No. 24 Colquitt County Packers (GA) debut in Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings; Playoffs tee up in Florida, Georgia and Texas

BENSALEM, Pa. – When it comes to high school football, the three states that attract the most attention are California, Florida and Texas.

Well, now that all three have their postseason brackets in place and a road map to the state championships in December, it’s fair to say the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings have all but one team in playoff mode.

This weekend the Texas and Florida get underway with Arizona completing its final weekend of the regular season. Next week we’ll have the vaunted Arizona Open Division, eight-team bracket reveal and how it will impact the Elite 25.

However, let’s concentrate on the Big Three. California has three teams (all from the Southern Section), Texas seven and Florida four residing the in the Elite 25.

Starting this weekend, 22 of the 25 teams will be playing postseason games. That includes six teams, including three from California and two from New Jersey, that had opening round byes. Nineteen teams will be debuting in the win-or-go-home tournaments.

As usual, expect upsets as the brackets thin out. Rarely do Elite 25 teams implode in the early rounds but a precedence could be set.

If you wanted to expand the Big Three to a Fantastic Four (not the comic book heroes) then Georgia would round it out.

Speaking of the Peach State, No. 24 Colquitt County (Norman Park, Ga.) is the lone newcomer to the Elite 25. The Packers have been ranked here before when they were state champions in 2014 and ’15 and finalist appearances in 2017 and ’18. The south Georgia powerhouse went unbeaten in 10 regular season games, won the program’s 12th region championship and enters the Georgia Class AAAAAAA playoffs as one of the favorites along with undefeated No. 6 Buford.

Colquitt County is in the Elite 25 because after 58 straight wins, Bixby (Okla.) faltered. The Spartans (9-1) dropped out following a scintillating 38-35 loss to Jenks last Thursday before a packed house and ESPN2 audience. Jenks, which rushed for 357 yards, took the lead for good in the second quarter and held off a late surge improving to 8-2 with the playoffs opening this week.

Bixby’s win streak was the longest and their stay in the Elite 25 was only three weeks.

In Florida, it was a sham and a shame that No. 11 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) waxed West Toronto (Ont.) Prep, 96-0. That’s 96 points in the first half before the game was called. This harkens back to last year when a school called Bishop Sycamore (Columbus, Ohio) played a national schedule and were called out and eventually folded.

The Canadians are winless and had no business on the same field with the Ascenders (7-1). Thank goodness the Ascenders have one game left at Nov. 4 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) in one of the nation’s top games this season.

St. Frances and IMG do not compete for state titles, so this one is a bowl game of sorts.

So, November is here and the season is gaining momentum like a downhill running back.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings return on Nov. 15. That’s the halfway point of the month and a little over a week from Thanksgiving Day. Time keeps on slipping into the future!

If you are a basketball fan, check out the Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys preseason rankings that dropped last week. For the next five months we’ll give you the latest and greatest from the hardwood. Check it out.

Until the next time, stay safe and get out to a high school sporting event. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings, Nov. 8, 2022

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (10-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 quarterfinals.

2. Westlake, Austin, Texas (10-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated Buda Johnson, 70-10. The Chaparrals are District 26-6A champions with an 8-0 mark and carry a 50-game win streak into the playoffs.

Next: Thursday vs. Cedar Ridge (Round Rock) in Class 6A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

3. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (9-1)

Previous: 3.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. Orange Lutheran in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

4. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (7-0)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Defeated St. Thomas More (Oakdale, Conn.), 41-18.

Next: Friday vs. Clarkston North (Mississauga, Ontario).

5. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (10-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated Kingwood (Humble), 56-7.

Next: Thursday vs. Dobie (Pasadena) in Class 6A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

6. Buford, Ga. (10-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Defeated Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville), 49-7.

Next: Saturday vs. Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee) in Class AAAAAAA first round.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (9-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Idle. The state title defense begins at the friendly confines of Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium.

Next: Friday vs. Coconut Creek in Class 3M, Region 3 quarterfinals.

8. Central, Miami (9-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Idle. In the upcoming regional playoffs, the Rockets have a loaded bracket and difficult road to the finals.

Next: Friday vs. St Brendan (Miami) in Class 2M, Region 4 quarterfinals.

9. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (10-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated Fossil Ridge (Keller), 45-14. The Dragons went 7-0 to capture the District 4-6A title.

Next: Thursday vs. Crowley in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game.

10. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (11-1)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Desert Pines (Las Vegas), 41-3, in Class 5A Southern Region semifinals.

Next: Friday at Liberty (Henderson) in Class 5A Southern Region final.

11. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (7-1)

Previous:11.

Recap: Defeated West Toronto (Ont.) Prep, 96-0. The game was called at halftime after the Ascenders scored 96 unanswered points.

Next: Nov. 18 at No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

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

Previous: 12.

Recap: Defeated Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie), 45-6. The Lions completed a perfect regular season and now go for the perfect overall one.

Next: Nov. 18 vs. Avant Garde Academy (Hollywood) in Class 1M, Region 3 semifinals.

13. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (9-1)

Previous: 12.

Recap: Idle. Huge opening playoff assignment.

Next: Friday vs. Mission Viejo in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

14. Duncanville, Texas (9-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated Mansfield Legacy, 42-6. The Panthers are District 11-6A champions with a 7-0 record.

Next: Friday vs. Bryan in Class 6A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

15. Denton (Texas) Guyer (10-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated Rock Hill (Prosper), 31-3. The Wildcats took the District 5-6A title with a 7-0 record.

Next: Friday vs. Flower Mound Marcus in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game.

16. Katy, Texas (10-0)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Katy Taylor, 49-7. The Tigers are District 19-6A champions.

Next: Friday vs. Fort Bend Clemens in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game.

17. Longview, Texas (10-0)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Defeated West Mesquite, 70-0. The Lobos went 7-0 to wrap up the District 7-5A championship.

Next: Friday vs. Crosby in Class 5A, Division I bi-district playoff game

18. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (8-1)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. Inlet Grove (Riviera Beach) in Class 2M, Region 3 quarterfinals.

19. Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. (10-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. Silverdale Baptist Academy (Chattanooga) in Division II, Class AA quarterfinals.

20. Mount Carmel, Chicago, (11-0)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated Downers Grove North, 24-6, in Class 7A second round. Last month, the Caravan needed a late defensive stand in league play to hold off their next opponent. Expect a slobberknocker on the South Side.

Next: Saturday vs. Brother Rice (Chicago) in Class 7A quarterfinals.

21. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (11-1)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Massillon Jackson, 42-0, in the Division 1, Region 4 quarterfinals. This weekend the Eagles face a true coaching icon and gentleman (Chuck Kyle) for the final time.

Next: Friday vs. St. Ignatius (Cleveland) in Division 1, Region 4 semifinals.

22. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (7-2)

Previous: 23

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. St. Augustine (Richland) in Non-Public A quarterfinals.

23. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (8-1)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Saturday vs. Donovan Catholic (Toms River) in the Non-Public A quarterfinals.

24. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (10-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated Richmond Hill, 41-14.

Next: Saturday vs. Pebblebrook (Mableton) in Class AAAAAAA first round.

25. Basha, Chandler, Arizona (8-1)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Defeated Casteel (Queen Creek), 42-14. The regular season finale arrives this weekend.

Next: Thursday vs. Perry (Gilbert).

Dropped: No. 24 Bixby (Okla.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (7-1)
2. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (9-1)
3. Catholic Memorial, West Roxbury, Mass. (8-0)
4. St. Anthony’s, Mehlville, N.Y. (9-1)
5. Garnet Valley, Glens Mills, Pa. (10-0)

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 (11-1)
2. Cathedral, Indianapolis (9-1)
3. Belleville, Mich. (11-0)
4. Lakota West, West Chester, Ohio (12-0)
5. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (11-0)

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

Southland

1. Mill Creek, Hoschton, Ga. (9-1)
2. Bryant, Ark. (9-0)
3. Destrehan, La. (10-0)
4. Columbus, Miami (9-1)
5. Tupelo, Miss. (11-0)

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

Far West

1. Serra, San Mateo, Calif. (10-0)
2. Chandler, Ariz. (8-1)
3. Kahuku, Hawaii (10-2)
4. Folsom, Calif. (9-1)
5. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (10-0)

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

Records through Sunday

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.