Texas powerhouse starts atop Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason football rankings; at least 12 states and WCAC won’t play until Spring 2021

BENSALEM, Pa. – The high school football season is operating under a different set of circumstances.

The COVID-19 novel coronavirus has changed the landscape of the 2020-21 academic year and when the football flies.

So, it comes as no surprise the Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings will have a different format. We have started with what the Elite 25 rankings would have looked like moving forward but when September rolls around a new set of teams will populate the rankings.

We’ll start with the Fall Ball Elite 25 rankings with teams that are playing from August to January 2021. Texas will play its Class 6A and 5A state championship in January. Some states such as Utah will stick to their athletics schedules and kick off on Aug. 13 while move have pushed back their seasons into September and even October (New Jersey starts on Oct. 2). Seasons will be truncated or compressed and those games on ESPN that feature nationally ranked teams won’t be happening.

Here are the states (so far) eligible for the Fall Ball Elite 25 rankings:

Utah, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, Wisconsin, Indiana, Wisconsin, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Arkansas, Texas, Wyoming, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Montana, Oklahoma, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine, Mississippi, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Arizona, Connecticut, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Oregon.

When the fall season concludes the Spring Session rankings with 13 states and conferences playing in the Winter/Spring 2021 will kick in. Those playing in a newly crafted spring season includes: California, Maryland Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, District of Columbia, Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, Virginia, New Mexico, Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington.

The Spring Ball rankings will likely feature 12 to 15 teams, depending on the total of states participating. Once the spring season finishes up, the final Elite 25 rankings will feature teams from both the fall and spring in a traditional look that usually is released in late December.

There are two states still undecided but leaning to the fall. This a fluid situation and we’ll keep you abreast when the announcements regarding the status of their football season from state associations are released. One of those six states, Maryland, announced on Aug. 3, it would postpone fall sports with the hopes of rescheduling the season in 2021.

No. 1 North Shore (Galena Park, Texas) is the team to beat and looks for a second straight UIL Class 6A, Division I title. Eight schools from the preseason rankings won’t play until 2021, including four from California. Speaking of the Golden State, the CIF-Northern Section will play football in the fall and teams will be eligible for the Fall Ball Elite 25 rankings.

So, that’s the plan. The Elite 25 rankings or the Fall Ball 25 will return with a fresh look on Sept. 8 or after Labor Day. Until then stay safe and we hope you attend game in your area soon. – Christopher Lawlor

[Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Friday, August, 7 at 2:55 p.m. ET]

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Football Rankings, July 30, 2020

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

The Rub: What a special program it takes to win Texas’ biggest prize on the biggest stage for two consecutive years—the UIL Class 6A, Division I (largest classification) championship. Well that’s what the Mustangs accomplished following the past two campaigns and dare we say a third is in the offing? There’s no reason why not and if teams ahead of the Houston area school from the Elite 25 fail, coach Jon Kay’s club should be on the rise. After losing the opener in 2019, North Shore peeled off 15 straight victories and avenged their lone setback in the playoffs. QB Dematrius Davis, an Auburn commit, combined for more than 4,1 and 00 offense yards and 54 TDs (2,672 yards, 31 TD passing; 1,446 yards, 23 TDs rushing) WR Shadrack Banks (Texas A&M recruit, 6 TDs) form a nifty pass-and-catch combination along with Charles Kings (8 TD receptions). OT Jaeden Roberts (6-5, 350) is massive. Meanwhile the D-line features Aaron Brown, Alonzo Brown and junior Kris Ross (6-3, 250) and the secondary is defined by DB Denver Harris (52 tackles, 3 INTs). The Mustangs won’t open until September.

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

The Rub: If you believe IMG is an all-star team that would be correct. The Ascenders hired Bobby Acosta from the college level as their new head coach and he’s blessed with considerable depth at each position. As usual there were transfers and Michigan-bound QB JJ McCarthy is the headliner. WR Jacorey Brooks (Alabama commit) should become his favorite target and RB Lovasea Carroll (Georgia) his lead back. The O-line features JC Latham (Alabama) Greg Crippen (Michigan) and Weston Franklin (6-3, 310). Defensively, there’s plenty of playmakers spread around with LBs Sam Ofurie and Jamarion Ellis and line has E Tunmise Adeleye (Ohio State), while the secondary is top-notch with CB Markevious Brown and S Kamar Wilcoxson (Florida). The junior class has Power 5 recruits, LB Xavian Sorey, S Myles Rowser, DT Walter Nolen, and WRs Samuel Mbake and Shawn Miller.

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

The Rub: After winning the Won Trinity League championship, the Monarchs fell to eventual Elite 25 National Champions St. John Bosco (Bellflower) in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division final. There’s a strong nucleus returning while a handful of impactful transfers should add spice to the lineup. With California pushing the start date to early January, it’s unsure how many players will opt for early college admission and skip the season. LB Raesjon Davis says he’ll pay high school before heading off to LSU. DB Jaylin Davis DB Darren Barkins and Kyron Ware-Hudson all will sign with Oregon; but the big transfer is Miller Moss (USC pledge), who threw 28 TDs last year at Alemany (Mission Hills). He replaces all-everything Bryce Young, who passed for 4,528 yards and 58 TDs and only 6 INTs and is now at Alabama. WR Cristian Dixon (Michigan) could become Moss’ new go-to man or junior CJ Wiliams (6-2, 285). At 5-7, 175 pounds, junior RB Raleek Brown is a bundle of energy. The prize of the Class of 2021 is CB Domani Jackson, who might be the top recruit in the nation. With the season starting in the new year, we’ll wait for more to develop in southern California.

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

The Rub: The Braves won the CIF State Championship Open Division Bowl Game and split two games with Trinity League rivals Mater Dei (Santa Ana) but took the important matchup in the CIF-Southern Section final. That’s history and so is the fall season for most California schools. When things heat up in January you can be sure the Braves will battle it out with No. 3 Mater Dei again and coach Jason Negro is contribute his key senior players will stick around for the campaign instead of graduating in December and enrolling in college. Provided the entire roster returns, SJB features OGs Maximus Gibbs (USC) and Edward Riley and OT Earnest Greene III (6-4, 300), who will pave the way for productive RB Rayhon Luke, while Clemson-bound WR Beaux Collins and Jode McDuffie await transfer sophomore QB Pierce Clarkson, whose dad Steve Clarkson is a quarterback guru and national position expert. LB Ma’a Gaoteote is a USC recruit. Junior DE Nathan Burrell (6-2, 250) is a hot prospect as is classmate, CB Tayvion Beasley. Junior DE Jairus Satele has an offer from Colorado. Waiting around four months for practice to begin December won’t be easy but that’s all the Braves can do.

5. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (11-1)

The Rub: The Panthers suffered a real loss in the regular season in 2019 but there’s little chance they lose unless No. 2 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). There’s simply too much high-level talent on both sides of the ball. Featured for a stingy defense is Boston College-bound DB Clinton Burton Jr., LB Aaron Willis (Tennessee), LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Georgia), DT Katron Evans (Tennessee), DE Zion Angelo Shockley (Maryland), DE Terrance Butler Jr. (Maryland), while the offense has RB Joseph Bray, TE Joseph Bearns and OT Delfin Castillo (6-5, 320), who will sign with the Vanderbilt Commodores. The junior class is stocked with DT Aaron Wilson, WR Denylon Morrissette, DL Derrick Moore and LB Jaishawn Barham (6-3, 235) is a wonderful addition coming aboard from DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.).

6. Duncanville, Texas (15-1)

The Rub: The Panthers advanced to back-to-back state championship games and might get back provided the defense is revamped and a young signal-caller continues his development. With seven starters on offense and four on defense the task of a rugged district slate must be conquered for more glory. The D-line is fortified by Omari Abhor (6-4, 240), Kevon Ivey (6-4, 255) and Tyler Quinn (6-3, 285). The offense has sophomore QB Chris Parson, speedy WR Rodrick Daniels and OL Savion Byrd (6-6, 290). There’s enough left for another run in Class 6A, Division I. Coach Reginald Samples was suspended by the UIL for opening night.

7. St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia (12-2)

The Rub: The Hawks won second a consecutive PIAA Class AAAAAA state championship. For the Hawks it was their fifth crown since 2013 and first under coach Tim Roken. Also captured the Philadelphia Catholic League Class AAAAAA Red Division crown. Roken has three big-time players in LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson pledge), pro-style QB Kyle McCord (Ohio State) and 6-3 WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State). Junior CB Keenan Nelson Jr. (6-1, 200) is Top 100 recruit from the Class of 2022. McCord tossed for 2,399 yards and 31 TDs and it would have been much more but he was usually lifted in the second half of blowouts. WR Sahmir Hagans is another mighty player long with sophomore LB Josiah Trotter (the younger brother of Jeremiah and son of the former Eagles standout).

8. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (15-0)

The Rub: It was another special season for the Raiders, who coasted to the Class 7A state championship (11^th overall) and captured the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series game. The two main weapons on offense are junior QB Zio Turner, who threw for 1,782 yards and 25 scores and ran for 402 yards and 12 TDs, and junior RB Anthony Hankerson (1,185 yards rushing, 7 TDs). The D-line has Tyreak Sapp (6-3, 260) and LBs, Alabama-bound Dallas Turner (16 sacks) and Jaydon Hood is headed to Michigan and is a transfer from nearby Cardinal Newman (Fort Lauderdale). CB Da’Den McBurrows (6 INTs) will also sign with Michigan.

9. Central, Miami (12-3)

The Rub: Hard to believe the Rockets had not won a Florida state championship since the 2015 season but a year ago they unleashed a selfless running game in the Class 6A final and returned from Daytona Beach with the hardware in hand. Much of the same is expected this term. The running game starts on the O-line with Laurence Seymore (6-2, 295), a Miami recruit. RB Amari Daniels is smallish at 5-8 but he’s a blur in the open field. Yulkeith Brown (5-10, 175) is freak athlete who is versatile to accomplishment many things. LBs Wesley Bissainthe and Chamon Metayer (6-3, 220) are tackling machines. Coach Roland Smith will have this team ready when the title is in sight; that’s assuming the season goes off without a hitch.

10. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (11-2)

The Rub: Georgia’s Class AAAAAAA favorite is from the Atlanta area and chock full of talented, high-major recruits. It starts on the D-line with Noah Collins (Central Florida) and Victorine Brown (Louisville).QB Jackson Del Rio is a pocket passer and will sign with Florida, so will his new favorite target WR Daejon Reynolds (6-2, 190). Reynolds, a transfer caught 88 balls for 1,534 yards and 14 scores last year at Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville). RB Phil Mafah (6-1, 210) is primary ball-carrier and is committed to Clemson. At 5-9, 175 pounds, Jamal Haynes might be smallish but that didn’t stop Georgia Tech from securing his commitment. The secondary features Marquis Groves-Killebrew, Jibran Claude and juniors Andrew Stewart (Auburn) and Perian Williams II. The Rams will have a heavy schedule once Region 4 play starts.

11. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (12-2) ^

The Rub: QB Dorian Hale can beat you with his arm and legs. Last season he threw for 2,047 yards and 17 scores while hitting on nearly 60% of his passes and ran for 588 yards and 6 TDs on 76 carries. DB-WR Lu-Magia Hearns averaged 15.1 yards per catch and added 2 TDs and junior WR Zeke Berry (12 receptions, 305 yards, 1 TD), K Blas Guerrero converted 33 of 34 extra-points and RB Nico Torrez (54 carries, 356 yards, 4 TDs) will get more touches this fall. The Spartans have a national reputation but mostly they are the class of Northern California with 28 straight CIF-North Coast Section titles and have reached CIF Bowl Games every year since 2005. That should hold true again this season but beating the Southern California representative becomes the ultimate challenge for coach Justin Alumbaugh’s crew.

12. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (9-3) ^

The Rub: California’s top senior is Korey Foreman (6-4, 265) has offers from all the top programs for good reason: He’s the real deal! There’s more with strong-armed, dual-threat QB Reggie Retzlaff (6-3, 205) has interest from Colorado, TE Scott Giuliano (6-5, 220) and WR Brandon Alvarez (San Jose State). Alvarez had 35 receptions for 520 yards and 5 scores. DB Jaden Mickey is one of the top players from the junior class. All that firepower will be needed when the Huskies take on a rigorous nonleague slate which includes some of the top programs in southern California.

13. Servite, Anaheim, Calif. (7-4) ^

The Rub: The Friars nearly shocked the world last November when they took eventual Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions St. John Bosco (Bellflower) to brink of loss in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs. That’s the advantage playing in the Trinity League, considered the top league in the nation. The Friars and coach Troy Thomas last won the league in 2011 and a state championship in 2009. Prolific junior QB Noah Fifita (2,892 yards, 37 TD passes) and junior WR Tetairoa McMillan (65 receptions, 851 yards, 12 TDs) are quite a passing combination and will be riddling defenses for the next years. Athletic DB Noah Avinger (6-0, 165) is a lock-down defender and two-way junior end Keyan Burnett transferred in from league rivals JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano).

14. Katy, Texas (12-1)

The Rub: Here’s a big surprise—the Tigers favored to capture the District 19-6A over six fellow ISD brethren. The defense is anchored by Hunter Washington (5-11, 175) and five other returning starters while the offense has three back that runs the Power-I attack. Triggering the offense is QB Bronson McClelland (1,698 yards, 20 passing TDs) and RB Jalen Davis (12 rushing scores). The defense has LBs Ty Kana (6-2, 210) and Shepherd Bowling (6-1, 210). Key an eye on junior DE Malik Sylla (6-6, 240), who posted 25 tackles, 7 TFL, 4 sacks), who has a high ceiling.

15. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (7-5) ^

The Rub: It will be a tight race in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference but the Stags might have a slight edge over rivals such as St. John’s College (Washington), Gonzaga (Washington) and No. ghjgj Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). That’s because recruits LB Gregory Penn III (LSU pledge), DE Colin Mobley (Southern California), S Jalen Clyatt (East Carolina), RB Sieh Bangura (5-11, 180), DB Antoine Booth (Michigan State) and WR Jaden Bradley (Pittsburgh) are quality returnees for coach Bill McGregor. The Stags will tee it up in the spring.

16. Chandler, Ariz. (13-0)

The Rub: What a fantastic finish for the Wolves, who captured Arizona’s first-ever Open Division championship, knocking off Saguaro (Scottsdale) in the final. Coach Rick Garretson’s team is the early favorite for a fifth straight title in the largest classification featuring an experienced, tested squad. WR Jalen Richmond (41 receptions, 725 yards, 9 TDs) has committed to Boise State. QB-DT Mikey Keene (5-11, 175), Oregon-bound LB Brandon Buckner (6-0, 235), Eli Sanders (6-0, 190) is also signing with Boise State, junior WR Kyion Graves (6 TDs), LB Kyler Orr (6-2, 220), DE Zion Magalei (6-3, 230), versatile RB-WR-TE Jeremiah Tyler (6-3, 235) and S Kentrell Williams (5-11, 190) are reasons why the Wolves can reach the Promised Land.

17. Northwestern, Miami (13-2)

The Rub: The Miami-Dade County team is flush with talent. WR Romelio Brinson, S Kamren Kitchens (5-10 175, 9 INTs), DB Tim Burns Jr. (5-10, 155) and OLB Ja’Corey Hammett (6-3, 210). Coincidentally the quartet will stay home for college at Miami. Brinson made 46 catches  for 834 yards and 8 TDs. LB Terrence Lewis is a future Tennessee Vol and his running mate, Patrick Peyton (17.5 sacks) picked Nebraska. Don’t be surprised when the Bulls are competing for the Class 5A state title and win a fourth to conclude another joyous season.

18. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (9-3) ^

The Rub: When the Falcons won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference last November on a last-minute field goal, they won’t have shifty QB Chase Williams, who transferred to St. Albans (Washington, D.C.). That means senior Ben Cuellar takes over but WR Trace Campbell will be on option out of the wildcat. OT Landon Tengwall (6-5, 305) has already committed to Penn State. WR Miles Cross (6-1, 190) is headed to Ohio.

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

The Rub: If the Patriots look to annex a fifth state title (Class 5A) and the first since 2017, they need to lean on their studs. It starts with LB Marvin Jones Jr., who was recently invited to the 2022 adidas All-American Game. WR Oronde Gadsden II is a sure-handed pass catcher who has improved each season. S James Williams is a 6-5, 220-pound freakish athlete and verbally committed to Miami.

20. Westlake, Austin, Texas (15-1)

The Rub: If there’s one that coach Todd Dodge is noted for is offense. And when the Chaps have the ball it’s up to QB Cade Klubnik (825 yards, 8 TD passing, 4 TDs rushing) to matriculate downfield and that’s supported by RBs Grey Nakfoot and Zane Minors (14 TDs) and sophomore WR Jaden Greathouse (62 receptions for 715 yards, 10 TDs). The defensive features an experienced second and a great push up front by Taevin Brown and Nick Hogan, who combined for 128 stops. A second straight Class 6A, Division II title is anticipated and Dodge Boys should deliver. The scheduled opener is a dad-vs.-son family affair.

21. De Smet Jesuit, St. Louis (14-0)

The Rub: The defending Class 6 state champions have a host of talent on both sides of the ball. The highest recruit is DB Jakailin Johnson (Ohio State pledge), considered one of the nation’s top secondary players and the top player from the St. Louis area. Up front is DTs Mekhi Wingo (6-0, 280), who is a future Mizzou Tiger and had 15 sacks, and 6-1, 270-pounder Dakota Doyle-Robinson, who will eventually suit for the Baylor Bears of the Big 12. The running game is two-pronged with backs Taj Butts (2,008 rushing yards, 31 TDs), another Mizzou recruit, and Rico Barfield (6-0, 215), a 1,148-yard, 18-score man. The O-line is anchored by Illinois-bound Brody Wisecarver ( 6-4, 320). The big game for area supremacy is Sept. 5 against Illinois defending Class 6A champion East St. Louis.

22. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (11-2) ^

The Rub: The Gaels captured the Class 4A Southwest League championship but lost in the Nevada 4A semifinals. That loss halted a string of 10 consecutive Nevada state championships. Well that was the last act for Kenny Sanchez, who guided the Gaels to two national championships and four state crowns in five year. Brent Browner was hired immediately after coaching the defensive backs on Sanchez’s staff but Nevada’s season was recently pushed back to March 5, 2021. Browner will work with S Jaden Hicks (6-2, 192), LB D.J. Herman (6-1, 235), Charlotin Charles (6-0, 195), LB Cyrus Moss (6-5, 220) and junior DB Zion Branch on defense. Hicks had 7 INTs, 3 TDs, 27 tackles, 10 pass break ups and being recruited by Pac-12 and Mountain West programs. WR Fabian Ross and RBs Jadyn Ott (5-11, 195) and Cam Barfield (5-9, 170) pace the offense. Defending champion Liberty (Henderson) and Desert Pines (Las Vegas) appear to be the main competition standing in Gorman’s way this spring this in the newly formed Division 5A or the state’s largest classification.

23. Denton (Texas) Guyer (14-2)

The Rub: The Class 6A, Division II finalist is stuck in the top heavy seven-team District 5-6A with powerhouse Allen but remain the preseason favorites. The early concern is the health of Texas A&M-bund dual-threat QB Eli Stowers (knee injury), who threw for 2,969 yards and 36 TDs and rushed for 1,165 yards and 11 more scores. The Wildcats will lean on the running of Tyion Aldridge and junior Byron Phillips and a big-physical O-line. The returns six starters, led by two-way end Tyler Lanz (6-4, 245), who recorded seven sacks. First-year coach Rodney Webb (from Rockwall) inherited a talented group.

24. St. Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, N.J. (11-1)

The Rub: The Marauders and enter the Elite 25 as New Jersey’s top team from the uber competitive NJSFC United Red with the likes of St. Joseph Regional (Montvale), Bergen Catholic (Oradell) and Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey). The defense has linemen George Rooks (6-4, 280) with several big-time offers and junior Keith Miles Jr. (6-3, 280), and junior S Christian Lebrun (6-1, 210), who is growing  and made 51 tackles. Virginia Tech-bound QB Tahj  Bullock can tuck it and chuck while junior OT Andre Oben is his protector. Recently, the NJSIAA announced the football season won’t open until Oct. 2 but there will be six games and three rounds of playoffs that will conclude around Thanksgiving.

25. Trinity. Louisville, Ky. (13-2)

The Rub: The Shamrocks captured a 26^th state championship last December and appear in line for another (Class 6A). Coach Bob Beatty (14 state titles) welcomes back a powerhouse backfield with QB Nathan McElroy and RB Brad West. LB Jack Pringle (6-4, 205) has committed to Louisville and Carlie Ely (6-2, 220) to Appalachian State after recording 103 tackles and 3 INTs last season. The Rocks play teams from Indiana, Virginia and Ohio plus a demanding in-state slate.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (5-4)
2. Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (12-2)
3. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, N.J. (7-4)
4. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (8-3) ^
5. Mount St. Joseph, Baltimore (10-2)

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

Midwest

1. East St. Louis, Ill. (14-0) ^
2. Pickerington (Ohio) Central (14-1)
3. Cass Tech, Detroit (7-6)
4. Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines, Iowa (12-1)
5. Center Grove, Greenwood, Ind. (8-6)

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

Southland

1. Lowndes County, Valdosta, Ga. (14-1)
2. Allen, Texas (11-1)
3. Booker T. Washington, Miami (13-2)
4. Thompson, Alabaster, Ala. (12-1)
5. Archbishop Rummel, Metairie, La. (13-0)

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

Far West

1. Corner Canyon, Draper, Utah (14-0)
2. Mission Viejo, Calif. (11-1) ^
3. St. Louis School, Honolulu (12-0)
4. Sahuaro, Scottsdale, Ariz. (11-2)
5. Eastside Catholic, Sammamish, Wash. (12-2) ^

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

^ Will play season in Winter/Spring 2021; eligible for the Spring Session Elite rankings

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 in 2021. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.