MaxPreps Top 10 High School Football Games of the Week

The latest edition of the MaxPreps Top 10 Games of the Week is chock full of key postseason matchups for nationally ranked teams.

Six of the games this time around involve at least one team listed in the latest MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings. The most notable showdown takes place in Ohio, where No. 18 Colerain (Cincinnati) plays 24th-ranked crosstown rival Moeller with a trip to the Division I state semifinals on the line.

In addition, the nation's Nos. 1 and 2 teams both face tough second-round playoff tests against former Xcellent 25 teams. Top-ranked Washington (Miami) must survive University (Fort Lauderdale) to keep its hopes for a national championship and repeat 4A state title alive. Meanwhile, No. 2 DeSoto (Texas) could have its hands full with Coppell, whose only loss this year was to No. 3 Allen.



Only one game separates first and second place in our season-long predictions contest. Jamie DeMoney is sitting in the top spot for the second-straight week after correctly picking seven out of 10 winners a week ago. His 90-39-1 cumulative record is one game ahead of Stephen Spiewak and three games clear of Leland Gordon in third place.

Here's a look at this week's Top 10 games along with predictions by MaxPreps staff writers and contributors Mitch Stephens, Stephen Spiewak, Kevin Askeland, Leland Gordon, Colin Ward-Henninger and Jamie DeMoney. Also be sure to check out our playoff brackets from around the country.


Colerain (Cincinnati) vs. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)

What to watch: No. 18 Colerain's recipe for success is no secret. The Cardinals (12-0) hammer opponents with a ground-based offensive attack that's totaled more than 3,900 yards this season while throwing for less than 700. Quarterback Kelvin Cook and running back Detuan Smith – both seniors – have more than 1,300 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns apiece. For Moeller (11-1), the top offensive weapon has been quarterback Gus Ragland. The senior has 1,657 yards passing, 1,153 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns.

Just the facts: Saturday will be the sixth meeting between these teams – all coming in the playoffs – since 2004. Colerain holds a 4-1 edge in the previous five matchups, but Moeller beat the Cardinals in this same playoff round last season en route to the Division I state championship. … Moeller's championship last season was its eighth in school history but first since 1985. Colerain captured its only state title in 2004.

Mitch Stephens: Moeller 17, Colerain 14
Kevin Askeland: Colerain 35, Moeller 25
Jamie DeMoney: Moeller 30, Colerain 23
Stephen Spiewak: Colerain 31, Moeller 28
Leland Gordon: Moeller 24, Colerain 21
Colin Ward-Henninger: Colerain 28, Moeller 21
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Washington (Miami) at University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

What to watch: It's only round No. 2 of the Florida 4A playoffs, but top-ranked Washington may have its toughest challenge of the entire postseason this Friday. University went undefeated and won the Class 3A championship last season. This year the Suns (10-2) were nationally ranked for several weeks before losing to Xcellent 25 teams Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.) and Central (Miami). Four-star junior running back Jordan Scarlett had more than 100 rushing yards in a 47-7 blowout of Gulliver Prep (Miami) last week. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Washington (11-0) seems headed for its second-straight 4A title and third since 2007. The Tornadoes, ranked No. 1 in the Xcellent 25 since the second week of the season, have won every game by double-digit margins, including a 40-18 rout of traditional power Glades Central (Belle Glade) last week. Florida State-bound senior quarterback Treon Harris saw his first game action in more than a month after sitting out three games with an ankle injury.

Just the facts: If Washington can close out the season unbeaten, it will likely become the sixth Florida team in the last nine years to finish ranked No. 1 in at least one major national poll. … This will be the first meeting between these teams. University played its first varsity season in 2006.



Mitch Stephens: Washington 50, University 38
Kevin Askeland: Washington 28, University 27
Jamie DeMoney: Washington 25, University 20
Stephen Spiewak: Washington 28, University 21
Leland Gordon: Washington 42, University 32
Colin Ward-Henninger: Washington 35, University 21
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DeSoto (Texas) vs. Coppell (Texas)

What to watch: A key second-round game in the Texas 5A/Division I playoffs, which is the toughest playoff bracket in the nation this season. Both teams have appeared in the Top 10 of the Xcellent 25 this season. DeSoto, currently ranked No. 2, steamrolled Copperas Cove, 67-21 – its seventh-straight game with 50 or more points. Senior quarterback Desmon White (a TCU commit) had 393 passing yards in the game and surpassed the 3,000-yard barrier for the season. Coppell peaked at No. 9 in the Xcellent 25 before losing to third-ranked Allen on Sept. 27. Led by a defense that features four-star senior defensive end Solomon Thomas, the Cowboys (9-1) have erected a veritable iron curtain since that game, limiting their last six opponents to a combined 37 points.

Just the facts: Saturday's game is a rematch of a second-round game from last season won in convincing fashion by DeSoto, 42-14. It's the only other meeting between these teams in the last 10 years. … Coppell needs a win to clinch its fourth season with at least 10 wins in the last five years. DeSoto (11-0) has already achieved its fourth-straight double-digit win season and fifth in the last eight years.

Mitch Stephens: Coppell 31, DeSoto 28
Kevin Askeland: Coppell 42, DeSoto 41
Jamie DeMoney: DeSoto 35, Coppell 21
Stephen Spiewak: DeSoto 42, Coppell 28
Leland Gordon: Coppell 37, DeSoto 35
Colin Ward-Henninger: DeSoto 28, Coppell 24
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Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) vs. Desert Ridge (Mesa, Ariz.)

What to watch: A challenging Division I state semifinal matchup for No. 11 Mountain Pointe. Desert Ridge has rolled to 11 consecutive victories since losing a hard-fought game (28-22) to nationally ranked Serra (Gardena, Calif.) on Aug. 31. Mountain Pointe (12-0) has barely broken a sweat in the hot desert air since its 28-21 season-opening win against No. 23 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) on Aug. 23. The Pride have won their next 11 games by a whopping cumulative margin of 576-78.

Just the facts: Oregon-bound senior receiver Jalen Brown has 1,026 receiving yards – with a 22-yard per catch average – and 15 touchdowns for Mountain Pointe. Desert Ridge has exactly 4,000 rushing yards this season, with junior Taren Morrison's 2,112 yards and 33 touchdowns the top individual contribution. … Friday will be the third meeting between these teams in five years. The teams split their two previous meetings in 2009-10.

Mitch Stephens: Mountain Pointe 37, Desert Ridge 35
Kevin Askeland: Mountain Pointe 40, Desert Ridge 35
Jamie DeMoney: Mountain Pointe 31, Desert Ridge 23
Stephen Spiewak: Mountain Pointe 20, Desert Ridge 10
Leland Gordon: Mountain Pointe 45, Desert Ridge 35
Colin Ward-Henninger: Desert Ridge 28, Mountain Pointe 21
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Deerfield Beach (Fla.) at Miramar (Fla.)



What to watch: For one of these South Florida powers, this second-round Class 8A playoff game will be the end of the road in an undefeated season. Both teams are 11-0 and own a resume-building win against St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) – a team that rose to No. 3 in the Xcellent 25 national rankings earlier this season. Deerfield Beach (11-0) beat Aquinas in the regular-season finale, then suffered a bit of letdown last week but still pulled out a 14-7 overtime win against Flanagan (Pembroke Pines). No. 15 Miramar (11-0) advanced to Friday's game with a 31-21 win over Monarch (Coconut Creek). It's only the second time the Patriots have allowed an opponent to score 20 or more points all season.



Just the facts: These teams have had three prior postseason meetings since 2005. The most noteworthy was a regional final (won by Miramar, 34-30) in 2008. New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith was under center for Miramar and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Denard Robinson was Deerfield Beach's signal caller. … According to the Florida High School Athletic Association Championship Record Book, Deerfield Beach ranks 20th all-time in most playoff games played, but it has never won a state title. The Bucks have a 30-23 postseason record, dating back to their first appearance in 1976.

Mitch Stephens: Deerfield Beach 35, Miramar 28
Kevin Askeland: Miramar 28, Deerfield Beach 21
Jamie DeMoney: Miramar 19, Deerfield Beach 14
Stephen Spiewak: Miramar 21, Deerfield Beach 14
Leland Gordon: Miramar 28, Deerfield Beach 24
Colin Ward-Henninger: Deerfield Beach 21, Miramar 17
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St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) vs. Austintown-Fitch (Youngstown, Ohio)

What to watch: In order to advance to the state semifinals for the fourth time in 10 seasons, No. 19 St. Edward must extinguish Austintown-Fitch's unbeaten season. The Falcons (12-0) are one of only three undefeated teams left in Ohio Division I and are trying to advance to the state semis for the first time since 1992. Three-star junior running back Darrin Hall had more than 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in Austintown-Fitch's 40-24 win against Westerville Central last week. St. Edward (10-1) advanced with a dominant 42-7 win over Cleveland Heights.

Just the facts: Saturday will be the 10th meeting between these teams ever and first since 1997. St. Edward has won the last three, but Austintown-Fitch has a 5-4 edge in the series. … The last time these teams met this late in the postseason was a 1986 state semifinal game won by St. Edward (30-0).

Mitch Stephens: St. Edward 31, Austintown-Fitch 28
Kevin Askeland: St. Edward 38, Austintown-Fitch 21
Jamie DeMoney: St. Edward 41, Austintown-Fitch 20
Stephen Spiewak: St. Edward 28, Austintown-Fitch 17
Leland Gordon: St. Edward 31, Austintown-Fitch 28
Colin Ward-Henninger: St. Edward 28, Austintown-Fitch 21
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Brighton (Salt Lake City) vs. Bingham (South Jordan, Utah)

What to watch: Utah's Class 5A championship game is a rematch of a game won by Bingham (38-27) on Oct. 4. Bingham senior running back Scott Nichols ran for 214 yards and three touchdowns in that game and has more than 1,600 yards and 19 scores for the season. As a team, the Miners (13-0) have more than 3,000 rushing yards. Led by 6-foot-4, 210-pound junior Osa Masina, Brighton (12-1) has a potent running game of its own. Masina, rated four stars by 247Sports, gained 161 yards and three touchdowns in a semifinal-round win against Jordan (Sandy) last week. He has scored 25 touchdowns this season, according to the Deseret News.

Just the facts: A win Friday would give Bingham its fourth state championship in the last eight seasons and eighth overall. … Brighton is fighting for its first state championship since 1982. The Bengals' 12 wins this season is their best total in the last 10 years.

Mitch Stephens: Brighton 27, Bingham 21
Kevin Askeland: Bingham 40, Brighton 27
Jamie DeMoney: Bingham 27, Brighton 17
Stephen Spiewak: Brighton 28, Bingham 27
Leland Gordon: Bingham 37, Brighton 35
Colin Ward-Henninger: Bingham 21, Brighton 20
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Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh) vs. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh)

What to watch: Central Catholic has its sights set on finishing the year unbeaten and with a state championship for the first time since 2007. The next step toward that goal for the Vikings (12-0) is Saturday's Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Quad A championship game against Woodland Hills. With the exception of a 27-21 win over Gateway (Monroeville) in the WPIAL quarterfinals, Central Catholic has beaten every other team on its schedule by at least 24 points. After starting the season 0-2, Woodland Hills has won 10 consecutive games and now might be playing as well as any team in the Keystone State. The Wolverines earned their trip to Heinz Field with a 28-14 win over previously unbeaten Upper St. Clair.



Just the facts: A win would give Woodland Hills its second WPIAL title in five years and its sixth since 1996. Central Catholic is shooting for its fourth crown since 2003. … This will be the 11th meeting between these teams since 2004. Central Catholic has won the last two games in the series and leads 6-4 overall.

Mitch Stephens: Central Catholic 22, Woodland Hills 17
Kevin Askeland: Central Catholic 28, Woodland Hills 21
Jamie DeMoney: Central Catholic 23, Woodland Hills 17
Stephen Spiewak: Central Catholic 30, Woodland Hills 20
Leland Gordon: Central Catholic 27, Woodland Hills 17
Colin Ward-Henninger: Woodland Hills 28, Central Catholic 24
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Mount Carmel (Chicago) at Edwardsville (Ill.)

What to watch: Edwardsville will try to stay unbeaten and keep Mount Carmel from playing on Thanksgiving weekend for the 17th time in 40 seasons. The Tigers improved to 12-0 for the first time since 2005 with a 21-14 win over Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort) in the Class 7A quarterfinals last Saturday. Mount Carmel (11-1) kept its season alive with a 7-0 win over Downers Grove North. It was the Caravan's fifth shutout of the season.

Just the facts: Mount Carmel dropped down to 7A this year after winning the Class 8A state crown in 2012. It was the Caravan's state-best 11th title since 1980. … A win Saturday would give Edwardsville its first trip to the state finals in 12 years. The Tigers lost back-to-back championship games in 2001-02.

Mitch Stephens: Mount Carmel 17, Edwardsville 14
Kevin Askeland: Edwardsville 28, Mount Carmel 27
Jamie DeMoney: Mount Carmel 27, Edwardsville 24
Stephen Spiewak: Mount Carmel 20, Edwardsville 10
Leland Gordon: Edwardsville 24, Mount Carmel 22
Colin Ward-Henninger: Mount Carmel 17, Edwardsville 14
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Coeur d'Alene (Idaho) vs. Highland (Pocatello, Idaho)

What to watch: Coeur d'Alene is trying to win its third Class 5A state title in the last four years, but will need to spoil Highland's unbeaten season to do so. The Vikings have won seven consecutive games after a shaky 1-3 start. They earned a trip to Friday night's championship game in the warm and dry Kibbie Dome by blowing out Capital (Boise), 42-14, in a snowstorm last Friday. Senior running back Ty Holgate ran for 177 yards and Washington-bound tight end Chase Blakley caught a touchdown pass to lead the way. Highland was a 24-6 winner against Rocky Mountain (Meridian). The Rams (11-0) are trying to win their 10th state title, but first since 2008.

Just the facts: This is a rematch of a regular-season game won by Highland (24-21) on Sept. 21. The Rams outscored Coeur d'Alene 14-0 in the second half to secure the victory. … The site of Friday night's championship game is the Kibbie Dome, located at the University of Idaho. With only 16,000 permanent seats, it's the smallest home stadium in all of FBS college football.

Mitch Stephens: Coeur d'Alene 35, Highland 31
Kevin Askeland: Coeur d'Alene 35, Highland 34
Jamie DeMoney: Coeur d'Alene 34, Highland 21
Stephen Spiewak: Highland 24, Coeur d'Alene 21
Leland Gordon: Highland 49, Coeur d'Alene 35
Colin Ward-Henninger: Highland 28, Coeur d'Alene 21



Jamie DeMoney is in his 20th season covering high school sports and recruiting. He is a Regional Content Manager and Product Specialist for XOS Digital and compiles the National Prep Poll for World Features Syndicate.