MaxPreps Top 10 High School Football Games of the Week

As the season continues to wind down, the stakes grow even higher. A showdown between Folsom and De La Salle, with the right to represent Northern California in a CIF Championship Bowl Game on the line, highlights this week's edition of the MaxPreps Top 10 Games of the Week.

Folsom boats one of the nation's premier offenses, led by Jake Browning, a major contender for National Sophomore of the Year honors. Though it will enter the game as the favorite, the possibility exists that De La Salle could lose its first game to an opponent from Northern California since 1991.

With a 7-3 record in last week's games, Mitch Stephens has a one-game lead over Jamie DeMoney in the season-long standings. Stephen Spiewak and Leland Gordon are six and seven games back, respectively.

Here's a breakdown of the Top 10 games along with predictions by MaxPreps staff and contributors.




De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) vs. Folsom (Calif.)

After seeming somewhat fallible in regular-season victories, De La Salle has reasserted itself in the playoffs, delivering a 52-7 thrashing to a highly capable Logan squad that some thought would hand the Spartans its first loss to a NorCal opponent in more than two decades. A defense led by Michael Hutchings, Victor Egu and Austin Hooper ranks with the nation's finest units. Youngster Boss Tagaloa is a rare freshman seeing action on the varsity level. At 6-foot-2, 264 pounds, he adds great size to the defensive line.

See our California Regional Bowl Game previews for all 10 contests

Conversely, Folsom is led by its explosive offense, which carried it to a CIF Bowl Game victory over Serra (Gardena, Calif.) in 2010 and has been the program's calling card. The emergence of sophomore Jake Browning after Tanner Trosin's graduation has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first game, he tossed for 10 touchdowns and has showed no signs of slowing down. Folsom was very consistent in the Sac-Joaquin Section II playoffs, scoring at least 44 points in each contest.

Mitch Stephens: De La Salle 35, Folsom 24
Jamie DeMoney: De La Salle 38, Folsom 28
Stephen Spiewak: Folsom 35, De La Salle 31
Leland Gordon: De La Salle 42, Folsom 20
Kevin Askeland: De La Salle 45, Folsom 7
Steve Montoya: Folsom 28, De La Salle 27





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DeSoto (Texas) vs. Carroll (Southlake, Texas)

Once again, DeSoto (13-0) showed that few teams can hang with it for four quarters, as it pulled away and defeated Bowie 24-6. The nation's No. 3 team has outscored opponents 633-255 so far this season. Oregon commit Dontre Wilson rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns to continue his fine senior season. DeSoto is now the No. 1 team in the nation in the Freeman Rankings.

See the most recent Texas Top 25 football rankings

Last year's Class 5A-I state champion, Carroll is no stranger to big games, as it's played in -- and won -- countless in the last decade. A preseason title favorite, Carroll lost its season opener to Allen 24-0 but has been on a roll since, thanks in large part to the play of a Dragons defense that has allowed seven points or fewer in 10 of the team's last 12 games. While lacking the explosive skill players that DeSoto has, Carroll has poised playmaker Kenny Hill, a Texas A&M recruit, guiding the offense. The winner of this game will advance to the Class 5A-I semifinals.

Mitch Stephens: DeSoto 35, Carroll 31
Jamie DeMoney: DeSoto 37, Carroll 31
Stephen Spiewak: Carroll 28, DeSoto 24
Leland Gordon: Carroll 45, DeSoto 43
Kevin Askeland: Carroll 45, DeSoto 42
Steve Montoya: DeSoto 31, Carroll 21



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Skyline (Dallas) vs. Allen (Texas)

Though it's been passed up in the national rankings by several other schools in the Lone Star State, Skyline still has the horses to go the distance. Last week, it fought off a comeback attempt from Westfield to win 38-33. The quarterback-receiver combination of Devante Kincade and Ra'Shaad Samples remains one of the nation's finest. Their quick-strike ability makes them hard to ever count out.



See our Texas playoff score projections

With only a three-point loss to Coppell blemishing its resume, Allen has climbed to No. 21 in the Xcellent 25. In addition to a season-opening victory over Carroll, Allen also boasts impressive victories over Cedar Hill, Mesquite, and most recently, Round Rock Westwood, a 56-24 win last Saturday. In that game, Allen scored a whopping 42 points in the second quarter. Senior Oliver Pierce is the team's go-to weapon on offense, while sophomore Kyler Murray has emerged at quarterback. Special teams will be an advantage for Allen, with kicker Carlos Arochi and All-American punter Shane Tripucka.

Mitch Stephens: Allen 28, Skyline 24
Jamie DeMoney: Skyline 31, Allen 27
Stephen Spiewak: Allen 28, Skyline 21
Leland Gordon: Skyline 28, Allen 24
Kevin Askeland: Allen 28, Skyline 27
Steve Montoya: Allen 21, Skyline 20



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Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) vs. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

Is Narbonne the best Los Angeles City Section team in years? Manuel Douglas' squad can certainly make that claim, after navigating through its season with a 14-0 record that includes victories over Mater Dei, Long Beach Poly, Serra and Crenshaw. Still, there's some concern in the Narbonne ranks, as star senior quarterback Troy Williams, a Washington commit, separated his shoulder in a semifinal win against Carson. He ignites the Narbonne offense, having thrown for 2,519 yards and 36 touchdowns. On defense, Narbonne has forced 21 turnovers and has allowed just more than seven points per game.

See our California Regional Bowl projections



After edging Vista Murrieta for the Inland Division crown, Centennial has an opportunity to play for its second bowl game in three years and fourth overall. Head coach Matt Logan is the architect of the Huskies program that has been arguably the most consistent in the southern part of the state over the last five years. Both of Centennial's leading offensive weapons (Robert Webber and Tre Watson) are juniors, so the Centennial wagon should continue rolling into 2013.

Mitch Stephens: Centennial 35, Narbonne 34
Jamie DeMoney: Narobonne 33, Centennial 21
Stephen Spiewak: Narbonne 35, Centennial 21
Leland Gordon: Centennial 31, Narbonne 28
Kevin Askeland: Centennial 38, Narbonne 35
Steve Montoya: Narbonne 28, Centennial 21



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Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

In 2009, Manatee stunned St. Thomas Aquinas, upsetting the Raiders in the playoffs and shattering their chance at a No. 1 finish in the Xcellent 25. This season, Manatee (14-0) is ranked No. 1, and Aquinas will look to play the role of spoiler. Manatee is led by outstanding dual-threat quarterback Cord Sandberg, who is committed to Mississippi State. Ja Juan Pollock has picked up the slack at receiver in the wake of an injury to standout Anthony Lauro. Defensively, Manatee has accounted for 34 total sacks.

See our Florida playoff score projections

After a rocky start, St. Thomas Aquinas (12-2) has won eight straight games, including last week's 38-24 victory over Boyd Anderson. This is not a vintage Aquinas squad, but it's still potentially dangerous. The defense, which features brothers Joseph Bosa and Nicholas Bosa, has really come on late in the season. Quarterback John O'Korn has enjoyed a nice senior season. Aquinas has won three of its last four meetings with Manatee.



Mitch Stephens: Manatee 28, St. Thomas Aquinas 24
Jamie DeMoney: Manatee 38, St. Thomas Aquinas 17
Stephen Spiewak: Manatee 35, St. Thomas Aquinas 14
Leland Gordon: Manatee 31, St. Thomas Aquinas 21
Kevin Askeland: Manatee 48, St. Thomas Aquinas 7
Steve Montoya: Manatee 35, St. Thomas Aquinas 21



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Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.) vs. Washington (Miami)

It's hard to imagine playoff football in Florida without Bolles. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Corky Rogers, Bolles (12-1) will be playing in its 14th state title game. Rogers, who owns 423 career victories, has also won 73 playoff games, also a state record. Last week, Bolles shut down the nation's all-time leading rusher, Derrick Henry. It will need to be equally stout on defense against a talented Washington squad.

See our MaxPreps Florida football playoff brackets

Washington began the season ranked in the preseason Xcellent 25 and, after a loss to Miami Central, finds itself back in the fold at No. 18. Washington (12-1) has received huge production from junior quarterback Treon Harris, who has thrown for 2,461 yards and 33 touchdowns. He's also done damage on the ground, running for 13 scores. Laqwan Scott and Matthew Thomas lead the defense with 13 and 10 sacks, respectively. They'll need to be accounted for on each play. Washington is looking to avenge a 33-25 loss to Bolles in the Class 4A title game a year ago.

Mitch Stephens: Washington 21, Bolles 20
Jamie DeMoney: Washington 36, Bolles 26
Stephen Spiewak: Washington 38, Bolles 21
Leland Gordon: Washington 42, Bolles 28
Kevin Askeland: Bolles 45, Washington 35
Steve Montoya: Washington 21, Bolles 14





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Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.) vs. Norcross (Ga.)

Under Rush Propst, Colquitt County (10-3) has proven to be a very difficult team to face in the playoffs; it went wire-to-wire last year with eventual champion Grayson. This season, Colquitt County ended the season with an upset over powerhouse Camden County and carried that momentum for three straight playoff wins. Senior quarterback Cole Segraves has had an up-and-down season, with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Still, he's experienced and talented, and a huge asset behind center.

See our Georgia playoff score projections

The lone remaining unbeaten team in Georgia's Class AAAAAA, Norcross (13-0) debuted at No. 17 in the Xcellent 25 this week. With 1,959 yards and 24 touchdowns, Alvin Kamara has powered the team's offense. Junior Myles Autry, who has caught nine touchdown passes, is one of the most exciting players in the country with the ball in his hands. Norcross' defense is big and athletic, which could matchup well with Colquitt County's physical offense.

Mitch Stephens: Norcross 21, Colquitt County 20
Jamie DeMoney: Colquitt County 28, Norcross 24
Stephen Spiewak: Norcross 31, Colquitt County 20
Leland Gordon: Norcross 31, Colquitt County 24
Kevin Askeland: Norcross 38, Colquitt County 28
Steve Montoya: Norcross 21, Colquitt County 14





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Hoover (Ala.) vs. Opelika (Ala.)

Fresh off a victory in arguably the most anticipated game of the season against Clay-Chalkville, Hoover (15-0) is one win away from its first state title since 2009. It would also mark the second state title for Josh Niblett, who has kept Hoover operating at an elite level since the program achieved national fame under head coach Rush Propst after being featured on MTV's "Two-A-Days" reality show. Quarterback Connor Short has been a steady presence on offense, tossing for 2,692 yards and 30 scores. The secondary, with Devon Earl (four interceptions) and Marlon Humphrey (three) will make Opelika earn any yards it gets through the air.

See our Alabama playoff score projections

Opelika (10-4) has been somewhat of a Cinderella story in the 6A playoffs, defeating Auburn and Carver in consecutive weeks to reach the final. It seeks to exact revenge upon Hoover after enduring a 30-7 loss to close the regular season. A Malcolm Buggs 100-yard interception return for a touchdown last week against Carver was a big highlight. Similarly, defense will be critical to Opelika's success against Hoover's high-powered attack.

Mitch Stephens: Hoover 42, Opelika 21
Jamie DeMoney: Hoover 27, Opelika 14
Stephen Spiewak: Hoover 35, Opelika 10
Leland Gordon: Hoover 35, Opelika 21
Kevin Askeland: Hoover 28, Opelika 14
Steve Montoya: Hoover 38, Opelika 21



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Neville (Monroe, La.) vs. Karr (New Orleans)

Though it might be tough to top last week's Barbe-West Monroe thriller, this game has the makings of one that folks in the Pelican State remember for years to come. Neville (13-0) enters the game undefeated after winning the Class 4A state title last season and finishing 14-0. It retooled this season and has relied on senior John Diarse, an LSU commit who has thrown for 17 touchdowns and rushed for 20 more. On the opposite side of the ball, Neville has intercepted 21 passes, led by senior Demon Baker and junior blue-chipper Laurence Jones, who have picked off four passes apiece.



See state champions and playoff brackets from around the nation

Karr (13-0) is one of the most talented teams in the country and this season, seems to have gelled beautifully. No team has come within 12 points of the Cougars, which defeated Holy Cross 28-16 in the semifinals last weekend. Receiver Devante Noil is one of the team's biggest weapons on offense, while junior Gerald Willis stars on the defensive line. Karr looks to exact revenge on Neville after a 27-6 loss in last year's state finals.

Mitch Stephens: Karr 21, Neville 14
Jamie DeMoney: Neville 38, Karr 27
Stephen Spiewak: Karr 20, Neville 17
Leland Gordon: Karr 24, Neville 14
Kevin Askeland: Neville 35, Karr 14
Steve Montoya: Karr 14, Neville 7



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Stone Bridge (Ashburn, Va.) vs. Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.)

With a 28-21 victory over Hanover a week ago, Stone Bridge (14-0) earned a berth in the Division 5 finals for the third time in four years. In its two previous trips to the title game, Stone Bridge lost to Phoebus. This year, it features a senior-laden team highlighted by Stanford-bound quarterback Ryan Burns and defensive end/linebacker Jonathan Allen, who is heading to Alabama. It has outscored opponents 610-188 on the season.



See our Virginia playoff score projections

Lake Taylor (14-0) emerged from the Eastern Region with a victory over Phoebus and advanced to the finals after beating North Stafford, 23-21. Quarterback Delmon Williams helped guide the team in the come-from-behind victory a week ago. He'll look to throw to Ja'kale Pinkney and tight end Jalyn Holmes. Brandon Moore will see a bulk of the carries, while Brandon Lynch, a linebacker, will help Lake Taylor try to get pressure on Burns. Marquise Poole had not made a field goal all season prior to kicking the game-winner last week. Being able to rely on him in a tight spot could provide a special teams edge to coach Hank Sawyer.

Mitch Stephens: Stone Bridge 17, Lake Taylor 14
Jamie DeMoney: Lake Taylor 28, Stone Bridge 25
Stephen Spiewak: Lake Taylor 17, Stone Bridge 10
Leland Gordon: Lake Taylor 21, Stone Bridge 18
Kevin Askeland: Lake Taylor 28, Stone Bridge 7
Steve Montoya: Stone Bridge 21, Lake Taylor 7