What to watch this season as high school football gets set to kick off.
We've got links to a ton of information that fans need to know for the 2014 high school football season.
Photo byPhoto by Darryl Oumi/Graphic by Social Recluse Graphx
Damarkus Lodge and Cedar Hill begin the seasonranked atop the Xcellent 25.
Photo by Randy Sartin
Player of the Year WatchFavorite: Kyler MurrayMurray, MaxPreps' reigning National Player of the Year, is an easy choice as a favorite to take home this year's honors as well. If Allen captures another state title, he could win his second-straight National Player of the Year award -- an unprecedented feat.
Contender: Damarkus LodgeLodge nearly took home the honors last year after propelling Cedar Hill to a state title with a dominant season and a huge game against Katy. Despite defenses keying in on him, he could improve upon his numbers from last year (21 touchdowns and 1,256 yards).
Contender: Jake Browning
Austin Kafentzis, Jordan
Photo by Dave Argyle
In the last two seasons, Browning has thrown for a combined 138 touchdowns. He is a major threat to several national records and could be the best high school football player in the country this fall.
Contender: Josh RosenThe best player on one of the nation's best teams, Rosen could take home the hardware if St. John Bosco has another incredible season -- something certainly within the range of outcomes for this year's squad.
Sleeper: Austin KafentzisKafentzis was the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year and National Sophomore of the Year, so it would hardly be surprising if he won overall honors as a senior.
Sleeper: Tristen WallacePlaying in DeSoto's high-powered offense, Wallace has a chance to post big numbers. If he leads DeSoto to its first state title, he will have an impressive resume.
Sleeper: Brandon WimbushWimbush enjoyed a big summer, leading St. Peter's Prep to several 7-on-7 titles. He could lead his squad to its first state title since 2005.
Sleeper: Travis WallerWaller ignites the offense for nationally ranked Servite. He's a dual threat with plenty of weapons around him.
Sleeper: Josh SweatIt's rare for a defensive player to be considered for these awards, but Sweat is a transcendent talent on a national-caliber team.
Junior POY Watch Favorite: Malik Henry
Nicholas Bosa, St. Thomas Aquinas
Photo by Stuart Browning
Henry's star has risen tremendously in the past 18 months. He transferred to Westlake, earned the starting job as a sophomore, and is now the
No. 3 recruit overall in the 247Composite for 2016. He's primed for a huge junior campaign.
Contender: Cameron ChambersLast year's National Sophomore of the Year is a virtual lock for 1,000 yards receiving and should improve his touchdown total.
Contender: Harley KirschEastside Catholic is on the rise, and Kirsch, a talented signal-caller, is a big reason why.
Contender: Nate CraigWhether it's at receiver or defensive back, Craig is one of the most explosive players in the country.
Sleeper: Nicholas BosaBosa took home National Freshman of the Year honors. With St. Thomas Aquinas in the national title hunt, he could be in the mix for overall junior honors as well.
Sleeper: Tyler JohnstonIn leading Spanish Fort to a 15-0 season, Johnston accounted for 3,700 total yards.
Sophomore POY Watch
De'Andre Swift, St. Joseph's Prep
Photo by Ken Inness
Moses lived up to the considerable hype as a freshman, helping lead University Lab to the state final.
Contender: Foster SarellIt's rare for offensive linemen to be considered for these awards, but Sarell is exactly that -- rare.
Contender: Richard LecounteLecounte picked off five passes and broke up seven others during an effective freshman campaign.
Contender: De'Andre SwiftSwift should be one of the top offensive weapons on one of the country's top teams.
Contender: Bailey HockmanHockman earned valuable reps as a freshman last year for McEachern. He has plenty of talent around him to make a run at a AAAAAA state title.
Contender: Shon MitchellIt would not be surprising if Mitchell finishes as the state's all-time leading passer. He's poised for a big sophomore season.
Sleeper: Bruce Jordan-SwillingJordan-Swilling emerged last season as a physically advanced weapon on offense. He should thrive at linebacker as well.
Sleeper: Josh MyersThe No. 3 recruit in the 247Sports Class of 2017 Top 100, Myers could vie for all-state honors as a sophomore.
Sleeper: Todd Sibley Jr.Against a tough schedule, Sibley excelled as a freshman and proved to be one of the top running backs in his class.
Freshman POY Watch
Tyreke Johnson, Trinity Christian
Photo by Andrew Bershaw
Amazingly, this will be Johnson's third season at the varsity level. His presence lends support to the notion that the 2014 Trinity Christian defense is the most talented in the history of high school football.
Contender: Leddie BrownBrown has the chance to prove himself at linebacker against the toughest schedule in the country.
Contender: Nikolas BonittoBonitto made an impact as an eighth grader for University; he should be even better this fall.
Contender: Zadock DinkelmannDinkelmann made waves when he committed to LSU earlier this year.
Coach ResourcesMPCoach AppMaxPreps' new coach app that allows coaches to manage rosters, enter game scores and more.
Hudl AppHudl's flagship app gives coaches access to video on the go.
QwixcoreCoaches can allow their fans to follow along live by having a Qwixcorer cover the game.
HeadsUp FootballA comprehensive program from USA Football to help make the game safer.
