High school football games on Friday and Saturday are the perfect warm-up to college and NFL games.
Video: MaxPreps Top 10 Football Games of the WeekA preview of the top games in the country this weekend.Each week, MaxPreps breaks down the top high school games in the country for college football fans to check out.
This week, Ohio, New Jersey and the Southeast take center stage.
Photos by MaxPreps photographers/Graphic by Ryan Escobar
FRIDAYElder (Cincinnati) vs. Centerville (Ohio)When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Elder
Where to watch: High School Cube
Top committed recruits: Tommy Kraemer (Notre Dame),
Peyton Ramsey (Indiana),
Adam Hensley (West Virginia)
Kraemer is a key piece to a stellar Notre Dame recruiting class that boasts perhaps the top collection of offensive linemen. Ramsey, a coach's son, is Indiana-bound.
North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) vs. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)When: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: North Gwinnett
Where to watch: NFHS Network
Top committed recruits: Josh Imatorbhebhe (USC),
Robbie Bell (Louisville),
Kameron Pickett (Miami University)
Top uncommitted recruits: Drew JordanNorth Gwinnett's star receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe surprised some when he committed to USC, given that his brother Daniel signed with the Florida Gators in last year's recruiting class. Now that brother Danial announced a transfer to USC, it seems as if the younger Imatorbhebhe brother is a Trojans lock. Bell going up against Jordon, who holds several offers, is an intriguing matchup.
Opelika (Ala.) vs. Central (Phenix City, Ala.)When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Phenix City Central
Where to watch: NFHS Network
Top committed recruits: John Broussard (Auburn),
Jamal Couch (Florida State)
Top uncommitted recruits: Jake Bentley,
Markail Benton,
Karon Delince,
Justyn RossThere is top-notch talent all over the field. Benton is the state's top-ranked junior
according to 247Sports, while Ross is arguably the state's top sophomore. Most expect Bentley to end up at Auburn, where his father coaches. He's held an offer from the Tigers since eighth grade.
Zachary (La.) vs. Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, La.)When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Calvary Baptist
Where to watch: ESPNU
Top committed recruits: Andreaz "Greedy" Williams (LSU),
Chanse Sylvie (Oklahoma),
Rodarius "Lee Lee" Williams (Oklahoma State),
Kellton Hollins (TCU)
Top uncommitted recruits: Lindsey Scott
Zachary enters the game undefeated and one of the best teams in the state. Calvary Baptist is struggling to fill the void left behind by Shea Patterson, who transferred to IMG Academy. Williams, who will stay home and play for LSU, has been outstanding on both defense and special teams this season. He's made 21 tackles in three games and has one interception.
SATURDAYSt. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) vs. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)When: 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Don Bosco Prep
Where to watch: MSGVarsity
Top committed recruits: Sean McGrew (Washington),
Traveon Beck (California),
K.J. Gray (Boston College)
Top uncommitted recruits: D.J. Morgan,
Wyatt Davis,
Johnathan Lewis,
Benjamin PetrulaCross-country high school football games are rare, which makes this matchup between New Jersey's defending state champion and nationally-ranked St. John Bosco even more intriguing. With his impressive speed, McGrew is a threat to score whenever he has the ball in his hands. Keep an eye on freshman quarterback Maasai Maynor, who is inexperienced but has made some scintillating plays early on in his ninth-grade season.
Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, La.) vs. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Don Bosco Prep
Where to watch: MSGVarsity
Top committed recruits: Briston Guidry (Arkansas),
Brandon Simon (Iowa),
Tyrone Hill (Maryland)
Top uncommitted recruits: Kristian FultonLouisiana's top-ranked team will look to knock off a long-standing New Jersey power. Fulton's speed will certainly challenge Don Bosco Prep's defense, though the Ironmen typically rise to the occasion in interstate competition. Rummel had success on the road last weekend, after it trekked to Mississippi and beat Wayne County. Expect a defensive slugfest.
Rummel's 1,300-mile trip
