BENSALEM, Pa. – This is the time of year when the Blue Star Media Elite 25 high school football rankings get a workout. When Florida, Ohio and California released their playoff brackets, the remaining two states of influence left are Texas and Georgia.

Those latter two states will wrap up the regular season this weekend, cementing the first-round pairings. The first thing we do when the brackets are revealed is to see the path to a championship for the Elite 25 teams. The opening two rounds are usually very winnable but the potholes pop up when teams reach the quarterfinals, regional final or the semifinals.

For those who are most interested in the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, where No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) are seeded, the action starts Nov. 15. The semifinals are Nov. 22 and the final is Nov. 30 or Thanksgiving weekend at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Mater Dei and Bosco are on the opposite ends of the Division 1 bracket and would meet with sectional title on the line.

There is some movement in the backend of the Elite 25 with two notable programs sliding in.

No. 18 Southlake (Texas) Carroll is undefeated and one win away from a perfect regular that should occur on Thursday. The Dragons are the fifth Texas Class 6A team in the Elite 25. Annually, Class 6A (Division I and II) is the most prestigious state championship. It takes six wins to wear the crown and high-pressure games regularly draw crowds of 50,000 and beyond in cities like Dallas and Houston. Next week we’ll set up the Texas playoffs.

No. 19 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) returns to the Elite 25 with a gaudy 9-1 record and will open the Class 4A playoffs Friday and a heavy favorites to win an 11^th Nevada state title. Eleven is not a misprint.

Once we reach the weekend of Nov. 15-16, the nation is griped by schoolboy playoff football and it’s that special time of the year. We’ll do our best to keep you updated.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings will return on Nov. 12. And for those who follow boys’ basketball, the Elite 25 preseason rankings will be released on Wednesday (Nov. 6). Check back this week for the latest on the hardwood.

If you haven’t already attended a football game this season you still have a reprieve in the state playoffs. We hope to see you at a game soon. — Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Football Rankings Nov. 5, 2019

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

Previous rank: 1.

Recap: Crushed JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano), 51-14, to claim the Trinity League championship and record a perfect regular season. Leading 14-7 after one quarter, the Monarchs erupted for 34 points in the second and were up 41-7 at the intermission. Clemson-bound QB Bryce Young got the offense untracked with five touchdown passes, including a pair to WR Kody Epps. Young went 17 for 17 for 373 yards. Ray Leulele added a 33-yard pick-six.

Next: Nov. 15 vs. Bishop Amat (La Puente) in CIF-Southern Section Division I first round.

2. Duncanville, Texas (9-0)

Previous: 2.

Recap: Defeated Richardson, 59-0. QB Ja’Quinden Jackson ran for 143 yards and three TDs and RB added three TDs in the first half during the rout.

Next: Thursday vs. Molina (Dallas).

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

Previous: 3.

Recap: Routed Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita), 56-10. After a loss in the previous week, the Braves bounced back with 21 points in each of the first two quarters. QB DJ Uiagalelei threw for four TDs from 54, 20, 8, and 28 yards to four different receivers in the opening half. RB Nathaniel scored from 9 yards in the first quarter.

Next: Nov. 15 vs. Calabasas in CIF-Southern Section Division I first round.

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

Previous: 4.

Recap: The Raiders recorded a perfect regular season, beating Western (Davie), 41-16.

Trailing 7-3 in third quarter, Jaden McBurrows broke open the game with a 99-yard kickoff return for a score and in the next series Tyson Russell’s 55-yard pick-six made it 17-7. QB Zion Turner threw and rushed for a TD in the second half. Colby Dempsey paced the defense with two interceptions, including a pick-six in the third quarter from 29 yards.

Next: Friday vs. South Broward (Hollywood) in Class 7A, Region 4 quarterfinals.

5. Katy, Texas (9-0)

Previous: 5.

Recap: Defeated Mayde Creek (Houston), 47-0. It was the third straight shutout for the Tigers and fourth this season.

Next: Thursday vs. Katy Taylor.

6. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (9-1)

Previous: 6.

Recap: The Panthers were awarded a forfeit win against Clarkson Football North (Mississauga, Ontario). Two games remain in the season.

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

7. Saint Louis School, Honolulu (10-0)

Previous: 7.

Recap: Defeated Punahou School (Honolulu), 21-14, in Interscholastic League of Honolulu Open Division final. QB QB Jayden de Laura, a Washington State commit, opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 22-yard run. He added a 4-yard TD run in the second quarter for a 14-0 lead. De Laura’s 12-yard TD run on the final play of the third quarter broke a 14-all tie and clinched the title. The Crusaders are off for three weeks when they resume the playoffs.

Next: Nov. 22 vs. Mililani in Hawaii Open Division semifinals.

8. Allen, Texas (9-0)

Previous: 8.

Recap: Defeated Prosper, 35-7. SMU-bound QB Raylen Sharpe passed for 321 yards, including 203 in the third quarter along, and three TDs and rushed for two more. Sharpe hit Taijon Jackson for a 67-yarder in the third.

Next: Friday at Plano West.

9. Lakeland, Fla. (10-0)

Previous: 9.

Recap: Idle. The Dreadnaughts open their Class 7A title defense at home.

Next: Friday vs Wiregrass Ranch (Wesley Chapel) in Class 7A, Region 2 quarterfinals.

10. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (8-1)

Previous: 10.

Recap: Defeated Beaumont United, 42-14. The Mustangs finish the regular season against a rival.

Next: Friday at Channelview.

11. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (9-0-1)

Previous: 11.

Recap: Defeated White Knoll (Lexington), 41-14, for the a 35^th straight game without a loss. RB Jalin Hyatt scored a pair of TDs. The Silver Foxes are aiming for a fourth consecutive state crown.

Next: Friday vs. Chapin in Class AAAAA first round.

12. Lowndes County, Valdosta, Ga. (10-0)

Previous: 12.

Recap: Defeated then-No. 17 Colquitt County (Norman Park), 28-17. Georgia’s top-ranked team captured the Region 1 title for the second time in three years.

Next: Nov. 15 in Class AAAAAAA first round.

13. Longview, Texas (9-0)

Previous: 13.

Recap: Defeated Lee (Tyler), 49-7. The Lobos conclude the regular season this weekend.

Next: Friday at Mesquite.

14. McEachern, Powder Springs, Ga. (9-0)

Previous: 14.

Recap: Defeated North Cobb (Kennesaw), 34-7.

Next: Friday at North Paulding (Dallas).

15. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (9-1)

Previous: 15.

Recap: Thumped Hoover (Ala.), 38-7. The Ascenders do not compete for a state championship. Season complete.

16. Mentor, Ohio (10-0)

Previous: 19.

Recap: Defeated Strongsville, 56-21. The Cardinals record their first unbeaten regular season since 2003. QB Ian Kipp threw for three TDs in the opening half.

Next: Friday vs. Cleveland Heights in Division I, Region 1 first round.

17. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (9-1)

Previous: 20.

Recap: Defeated Clayton Valley Charter (Concord), 56-14. The Spartans raced to a 35-0 lead in the first quarter. RB Shamar Garrett rushed 19 yards early in the first quarter to make it 7-0 and then tossed a 50-yarder to Lumagia Hearns. QB Dorian Hale then added a throwing and running scores. The sectional playoffs were pushed back a week due to area power outages and wildfires.

Next: Nov. 15 or 16 in CIF-North Coast Section playoffs.

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

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Defeated VR Eaton (Fort Worth), 56-17. The Dragons have one more game before the Class 6A, Division I playoffs get underway.

Next: Thursday at Timber Creek (Fort Worth).

19. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (9-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Recap: Overwhelmed Clark (Las Vegas), 62-0, in the regular season finale. The Gaels are a heavy favorite to win a 11^thstraight state championship and will begin that quest this weekend.

Next: Friday vs. Coronado (Henderson) in the Class 4A Desert Region quarterfinals.

20. Archbishop Hoban, Akron, Ohio (9-1)

Previous: 21.

Recap: Defeated Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (Chardon), 38-13. RB Vic Dawson had a career night carrying only 10 times for 225 yards and three TDs on runs of 73, 55 and 21 yards. The Knights won the North Coast Conference Blue Division title.

Next: Friday vs. Alliance in Division II, Region 5 first round.

21. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (8-1)

Previous: 22.

Recap: Defeated Rockdale County (Conyers), 41-0. The Rams post their first shutout this season.

Next: Friday vs. South Gwinnett (Snellville).

22. O’Dea, Seattle (8-0)

Previous: 23.

Recap: Idle. The Class 3A state playoffs open next week.

Next: Nov. 15 or 16 in Class 3A first round.

23. Eastside Catholic, Sammamish, Wash. (7-1)

Previous: 24.

Recap: Idle.

Next: Nov. 15 or 16 in Class 3A first round.

24. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (7-2)

Previous: 25.

Recap: Shut out Father Judge (Philadelphia), 49-0, in Class AAAAAA Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals. The Hawks set the tone on the first play of the when Kolbe Burrell darted 62 yards for a score. He added another from 35 yards to give the Hawks a 21-0 lead. Anthony Rightly’s pick-six capped a 28-point first period. Sophomore RB Josh Barlow run for a pair of long TDs.

Next: Saturday vs. La Salle College (Wyndmoor) vs. Class AAAAAA Philadelphia Catholic League final.

25. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (8-2)

Previous: 17.

Recap: Lost to No. 12 Lowndes County (Valdosta), 28-17.

Next: Nov. 15 in Class AAAAAAA first round.

Dropped: No. 16 John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.) and No. 18 St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (8-1)
2. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C (8-1)
3. Highland Springs, Va. (9-0)
4. Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (9-1)
5. Iona Prep, New Rochelle, N.Y. (8-0)

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

Midwest

1. Muskegon, Mich. (10-0)
2. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (9-1)
3. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (10-0)
4. Muskego, Wis. (11-0) …FR
5. Bellevue (Neb.) West (10-0)

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

Southland

1. McGill-Toolen, Mobile, Ala. (10-0)
2. Archbishop Rummel, Metairie, La. (9-0)
3. Marietta, Ga. (7-2)
4. Oakland, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (10-0)
5. Owasso, Okla. (9-0)

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

Far West

1. Chandler, Ariz. (10-0)
2. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (11-0)
3. Mission Viejo, Calif. (10-0)
4. Lake Stevens, Wash. (9-0)
5. Tigard, Ore. (9-0)

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.