No. 8 Miami Central (FL), No. 13 St. Edward (OH) record key wins; Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings static for the first time this season

BENSALEM, Pa. – It was a quiet week for the Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings.

There was no movement with 22 teams winning and three sitting out this week with a bye.

No. 8 Central (Miami) stopped Booker T. Washington (Miami), 36-19, to record an impressive win in south Florida. In Ohio, No. 13 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) edged Elder (Cincinnati) by three points in a game that could be a preview for the OHSAA Division I title game. Both teams are among the top-5 in Ohio’s largest division and could meet again in December for the hardware.

It might have been quiet on the Elite 25 front but the biggest news came out of the United Kingdom with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8. Her reign began in 1952 and stretched 70 years. The Queen was aged 96.

The world has always been fascinated by the Royal Family but Elizabeth was particularly the steady hand that ruled. She was dignified, generally beloved and will be missed. She served the people of the United Kingdom and the commonwealths and God.

She will be interned on Sept. 19 at Windsor Castle in London. God Save the Queen!

We’re sure the world will be watching.

OK, back to the gridiron where this weekend are two televised games of interest.

The GEICO ESPN High School Showcase features a doubleheader this weekend, starting on Thursday with No. 4 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) heading south to face Lehigh (Lehigh Acres, Fla.) at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Then it’s an intersectional matchup in Nevada as No. 11 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) entertains Brookwood (Snellville, Ga.) at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

That’s it for another week.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings return on Sept. 20, chronicling the first six weeks of play. Don’t forget to check out the latest Blue Star Media Net 25 volleyball rankings.

Also, say a prayer for all those affected or lost their lives on 9/11. It’s hard to believe but it’s been 21 years and I remember like it was yesterday. I live about 10 miles from the site of the former World Trade Centers. Ground Zero continues to amaze and give back following the attack on America.

Until then remain safe. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings, Sept. 13, 2022

1. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (3-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Overwhelmed Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.), 49-0. The Braves exploded for a 35-0 lead at halftime.

Next: Saturday vs. Kahuku (Hawaii) in the Trinity Showcase.

2. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (4-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated La Mirada, 35-0. The defense pitches their second shutout of the term. Junior WR Marcus Brown has 13 receptions, six of which have gone for touchdowns.

Next: Friday vs. Mililani (Honolulu) at the Trinity Showcase in Bellflower.

3. Westlake, Austin, Texas (3-0)

Previous: 3.

Recap: Defeated Akins (Austin), 56-6. The Chaps will take the weekend off with a 43-game win streak.

Next: Sept. 23 vs. Lake Travis (Austin).

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

Previous: 4.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Thursday at Venice (Fla.).

5. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (3-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated Westfield (Spring), 55-25.

Next: Sept. 23 at Beaumont United.

6. Buford, Ga. (3-0)

Previous: 6.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. Carver (Atlanta).

7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (3-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Cocoa, 42-14. It was business as usual in Broward County.

Next: Friday at Western (Davie).

8. Central, Miami (2-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated Booker T. Washington (Miami), 36-19. RB Johnathan Harris rushed for two touchdowns and QB Keyone Jenkins tossed three scores, including a pair to Cataurus Hicks.

Next: Friday at Carol City (Miami Gardens).

9. Chandler, Ariz. (2-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Defeated Corona del Sol (Tempe), 50-0. In two games, the Wolves have outscored foes 113-7. It’s less than two weeks until the ballyhooed matchup with No. 25 Saguaro (Scottsdale).

Next: Thursday vs. Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale).

10. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (3-0)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Cedar Hill, 47-6.

Next: Friday vs. Timber Creek (Keller).

11. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (3-1)

Previous: 11.

Recap: Shut out Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), 45-0, in the Polynesian Classic in Las Vegas. Junior QB Micah Alejado threw for 265 yards and four TDs on 13-of-21 accuracy.  WR Trech Kekahuna caught seven balls for 149 and scores from 26, 29 and 52 yards.

Next: Friday vs. Brookwood (Snellville, Ga.).

12. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (2-1)

Previous:12.

Recap: Crushed East (Salt Lake City, Utah), 63-13. It was 21-13 at the break before the Ascenders racked up 21 points in the each of the third and fourth quarters.

Next: Sept. 23 at Phenix City (Ala.) Central.

13. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (4-0)

Previous: 13.

Recap: Defeated Elder (Cincinnati), 17-14.

Next: Friday at Massillon.

14. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (3-1)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Rolled over JSerra (San Juan Capistrano), 41-0.

Next: Friday at Temecula Valley (Temecula).

15. Duncanville, Texas (2-0)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Friday vs. Lake Ridge (Mansfield).

16. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (4-0)

Previous: 16.

Recap: Defeated Spartanburg (S.C.), 51-24. Darren Coleman returned a kick to the house from 98 yards and Jalen Smith had a 46-yard, pick-six as the Rams piled up 31 points in the opening quarter.

Next: Sept. 23 at Lowndes County (Valdosta).

17. Denton (Texas) Guyer (3-0)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Defeated Lancaster, 50-27. Oklahoma-bound signal caller Jackson Arnold hit on 14 of 22 passes for 305 yards and three scores. RB Trey Joyner and TE Si Stovall scored a pair of TDs apiece.

Next: Friday vs. Prosper.

18. Katy, Texas (3-0)

Previous: 18.

Recap: Defeated Katy Tompkins, 14-13.

Next: Friday vs. Katy Morton Ranch.

19. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (3-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: The Crusaders grinded a 21-6 victory at Delbarton School (Morristown). D.J. Samuels broke open the game in the fourth quarter, dashing 69 yards for a TD that closed out the scoring when it was close at 14-6.

Next: Saturday vs. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange).

20. Longview, Texas (3-0)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Trounced Tyler Legacy, 69-0. The Lobos have allowed 21 points in three games but that could change with a rivalry showdown on tap.

Next: Friday at Lufkin.

21. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (4-0)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Glades Central (Belle Glade), 56-0.

Next: Friday vs. No. 22 Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood, Fla.).

22. Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, Hollywood, Fla. (3-0)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Blasted Northwestern (Miami), 42-14. The game was knotted 7 through one quarter but the Lions led 21-7 at the intermission and tacked on 21 points in the third to put away a quality opponent.

Next: Friday vs. No. 21 American Heritage (Plantation).

23. Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. (4-0)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Defeated Calvert Hall College (Baltimore), 35-0. The Mustangs recorded their second straight shutout.

Next: Friday vs. Franklin Road Academy (Nashville).

24. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (2-1)

Previous: 24.

Recap: Defeated St. Joseph Regional (Montvale), 44-35. QB Nick Minicucci tossed three TDs passes for sprinted for another late in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

Next: Friday vs. Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.).

25. Saguaro, Scottsdale, Ariz. (1-1)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Edged Queen Creek, 13-8. The Sabercats survived a late drive and recovered a fumble deep in their own territory.

Next: Friday vs. O’Connor (Phoenix).

Dropped: None.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (2-1)
2. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (2-1)
3. Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va. (2-0)
4. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (2-1)
5. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (2-1)

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 (4-0)
2. Lakota West, West Chester, Ohio (4-0)
3. Mount Carmel, Chicago, (3-0)
4. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (3-0)
5. Belleville, Mich. (3-0)

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

Southland

1. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (4-0)
2. Clay-Chalkville, Pinson, Ala. (4-0)
3. Bixby, Okla. (3-0)
4. St. Xavier, Louisville, Ky. (3-0)
5. Zachary, La. (2-0)

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

Far West

1. Serra, San Mateo, Calif. (3-0)
2. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (4-0)
3. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (4-0) %
4. Basha, Chandler, Ariz. (2-0)
5. Skyridge, Lehi, Utah (5-0)

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

% Includes a forfeit win

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.