REPRISE: As expected, No. 1 Mater Dei (CA) kicks off Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason football rankings in familiar position; Five Florida, Texas programs paint national landscape

BENSALEM, Pa. – It doesn’t take a Global Positioning System (GPS) to realize all roads lead to Southern California when the Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason football rankings are crafted.

It’s the Trinity League to be exact that supplies some of the nation’s top schoolboy football in Los Angeles and Orange counties with the top-2, No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower), leading the way annually. A year ago, Mater Dei started atop the Elite 25 only to capitulate to SJB in the regular season loss at the Braves. The Monarchs then exacted revenge in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section playoffs en route to the state championship and the Blue Star Media Elite 25 National crown.

Despite winning it all in 2023 with a 13-1 record, there is change within the coaching ranks at Mater Dei. After one season, head coach Frank McManus was let go during the offseason and the savvy Raul Lara was hired. Last season, Lara guided St. Anthony (Long Beach) for a third straight year. He also led Warren (Downey) but is best known for his 13-year run at Poly (Long Beach), where coached the Jackrabbits toa 142-30 mark and five Southern Section titles. He also coached several future NFL players and his teams were a staple in the national rankings.

McManus, who has since been hired by a local college, was a part of the program for 16 years and was a trusted assistant to the iconic Bruce Rollinson, who coached the Monarchs for 34 years with several titles and more than 300 career wins.

It was a bold move but Lara has the pedigree for the nation’s top job.

The remainder of the top-5 teams are No. 3 DeSoto (Texas), No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and No. 5 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas).

 A breakdown of the Elite 25 preseason sees Texas and Florida with five schools apiece for the second consecutive year; California has four and Georgia checks in with three. There are schools from 11 different states repped in the Elite 25.

The Southland Region has 14 teams; six from the Far West; three from the Midwest and two from the East.

The opening three weekends are chock full of national matchups. According to the schedules, at least nine Elite 25 teams will go head-to-head with their national brethren. It’ll make for an interesting start to the season and by Labor Day, we’ll a good grip on contenders and pretenders. Normally, that’s decided in the postseason but the season is now divided into three sectors: nonconference with an emphasis on national or regional matchups; league, district, conference or regional play; and the postseason or state championships.

We cannot wait for the season to get started over the Aug. 8-10 weekend. The first four weeks take the season into September. We’ll be here to bring you all the action and scores en route to crowning a national champion in December.

Well, we wish everyone all the best moving forward.

Since last December, signing day in February and spring practice (where permissible) we’ve been waiting for this moment. The season starts in August and goes until nearly Christmas. The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings have the knack of unearthing gems from around the country and weekly chronicle what’s happening on the gridiron. The weekly rankings are normally dropped on Tuesdays but we might make them available earlier. Check back regularly or on social media sites.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings return on Aug. 20 with the first set. And remember, the Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings will drop in early September and appear weekly on Wednesdays through late November.

Keep up with us on X (formerly Twitter) for the volleyball announcement.

Be safe and have a great season. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Football Rankings, July 17, 2024

Statistics and records are from the 2023 season and players are seniors unless denoted.

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (13-1)

The Rub: The defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National champions will have a third different coach in as many years. The new man in charge is Raul Lara, who made a name for himself at Poly (Long Beach) earlier this century. The CIF Open Bowl game champions for the fourth time since 2017 return plenty of talent but need a QB and transfer Dash Beierly inherits the role. The Washington pledge put up big offensive numbers last year locally at Chaparral (Temecula) and should continue that trend. The offense features WRs Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State recruit), Marcus Harris (Oklahoma), Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and sophomore TE Mark Bowman. Oregon-bound RB Jordon Davison is the main ball-carrier. The O-line has G Sione Tohi (Arizona), T Kodi Greene and T Lex Mailangi (6-feet-3, 330 pounds). The defense is stacked up front and in the secondary. CB Chuck McDonald III (Alabama), OLB Nasir Wyatt (Oregon) and Abduall Sanders (Alabama) are key defenders. Lara’s first game is tricky but the “big one” is No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) on Oct. 25 for the Trinity League title and top seed in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

Opens: Aug. 23 vs. No. 15 Corona (Calif.) Centennial.

2. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (11-2)

The Rub: There is a question in preseason: Who starts at quarterback? Well, based on experience it’s junior Matai Fuiava, but freshman Kóa Malau’ulu, senior Jack Nyman and sophomore Graham Lunzer are pushing. Regardless, the Braves are poised to be an elite team. Junior WR Madden Williams will be a welcome sight for the signal-caller. So are OG Matai Jefferson (6-4, 330), who will sign with Arizona State, and WR Camryn Jones. The juniors are led by WR Daniel Odom, CB Tay Lockett (Arkansas verbal), CB Josh Holland and edge rusher Dutch Horisk (6-3, 245). A cross-country trip to south Florida is opening week and quite a challenge, so are road contests at Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) and Serra (San Mateo) and the Trinity League is considered the nation’s best league. Buckle up, Braves.

Opens: Aug. 24 at No. 11 Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood, Fla.).

3. DeSoto, Texas (15-0)

The Rub: Imagine two University Interscholastic League Class 6A champions from the same district. Well, it happened last year when DeSoto claimed the 6A-Division II title and No. 6 Duncanville won 6A-Division I. Once again it will be a battle for District 11-6A bragging rights but the Eagles won’t be satisfied and with seven offensive starters and five defensive returning, the Lone State large schools are officially on alert. TCU-bound DE/LB Keylan Abrams (90 tackles, 20 TFL, 18 sacks) is a monster in the front seven and SS Sael Reyes (6-1, 195, SMU recruit) mans the backfield. The skill players include WR Daylon Singleton (1,225 receiving yards, 17 TDs, SMU), sophomore WR Ethan Feaster (11 TDs) and RB Deondrae Riden (1,065 rushing yards, 12 TDs, Texas A&M). OT Byron Washington (6-7, 340) is an earth mover and will sign with Syracuse. Should be another banner year for coach Claude Mathis, who is going for the trifecta and the program’s fourth over title.

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.).

4. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (9-0)

The Rub: The Ascenders are back and loaded for another run at the national championship. The senior class includes DE London Merritt (Ohio State), OLB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, ILB Gavin Nix (Miami), WR Donovan Olugbode (Missouri), athletic Ty Hawkins (SMU) and RB Donovan Johnson (Michigan). Keep a lookout for freshman QB Jayden Wade, who is the next great player under center. He has offers from Central Florida, Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, Georgia, Oregon and Washington State and will create a buzz nationally. The Ascenders do not compete for a state championship but loaded up the regular season ledger with at least two Elite 25 teams and games with power programs from Utah, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida and Maryland.

Opens: Aug. 22 at Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah).

5. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (12-0)

The Rub: Coach Brent Browner has it rolling in the desert, racking up an impressive 40-2 in four seasons. This year’s top recruits are featured on the O-line with OG S.J. Alofaituli (Miami), OT Douglas Utu (Tennessee), OT Alema Iosua (Arizona State) and C Alai Kalanniuvalu (Oregon). WR Derek Meadows has good size and speed at 6-7 and 2-5 pounds. Defensively, T Sione Motuapuaka (Utah) and LB Landon McComber (Stanford) are stalwarts. The junior class has Prince Williams (6-3, 240) and James Carrington (6-2, 255) on the D-line and DB Jett Washington (6-5, 200) is a versatile athlete. If the Gaels win out in their first four out-of-state games that includes three against Elite 25 teams St. Thomas Aquinas, Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran, that will set them up for another perfect season and perhaps the No. 1 ranking. The Gaels aim for a 21^st state championship with the Nevada Class 5A, Division 1 championship in their crosshairs.

Opens: Aug. 16 vs. Kahuku (Hawaii).

6. Duncanville, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: After years of waiting have won back-to-back UIL state championships with the most recent in the nation’s toughest Class 6A, Division I. This campaign with seven starters back, the offense is explosive with three-year starter and Alabama recruit QB Keelon Russell (3,267 passing yards, 36 TDs), Oregon-commit WR Dakorien Moore (65 receptions, 1,303 yards, 15 scores). The secondary also shine with CB Javion Holiday and S Tyren Polley Jr. (4 INTs) while the front has junior DE K.J. Ford and Nehemiah Borner (65 tackles). The District 11-6A title usually comes down to the result with No. 3 DeSoto and this year won’t be any different on Oct. 11 but the Panthers must also keep Waxahachie and Cedar Hill at bay.

Opens: Sept. 6 vs. South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

7. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (14-1)

The Rub: The Raiders have cruised to five straight FHSAA state championships, the most recent one in Class 3M. The Broward County powerhouse enter the season with a 13-game win streak and sixth crown is about four months out if things break right coach Roger Harriott’s squad. The secondary has experience with Tavius Horne Jr. (East Carolina) and S Tavares Daniels II (Maryland) and up front with South Florida-bound OT Caleb Harris (6-4, 275). Illinois-commit Cedric Wyche II transferred in prior to his senior year and possesses sprinter’s speed. Junior CB Justice Fitzpatrick is already fielding big-time college offers, so is sophomore WR Ah’Mari Stevens and junior LB Phillip Goodrich Jr. (6-0, 205). As the regular season winds down, the Raiders face Elite 25 and local teams Chaminade-Madonna College Prep and American Heritage in October. Opening day will be a doozy too but at least the game will be played at Brian Piccolo Stadium on their campus.

Opens: Aug. 24 vs. No. 5  Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas).

8. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (13-1)

The Rub: The football factory from the City of Brotherly Love, is churning out more talent. Entering his sixth season as head coach, Time Roken, the Hawks are 56-7 with PIAA state championships in four of the five previous seasons, including the last two in Class AAAAAA. Prep’s senior class is loaded with BCS prospects that includes RB Isaiah West (Ohio State), 6-5, 280-pound DE Maxwell Roy (Ohio State), LB Anthony Sacca (Notre Dame), Kahlil Stewart (6-4, 315, Syracuse), DB Ryan McDonald and speedy, hard-hitting OLB Cameron Smith (Duke). Junior D-lineman Alexander Haskell has offers from the ACC, MAC and Big Ten programs. The season opener is treacherous, especially on the road, and so is a matchup with Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) on Sept. 20. The Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division comes down to a meeting with rivals Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) on Oct. 19.

Opens: Aug. 31 at No. 18 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio).

9. Milton, Alpharetta, Ga. (13-2)

The Rub: What a way to conclude last season annexing the Class AAAAAAA state championship and the first since 2018. Georgia’s largest classification is one of the best in the nation and the Indians will have two others from 8A joining them in the Elite 25. Miami-bound QB Luke Nickel triggers the offense with targets Ethan Barbour (Georgia), Ryan Ghea (Auburn) and C.J. Wiley (Florida State) the main receivers. CB Tyler Redmond (Tennessee) is another SEC pledge. The opening two games will set the tone.

Opens: Aug. 16 vs. No. 12 Buford (Ga.).

10. Carrollton, Ga. (11-2)

The Rub: It’s been 26 years since the Trojans won a state championship but with USC-bound QB Julian Lewis, who threw for 3,094 yards and 48 TDs last year, that drought could be snapped in December. Lewis is the nation’s top-rated QB. He’ll be joined at USC next year along with teammate and DB Shar Arnoux. The Class of 2026 is repped by DB Dorian Barney (Alabama), CB Delus Hicks, WR Ryan Mosley (6-3, 210) and C Zykie Helton (6-3, 325). Coach Joey King has the parts and talent to win the Class AAAAAA title and a favorable schedule in Region 2-6A

Opens: Aug. 16 Woodward Academy (College Park).

11. Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, Hollywood, Fla. (14-0)

The Rub: The Lions of south Florida or precisely Broward County are the nation’s top small-school powerhouse who likes to play with the big boys and have the track record in Florida, where they have the six of the last seven state championships, including last year’s Class 1M crown. The latest version of the Lions is athletic with juniors WR Jabari Brady and Derrel Cooper—both major recruits. Sophomore Zac Katz takes over at QB and has WR Koby Howard and Kyle Washington (Georgia State) as more downfield options. Miami-bound DB Chris Ewald is one of the state’s top defenders. Coach Dameon Jones will have his team ready with the opener and Elite 25 locals American Heritage (Plantation) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale), plus Norland (Miami) present huge regular season challenges. The postseason should be just a formality.

Opens: Aug. 24 vs. No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.).

12. Buford, Ga. (11-2)

The Rub: In order to bag a fourth GHSA state crown in the last six years, the Bulldogs cannot crash out of the Class AAAAAAA states at an early stage for a second straight term. Despite graduation losses, the Bulldogs are uber talented and return rusher Justin Baker (471 yards, 4 TDs) and WR Jordan Allen (35 receptions, 588 yards, 2 TDs). The O-line is fortified by Clemson-bound Brayden Jacobs (6-7, 310) and junior T/G Graham Houston (6-5, 305). The TEs are Kenyon Rivera (6-2, 200) and Jayvin Bennett (6-3, 225). Mainstays on defense include LB Jadon Perlotte (Georgia), LB Mantez Walker (Colorado), DB Devin Williams (Auburn), junior DT Bryce Perry Wright (6-3, 260) and junior edge Cam Simmons (6-2, 220). Face it GHSA 7A is stacked and the winner will earn it.

Opens: Aug. 16 at No. 9 Milton (Alpharetta).

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

The Rub: The high-powered offense has eight returnees but the troika of QB Kaleb Bailey (3,152 passing yards and 34 TDs and 711 rushing yards and 14 scores) can beat you two ways. RB D’Andre Hardeman (1,892 yards, 22 TDs) and WRs Quannell X. Farrakhan Jr. (Colorado) and Deion DeBlanc (33 receptions, 404 yards, 7 TDs) and Bailey form one of Texas’ most potent attacks. LSU-recruit LB Charles Ross (75 tackles, 6 sacks) and CB Devin Sanchez (50 tackles, 5 INTs, Ohio State) back up a D-line that is much improved. The District 23-6A title comes down to the Mustangs or Summer Creek (game is Nov. 8 in Humble). The Mustangs are built for the long run and return trip to the Class 6A, Division I final is always the mission.

Opens: Aug. 30 vs. South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

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

The Rub: In the last six seasons, the Chaparrals are 86-5 and went 14-1 last season under first-year coach Tony Salazar before bowing out in the Class 6A, Division I semifinals. A dozen starters back (seven on offense). QB Reese Wise is a dual threat, having passed for 1,811 yards and 21TDs and rushed for 11 more last fall and can spread the ball to Grady Bartlett and WRs Cal Livengood and Brody Wilhem (7 TD catches). Up front, Maddox Flynt (56 tackles) and Connor Vasek (3 sacks) will get a push but all-everything Elliot Schaper (108 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 INTs) can change the game. District 26-6A is lined with stiff competition but the Chaps are attune with prevailing.

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Prosper.

15. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (9-3)

The Rub: One of the biggest factors for the Huskies is Texas A&M-bound QB Husan Longstreet (3,013 yards, 24 TD passes) finally has command of coach Matt Logan’s vertical offense that will include pass catchers Cory Butler (Arizona State), Noah Westbrook (Washington State), and Tavian McNair (Utah). OT Drew Hill (6-4, 290) is the main protector and headed to SMU. Sophomore RB Kelton Strickland (1,290 rushing yards) transferred in from Warren (Downey). The defense has three transfers led by DT Kingston Nombrado, LB Cade Peterson (Air Force) and DBs Kuron Jabari (UCLA), junior Therman Williams. The schedule opens with the reigning Elite 25 National Champions and counties with four more against teams from California, Utah (two of them) and Arizona’s top squad.

Opens: Aug. 22 at No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana).

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

The Rub: The Crusaders are the three-time NJSIAA Non-Public A state title holders and fourth will depend on navigating another top-notch schedule filling holes left by graduation. WR Quincy Porter, an Ohio State pledge, is the linchpin after nabbing 53 passes for 1,107 yards and 19 scores and had 11 more as a sophomore. QB Dominic Campanile (Holy Cross commit) is the coach’s son and a big-time recruit under center. At 6-4, 295, Chris Vigna (Rutgers) is one of the top OGs in the nation while Benji Shue (Texas track and field thrower) is massive but one day destined for the Olympics as a discus thrower. Junior DT Jermaine Kinsler (6-6, 270), CB Naiim Parrish (Minnesota) and junior S Jordan Thomas (6-1, 180) secure the defense. Out of league games include No. 17 Massillon (Ohio) Washington and Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.) along with rivalry games are Don Bosco Prep (on Sept. 28) and at St. Joseph Regional (Oct. 26).

Opens: Aug. 29 vs. No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) at the Battle of the Beach in Ocean City, N.J.

17. Massillon (Ohio) Washington (16-0)

The Rub: The Tigers ran the table and won the OHSAA Division II title last year and are 63-8 in five years. The offense is loaded with 10 returning starters with four-year starter Jalen Slaughter (4,112 career yards, 49 TDs) at the controls and RBs Ja’Meir Gamble (948 yards rushing, 5 TDs), Mylen Lenix and Peytton Mitchell all pacing the ground game. WRs Jacques Carter (8 TDs) and Braylon Toles (8 TDs) can reel in Slaughter’s aerials. All-State OT Nolan Davenport (6-6, 280) is the primary blocker and will sign with Wisconsin. The D-line has Michael Wright (10.5 sacks) and DB-P Tyler Hackenbracht (6-2, 210) secures the backfield and is a Toledo recruit. The schedule also features Elite 25 squads Bergen Catholic (N.J.) and local rivals St. Edward (Lakewood).

Opens: Aug. 22 vs. NFL Academy (England) to be played in Beaverton, Oregon at the Nike World Headquarters.

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

The Rub: The beat goes on in northeast Ohio because of the coaching brilliance of Tom Lombardo, who has guided the Eagles to the last three Ohio largest classification state championship in Division I. QB Thomas Csanyi started more than half the season and may have salvaged it by subbing for the starter. He’s backed by junior RB Brandon White, who ran for 1,913 yards and 23 TDs in a breakout year. LB Nate Gregory will sign with Coastal Carolina. Brady Eaton is a smallish athlete that will dazzle. The Eagles will receive pushes from Moeller (Cincinnati) and Springfield for the state title in December.

Opens: Aug. 16 at Pickerington (Ohio) North.

19. American Heritage, Plantation, Fla. (10-2)

The Rub: The offense is strong and it better be in order to advance in the Class 2M playoffs and win it all for the first time since 2020. Elite junior QB Dia Bell (his dad Raja played in the NBA) has committed to Texas and threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 TDs. Junior WRs Malachi Toney (Miami recruit) and Brandon Bennett and Dylan Denson provide options and RB Byron Louis moves the chains. Florida State-commit DB Zae Thomas, DB Mekhi Hicks, is a stout defender.

Opens: Aug. 23 vs. No. 9 Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.).

20. Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (5-6)

The Rub: The Lancers have a beefed up preseason schedule before entering the five-game portion of the Trinity League kicks in. Nebraska-bound QB TJ Lateef was invited to the Elite 11 in June and is off a season when he passed for 1,965 yards ad 13 TDs. Lateef has already bonded with Olu’s new offensive coordinator and with WRs Chris Flores Jr., Tyler Hennessy and Nicholas Bland, plus Arizona State-pledge TE AJ Ia (4 TDs),the time is right. The schedule also features No. 5 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

Opens: Aug. 23 at Serra (Gardena).

21. North Crowley, Fort Worth, Texas (14-1)

The Rub: The Panthers are new to the Elite 25 but not winning because they were District 3-6A champions and went to the state semifinals. The district’s top offensive player is dual-threat QB Chris Jimmerson (3,092 yards passing, 40 TDs and 1,105 rushing yards and 12 scores), a TCU pledge. RB Cornelius Warren (10 TDs) returns from an injury and the O-line has John Turntine III (6-5, 310) and Henry Fenuku (6-4, 300, Missouri) are a two-man wrecking crew. Future Texas Longhorn LB Jonathan Cunningham (6-3, 205) tops the defense that returns six regulars.

Opens: Aug. 30 at Lancaster to be played in the Star Ford Center in Frisco.

22. Central, Miami (8-4)

The Rub: It was a rough year for Rockets, who entered the 2023 term with high expectations and a stacked roster but went nowhere after four straight FHSAA state titles. The reload has a Penn State flavor with two players—RB Kiandrea Barker (transfer from The Woodlands in Texas), OL Woody Celucien and QB Bekkem Kritza (Nittany Lions)—headed to the Big Ten. WRs Naeshaun Montgomery and Kha’leal Sterling (Pittsburgh) are weapons and DB Amari Wallace and Ezekiel Marcelin (both Miami recruits) spur the defense. Keep an eye in Sept. 20 when the Rockets play No. 19 American Heritage (Plantation).

Opens: Aug. 23 vs. Lakeland.

23. Liberty, Peoria, Ariz. (12-1)

The Rub: The Arizona Open Division state title holders are ready for another run and if they meet crosstown rivals Centennial don’t be surprised. They meet in the regular-season finale on Nov. 8. At 6-6, 280 pounds, OT Nick Spence (Wisconsin) is a mainstay and the offense goes through him and QB Hayden Fletcher will benefit. The defense has linemen Caden Branston (6-3, 270, Colorado State commit), who had 52 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and junior Paz St. John (6-3, 260) with 44 tackles and 6 sacks. Juniors LB Hudson Dunn (6-1, 205), LB/LS Brody Johnson (6-2, 210), DB Malachi Holliday (3 INTs) and S Zeth Thues (5-11, 185) are major prospects. The Grand Canyon State is quality football with the extensive Phoenix area dominating the scene and No. 15 Corona (Calif.) Centennial makes a rare visit on Sept. 21 but the Lions have their hand full opening night with a squad flush with talent.

Opens: Aug. 30 at Desert Edge (Goodyear).

24. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (14-0)

The Rub: One of the top teams from the Midwest and Chicagoland return eight starters, with six from the offense. It starts with a pair of Iowa recruits, 6-3 QB Ryan Fitzgerald (his dad previously was head coach at Northwestern) and RB-S Drew MacPherson (6-1, 190). Fitzgerald threw for 2,141 yards and 20 scores while MacPherson (13 TDs) produced 1,370 total yards out of the backfield. Defensively, it’s S/LB Donovan Robinson (Washington) and ILB Joey Herbert. The Ramblers go for the three-peat in Class 8A and fifth since 2015. A rematch with Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort) is likely in the 8A final. Opening night is a difficult assignment.

Opens: Aug. 31 vs. East St. Louis (Ill.) to be played at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State.

25. Gaffney, S.C. (9-4)

The Rub: The Indians lost in the third round of the Class AAAAA playoffs a year ago but this time it’s there for the taking with 17 starters back. At least 15 players hold college offers, showing depth for coach Dan Jones. The offense runs through junior QB Javon Gilmore (6-5, 190), who transferred in. Junior RB Jaiden McDowell (1,392 yards, 13 TDs) has the green light to tote the rock and South Carolina-bound LT Shedrick Sarratt (6-4, 295) and junior Scotland Dover (SEC offers) pave his way. LB Andrew Ruppe (6-1, 225) is the defensive stalwart. However, getting past reigning state champions Dutch Fork (Irmo) is the ultimate goal and the Indians are finally capable.

Opens: Aug. 30 at J.L. Mann (Greenville).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (5-6)
2. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (10-1)
3. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (10-2)
4. Imhotep Prep Charter, Philadelphia (15-0)
5. Cardinal Hayes, Bronx, N.Y. (12-2)

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

Midwest

1. Belleville, Mich. (13-1)
2. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (13-1)
3. Lincoln-Way East, Frankfort, Ill. (13-1)
4. Cardinal Ritter College Prep, St. Louis (14-0)
5. East St. Louis, Ill. (10-3)

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

Southland

1. Phenix City (Ala.) Central (13-0)
2. Summer Creek, Humble, Texas (14-2)
3. Norland, Miami (14-1)
4. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (11-3)
5. Denton (Texas) Ryan (8-3)

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

Far West

1. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (13-1)
2. Mission Viejo, Calif. (13-3)
3. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (11-1)
4. Kahuku, Hawaii (11-2)
5. Centennial, Peoria, Ariz. (11-2)

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 in December of the 2024 season. Follow him on X at @clawlor.