GAMES TO THE THRONE: California rivals Mater Dei and St. John Bosco lead charge in Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason football rankings; No. 3 St. Frances Academy (MD) plays top schedule

BENSALEM, Pa. – The most exciting time of the year is almost here. The heat of August signifies the kickoff of another high school football season with the Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Rankings good to go.

Although the season does not start for the most part until the weekend of Aug. 25, states such as Alaska, Hawaii and Utah will get underway on Aug. 11. That’s just 10 days away and we just can’t wait for the early national matchups to unfold.

No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), who spent a good portion of the 2022 season atop the Elite 25 rankings return there to begin the term. The Monarchs went 12-1 and won the Trinity League title but were  knocked out of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoffs in the final by archrivals St. John Bosco (Bellflower), which coincidentally is the No. 2 in the preseason.

There are six head to head matchups with Elite 25 Preseason teams over the three weekends in late August and Labor Day.

No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and No. 5 Duncanville (Texas) round out the top-5.

 A breakdown of the Elite 25 preseason sees Texas and Florida with five schools apiece; California has four and Georgia checks in with two. There are schools from 13 states repped in the rankings.

 The Southland Region has 14 teams; seven from the Far West; three from the East and one from the Midlands.

 No. 25 Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) is the first team in action from the Elite 25 as the Chargers open on Aug.11 at Granger (West Valley City). The Chargers will be favored to win the Utah Class 6A state championship.

Well, we wish everyone all the best this season. It’s long haul until the end but only the strong will survive and Blue Star Media will chronicle it. Check back regularly for the updates. Our weekly rankings drop Tuesdays until the conclusion of the season in December.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings return on Aug. 22 to reflect the opening two weekends. And the Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings will drop in early September. Keep up on Twitter for the volleyball announcement.

Before we shove off, here the lineup for the GEICO ESPN High School Football Kickoff which will be held over two weekends, starting on Aug. 18 in Georgia.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Football Rankings, Aug. 1, 2023

Statistics and records are from the 2022 season and players are seniors unless denoted.

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (12-1)

The Rub: Frank McManus is the new head coach and winning state championships is the Monarchs’ way. The program aims for a fourth CIF state title since 2017 with a loaded roster. Stanford-bound QB Elijah Brown has thrown for nearly 6,400 yards and 76 touchdowns and is 29-1 as a starter. Junior RB Jordon Davison ran for 1,514 yards and 17 TDs while WR Jack Ressler (Oregon pledge), RB Nate Frazier, junior WR Marcus Harris (6-foot, 180 pounds, 12 TD receptions), RB Ajon Bryant and Marcus Brown are tremendous skill players. The offensive line features T Brandon Baker (6-5, 285), DeAndre Carter (6-4, 340) and transfer Kainoa Davis (6-5, 285). Defense returns 10 regulars with Aydin Breland (6-5, 290), Zeus Venegas (6-4, 255), junior edge Nasir Wyatt (6-2, 210, 13 sacks) and LB Tanner Williams up top and CB Zabien Brown (Alabama), S Jeilani Davis 9Utah) and juniors Daryus Dixson and Chuck McDonald in the secondary. The Monarchs play two schedules in one. First, the out of league slate and then the uber competitive Trinity League. The opening night is a possible preview of a CIF-Southern Section playoff game and there are games at Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.) and Kahuku (Hawaii). That’s a leadup to a pivotal national contest at No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) on Sept. 22. Of course, the rivalry game with No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) on Oct. 13 is for the Trinity title and likely the first of two meetings.

Opens: Aug. 18 at No. 12 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

2. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (13-1)

The Rub: The defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National and CIF Open Division state champions are back at the top of the rankings. The biggest change will be at quarterback, where Caleb Sanchez is expected to take over for Pierce Clarkson (now at Louisville). RB Cameron Jones rushed for 1,046 yards and scored 20 TDs and is a big piece in the backfield.  At 5-7, WR Stacy Dobbins is smallish but productive. Hayden Eligon II, Tommy Maher and Jones are reliable pass targets. Up front the O-line has King Large (6-4, 295) and juniors Matai Jefferson (6-4, 350) and Matthew Perdue (6-2, 285). The defense is another strong unit. Utah-bound DE Ashtin Kekahuna-Lopes transferred in from Nevada. LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (6-3, 230) is one of the nation’s best at his position and will sign with Notre Dame. He’s flanked by Khmori House and Jordan Lockhart. S Peyton Woodyard (Georgia) and CBs Marcelles Williams (USC) and Jason Mitchell secure the secondary. Coach Jason Negro’s team does not duck anyone. To wit, the opening five games see the Braves face opponents from Nevada, Maryland, Florida (two) and Hawaii. That includes No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) on Sept. 8 and No. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas on Aug. 26. They also will face top-ranked Mater Dei on Oct. 13 and Orange Lutheran on Oct. 27 in Trinity League play.

Opens: Aug. 18 vs. Liberty (Las Vegas, Nev.).

3. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (8-1)

The Rub: One of the most talented teams from the Elite 25 is an independent team from Maryland. The Panthers are balanced on both sides of the ball. The offense is led by QB Michael Van Buren (Oregon), RB DeJuan Williams (Maryland) and O-linemen Logan Bennett (6-6, 300, Michigan State) and Andre Weeks (UMass). On defense it’s junior CB Blake Woodby, CB Iffy Obidegwu (Oregon), junior lineman Trent Wilson (6-3, 275), S Edrees Farooq (Tennessee) and LBs Darius Jones (Wake Forest) and Simeon Coleman (Cincinnati). There’s something said to scheduling at the highest but the Panthers did just that. There are five Elite 25 teams on the docket, including No. 1 Mater Dei and No. 2 St. John Bosco. The season finale is at No. 3 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) on Nov. 17 and could decide who’s No. 1.

Opens: Aug. 18 at No. 10 Buford (Ga.).

4. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (8-1)

The Rub: Coach Billy Miller’s team is ready another go-around with the nation’s top-ranked player in Georgia-commit CB Ellis Robinson IV. He’ll have plenty of talent surrounding with DT David Stone (6-4, 280), RB Jerrick Gibson (Texas), Jonathan Echols (Tennessee), OG Jordan Seaton (6-5, 330), CB Jordan Johnson-Rubell (Texas), WR NiTareon Tuggle (Georgia), OT Jimothy Lewis (Mississippi State) and juniors RB Anthony Rogers (Alabama) and QB Jamar Malone (6-3, 205). Rogers rushed for 2,765 yards and 40 TDs in Alabama but transferred in for his last two years. The schedule sees the Ascenders playing teams from nine different states with the big date with No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) on Nov. 17 at home.

Opens: Aug. 18 at No. 24 Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.).

5. Duncanville, Texas (15-0)

The Rub: Last season was the crowning glory for coach Reginald Samples, who collected his first-ever state title in UIL Class 6A, Division I. The Panthers shoot for a second straight and return 10 starters, including six on offense. RB Caden Durham, who ran for 1,960 yards and scored 36 TDs, totes the rock, and junior QB Keelon Russell can chuck it (2,37 yards, 22 scores). WR Dakorien Moore is his most reliable pass catcher. DE Colin Simmons (6-3, 230) is a sack machine, recording 22.5 and 45 QB pressures as a junior and Texas-commit DE Alex January (6-5, 300), DB Ka’Davion Dotson (SMU) and DB Tyren Polley also return. The schedule isn’t easy but because life in District 11-6A features DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Waxahachie but the opener could be concerning.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

6. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (14-1)

The Rub: A year ago, the Gaels concluded a banner year with the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series championship while winning their 12th Nevada state title in the last 13 seasons. And this year, the Gaels have Hawaii-bound QB Micah Alejado (3,575 passing yards, 54 TDs, .758 completion percentage) pulling the strings on offense. TE Elija Lofton (6-2, 220) is considered the top recruit at his position and committed to Miami. In the trenches, OG S.J. Alofaituli (6-3, 285), C Alai Kalaniuvalu (6-4, 300) and OT Douglas Utu (6-6, 285) are prized juniors and Xander Ruggeroli (6-7, 275) is the senior leader. RB DeVon Rice is another Hawaii pledge and classmates WR Audric Harris (Arizona), RB Micah Kaapana (Michigan), Jaylon Raymond (Washington State) and LB Charles Correa (UNLV) are all off to BCS schools. Kaapana  ran for 1,001 yards and 15 scores last season. The Gaels play three of their first four games against Elite 25 Preseason squads and host No. 7 Central (Miami) on Sept. 1 and No. 12 Corona (Calif.) Centennial on Sept. 8.

Opens: Aug. 18 at No. 25 Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah).

7. Central, Miami (14-0)

The Rub: The Rockets are skyward again and shooting for a fifth consecutive FHSAA title after annexing the Class 2M state championship. Since 2010, second-year coach Jube Joseph’s program has won nine titles and a 10th is within grasp. Defensively, Central is scary with D-line monsters in T.A. Cunningham (Penn State), junior Armondo Blount (6-3, 255) and freshman T.K. Cunningham (6-5, 225). LBs Vincent Shavers (Miami) and junior Ezekiel Marcelin are at the heart of the defense and junior DB Amari Wallace and Jamari Howard diffuse the passing game. QB Bekkem Kritza transferred in from Santa Margarita (Calif.) will have WR/CB LaWayne McCoy to throw to and OT Teko Shoats (6-3, 286) blocking. Kritza is a top-10 QB and pocket passer from the Class of 2025. The scheduling highlights are at No. 6 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) on Sept. 1 and No. 14 Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood) on Sept. 21.

Opens: Aug. 18 at Vanguard (Ocala, Fla.).

8. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (14-0)

The Rub: The Raiders have won four straight state titles after winning the Class 3M chip last December. If a fifth happens, there are talented players ready to step up. Heading into his ninth season, coach Roger Harriott is 103-10. College committed seniors include RB Stacy Gage (Central Florida), RB Jordan Lyle (Ohio State), DB Earl Kulp (Purdue), LB Nicholas Rodriguez (Missouri) and WR Chance Robinson (Miami). WR James Madison II (six TDs) is fielding several big-time offers. Robinson had 29 receptions for 540 yards and 13 TDs. Rodriguez had 93  tackles (60 solos) and five sacks. The schedule opens with a bang but the rest of the way is less challenging but expect the Raiders will be there at the end.

Opens: Aug. 26 vs. No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.).

9. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (12-1)

The Rub: Once again, the Hawks will be in the thick of things in PIAA Class 6A playoffs, which they won last year for the seventh time in a decade. Well, an eighth is there for the taking with the crafty QB Samaj Jones (6-2, 215), a Cincinnati recruit, pulling the strings. He’ll stray the ball around to a trio of receivers WR Elijah Jones (5-11, 190, Cincinnati), Brandon Remann (6-1, 170, West Virginia) and David Washington Jr. (5-10, 190, Kentucky). Wisconsin-pledge CB Omillio Agard (5-11, 175) is a mainstay in the secondary and RB Kahseim “Caddy” Phillips (Towson) in the backfield. The junior class is well stocked too with OLB Anthony Sacca (6-4, 220), DT Maxwell Roy (6-4, 280) and RB Isaiah West (6-0, 210). Junior athlete Cam Smith (6-0, 195) transferred in from Salem (N.J.) and will help. Coach Tim Roken doesn’t mind scheduling big when the roster flush with BCS talent. The Hawks opener is a doozy followed by St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.), Lakeland (Fla.), Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) and then Philadelphia Catholic League rivals Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.).

Opens: Aug. 26 vs. No. 5 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) to be played in Ocean City, N.J.

10. Buford, Ga. (11-1)

The Rub: The Region 8-AAAAAAA title holders were bounced from the GHSA Class 7A playoffs in the second round but hope arrived this spring when the nation’s No. 1 signal caller and Georgia recruit Dylan Raiola (6-3, 225) transferred in from Chandler (Ariz.). In two previous seasons, he’s hit on 64% of his passes for thrown for nearly 5,800 yards and 54 TDs. Coach Bryant Appling is just the guy to bag the program’s 15th state championship but with stars like WR/DB K.J. Bolden, DE Eddrick Houston, S Tyshun White (North Carolina), RB/CB Kobi Blackwell, DE Marteece Dillard (Vanderbilt), junior LB Jadon Perlotte (Georgia), junior CB Devin Williams, junior LB Mantrez Walker (Michigan) and junior OT Brayden Jacobs (6-7, 310) in the hold it’s in touching distance. RB Justin Baker is a top junior and has Georgia and Michigan in pursuit. The schedule is challenging with Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.) and region rivals Mill Creek (Hoschton) and Collins Hill (Suwanee) in midseason but opening night will showcase the Wolves on a national stage.

Opens: Aug. 18 vs. No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

11. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (15-1)

The Rub: After advancing to the Class 6A, Division I final, the Mustangs fell short and so it’s a year of redemption. That task falls on the shoulders newly appointed coach Willie Gaston, who replaces Jon Kay (now at Rice). There’s a good mix of regulars back on both sides of the ball, 11 to be exact, and none more important QB Kaleb Bailey, considered the top offensive threat in District 21-6A. RB DeAndre Hardeman Jr. (1,021, 15 TDs) is the primary runner and WRs Christopher Barnes (14 TDs), Terrence Guillory and junior transfer Deion DeBlanc will benefit from Gaston’s offensive creativity. A fifth trip to the state final in six years is not out of the question.

Opens: Aug. 25 at The Woodlands.

12. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (9-2)

The Rub: The Huskies benefitted from the transfers in a big way as gifted junior QB Husan Longstreet is on board after leading Inglewood (Calif.) to the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 final. He’ll have the Iowa State-bound bound twins Wade and Brent Helton, both about 6-5 and 300 pounds along with Parker Smith (6-5, 300) and junior Drew Hill (6-3, 270). That means RB Cornell Hatcher is running for chunks of yardage and WR Jason Harris is a vertical target. The defense is fortified by DL Connor Warkentin (Boise State), LBs Syncere Brackett and Dez Polamalu and junior CB Tahj Crutchfield and Tayten Beyer (San Diego State). The out of conference schedule features Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.), Punahou School (Honolulu) and No. 6 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) with the latter on Sept. 8 in Nevada.

Opens: Aug. 18 vs. No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana).

13. DeSoto, Texas (14-2)

The Rub: With slippery QB Darius Bailey (5-10, 165, Sam Houston State recruit) at the controls, the Eagles are a major contender. Bailey (5-10, 175) passed for 3,870 yards and 45 TDs and has RBs Tiger Riden (1,342 yards rushing, 18 TDs) and Jaden Trawick (11 TDs) to lean on to advance the chains. OT Ronell McLain (6-4, 310) will sign with Houston. Three defenders, DE Jason Douglas (nine sacks), LB Brandon Booker (Stanford commit) and DB Mario Buford, lead the charge. Two of the top teams in the country, not to mention Texas, reside in District 11-6A. By the way, DeSoto and No. 5 Duncanville meet on Oct. 27 in assignment watching Friday night lights.

Opens: Aug. 25 at Allen.

14. Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, Hollywood, Fla. (13-1)

The Rub: Coach Dameon Jones guided the Lions to the Class 1M state title and a berth in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series, where they saw their win streak stopped at 24 games. The offense has plenty of firepower with 6-6 QB Cedrick Bailey (North Carolina State), RB Davion Gause (North Carolina), WRs Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Joshisa Trader (Miami). Bailey threw for 3,355 yards and 45 TDs and rushed for two more. Athletic, hard-hitting FS Zaquan Patterson (69 tackles, 2 INTs), who has high-level program chasing.

The Lions have a schedule that is adventuresome to say the least. Four of the first six games are versus Elite 25 teams, including St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), American Heritage (Plantation) and Central (Miami). If they are unscathed late September, look out!

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

15. Mission Viejo, Calif. (10-2)

The Rub: The Diablos are loaded on the O-line with UCLA-bound OT Mark Scroller (6-6, 275) the main man and in the backfield. RBs Hinesward Lilomaiava (5 TDs) and Chase Valousky (4 TDs) will carry the ball and WR/S Travis Anderson (Boise State) is a two-way player. The defense is punctuated by junior edge Jaden Williams (6-4, 240) and the secondary has CB Dijon Lee (6-4, 180), one of the state’s top-ranked players from the Class of 2025, and CB Treyvon Tolmaire (5-11, 170). Sophomore QB Luke Fahey is promise and his coach and former NFL signal-caller Chad Johnson is the perfect mentor.

Opens: Aug. 18 vs. El Camino (Oceanside).

16. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (15-1)

The Rub: The Eagles are Ohio’s finest and that’s saying something. After claiming the last two Division I state championships and six since 2010, coach Tom Lombardo’s squad is looking for the three-peat. It won’t be easy. The O-line is one of the nation’s best and Big Ten flavored with Michigan-bound Ben Roebuck (6-7, 317) and twins Deontae and Devontae Armstrong off to Ohio State, junior C Archer Soltis (6-2, 305), Troy Regovich (6-5, 270) and TE Michael Balogh (6-4, 235). Offensive weapons include QB Casey Bullock (Davidson commit), RB Josh Groudle, and WR Eddie Andrews (4.4 speed). On defense, it’s LB Jon Slaper (6-0, 210), CB Cam Boone, junior LB/RB Nate Gregory and S Xavier Styles (6-2, 190). A check of the schedule proves daunting with two out of state opponents to open the season, including Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) on Aug. 27. The Ohio portion has Elder (Cincinnati), Massillon, St. Ignatius (Cleveland), Moeller (Cincinnati) and Archbishop Hoban (Akron)

Opens: Aug. 19 vs. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.) in Canton, Ohio.

17. Westlake, Austin, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: If the Chaparrals are run heavy this year, the anchors up front are O-linemen Tyler Knape (6-4, 280), Jared Risinger and Jake Helms. Knape is a future Cal Bear. Smallish RB Jack Kayser (1,541, 26 TDs) is the recipient of the gaping holes and will be a major part of the offense until a passing game with Paxton Land (1,593 passing yards, 17 scores) meshes. The secondary is the strength of the defense with Denim Collins and Judson Crockett the stalwarts. The District 28-6A crown usually is decided when the Chaps and Lake Travis (Austin) meet and this season it’s on Sept. 22.

Opens: Aug. 25 at Ridge Point (Missouri City).

18. Katy, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: Never sleep on a Gary Joseph-coached team. The Tigers were sneaky last year with a perfect 8-0 mark in District 19-6A (outside of Houston) and a berth in the Class 6A, Division II semifinals. Expect another deep run and more challenges in the district from Tompkins, Jordan and Cinco Ranch. In the meantime, a powerful O-line Coen Echols (6-4, 285) and Patrick McMath paves the way for RB Chase Johnsey (8 TDs). TE Luke Carter will sign with North Texas. DB Jed Olotu-Judah is the experienced man on defense and Dakyus Brinkley (Kansas) brings the heat from the edge. Joseph will have the Tigers humming by midseason and the playoffs are simply a manifestation of his tireless work ethic.

Opens: Aug. 26 vs. Clear Springs.

19. Colquitt County, Norman Park, Ga. (13-1)

The Rub: There’s quality with Florida State-pledge TE Landen Thomas and speedy WR Ny Carr (Georgia, 10 TD receptions) on the Packers’ roster, two of the top instate players from the Class of 2024. Dual-threat QB Neko Fann passed for 2,645 yards and 30 TDs and ran for 535 yards and six scores. OT Turk Daniels is the main pass protector. LB Nicholas Pace (162 tackles, 2 INT) was the team’s top tackler a year ago. The season opener is against a South Carolina powerhouse but the Region 1-7A slate with Camden County (Kingsland), Lowndes (Valdosta) and Valdosta should give the Packers reason to believe they are a contender once the playoffs get underway. GHSA Class 7A will be one of the nation’s top postseason tournaments.

Opens: Aug. 19 vs. Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.).

20. Basha, Chandler, Ariz. (12-1)

The Rub: After capturing the first-ever Arizona Open Division state championship, the Bears return with QB Desmond Williams III (Arizona recruit), CB/RB Miles Lockhart (Ohio State) and WRs Bryson Dedmon and Mason Arhin as the senior core four. The secondary is the top in Arizona with Lockhart, BYU-bound S Tommy Prassas, Jameson Stamps and SS Vince Lenzy. The schedule features Saguaro (Scottdale) on Sept. 8 and East Valley rivals Hamilton (Chandler) and Chandler in October.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Westwood (Mesa).

21. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (13-2)

The Rub: There’s a sense coming out of Broward County that the best is yet to come. The playmakers are all underclassmen with sophomores QB Dia Bell and WR Malachi Toney and junior runners Deandre Desinor and Byron Louis pacing the offensive. The senior leader is OT Jimmy Williams III (6-5, 295), who will sign with Louisville. The Patriots have a quality schedule in the first six games with St. John’s College (Washington), No. 14 Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood) and Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) all at home.

Opens: Aug. 25 vs. St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.).

22. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (11-1)

The Rub: The Crusaders are going for a rare treble in New Jersey’s Non-Public A, considered one of the nation’s most coveted state championships. Junior QB Dominic Campanile (1,148 yards, 14 TDs) should throw for way more yards and with junior WR Quincy Porter (35 catches, 662 yards, 11 scores) returning it’s a great start. Georgia-bound OT Nyier Daniels (6-6, 340) and DL Elijah Kinsler (6-3, 265) are the main men on the lines. Junior Naiim Parrish can play either side of the ball with athletic skills and S/RB Kaj Sanders (Rutgers) patrols the secondary and grinds as a ball carrier. The schedule is loaded with the likes of instate rivals St. Joseph Regional (Montvale), DePaul Catholic (Wayne), Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) and St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City) but a road date at No. 14 Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood, Fla.) Sept. 8 is a real test.

Opens: Aug. 25 at Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic.

23. Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. (13-0)

The Rub: The changing of the guard saw coach Trent Dilfer leave for the head gig at UAB in November. Not bad at all. So, the two-time Division II, Class AA state champions went the NFL route again hiring former all-pro lineman Kevin Mawae as head coach. Mawae has NFL coaching experience and will use it to mentor players such as Tennessee-recruit DB Kaleb Beasley and LB Edwin Spillman. The Class of 2025 features QB Jackson Kilburg, OT Chauncey Gooden (6-4, 323) and LB Kris Thompson.

Opens: Aug. 18 vs. No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.).

24. Bixby, Okla. (14-1)

The Rub: The Sooner State might be one of those underappreciated prep football states but coach Loren Montgomery has built a powerhouse program on the plains. When you win the gold ball in Class 6A-I in your first year and seven of eight in 6A-II, that’s an impressive run. Versatile back Kordell Gouldsby (10 TDs) can catch, run and throw it with the best. WR/OLB Sam McCormick will have more balls thrown in his direction this season. The quarterback position is up for grabs but experienced senior Clay Peters should get the nod. The O-line is savvy with Brody Duffel (6-5, 260) as its leader.

Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Owasso to be played at University of Tulsa University’s Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

25. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (11-3)

The Rub: It was a bitter ending to last season when the Chargers were denied in the Class 6A final by rivals Skyridge (Lehi). QB Isaac Wilson, a Utah recruit and brother of Jets backup Zach Wilson, is ready to sling it after hitting on 238 of 385 passes (61.8%) for 3,772 yards and 40 TDs and rushing for 694 yards and 5 scores. Clearly his favorite target is WR Tate Kjar (coach’s son) who nabbed 103 balls for 1,664 yards and a whopping 18 TDs. OT Isaiah Garcia (6-5, 280) transferred in and is a QB protector. Edge rusher Kash Dillon (6-5, 220) and LB Bo Tate (6-1, 200) paced the defense. The Chargers get tested early hosting No. 6 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) on Aug. 18 and Bingham (South Jordan) on Oct. 6. Coach Eric Kjar’s team is built for the long run.

Opens: Aug.11 at Granger (West Valley City).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (8-4)
2. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (8-3)
3. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (9-3)
4. Iona Prep, New Rochelle, N.Y. (9-3)
5. Toms River (N.J.) North (14-0)

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

Midwest

1. Moeller, Cincinnati (13-2)
2. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (6-4)
3. Belleville, Mich. (14-0)
4. Center Grove, Greenwood, Ind. (12-2)
5. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (13-1)

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

Southland

1. Mill Creek, Hoschton, Ga. (14-1)
2. Carrollton, Ga. (14-1)
3. Langston Hughes, Fairburn, Ga. (14-0)
4. Thompson, Alabaster, Ala. (11-3)
5. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (14-1)

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

Far West

1. Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (8-3)
2. Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (7-5)
3. Los Alamitos, Calif. (9-3)
4. Kahuku, Hawaii (12-2)
5. Saguaro, Scottsdale, Ariz. (9-4)

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 2021 season. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.