DeSoto has emerged as the nation's new No. 1 team. But can other hard-charging teams take that away from them?
Photo by Robbie Rakestraw
Who's No. 1?
With previous poll leader Manatee stumbling hard in a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas, the road appeared to be paved for John Curtis to ascend to the top spot.
That was before DeSoto pulled out a thrilling and impressive 49-45 victory over an outstanding Southlake Carroll team in what many consider the game of the year.
As such, DeSoto ascends to the No. 1 spot in a wide-open race to finish on top.
John Curtis made its case, dominating Evangel Christian Academy 35-14 to complete a dream season. The Patriots don't have the litany of impressive victories that other top teams have, but they have almost no weaknesses.
Katy, which received serious consideration for the top spot, also has no ostensible vulnerability. It has outscored opponents 749-149 so far this season. If it dominates Steele in usual fashion, it could move higher.
Bellevue, ranked No. 4, enjoyed a season for the ages, but No. 5 De La Salle could be the real sleeper to watch for the No. 1 spot.
The Spartans pounded previously unbeaten Folsom 45-14, quietly putting together a very strong resume. Like in previous seasons, De La Salle is peaking at the right time, and a convincing victory over Centennial (Corona) in the CIF Open Division Bowl Game would really bolster the team's shot at the top spot.
Another team to keep an eye on is Norcross. With a decisive victory over Colquitt County, it now has victories over two preseason Top 25 teams.
Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard
1. (3) DeSoto (Texas), 14-0In what was arguably the game of the year, DeSoto defeated Southlake Carroll 49-45, stopping the Dragons on the goal line to secure the victory.
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Photos2. (2) Curtis (River Ridge, La.), 14-0Curtis completed a perfect season with a 35-13 victory over Evangel Christian Academy.
3. (4) Katy (Texas), 14-0It was another simply dominant effort for Katy, which pounded Cypress Ranch 70-21.
Box score4. (5) Bellevue (Wash.), 14-0Season complete. Class 3A state champion.
5. (10) De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 14-0The Spartans are once again peaking at the right time. They hammered Folsom 49-15 for the right to represent NorCal in the CIF Open Division Bowl Game.
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