Next: Friday at Orange Lutheran to be played at Orange Coast College.

4. Collins Hill, Suwanee, Ga. (7-0)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Thursday at North Gwinnett (Suwanee).

5. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (5-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. St. Thomas More (Oakdale, Conn.).

6. Thompson, Alabaster, Ala. (8-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Defeated Gadsden City (Gadsden), 41-7. The Warriors have allowed only 26 points this season with four shutouts.

Next: Friday vs. Oak Mountain (Birmingham).

7. Katy, Texas (7-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Mayde Creek (Houston), 65-7. The Tigers sit atop the District 10-6A table with a 3-0 mark.

Next: Saturday at Cinco Ranch (Katy).

8. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (6-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated Keller Central, 63-7. Junior QB Kaden Anderson completed 20-of-35 passes for 277 yards and three TDs, including a pair of strikes to WR Landon Samson. RB Maddux Reid ran 10 times for 118 yards and three TDs. The Dragons piled on early for a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. The Dragons get a week off before finishing with four games.

Next: Oct. 21 at Northwest Eaton (Haslet).

9. Chandler, Ariz. (6-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated Perry (Gilbert), 49-3. The Wolves can kick back for weekend before hitting the stretch run of the 6A Conference schedule.

Next: Oct. 22 at Queen Creek.

10. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (6-0)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Paramus Catholic, 63-0. This one was predictable and the Crusaders pumped out 35 points in the first quarter and coasted to an easy victory. RB Saaed St. Fleur tallied TDs on runs of 5, 7 and 10 yards in the first quarter and John Fiore added a 40-yard, scoop and score off a fumble recovery. Now it’s time for another bitter Bergen County rivalry back at Jack McGovern Field at Crusader Stadium or a.k.a. The Jack.

Next: Saturday vs. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale).

11. Bixby, Okla. (6-0)

Previous: 11.

Recap: Defeated Choctaw, 70-7.

In a rematch of last year’s Class 6AII final, the Spartans rolled to a 42-7 lead at halftime leaving zero doubt. The streak has reached 42 games.

Next: Thursday vs. Page (Sand Springs).

12. Servite, Anaheim, Calif. (7-0)

Previous: 13.

Recap: Defeated Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita), 48-21. The Friars zoomed to a 21-0 edge after the first quarter but lead shrunk to 21-14 at the break. RB Houston Thomas celebrated his 19^th birthday with a 193-yard, three-TD rushing night. The Friars close with JSerra, St. John Bosco and Mater Dei.

Next: Thursday vs. JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) to be played at Orange Coast College.

13. Jesuit, Tampa, Fla. (6-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated Central Catholic (Clearwater), 35-21. RB Joquez Smith scored two TDs.

Next: Friday at Jefferson (Tampa).

14. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (6-1)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated South Plantation (Plantation), 62-0. The defense recorded a second straight whitewashing in as many weeks. This weekend is a revenge game against a crosstown rival.

Next: Saturday at Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale).

15. Milton, Alpharetta, Ga. (6-1)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Etowah (Woodstock), 54-14. The Eagles enter their bye week after a blowout win.

Next: Oct. 22 at Roswell.

16. Denton (Texas) Guyer (7-0)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Defeated Braswell (Little Elm), 35-7. The District 5-6A title could be settled this weekend in Denton.

Next: Friday vs. Allen.

17. St Frances Academy, Baltimore (4-1)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated Academy of the New Church (Bryn Athlyn, Pa.), 40-7.

Next: Friday at Life Christian Academy (Chester, Va.).

18. Center Grove, Greenwood, Ind. (8-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Lawrence North (Indianapolis), 43-19. QB Tayven Jackson threw for 179 yards and five TDs. RB Drew Wheat rushed for 126 yards and a 32-yard TD and caught one from Jackson for a 27-yard score. The Spartans close the regular season with a meeting of the unbeatens.

Next: Friday at Cathedral (Indianapolis).

19. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (7-0)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated Santiago (Corona), 69-14. This weekend is the moment of truth in the Inland Empire.

Next: Friday at Norco.

20. Hoover, Ala. (8-0)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Spain Park (Hoover), 52-10.

Next: Friday at Tuscaloosa County (Northport).

21. Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (6-0)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Defeated Chaparral (Scottsdale), 35-32. The game was tied at 14 by halftime and the Huskies led 28-24 after three quarters.

Next: Friday vs. Desert Vista (Phoenix).

22. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (7-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated Clarkson Football North (Mississauga, Ontario), 38-7. QB Christian Ramos passed for two TDs and sped 44 yards for another against the Canadians. Ramos’ scoring strikes went to Jackson Miller and Rayshawn Manning Jr. for 21 and 8 yards, respectively. The Eagles are the top-ranked team in Ohio’s Division I.

Next: Saturday vs. Moeller (Cincinnati).

23. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (8-1)

Previous: 12.

Recap: Upset by Long Peak (Highland), 41-16. The Chargers saw their win streak halted at 48 games dating back to 2017 and were outscored 28-6 in the second half. The regular season closes this week.

Next: Wednesday at Pleasant Grove.

24. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (6-1)

Previous: 24.

Recap: Defeated Legacy (North Las Vegas), 62-0. The Gaels have shut out all three of their Desert Region opponents this season. RB Jonathan Brady scored for three TDs, running for two and catching another, in the rout. Sophomore TE Elija Lofton scored two TDs.

Next: Friday vs. Palo Verde (Las Vegas).

25. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (7-1)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Defeated La Salle (Cincinnati), 49-14. QB Brogan McCaughey 13-of-19 for 333 yards and three scores and RB Charles Kellom carried 23 times for 108 yards and TD runs of 1, 8 and 8 yards. The Bombers, who were upset in the previous game, raced to a 35-14 lead after one quarter and clinched the GCL South Division championship with a 3-0 mark. Two games remain in the regular season.

Next: Saturday at St. Ignatius (Cleveland) to be played in Strongsville.

Dropped: No. 23 La Salle College (Wyndmoor, Pa.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (6-0)
2. Stone Bridge, Ashburn, Va. (7-0)
3. Archbishop Spalding, Severn, Md. (7-0)
4. DePaul Catholic, Wayne, N.J. (5-1)
5. Iona Prep, New Rochelle, N.Y. (5-1)

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

Midwest

1. Cathedral, Indianapolis (8-0)
2. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (7-0)
3. Millard South, Omaha, Neb. (7-0)
4. Lakeville (Minn.) South (6-0)
5. Kennedy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (7-0)

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

Southland

1. Catholic, Baton Rouge, La. (6-0)
2. Oakland, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (7-0)
3. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (6-0)
4. Venice, Fla. (6-0)
5. Male, Louisville, Ky. (6-0)

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

Far West

1. Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (7-0)
2. St. Francis, Mountain View, Calif. (5-0)
3. Graham (Wash.)-Kapowsin (6-0)
4. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (4-2)
5. Lake Oswego, Ore. (6-0)

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 August until the conclusion of the high school season in December. 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. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.