No. 24 Mission Viejo (CA) re-enters Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings on upset win; Coaching icons from California, Ohio retiring

BENSALEM, Pa. – It was the postseason opener last weekend for several teams from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings.

There was a changing of the guard in two prominent programs in California and Ohio.

Florida saw Hurricane Nicole wreak havoc along the Atlantic Coast with several regional playoff games affected. No. 7 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and No. 17 American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) were affected by last week’s cataclysmic weather. American Heritage played on Monday in the Class 2M, Region 3 quarterfinals or three days later than the original date. Aquinas’ next opponent won’t be determined until Monday too.

All in all, it was just the way things go in November. If you want a December to remember, whether it’s winning a state championship in the 12th month or a team basking in the afterglow of a title, you better take care of business in November.

Nineteen teams from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings opened the playoffs, with one losing and ultimately dropping out.

That opened the door for No. 24 Mission Viejo (Calif.) to re-enter the Elite 25. The Diablos appeared briefly earlier this season but were bounced after a loss. Now they are in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 1 semifinals after a 31-28 victory at then-No. 13 Corona (Calif.) Centennial. That’s a quality win for coach Rob Johnson’s group but the sobering thought is the next opponent on Friday is No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) in the Division 1 semifinals.

A dozen teams occupy the same slot they did a week ago and No. 25 Basha (Chandler, Ariz.) is just over a week away from opening the Arizona Open Division eight-team bracket on Nov. 25. Eleven moved up one position. For two schools, there are no games remaining and coincidentally No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) entertains No. 11 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) this weekend in the regular-season finale for both.

No. 10 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) plays for the Nevada Class 5A state championship against Bishop Manogue (Reno) on Saturday afternoon.

We turned to coaching, where two of the greatest all-time are retiring.

First, the shocker (at least for some) in southern California, where Bruce Rollinson, who has guided No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) for the last 34 years, called it quits on the eve of his team’s opening round playoff game in CIF-Southern Section Division 1.

Last Thursday, Rollinson tweeted his intentions to step down when the season concludes.

The statement read in part: “I have recently decided that this year will be my last year as head coach of Mater Dei football … making this decision at this time with the entire starting lineup returning next year, should make it easier for the next coach and Mater Dei to continue our winning tradition.”

Rollinson, 340-86-2 overall, has won four Elite 25 National Championships and five CIF state crowns and coached two Heisman Trophy winners. The Monarchs are the reigning Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions and are on their way to a second straight but a pitted road still lies ahead. The Monarchs host Los Alamitos on Friday in the sectional semifinals.

It should be noted that Mater Dei has caught heat in recent months after a former football player’s family filed a lawsuit against the school for cultivating a culture of hazing within the program and left their son with a traumatic brain injury, according to several published reports.

In Cleveland, a national coaching treasure closed out a brilliant 39-year career last Friday in a 28-7 loss to No. 20 St. Edward (Lakewood) in the Ohio Division I, Region 1 semifinals.

Chuck Kyle of St. Ignatius (Cleveland) was a role model to many young coaches and mentors to the scores of players and students (he is an English teacher) that learned at his knee. Kyle went 377-108-1 with 11 state and four national championships since 1983 at his alma mater (Class of 1969). Previously, Kyle announced this would be his final season.

Having attended a Jesuit high school too, I realize his contributions. The Jesuit fathers (or the Society of Jesus) have a motto (in Latin) Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam or “For the greater glory of God.” Kyle took that motto and did more for others. Tremendous work, coach. Enjoy your next endeavor!

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings return on Nov. 22. Can’t believe it but the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is next week and then begins the countdown to Christmas and Hannukah.

Wow! That means the state champions will form a conga line in the coming weeks leading up to the final rankings and a declared Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions.

Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

One week, one game at a time.

We’ll highlight a handful of Thanksgiving Day games, which unfortunately is a dying tradition.

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

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. 15, 2022

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (11-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Defeated JSerra (San Juan Capistrano), 54-14, in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 quarterfinals. Coach Bruce Rollinson announced he will step down after the season.

Next: Friday vs. Los Alamitos in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 semifinals.

2. Westlake, Austin, Texas (11-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated Cedar Ridge (Round Rock), 58-10, in Class 6A, Division 1 bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. New Braunfels in Class 6A, Division I Area playoff game in San Marcos.

3. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (10-1)

Previous: 3.

Recap: Defeated Orange Lutheran, 49-14, in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

Next: Friday at No. 24 Mission Viejo in CIF-Southern Section Division 1 semifinals.

4. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (8-0)

Previous: 4.

Recap: Defeated Clarkston North (Mississauga, Ontario), 34-10. The Panthers finish their season this weekend. They do not participate in the postseason.

Next: Friday vs. No. 11 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.).

5. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (11-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated Dobie (Pasadena), 49-3, in Class 6A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Dickinson in Class 6A, Division I Area playoff game.

6. Buford, Ga. (11-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Defeated Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee), 63-6, in Class AAAAAAA first round

Next: Friday vs. Walton (Marietta) in Class AAAAAAA second round.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (10-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Coconut Creek, 59-14, in Class 3M, Region 3 quarterfinals. The Raiders’ opponent won’t be determined until Monday night. The other quarterfinal game was pushed back due to Hurricane Nicole.

Next: Friday vs. Atlantic (Delray Beach)9in Class 3M, Region 3 semifinals.

8. Central, Miami (10-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated St Brendan (Miami), 60-0, in Class 2M, Region 4 quarterfinals.

Next: Friday vs. Northwestern (Miami) in Class 2M, Region 4 semifinals.

9. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (11-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated Crowley, 45-7, in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Wolfforth Frenship in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game in San Angelo.

10. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (12-1)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Liberty (Henderson), 56-14, in Class 5A Southern Region final.

Next: Saturday at Bishop Manogue (Reno) in Class 5A state final to be played at Carson High School in Carson City.

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

Previous:11.

Recap: Idle.

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

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

Previous: 12.

Recap: Idle.

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

13. Duncanville, Texas (10-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated Bryan, 74-13, in Class 6A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Wylie in Class 6A,Region I Area playoff game in McKinney.

14. Denton (Texas) Guyer (11-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Defeated Flower Mound Marcus, 42-7, in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game. The Wildcats face another 11-0 team in the next round.

Next: Friday vs. Highland Park (Dallas) in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game at Frisco’s Ford Stadium.

15 .Katy, Texas (11-0)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Fort Bend Clemens (Sugar Land), 59-0, in Class 6A, Division II bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday at Houston Memorial in Class 6A, Division II Area playoff game at Houston’s Tully Stadium.

16. Longview, Texas (11-0)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Defeated Crosby, 49-15, in Class 5A, Division I bi-district playoff game.

Next: Friday vs. Frisco Lone Star  in Class 5A, Division I Area playoff game in Dallas.

17. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (9-1)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated Inlet Grove (Riviera Beach), 43-7, in Class 2M, Region 3 quarterfinals on Monday. The was pushed back due to Hurricane Nicole.

Next: Friday vs. Boynton Beach in Class 2M, Region 3 semifinals.

18. Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. (11-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Silverdale Baptist Academy (Chattanooga), 77-13, in Division II, Class AA quarterfinals. The score swelled to 35-0 after one quarter.

Next: Friday vs. Webb School (Bell Buckle) in Division II, Class AA semifinals.

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

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated Brother Rice (Chicago), 48-12, in Class 7A quarterfinals. Quarterback Blainey Dowling completed 15 of 26 passes for 319 yards and 5TDs all in the first half. A Chicago Catholic League rivalry is renewed this weekend with a trip Downstate on the line.

Next: Saturday at St. Rita (Chicago) in Class 7A semifinals.

20. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (12-1)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated St. Ignatius (Cleveland), 28-7, in Division 1, Region 4 semifinals. The Eagles are three wins away from a repeat.

Next: Friday vs. Mentor in Division 1, Region 4 final.

21. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (8-2)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Defeated St. Augustine (Richland), 37-0, in Non-Public A quarterfinals.

Next: Friday vs. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) in Non-Public A semifinals.

22. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (9-1)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Defeated Donovan Catholic (Toms River), 41-7, in the Non-Public A quarterfinals.

Next Saturday vs. Delbarton (Morristown) in Non-Public A semifinals.

23. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (11-0)

Previous: 24.

Recap: Defeated Pebblebrook (Mableton), 56-16, in Class AAAAAAA first round.

Next: Friday vs. Harrison (Kennesaw) in Class AAAAAAA second round.

24. Mission Viejo, Calif. (10-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 13 Corona (Calif.) Centennial, 31-28

Next: Friday vs. No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) in CIF-Southern Section, Division 1 semifinals.

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

Previous: 25.

Recap: Defeated Perry (Gilbert), 52-7. The regular season concluded with a lopsided win.

Next: Nov. 25 vs. American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek) in Arizona Open Division quarterfinals.

Dropped: No. 13 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (8-1)
2. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (10-1)…sun-navy
3. Catholic Memorial, West Roxbury, Mass. (9-0)
4. St. Anthony’s, Mehlville, N.Y. (10-1)
5. Garnet Valley, Glens Mills, Pa. (11-0)

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 (12-1)
2. Cathedral, Indianapolis (10-1)
3. Belleville, Mich. (12-0)
4. Lakota West, West Chester, Ohio (13-0)
5. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (12-0)

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

Southland

1. Mill Creek, Hoschton, Ga. (10-1)
2. Bryant, Ark. (9-0)
3. Destrehan, La. (10-0)
4. Columbus, Miami (10-1)
5. Tupelo, Miss. (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. (11-0)
2. Los Alamitos, Calif. (9-2)
3. Kahuku, Hawaii (10-2)
4. Liberty, Peoria, Ariz. (10-0)
5. Folsom, Calif. (10-1)

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. 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.