A look back at national No. 1 vs. No. 2 games

By Stephen Spiewak Sep 5, 2013, 5:00pm

Central, Booker T. Washington showdown will be fourth time in modern era that nation's top two teams meet.

The game of the year takes place on Friday as No. 1 Washington (Miami) locks horns with No. 2 Central (Miami) in a showdown of the country's two top-ranked teams.

Games between the nation's two best teams are rare, but they do occur. MaxPreps takes a look at the previous showdowns between No. 1 and No. 2-ranked teams.

Long Beach Poly vs. De La Salle, October 13, 2001
In 2001, No. 1 Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) met No. 2 De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) It was the coming out party for Maurice Jones-Drew (then Maurice Drew), as he scored four times to lead De La Salle to a 29-15 victory.





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DeSean Jackson was only a freshman when De La Salle and Poly met in 2001. However, he played as a sophomore when the two teams met for a rematch in 2002 and struggled against the Spartans defense.
DeSean Jackson was only a freshman when De La Salle and Poly met in 2001. However, he played as a sophomore when the two teams met for a rematch in 2002 and struggled against the Spartans defense.
Photo by Juliann Tallino
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A young Bob Ladouceur showed Southern California--and the nation--that his Spartans could hang with top programs outside of Northern California.
A young Bob Ladouceur showed Southern California--and the nation--that his Spartans could hang with top programs outside of Northern California.
Photo by Dennis Lee
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Northwestern (Miami) vs. Carroll (Southlake, Texas), September 15, 2007
Jacory Harris of Miami Northwestern completed 21 of 28 passes to lead the Bulls past Carroll (Southlake, Texas) in 2007.
Jacory Harris of Miami Northwestern completed 21 of 28 passes to lead the Bulls past Carroll (Southlake, Texas) in 2007.
Photo by Todd Shurtless
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Marcus Forston led Northwestern's defense against Carroll. He finished the season with 20 sacks and earned MaxPreps All-American honors.
Marcus Forston led Northwestern's defense against Carroll. He finished the season with 20 sacks and earned MaxPreps All-American honors.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
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Riley Dodge was MaxPreps National Player of the Year as a junior, but struggled in his senior season opener against Northwestern.
Riley Dodge was MaxPreps National Player of the Year as a junior, but struggled in his senior season opener against Northwestern.
Photo by Kevin Morris
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Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), October 2, 2009
In 2009, No. 2-ranked Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) traveled to Fort Lauderdale to take No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas. Current 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore, who enjoyed a prodigious high school career, had a game he'd rather forget, fumbling four times.
In 2009, No. 2-ranked Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) traveled to Fort Lauderdale to take No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas. Current 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore, who enjoyed a prodigious high school career, had a game he'd rather forget, fumbling four times.
Photo by Jim Redman
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Before he was a Florida State Seminole, Lamarcus Joyner was an Aquinas Raider. He had a huge night against Byrnes in Aquinas' 42-34 win.
Before he was a Florida State Seminole, Lamarcus Joyner was an Aquinas Raider. He had a huge night against Byrnes in Aquinas' 42-34 win.
Photo by Jim Redman
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George Smith addresses his team after its victory over Byrnes. Aquinas stayed at the No. 1 spot in the rankings until December, when it was stunned by Manatee in the playoffs.
George Smith addresses his team after its victory over Byrnes. Aquinas stayed at the No. 1 spot in the rankings until December, when it was stunned by Manatee in the playoffs.
Photo by Jim Redman

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