By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
There was a time in the not too distant past when a team's biggest scheduled opponent was its city or county rival, or perhaps a state rivalry that went beyond local borders.
Now, for an increasing number of elite high school football teams, the schedule's marquee matchup is with a team from an entirely different state.
While much of the national preseason attention has been given to the showdown between Southlake Carroll (Texas) and Miami Northwestern (Fla.), there are a number of high-profile games between teams from different states. The 2007 season will showcase some of the better out-of-state games in recent memory, fueled in large part by the Burger King Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge.
Over the past two seasons, the Herbstreit event has contributed to the growth of high school football on a national level. This year is no different with games like Cincinnati Colerain vs. Hoover (Ala.), Cincinnati Elder vs. Independence (N.C.), and Cleveland Glenville vs. Long Beach Poly (Calif.).
Perhaps the most notable matchup in this year's Herbstreit Classic is Cincinnati's St. Xavier (No. 1 preseason by PrepNation.com) taking on Maryland powerhouse DeMatha Catholic (No. 3 preseason by PrepNation.com).
"We play a national schedule," St. Xavier head coach Steve Specht said.
In addition to DeMatha, the Bombers' fall slate also includes games against Kentucky power Trinity, as well as Indiana's Bishop Chatard. St. Xavier tackled Florida juggernaut Lakeland a year ago, a program in the midst of a 45-game win streak.
The Bombers return an impressive cast of talented players who helped them to a 10-2 record last season, following their state championship season in 2005.
The offense revolves around running back Darius Ashley, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
"He's got unbelievable balance.the best I've ever seen in a high school back," Specht said.
St. X also returns its starting quarterback, John Hurley. Hurley will have the luxury of throwing to some familiar targets, 6-foot-2 John Scheieler, 5-11 Danny Milligan, and 6-5 Stephon Ball, whose father, Eric, is a former Cincinnati Bengal.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bombers are led by 6-3 free safety Fred Craig, a recent Stanford commitment. A three-year starter, Craig's versatility allows for Specht to move him around in different coverage schemes. This could prove vital in countering DeMatha's most dangerous offensive weapon, Kenny Tate.
The 6-4 Tate is one of the more talented wide receivers in the country. Like Craig, Tate can utilize his talents at several positions on the field, including tailback and safety. He has risen to the occasion in big games before, scoring two touchdowns, including one in overtime, in a dramatic playoff win against Good Counsel - as a sophomore. He has been compared to former Stag standout Brian Westbrook.
"It starts with Tate," Specht said. "I've watched a couple of clips of film, and he's a difference maker. He's a kid you have to worry about."
Tate will certainly help ease the transition of likely starting quarterback Tom Chroniger, Jr. Chroniger, who is expected to take over for departed signal caller Chester Stewart, played safety last season for the Stags. He is a natural lefty but is ambidextrous, allowing him to throw with either arm.
For as many problems as the Chroniger-Tate connection might cause for St. Xavier, Specht is not looking past the team`s first game, when they play Winton Woods.
"We're worried about our week one opponent. I try not to get ahead of myself," he said.
Regardless of the outcome, the St. Xavier/DeMatha game is just part of a growing trend of top high school football programs challenging themselves by seeking quality opponents, regardless of state borders. The excitement that these games generate has captured the attention of fans, coaches, players and national media outlets.
Despite all of the enthusiasm and fervor surrounding the nationalization of high school football, it has little bearing on teams' state championship aspirations. Coaches tend to worry more about the development of their own players and team, as well as in-state opponents they might see again come playoff time, while letting the chips fall where they may against their out-of-state foes.
"If our best is enough we're going to win our share of games. Ultimately, I want to see our kids improve every day, and if that happens, I'll consider it a championship season," Specht said.
Championship seasons don't have to include an out-of-state victory, but it is certainly a burgeoning reality among high school football's elite.