Video: Highlights of No. 1 recruit Rashan GaryCollege football fans will not have to wait until Saturday to enjoy big time football games with elite talent.
This weekend's slate of high school football games features both compelling team matchups and fascinating battles between top recruits.
Here's the schedule of games for college fans to check out.
Paramus Catholic's Rashan Gary will face IMG Academy's Shea Patterson on Friday.
Photos by MaxPreps photographers
Paramus Catholic (N.J.) vs. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)Where: IMG Academy
When: Friday, 7 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on ESPN
Top committed recruits: Shea Patterson (Ole Miss),
Saivion Smith (LSU),
Tony Jones (Notre Dame)
Top uncommitted recruits: Rashan Gary,
Shavar Manuel,
Isaac Nauta,
Corey BoldsThis matchup will be a dandy, pitting the nation's No. 1 defensive lineman (Gary) against the country's No. 1-ranked quarterback in Patterson. Gary is extremely disruptive and almost certainly will have the opportunity for a few sacks. After struggling through the first half of its season, Paramus Catholic has solid momentum after defeating Don Bosco Prep and Friendship Collegiate. The Paladins should have the athletes and playmakers to hang with IMG Academy. However, IMG has had two weeks to prepare and are coming off a 42-0 victory over Southern Lab (La.).
Hillcrest (Evergreen, Ala.) vs. Saraland (Ala.)Where: Saraland
When: Friday, 7 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on NFHSNetwork
Top committed recruits: Velus Jones (USC)
Top uncommitted recruits: Wydale Flott,
Jack WestHow impressive is West? Just a sophomore, he landed offers from both Alabama and Auburn before starting a single varsity game. He's adjusted just fine to the starting role this season, helping lead Saraland to an 8-1 record. West should be a huge name in recruiting over the next two years. Friday's game provides an opportunity to see him before he's a household name.
Kamiak (Mukilteo, Wash.) vs. Lake Stevens (Wash.)Where: Lake Stevens
When: Friday, 10 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on ESPNU
Top committed recruits: Jacob Eason (Georgia)
Top uncommitted recruits: Nate ShubertThis matchup is all about Eason, the nation's No. 7 recruit overall
according to 247Sports, and the No. 2 quarterback behind Patterson. Eason has been superb as a senior, throwing for 1,809 yards and 20 touchdowns versus just three interceptions. He headlines a Georgia recruiting class that is already very strong, but it leads for four additional five-star recruits, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball. Having Eason flash his dominance in a national broadcast this weekend can only help the Bulldogs' chances.
Santiago (Corona, Calif.) vs. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)Where: Centennial
When: Friday, 10 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on Fox Sports Prep Zone
Top committed recruits: Chacho Ulloa (Stanford),
Daniel Juarez (Cal),
Kentrell Love (Washington)
Top uncommitted recruits: Javon McKinleyCentennial is one of the most entertaining teams in the country. Head coach Matt Logan is an offensive mastermind who has the Huskies posting over 50 points per game. McKinley is the team's go-to weapon. Nearly all of his recent 247 Crystal Ball picks have come in favor of Notre Dame, but there's growing sentiment that Washington could be a real factor in his recruitment.
Chandler (Ariz.) vs. Brophy College Prep (Phoenix)Where: Brophy College Prep
When: Friday, 10 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on NFHS Network
Top committed recruits: Mason Moran (Oregon State)
Top uncommitted recruits: N'Keal Harry,
Connor Murphy,
Chase LucasThis game will feature three of the state's top recruits in Harry, Lucas and Murphy. Chandler's only loss came against No. 1 Bishop Gorman. Brophy Prep's three losses have come by a combined six points. A victory by Chandler would keep it unbeaten against in-state competition as it heads to take on undefeated Hamilton next weekend.
Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.) vs. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)Where: De La Salle
When: Friday, 10 p.m., ET
How to follow: Watch live on High School Cube
Top uncommitted recruits: Devin Asiasi,
Boss TagaloaDe La Salle, the top-ranked team in NorCal, will host Del Oro, one of the most revered programs in the Sac-Joaquin Section. The Asiasi-Tagaloa combo on the Spartans' defensive line is a matchup nightmare for most high school offensive lines. It appears they could become rivals next year. The 247Crystal Ball favors USC for Asiasi, UCLA for Tagaloa.
