Hot-starting squads and programs prepping for October beginning are catching notice.
One of the many wild things about 2020 is states have reversed their decisions to play in the spring and plan to kick off in the fall. We've seen it in Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado and now possibly Maryland.
Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.) is Centennial State team which has our attention to join the fall rankings. A few weeks ago the Bruins were preparing for a 2021 season, now they are gearing up for October action. The defending 5A state champions are coming off a 14-0 season.
Cherry Creek joins nine other teams on our National Watch List. The 10 teams sit right outside the Top 50 and have strong cases to join anytime.
Cherry Creek begins its football season soon and could jump into the MaxPreps Top 50 rankings with a hot start.
File photo by Theodore Stark
The Eagles have scored over 44 points per game to start the 2020 season. QB
CJ Rogers has thrown for over 800 yards and 15 touchdown passes.
Next game: Oct. 2 vs. Mellisa (Texas)
Auburn (Ala.) — 5-0The Tigers offense averages 39 points a game as they hit the schedule's halfway point. The defense is allowing just 10 points per game and has two shutouts.
Next game: Oct. 2 at Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Cathedral (Indianapolis) — 5-0The Fighting Irish are rolling to start 2020. Senior QB
Nathan Mccahill has thrown for over 1,400 yards while rushing for six touchdowns for one of Indiana's top-ranked teams.
Next game: Sept. 25 vs. La Salle (Cincinnati)
Cedar Hill (Texas) — 0-0The Longhorns return 2021 Tennessee commit QB
Kaidon Salter in 2020. Salter is one of 15 players in the Class of 2021 Top 100 from the state of Texas.
Next game: Oct. 2 at Arlington
Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.) — 0-0Colorado recently reversed its decision to allow teams to play high school football in the fall. Dave Logan's team has opted to play and multi-sport standout
Julian Hammond is back under center and one of many key returners.
Next game: TBD
Gaither (Tampa, Fla.) — 2-02021 Utah commit
Ricky Parks and the Cowboys are unbeaten to start. Gaither is ranked No. 6 overall in Florida.
Next game: Oct. 2 at Fivay (Hudson, Fla.)
Parish Episcopal (Dallas) — 0-0With 2021 SMU commit
Preston Stone back at quarterback, the Panthers are set up for another TAPPS state title run.
Next game: Sept. 25 at Bishop Lynch (Dallas)
Palmetto (Miami) — 0-0The Panthers are waiting on what their season will look like. If and when they get on the field, Palmetto returns defensive lineman
Leonard Taylor, the second-ranked player in all of Florida.
Next game: TBD
Skyridge (Lehi, Utah) — 6-0The Falcons are perfect to start and have a big test this week with the state's seventh-ranked team in Pleasant Grove. Sophomore QB
Mccae Hillstead has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdown passes.
Next game: Sept. 25 at Pleasant Grove
Tompkins (Katy, Texas) — 0-0 Jalen Milroe returns for the Falcons, and the 2021 Texas commit accounted for nearly 3,000 yards of total offense last fall.
Next game: Sept. 25 at Magnolia
