READY TO GO: Mater Dei (CA), St. John Bosco (CA), Westlake (TX) atop Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason football rankings; 5 Texas teams featured

BENSALEM, Pa. – The stars and planets are aligned in the high school football universe. The clouds have parted and the sun is smiling upon us. For the last 12 months, we wondered when and if the football would return as a whole.

Well, thanks to the resolve and the strength, and not to mention vaccines from our big pharma, we have sacked the COVID-19 coronavirus and the season will kick off this month as scheduled. And that means the Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason rankings officially dropped today. For more than a decade on this website, the Elite 25 have told the stories of the players, games, championships and coaches nationwide.

It is our honor to keep the tradition going and we’re going to plow through the season with weekly rankings from now until the conclusion of the season in late December. Last season, we had a split season with a majority of states playing in the fall and others followed in the late winter or springtime. We released the final 2020-21 rankings in June but vowed to finish what we started last August. Yes, we waited until all seasons ended before declaring that Westlake (Austin, Texas) was the Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions. The Chaparrals (15-0) won their second straight UIL Class 6A state championship by capturing the Class 6A, Division 1 crown in January.

This year the focus swings back to the West Coast, where neighboring rivals, No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), hold down the top-two slots in the Elite 25 preseason rankings. In the last decade, the Trinity League blood rivals have captured Blue Star Media National Championships, with Bosco winning it all in 2019. Both teams are playing national-themed schedules in August and September only to give way for a regular season meeting on Oct. 1 in Bellflower. This is likely the first of two meetings between the squads with the second in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

A quick breakdown of the Elite 25 rankings features five schools from Texas, four from California, three from Florida and two from Georgia. The Southland Region has 12 teams and the Far West has seven.

In Texas, No. 12 Southlake Carroll was in line for a state championship but that quest took a major hit when five-star quarterback Quinn Ewers decided to forego his senior year and enroll early at Ohio State. He did just that earlier this week. Ewers stood to leave about $1 million from his Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Ewers is a hit on social media and as the nation’s top schoolboy signal-caller, he would profit. However, the University Interscholastic League or Texas’ high school governing body does not allow its student-athletes to profit off NIL. So, Ewers bolted for Columbus, Ohio and the Carroll Dragons will lean on an untested junior QB Kaden Anderson. That’s something we’ll updated weekly.

A new wrinkle this season is Friday Night America, where we will post the weekly scores on Fridays. We’ll send it out on Twitter and then have a link to the website. That’s something we worked throughout the offseason. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @clawlor. That will ensure all games will get to you, even from the Pacific and Hawaii Time Zones, before you nod off for the night or awake Saturday mornings looking for all the Elite 25 scores.

Late nights are ahead!

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings will return prior to the Labor Day Weekend on August 31. We traditionally release the Elite 25 preseason rankings in late July or early August, depending how the calendar breaks, and then allow the teams to get a few games under their belts before reshuffling the deck after a host of national games that will reshape the Elite 25.

We’re excited the season is back in full and with states such as Utah, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana and Kentucky getting started in the next 10 days that’s just further proof we are within touching distance. That shows normalcy has returned especially in the south Pacific, where football in Hawaii was cancelled the last academic year.

It’s good to be back and leave the coronavirus in the rearview mirror. Remember get vaccinated. The sooner we close in on 100% the better off the nation will be. There’s a new variant ramping up, so get jabbed. It doesn’t hurt and I received the Moderna vaccines in May.

So, keep strong, enjoy the upcoming season and we hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Football Rankings, Aug. 3, 2021

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (5-0)

The Rub: What a shame the pandemic wreaked havoc on last season when the Monarchs were showcasing some of the nation’s top talent only to play a shortened spring season. Well, coach Bruce Rollinson is simply reloading and get this: gifted QB Elijah Brown is only a sophomore and is on track to become a four-year starter. That includes a perfect mark in the unforgiving Trinity League, where he hit on 74-of-107 passes for 973 yards and 15 touchdowns. Oklahoma-commit RB Raleek Brown rushed for 367 yards and 5 TDs on 53 carries and another weapon, WR C.J. Williams, who will sign with Notre Dame, caught 50 balls for 684 yards and 4 TDs. At 6 feet 1 inch, 190 pounds, Southern California-bound Domani Jackson is considered the nation’s No. 2 cornerback. The O-line features sophomore road-grader DeAndre Carter (6-5, 350) and junior BJ Tolo (6-2, 325) and D-line Aydin Breland (6-5, 315) another blue-chipper from the Class of 2024. LB David Bailey (6-3, 220) is a tackling machine with mostly Pac-12 interest. The Monarchs have an adventuresome schedule but are chock full of talent with at least 28 players earning at least an offer from a Bowl Championship Series program. That’s impressive! The annual showdown for the Trinity League title is Oct. 1 against No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) and they’ll meet again in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division final.

Opens: Aug. 20 vs. Corona Centennial.

2. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (5-1)

The Rub: Since 2013, the Braves have annexed three CIF state championships, with the last one in 2019 when the entire nation played in the fall. The biggest recruit is from the Class of 2024 with Matayo Uiagalelei (6-6, 265) as a top-notch edge rusher and TE. Under center, it’s 6-3, 200 pounder, Katin Houser (Michigan State recruit) and junior Pierce Clarkson, whose father Steve is one of the nation’s top QB gurus. RBs RB Rayshon Luke and Jabari Bates will run the ball with authority and Junior WR Jahlil McClain (5-10, 180) has offers from Arizona State, Pittsburgh, Arizona, Louisville and Oregon among others. OT Earnest Greene (6-5, 330) is a massive, talent. On defense, the Braves are led by LB Jalen Woods (UCLA), DTs Nathan Burrell (California) and Jarius Satele (Navy), CB Tayvion Beasley and S Sione Hala (Boston College). A spot check of the Braves’ schedule contains games against ranked teams Central (Miami), Alemany (Mission Hills, Calif.) and Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.), and then two within the Trinity League with top-ranked Mater Dei and No. 23 Servite (Anaheim).

Opens: Aug. 20 vs. No. 21 Central (Miami, Fla.).

3. Westlake, Austin, Texas (14-0)

The Rub: The eyes of Texas are cast upon the Chaparrals to start the season. Coach Todd Dodge’s team is the defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions and the UIL Class 6A, Division title holders. Dodge said in July that he is stepping down following his eight season the state capital. He has an 88-11 record, with two state titles and Chapparals enter the term with a 24-game win streak. This might not be a vintage Westlake team but don’t mention it to the 8 returning starts with 6 on offense. Clemson-bound QB Cade Klubnik, the state player of the year, totaled 3,495 passing yards and 35 TDs and ran for 583 more yards and 15 scores. WR Jaden Greathouse (1,145 yards) is Klubnik’s main pass-catcher. Expect the O-line with Connor Robertson, Bray Lynch, Jack Griffin and Michael McKelvey to pave the way. DB Carter Barksdale and LB Jacob Leopold are experienced defenders. K Charlie Barnett is an offensive weapon. The Chaps have played in two straight championship teams and the No. 1 pole preseason position in Texas won’t faze them. The District 26-6A title boils down to rival Lake Travis (Austin) but Bowie (Austin) and Hays Consolidated (Buda) aren’t backing down.

Opens: Aug. 27 at Temple.

4. Collins Hill, Suwanee, Ga. (12-3)

The Rub: The Eagles are prime for big things in 2021 and there’s few better championships than winning Georgia’s Class AAAAAAA. If you capture the hardware in this classification, it’s one of the most coveted titles in the nation. Coach Lenny Gregory’s squad returns a leader in QB Sam Horn (3,910 yards, 41 TDs), who’s headed to Missouri, and DB/WR Travis Hunter, a Florida State recruit (No. 2 overall). Junior TE Ethan Davis (6-5, 220) is a big target for Horn but the linebacking corps is led by Rich Dorsey (162 tackles) and junior Dion Crawford (6-2, 217). The early schedule is highlighted by a visit from American Heritage (Delray Beach, Fla.) and a trip to Rome (Ga.) on Sept. 10.

Opens: Aug. 21 vs. Brookwood (Snellville) at the Corky Kell Classic in Atlanta.

5. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (8-0)

The Rub: Winning and preparing the players for the “next level” has served the Ascenders quite well. In late June, the Ascenders hired former NFL assistant and Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants Pepper Johnson as the head coach. Johnson was the defensive coordinator a year ago and became the fourth head coach in program history. The QB is Florida State-commit A.J. Duffy. Johnson will have three key pieces on defense: junior LB Malik Bryant (6-3, 228), DB Daylen Everette (Clemson) and massive junior two-way lineman Francis Mauigoa (6-6, 325). OT Tyler Booker is headed to Alabama next fall, S Kamari Wilson will sign with a SEC school and Keon Sabb is off to Clemson. The nation’s top-rated TE, Jaleel Skinner, transferred in from Greer (S.C.). Penn State-bound RB Kaytron Allen will play in the Big Ten.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Bishop Sycamore (Columbus, Ohio) to be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

6. Thompson, Alabaster, Ala. (14-0)

The Rub: There’s nothing like winning in the great football state of Alabama, where the sport is an obsession. And for Warriors’ fans, there’s no shortage of wins (26) in the last two terms not to mention a pair of Class 7A state championships. At 6-1, the triggerman or signal-caller is Conner Harrell, who has committed to North Carolina. Harrell will beat opponents with arms and legs. Conner passed for 3,516 yards and 42 TDs and added 6 rushing scores while accounting for 48 of his team’s 78 TDs. Beware! Smallish WR Ryan Peppins (Western Kentucky commit) made 74 receptions for 1,138 yards and 14 scores. The secondary has Tre’Quon Fegans and junior Tony Mitchell. Fegans, an instate transfer from Oxford, pared his college list to Alabama, Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Opens: Aug. 20 at Oxford.

7. Katy, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: The defending Class 6A, Division II are in good hand with legendary coach Gary Joseph at the controls. Joseph, who was named the Tom Landry Award winner for outstanding contributions to the game in April, leans on RB Seth Davis and  LB Ty Kana on both sides of the ball as the Tigers zero in on a 10^th state championship. Davis rushed 1,755 yards and 18 scores, while Kana made 72 tackles, 11 TFL and 3 sacks. QB Kaleb Koger (24 TD passes) triggers the offense. DB Bobby Taylor has committed to Texas A&M. Another title chase has begun and winning another piece of hardware is the goal.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. Clear Springs (League City).

8. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (8-1)

The Rub: The defending Class 7A champions have won two consecutive crowns and go for a state-record 13 this fall and have the horses to three-peat with the gifted backfield of RB Anthony Hankerson (1,178 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and dual-threat QB Zion Thomas. The main blocker is five-star OT Julian Amella (6-6, 290), who can name his college offers. WR Camden Brown is committed to Pittsburgh and WR Jalen Rogers is a Tulane pledge. TE Mason Taylor (6-5, 230) has the size and soft hands. Junior LB David Vadala has generated offers from Texas A&M, Syracuse, Michigan and Maryland. CB Jerrod Cameron (Coastal Carolina) has already verballed to an up-and-coming BCS program.

Opens: Aug. 28 vs. Northwestern (Miami).

9. Chandler, Ariz. (10-0)

The Rub: Tradition, coaching and talent favors the Wolves. Tradition is winning six of the last seven state titles, including the five straight. Guiding the offense is transfer lefty QB Blaine Hipa from Hawaii. He should develop a chemistry with 6-3 TE Nason Coleman (Princeton pledge) and shifty RB Quaron Adams and WR Kyion Grayes II (Ohio State). Isaiah Johnson (Arizona) and Jacob Holmes solidify the D-line. In July, the Wolves picked up transfer RB Anyale Velasquez (1,006 yards, 12 scores). Velasquez must sit out the first five games after shifting from nearby Corona del Sol (Tempe) but will be fresh for the Open Division playoffs.

Opens: Sept. 3 vs. Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

10. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (6-0)

The Rub: The Hawks, like many teams, were robbed of potentially one of the famed seasons in Pennsylvania history. The Philadelphia Catholic League gold standard was they captured a sixth PIAA state championship and finished No. 2 in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings, however, the corona-racked season was halted and restarted before winning two Class 6A playoff contests en route to the title–the program’s third straight in the state’s largest classification. Coach Tim Roken will lean on elite LB Josiah Trotter (dad Jeremiah played for the Eagles) and WR Reese Clark (Temple). OT Brad Harris (6-4, 255) is picking up offers nationwide and S Keenan Nelson Jr. committed to South Carolina. Keep an eye on sophomores defenders CB Omillio Agard and DT Richard James.

Opens: Sept. 3 vs. St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.) to be played in Piscataway, N.J.

11. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (5-1)

The Rub: New Jersey’s top-ranked preseason team is looking good … really good. And that’s an understatement. The Crusaders last won the Non-Public Group 4 state championship in 2017 but after three seasons all signs point toward adding another piece of hardware to the school’s trophy case. QB Steve Angeli, a Notre Dame recruit, threw for 919 yards and 6 TDs and ran for 3 more scores in a truncated schedule in 2020. He’ll have help in the backfield with Princeton-bound RB Ryan Butler (10 TDs). The state’s top edge rusher is junior D.J. Samuels (6-0, 240) and junior DL Sydir Mitchell (6-5, 350) bring the heat. The secondary has Jayden Bellamy (Notre Dame)

Jaeden Gould (6-3, 190), who committed to USC, as its bedrock. The Crusaders were two points away from a perfect season after getting upset by archrivals Don Bosco Prep (21-20) and meet again on Sept. 24. Coach Vito Campanile’s squad ratcheted up the schedule with a challenging road opener and league games with rivals St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) and regionally ranked St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City) in October.

Opens: Aug. 27 at Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio).

12. Southlake (Texas) Carroll (12-2)

The Rub: Coach Riley Dodge came close to winning the Class 6A, Division I title but eventually lost to Westlake (Austin) and dad in the final. The Dragons were looking to regain that magic this season but it evaporated on Aug. 2 when QB Quinn Ewers decided to forgo his senior year earlier this week and enroll at Ohio State. Ewers (2,442 yards, 28 TDs in 7 games) will be replaced under center by 6-4 junior Kaden Anderson (3 TDs in 4 games). Yes, there is a drop off but the Dragon remain in the Elite 25 for now. Junior RB Owen Allen will likely get more touches but Anderson has plenty of options. His favorite targets will be South Carolina-recruit WR Landon Samson (75 receptions, 1,293 yards, 15 TDs) and Boston College-commit TE R.J. Maryland (15 TDs). An experienced defense has 9 starters back with secondary led by Avyonne Jones (Wisconsin pledge) and junior Logan Anderson are both lock-down covers.

Opens: Aug. 26 vs. Highland Park (Dallas) at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, ESPNU.

13. Bixby, Okla. (11-0)

The Rub: The defending Class 6AII state champions love to run the ball and with Oklahoma State-bound RB Braylin Presley toting the rock that’s a comfort. Presley tallied 37 TDs as a junior, rushing 1,744 yards on 222 carries and caught 57 balls for 727 yards. TE/WR Luke Hasz, LBs Beau Bertelli and Jack Puckett and DB Dylan Hasz also return. The special teams have an added weapon in K/P Connor Nolan. Coach Loren Montgomery will have the Spartans ready because the opening two games are a doozy with a Texas power visiting and a road trip to reigning 6AI champion Jenks over Labor Day weekend.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. Mansfield (Texas) Timberview.

14. St Frances Academy, Baltimore (0-1)

The Rub: It’s been an interesting offseason since the Panthers last played in 2019. First, the coronavirus mostly claimed a very promising 2020 season. Then co-head coach Biff Poggi stepped down last month and returned to assist the Michigan Wolverines. Messay Hailemariam inherits the head coach slot along with Hank Russell. The defense will rely on LB Jaishawn Barham, DT Derrick Moore (Oklahoma recruit), DL Aaron Wilson, DL Nasir Pearce, CB Jamal hood (Boston College) and CB Cam Johnson. The O-line is bolstered by Jacob Sacra (East Carolina) and Jude Bowry (Boston College) and WRs Ike White (Minnesota) and smallish junior Lamar Patterson (5-9, 170) can stretch the field. The opening game is a dream national TV matchup but there are away dates with Elite 25 teams De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) on Oct. 1 and IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) on Nov. 19.

Opens: Aug. 28 at No. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

15. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (14-0)

The Rub: The Chargers carry a 48-game win streak into the season opener and must replace record-setting QB Jaxson Dart (now at USC), who is the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year after throwing for 4,691 and 67 TDs. Luckily, the Chargers will have senior transfer and USC recruit Devin Brown (from Queen Creek, Ariz.) under center. Brown’s new favorite target will be WR Cody Hagen (1,184 receiving yards, 18 TDs). However, coach Eric Kjar will lean on the defense that returns nine starters, including LBs Micah Wilson (BYU) and Harrison Taggart. Corner Canyon is on the cusp of history, looking to become just the eighth team in Utah history to capture four straight state titles.

Opens: Aug. 13 at Farmington.

16. North Shore, Galena Park, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: The Mustangs were the preseason No. 1 team in the Elite 25 in 2000 advanced to the Class 6A, Division semifinals before seeing their bid at three consecutive titles halted. Graduation claimed some key pieces but 13 starters return. Denver Harris is one the state’s top DBs after recording 54 tackles with 6 INTs. DL Kristopher Ryan-Ross (6-3, 270), who had 11 TFL and 8 sacks, and LB Ken Battle (10 sacks) is another disruptor. Until the offense catches up, WRs David Amador and Jahalyn Bailey (7 TD receptions) and junior RB Xavier Owens will carry the load.

Opens: Aug. 27 at Shadow Creek (Pearland).

17. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (10-2)

The Rub: Last year’s Ohio Division I state championship was a bit of a surprise after the Bombers sat at 2-2 but rallied to win their final 8 games. Experience will be the key for the coach Steve Specht and he has five seniors that know what it takes to finish the job. QB Brogan McCaughey, a first team all-state selection, threw for 2,708 yards and 28 TDs, despite missing portions of three games with an injury. The O-line has Brian Parker II (6-5, 275), a Duke recruit, Air Force-bound OG Cameron Collins (6-4, 260). At 6-4, TE Max Klare is also committed to Duke and WR Terrell McFarlin (6 TDs) becomes the primary pass-catcher. LB Grant Lyons (6-3, 230) had 63 tackles and 6 sacks and DB Eli Kirk (74 tackles, 3 INT) leads the secondary. Again, a challenging schedule and the Greater Catholic League South will prep the Bombers for another postseason run.

Opens: Aug. 20 vs. Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio).

18. Duncanville, Texas (10-2)

The Rub: The Class 6A, Division I semifinalists return 15 starters, including eight on offense and seven defenders. Keying the defense is the front seven led by DLs Omar Abor (26 TFL, 14 sacks) and Quincy Wright (Oregon State commit, 8 sacks) and Oklahoma State-bound LB Jordan Crook (93 tackles, 6 tackles). Th O-line is one of the best in the Metroplex with Cameron Williams (6-7, 360) and Jaylen Early (6-5, 290) leading the way. That’s good news for RB Malachi Medlock, who ran for 1,252 yards and 22 TDs and WR Phaizon Wilson. The District 11-6A schedule includes Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Hewitt Midway.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.).

19. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (0-0)^

The Rub: A year away from football after Nevada cancelled the season only makes the Gaels starved to play. It’s a loaded senior class with S Zion Branch, edge rusher Cyrus Moss (Oregon commit) and CB Fabian Ross (USC) the defensive muscle. OT Jake Taylor (Oklahoma) leads the way for RBs Jadyn Ott (California) and Cam Barfield (Boston College) and TE J.J. Bwire has committed to Air Force. The Class of 2023 features WRs Jeremiah Hughes and Zachariah Branch, CB Justyn Rhett and S Kodi Decambra. When the Gaels last played, they saw a 55-game win streak against instate opponents fall in a setback in the regional playoffs, ending a decade of state championships. In January 2020, Gorman elevated defensive backs coach Brent Browner to the top spot. He’s about to coach his first game after a long year away from competitive games.

Opens: Aug. 20 vs. Saint Louis School (Honolulu).

20. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (6-0)

The Rub: Until someone knocks off the Spartans to rep Northern California in the Open Division Bowl, they remain the favorite. One of the state’s top all-around athletes Zeke Berry (6-0, 185) recently committed to Arizona and play multiple positions on both sides of the ball but figures to be a CB in college. On defense, LB Damonie Perkins and DB Bryant Meredith are the leaders. The Spartans play another strong schedule, but the Oct. 1 date with No. 14 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) is slated for a national broadcast on ESPN.

Opens: Aug. 27 at St. Mary’s (Stockton).

21. Central, Miami, Fla. (8-1)

The Rub: The two-time FHSAA Class 6A state champions will play in Class 5A this fall and roll out plethora of big-time talent from one of the nation’s most fertile recruiting grounds. OT Daughtry Richardson (6-4, 285) is a Florida State pledge. Junior WR Lamar Seymore has already committed to the Miami Hurricanes and Ky’mani Williams (6-1, 225) is an ace edge rusher. Wiry LB Wesley Bissainthe (45 tackles, 7 sacks) is an aggressive tackler with quickness and is a three-year starter. S Alfonzo Allen will sign with Arizona State and transferred in from nearby Hallandale in Broward County. At 6-3, 190 Jaylin Marshall is one of the nation’s top safeties and is fielding several high-major offers. S/DB Edric Weldon is another transfer from Hallandale and Anthony Rose (South Carolina) will play in the SEC next season. The Rockets rely on athletes and who will deliver another state championship.

Opens: Aug. 20 at No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.).

22. Lowndes County, Valdosta, Ga. (10-2)

The Rub: It’s always a battle in Class AAAAAAA-Region 1 with Camden County, Tift County and Colquitt County banging pads as the season enters October but that’s the reality for the Vikings. At 6-4, 205 pounds, Jacurri Brown is one of the nation’s most versatile QBs and will take his talents to Miami after earning first team all-state honors. Brown threw for 1,537 yards and 14 TDs and ran for 1,101 yards. WR Chase Belcher (18 receptions, 496 yards, 6 TDs) is the top returning receiver and Thomas Barton and Payton Gunn are back on the O-line. The secondary is loaded with Tylar Belcher, T.J. Quinn, C.J. Tomlin and Josh Pickett.

Opens: Aug. 21 at Walton (Marietta) in Corky Kell Classic to be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

23. Servite, Anaheim, Calif. (4-2)

The Rub: The Friars are a serious threat in southern California and the Trinity League. Playing the nation’s top two teams in league play will keep coach Troy Thomas’ team on its toes. Arizona-bound QB Noah Fifita can really sling it while WR Tetairoa McMillan and TE Kyan Burnett (USC commit) figure prominently into the offensive game plan. OG Josiah Laban and two-way lineman Mason Graham (6-4, 300) anchor the trenches. The defense features LB-RB Aiden Eckenwiler and LB Jacob Manu, both first team all-league performers in the spring. A demanding nonleague slate will have the Friars ready for an opening night game with Orange Lutheran in the Trinity on Sept. 3.

Opens: Aug. 19 at Bishop Amat (La Puente).

24. Center Grove, Greenwood, Ind. (14-0)

The Rub: The reigning Class 6A champions rolled through last season with only two games decided by 15 points or less. It won’t be that easy this time but QB Tayven Jackson (Tennessee)  and RBS Daniel Weems and Kalen Carroll (Cincinnati) are the offensive drumbeat. The D-line is fortified by Caden Curry and edge rusher James Schott (Cincinnati) and DB Kalen Carroll, a transfer from Brownsburg. The Trojans are locked into an in-state schedule with seven games in the always-tough Metropolitan Conference with Warren Central, Ben Davis and Carmel but the regular season finale at defending Class 5A champion Cathedral (Indianapolis) on Oct. 15 serves as a postseason-like test and pitting two potential state champions in 2021. Center Grove won 17-13 last year and Cathedral is chomping at the bit.

Opens: Aug. 20 at Warren Central (Indianapolis).

25. Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va. (9-0)

The Rub: The Virginia Class 6 champions won it all in the delayed spring season and have a quick turnaround for a regular fall campaign. At 6-4, QB Ethan Vasko accounted for 2,230 yards and 34 TDs as the Tigers won the Class 6 state championship. The primary ball-carrier us Kevin King, who ran for 1,236 yards and 18 scores. The O-line features Maarten Woudsma (6-5, 315). DL Caleb Jones (6-0, 315) had 56 tackles and 37 for loss; DB Sherrod Covil is a ball-hawk and Clemson pledge, who posted 26 tackles, three INTs, including two pick-sixes. Sophomore DB Asaad Brown is a rising star. The real test is when No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) visits on Sept. 17.

Opens: Aug. 27 vs. Deep Creek (Chesapeake).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (4-2)
2. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (2-1)
3. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (5-0)
4. Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (6-3)
5. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, N.J. (6-2)

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

Midwest

1. Archbishop Hoban, Akron, Ohio (11-0)
2. East St. Louis, Ill. (5-1)
3. Cathedral, Indianapolis (13-1)
4. Belleville, Mich. (10-1)
5. La Salle, Cincinnati (8-3)

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

Southland

1. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (14-0)
2. Northwestern, Miami (3-2)
3. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (11-2)
4. Trinity, Louisville, Ky. (10-0)
5. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (10-0)

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

Far West

1. Hamilton, Chandler, Ariz. (8-2)
2. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (5-1)
3. Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (7-1)
4. Los Alamitos, Calif. (6-0)
5. Saint Louis School, Honolulu (0-0)^

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

^ No record; 2020-21 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Football Rankings are released weekly from August until the conclusion of the high school season in December. 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. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.