Who's No. 1?

Who's No. 1?

Currently, Don Bosco Prep sits at No. 1 in both the Xcellent 25 and the Freeman Rankings as the last weekend of the high school football season arrives.

However, its reign as the top team in high school football is not beyond reproach, as fans of several other schools have laid claim to the top spot.

Here's an argument for and against the nation's top teams:

Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Record: 11-0
Points per game: 41.1
Points allowed per game: 8.3
Opponents won-loss record: 85-40 (68%)
Argument for: The Ironmen came out unscathed after navigating a brutal schedule that featured games against Mission Viejo, St. Edward, and Manatee, three top programs in their respective states. Its physical, athletic defense and disciplined special teams unit produced many game-breaking plays throughout the season, while its offense also came up big. Between Darius Hamilton and Jabrill Peppers, Don Bosco Prep would likely have the most talented player on the field against nearly any opponent.
Argument against: While Don Bosco Prep had some truly dominant efforts (against St. Edward and in the Non-Public Group IV final against Bergen Catholic), there were stretches during games where the Ironmen struggled offensively. Additionally, this may not even be one of Don Bosco Prep's Top 3 teams over the last 10 years.
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Trinity (Louisville, Ky.)
Record: 14-0
Points per game: 49.7
Points allowed per game: 8.3
Opponents won-loss record: 113-65 (63%)
Argument for: Trinity ran through a brutal schedule with relative ease, leaving a trail of Midwest-area powers in its path. The Shamrocks beat top teams from four different states, and did so in an overwhelming fashion. With an excellent quarterback, terrific offensive skill players, and a talented defense, it is likely the best team in Kentucky state history.
Argument against: Don Bosco Prep fans point to Trinity's schedule which, though it was chock-full of the region's top teams, was still slightly less daunting than the one that Don Bosco Prep faced. More to the point, although it had a number of impressive victories, it's hard to identify a single signature victory to which Trinity can stake claim.
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Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
Record: 15-0
Points per game: 31.3
Points allowed per game: 8.3
Opponents won-loss record: 101-73 (58%)
Argument for: Grayson won arguably the toughest playoff bracket in the country this season, Georgia's AAAAA tournament. Four of its final seven games came against Brookwood, Lowndes, Colquitt County, and Walton, which had a combined record of 41-12. Its defense featured arguably the nation's top player, Robert Nkemdiche, but it's offense was the real story. Led by quarterback Nick Schuessler, Grayson averaged nearly 30 points per game in the playoffs against some very stingy defenses.
Argument against: Despite its fine performance during Grayson's playoff run, the team's offense was limited at times, scoring only once against both Kell and Brookwood. Its out-of-state victory came against a very mediocre Edgewater squad, serving as a poor barometer for how Grayson would fair against Florida's top teams.
{PAGEBREAK}Others in the discussion:
Miramar (Fla.)
Currently undefeated and ranked No. 4, if Miramar captures Florida's Class 8A title, it will have beaten St. Thomas Aquinas, Columbus, and Plant, all in one season, providing for a very impressive resume.
Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.)
It's been a strange season in California, with no team emerging as truly elite, with the possible exception of unbeaten Westlake. If it convincingly beats De La Salle in the Open Division Bowl Game, it will warrant being in the discussion for the top spot.
Armwood (Seffner, Fla.)
Ranked No. 2 for much of the season, Armwood has been a two-faced team this year. It imposed its will at times, traveling on the road to beat Bishop Gorman in one of the more impressive victories of the season, and also blanked 8A finalist Plant, 21-0. However, it required a last-minute special teams touchdown to survive Lakewood Ranch in the first round of the playoffs and struggled similarly with Gainesville and Bartram Trail. A decisive victory over Central would end the season on a high note.
Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
Unlike the Carroll teams of the mid 2000s, this Carroll squad was a darkhorse entering the season and has continued to pick off top teams on its Class 5A-I playoff run. It now owns victories over Skyline, Martin, Arlington Bowie and Cedar Hill. Finishing 16-0 with a title in the state's largest classification would certainly enter Carroll into the conversation for a higher ranking.
Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
With victories over Gilman and Manatee, Good Counsel ventured outside its WCAC schedule and came away with a pair of solid wins. It has clearly surpassed league rival DeMatha as the top program in the Washington, D.C. area. However, it didn't entirely breeze through its schedule, as it struggled mightily with 4-6 St. John's.
Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
A team in good position to rise in the rankings on the season's final weekend, there is talk that Lake Travis is the state's top team. The program is going for an unprecedented fifth straight state title and there remains little doubt that it could play with any 5A team in the state. It is favored in the 4A-I title game against Midway. Additionally, its resume will be strengthened if Aledo, a team it beat 62-35 in September, captures the 4A-II state title.
Maryville (Tenn.)
Simply by virtue of the belief that this team may be the best that Tennessee legend George Quarles has ever coached, this Maryville team deserves consideration. Maryville beat rival Alcoa in August and only got better as the season continued. It dominated the 6A playoff bracket, winning by over 30 points per game on average.
Bellevue (Wash.)
Bellevue lived up to its preseason national ranking by finishing 14-0 and capturing the Class 3A state title. In the process, it beat Oaks Christian, Skyline, and Lakes. Though it loses its leader in Tyler Hasty, this team could actually be better next season.