MaxPreps Top 100 high school football teams for the 2017 season

Video: Top 25 Early Contenders
Check out which teams earned the best slots in our preseason list of teams to watch.

We released our 2017 Early Contenders earlier this week that featured the 25 best teams in high school football. Now it's time to dig deeper.

The big three states — California, Florida and Texas — claim over one-third of the field. The Lone Star State leads the way with 13 teams overall, the Golden State has the most in the Top 25 with five and the Sunshine State has the most in the Top 50 with eight teams represented.

Georgia, Louisiana and New Jersey are well represented, too. They are the only other three states to have at least five teams ranked in the Top 100.



Twenty-eight states are represented overall, with 20 of them having multiple teams. Want to see the state-by-state breakdown? See the bottom of the article.

100. West Orange-Stark (Orange, Texas)
The back-to-back 4A-II Texas state champs have won at least 10 games in every season since 2011. Don't expect things to change in 2017.

99. Whitehaven (Memphis, Tenn.)
The Tigers rolled through the 2016 season, going 15-0 and holding up the Division 1 Class 6A state championship trophy at the end of the year. They return a ton of talent led by Rayshad Williams, C.J. Biggins, Bryson Eason and Vincent Guy.

98. Klein Collins (Spring, Texas)
Both of Klein Collins' 2016 losses came to teams featured in our Top 25 Early Contenders: Katy and DeSoto. Both losses were winnable games for the Tigers, so expect them to be in the thick of things again with a lot of returning talent led by Isaiah Spiller, Josh Powell, AJ Bennett and Donavan Mutin.

97. West Point (Miss.)
The defending Class 5A state champs roll into 2017 riding a 13-game winning streak and 4-star athlete Marcus Murphy will be one of the Mississippi Gatorade Football Player of the Year favorites this fall.

96. Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.)
Loyola Academy has won at least 11 games every season since 2008 and there's a good chance the Ramblers do it for a 10th-consecutive year in 2017.



95. Totino-Grace (Fridley, Minn.)
The Eagles soared to their 10th state title in school history last season. Despite losing some key players expect them to again be among the state's best in 2017.

94. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Don Bosco Prep will be one of the most intriguing stories in high school football with a new head coach for the first time since 1999. Greg Toal is now helping out at Bergen Catholic and former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel takes over the head coaching position for the New Jersey power in 2017.

93. Wake Forest (N.C.)
Wake Forest capped an undefeated 2016 season with a dominant 29-0 win against Page in the 4AA state championship game. The Cougars have one of the best ground games in the country in 2017 led by Devon Lawrence and Marquis Dunn.

92. Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)
The defending 5A state champions have posted seven consecutive double-digit win seasons and have won four state titles since 2010. The Vikings have one of the top offensive players in the country in 4-star tight end Kyle Pitts, a 2018 Florida commit.

91. Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.)
The only team from Arkansas featured in the Top 100 is the boys from Little Rock. The Bruins have one of the most explosive offenses in the country led by Layne Hatcher and Hudson Henry. Pulaski Academy is 51-3 and has won three consecutive state titles since 2014.

90. Chaminade (West Hills, Calif.)
Even after losing two of the best players in the state, T.J. Pledger and Brevin White, the Eagles still return one of the most talented teams in the state led by Michael Wilson, Andrew Vanburen and Ryan Stevens.



89. Roswell (Ga.)
Roswell was so close to winning its first state title since 2006, but lost in overtime to Grayson in one of the best games of 2016. Matt Kemper takes over for John Ford as head coach and one of his best players will be starting quarterback Cordel Littlejohn.

88. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.)
Center Grove nearly became the first Indiana team to repeat as state champs in the largest classification in a decade, but lost to Carmel in overtime. The Trojans have made it to the state playoff semifinals every year since 2011.

87. Eden Prairie (Minn.)
Eden Prairie has won four state championships since 2011 and was close to getting No. 5 but lost to Totino-Grace in the title game. The main reason Eden Prairie is ranked higher entering the 2017 season is because the Eagles return more key starters led by Cole Kramer, Solofa (Solo) Falaniko and Benny Sapp, the No. 1 player overall from Minnesota in the Class of 2018.

86. Dudley (Greensboro, N.C.)
Dudley finished as the No. 1 team from North Carolina in 2016 after going 15-1 and winning the Class 4A state championship. The Panthers return two of the best players in the state with 2018 Virgina Tech commit DJ Crossen and Reggie Robertson leading the defense.

85. Edna Karr (New Orleans)
The Cougars were one of the most dominant teams in 2016, capping off a perfect season by snapping Neville's 39-game winning streak in the Class 4A title game. They have a lot of key players to replace but still should be one of the best teams in the state.

84. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh)
Since the start of the 2010 season, Central Catholic has gone 85-11 with the lone state title coming in 2015. Troy Fisher is back under center and David Green, along with Khalil Weathers, should help lead one of the best defenses in the state.



83. Liberty (Henderson, Nev.)
Liberty had a great season come to an end in the 4A state championship game against Bishop Gorman, the eventual national champions. Kenyon Oblad returns under center after throwing for 3,784 yards and 38 touchdowns and leading the state in passing in 2016.

82. Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.)
The defending 5A state champs went 15-0 in 2016 and a name to remember is rising sophomore Ron Hoff, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as a freshman.

81. Norman North (Okla.)
Norman North was one game away from finishing last year in the Xcellent 25 but lost to Union in the 6A-I state championship game. The Timberwolves return some key pieces led by 2016 first team MaxPreps Junior All-American Drake Stoops, the son of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.

80. Buford (Ga.)
Former Roswell head coach John Ford takes over for the legendary Jess Simpson, who took a job at Georgia State. Ford will have a lot of pressure to win because Buford has been one of the most successful high school football programs in the country over the past decade. The Wolves have played in the state championship game every season since 2007 and have won seven state titles during that span.

79. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Valor Christian won its second consecutive state title in 2016 — the Eagles' seventh state championship since 2009. This will mark the ninth-straight year a McCaffrey will be playing at Valor Christian. Up next is Luke McCaffrey, the No. 1 rated Colorado player from the Class of 2019. 78. Manvel (Texas)
Manvel returns one of the most talented teams in Texas, led by 4-star wide receiver Jalen Preston. Joining the No. 6 recruit from Texas is starting quarterback Kason Martin, 2018 Missouri commit Kam Scott and 2018 Penn State commit Trent Gordon.

77. La Salle (Cincinnati)
No one in Division II can stop La Salle. The Lancers won their third consecutive state championship in 2016 and  are 40-5 over the past three seasons. They return a boatload of talent led by Griffin Merritt, Josh Whyle, Garrett Bledsoe, Zach Rumpke and Brody Ingle.



76. Wise (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
Wise enters the 2017 season winner of 28 straight games and owners of back-to-back 4A state titles. The Pumas have one of the most talented teams from the DMV area, led by 4-star Florida State commit AJ Lytton and Demetri Morsell.

75. Carmel (Ind.)
The defending 6A state champs won one of the toughest postseason brackets in the country last season, knocking off defending state champion Center Grove in the title game. Jake McDonald is back under center and looks to lead Carmel to its ninth state championship.

74. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)
When it comes to producing talent, the state of Florida is king. One of the most talented teams from the Sunshine State will be the boys down in Hollywood. Top 100 recruit and 2018 Alabama commit Xavier Williams leads the way and is joined by 2018 Auburn commit Shaun Shivers, 3-star running back Keyondre White, 2018 South Florida commit Sebastian Sainterling and 2018 Kentucky commits Marvin Alexander and Davoan Hawkins.

73. Landry-Walker (New Orleans)
Landry-Walker bounced back after losing its first two games of the 2016 season, reeling off 12 wins in a row including a 50-21 5A state championship win over West Monroe. Despite losing Keytaon Thomson, the 2016 Gatorade Football Player of the Year from Louisiana, Landry-Walker returns some talented players led by 4-star wide receiver Devonta Jason and 4-star defensive back Corione Harris.

72. Ben Davis (Indianapolis)
Ben Davis will be one of the top teams from the Midwest in 2017. The Giants return one of the most talented squads in the state led by Reese Taylor, Johnny Adams, Willie Ervin, Elijah Ball and Sir'Zion Dance.

71. Mission Viejo (Calif.)
Mission Viejo has won 39 of its last 40 games entering the 2017 season. The Diablos return one of the best duos in the state led by 4-star defensive back Olaijah Griffin, the son of rapper Warren G, and 4-star wide receiver Austin Osborne, a 2018 Washington commit.



70. Tucker (Ga.)
When it comes to talented teams from Georgia, Tucker is right there. The Tigers have one of the best trios in the country led by 4-star wide receiver Josh Vann, 4-star offensive lineman Dylan Wonnum and 2018 Auburn commit Michael Harris.

69. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Oaks Christian will still have one of the most talented teams in the state despite losing 5-star quarterback Matt Corral. The Lions added the No. 1 player in the 247sports Class of 2019 rankings, Kayvon Thibodeaux, to an already talented defense led by 2018 USC commit Bo Calvert. His younger brother, Josh Calvert, takes over at quarterback for Corral and is a name to pay attention to in 2017.

68. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.)
Evan Davis takes over at head coach after one of the best coaches in Florida high school football history, Sean Callahan, had to retire because of health-related issues. Davis will have one of the most talented teams in the state, led by 2018 Ohio State commit Brian Snead and 2018 Oregon commit Warren Thompson.

67. St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.)
The Rams are one of two teams from Northern California. They will have a good chance to compete in a CIF State Bowl Game again this year with 2016 MaxPreps Junior All-American running back Dusty Frampton returning.

66. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
Cathedral Catholic was one of the best teams in San Diego Section history in 2016. The Dons went 15-0 and capped it off with a Division 1-AA CIF state title over the team ranked one spot below them, St. Mary's.

65. Cedar Hill (Texas)
Things will be different in Cedar Hill with Joey McGuire leaving for Baylor. He led the Longhorns to three state championships during his 14-year head coaching tenure. Former defensive coordinator Carlos Lynn is back after a nine-year stint as head coach at Seguin (Arlington). Four-star Baylor commit Joshua Fleeks and Cameron Fleming should help give Lynn one of the most explosive offenses in 2017.



64. Serra (Gardena, Calif.)
Like usual, Scott Altenberg should have one of the most talented teams from California in 2017. The Cavaliers have two of the Top 200 recruits from the Class of 2018 in 4-star athlete Bryan Addison and 4-star linebacker Merlin Robertson. They also have Blaze McKibbin at quarterback, along with Max Williams, one of the top 2019 prospects, and 2020 prospect Justin Houston to fill out one of the best teams from Southern California.

63. Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, S.C.)
Fort Dorchester is one of the most talented teams in the state and has one of the best quarterbacks in the country with the 2016 South Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year Dakereon Joyner under center. He has one of the most dangerous players in the state to get the rock to in 3-star athlete Justin Williams.

62. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
The only team ranked from Missouri features Blaine Gabbert's younger brother, Brett Gabbert, poised for a big-time junior season at quarterback. The Cadets have two of the best wide receivers in the country with Kamryn Babb and Cameron Brown both back in 2017.

61. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
St. Frances Academy is quickly turning into one of the best teams from the DMV area. In Henry Russell's first season as head coach, the Panthers went 10-2 with the two losses coming to Paramus Catholic and IMG Academy. The Panthers are loaded with talent, led by 4-star defensive end Eyabi Anoma, 4-star offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan and 2020 running back prospect Osman Savage.

60. Plant (Tampa, Fla.)
Plant was one game away from finishing undefeated but ran into St. Thomas Aquinas in the 7A state final. The Panthers return some key pieces from last year led by Judge Culpepper and Ty Thompson. Jordan McCloud takes over at quarterback and has some big shoes to fill because Dane Frantzen was one of the best in the state in 2016.

59. Parkway (Bossier City, La.)
Parkway might be No. 1 when it comes to talented teams from Louisiana. Top 30 recruit overall and 2018 TCU commit Justin Rogers checks in as the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2018 and his favorite target Terrace Marshall is the No. 9 overall recruit and top-rated wide receiver in the country. 58. Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake, Ill.)
The Wolves finished 2016 as the No. 1 team from Illinois after completing a 14-0 season. The Wolves won every game by double digits and outscored the opposition 701-157 last season. They will have a good chance to repeat as state champs this year with All-State quarterback Samson Evans.



57. Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.)
One thing Rush Propst knows how to do is win high school football games. He enters his 29th season as head coach with 288 career wins and there's a chance he gets to 300 in 2017. He helped lead Alabama power Hoover to five state titles from 1999-2007 and has led Colquitt County to a couple of state titles since taking over in 2008. He will have a young team but the squad is loaded with talent, led by 4-star linebacker JJ Peterson and 2020 running back prospect Daijun Edwards.

56. Aledo (Texas)
Aledo has been one of the top high school football programs for quite some time now. The Bearcats stretched their streak of 11-win seasons to 11 and finished 16-0 for the third time since 2010 after winning the 5A-II UIL state championship. Expect another big year from the 2016 MaxPreps Freshman Player of the Year Jase McClellan. He rushed for more yards and touchdowns than Johnathan Gray did during his freshman season at Aledo.

55. Booker T. Washington (Miami)
Tim "Ice" Harris' third stint as head coach with Booker T. Washington started out with a bang in 2016, upsetting then-No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas. The Tornadoes dropped games to Jackson, Miami Central, Northwestern and eventual 4A state champs Cocoa to finish 9-4. They bring back some big-time players led by quarterback Daniel Richardson. A name to keep tabs on is Tyquan Thornton, a 3-star wide receiver who committed to the Florida Gators earlier this week.

54. Lamar (Houston)
A team that is trending upward heading into the season is the boys from Houston. Lamar is loaded with talent and it all starts with the No. 1 player from the state, Anthony Cook. He's joined by 2018 Texas commit and Top 100 recruit Al'vonte Woodard, 4-star defensive back D'shawn Jamison and 3-star running back Ta'zhawn Henry.

53. Highland Park (Dallas)
Jerry Jones' grandson led Highland Park to its first state title since Matthew Stafford did so in 2005. And to make it even better, it was in granddad's back yard — AT&T Stadium. John Stehpen Jones hopes to lead them back again in 2017. A lot of key players return on offense but the Scots have to replace some big-time players on defense.

52. Brentwood Academy (Tenn.)
Brentwood Academy won its second-consecutive Division II Class AA state title in 2016 — the school's 12th state crown. There is a good chance the Eagles three-peat this season with a lot of key returners led by Camron Johnson, Gavin Schoenwald, Jackson Sirmon and Daniel Taylor.



51. Paramus Catholic (N.J.)
Paramus Catholic won one of the toughest postseason brackets in the country (Non-Public Group 4) last season by defeating St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City) in the championship game. The Paladins added one of the best players in the state in 4-star defensive end Dorian Hardy, who transferred from St. Joseph Regional (Montvale). They lost some key pieces on offense, but one of the top playmakers returning is Jonathan Clark.

50. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.)
The Jacksonville power is trying to do something no school in Florida high school football history has ever done — win a fifth-consecutive state title. Despite losing Shaun Wade and D.J. Matthews to graduation, 5-star defensive back Tyreke Johnson will lead a very talented team in 2017.

49. Valdosta (Ga.)
No team has won more games in high school football history than the team checking in at No. 48. Valdosta erased an 18-year drought and won the school's 24th state title in 2016. Hunter Holt had an impressive junior year splitting time with Josh Belton, now the job is all his, so expect a big-time senior year. Leading the way on defense will be 4-star linebacker Zakoby Mcclain.

48. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia, Pa.)
Football fans didn't get a chance to see Pine-Richland reach its full potential in 2016 because Phil Jurkovec suffered a season-ending injury against Central Catholic in the season's sixth game. He's back, so expect big things for the Rams in 2017. Jurkovec checks in as the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2018, No. 2 player overall in the state and is a 2018 Notre Dame commit.

47. Colerain (Cincinnati)
Colerain has become one of the top teams from Ohio over the last decade. The Cardinals have won at least 10 games in six of the last seven seasons, but all the Cardinals care about in 2017 is winning the program's second state championship.

46. John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.)
When it comes to winning, no active head coach does it better than J.T. Curtis. He is No. 1 on the active win list with over 550 wins. Only John McKissick has won more games as a head coach, 621 games during his 63-year run as head coach from 1952-2014. The Patriots will be in the hunt for state title No. 27 in 2017.



45. St. Louis (Honolulu)
The Tua Tagovailoa days are over at St. Louis but the Crusaders still return a lot of talented players after winning the inaugural Open Division state championship in 2016. The Crusaders have one of the top players in the Class of 2019 with 4-star defensive tackle Faatui Tuitele, the top player from Hawaii, and 3-star defensive back Isaiah Tufaga both back leading the way on one of the best defenses from the Aloha State.

44. Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio)
Wayne had its undefeated season interrupted in the third round of the Division 1 state playoffs against Pickerington Central, but expect the Warriors to be among the state's best once again in 2017. They have two of the top players in the state with L'Christian Smith and Alex Reigelsperger both returning.

43. Southridge (Miami)
Billy Rolle became the first coach in Florida history to win a state title with three different schools after leading Southridge to its first state championship since 1993. A lot of key players are coming back in 2017, led by two of the best wide receivers in the country in Mark Pope and Daquris Wiggins. Diamante Howard, a 2019 Miami commit, will be one of the key returning pieces on a very good defense.

42. Union (Tulsa, Okla.)
Union did something it hadn't done since 2011 — win a state title. It avenged both losses during the regular season in the 6A-I semifinals and finals against Jenks and Norman North, respectively. The Redskins have three of the top 11 players in the state from the Class of 2018 with CJ Moore, Jordan Kelley and Patrick Fields all coming back.

41. Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, La.)
Evangel Christian Academy finished the 2016 season as the No. 1 team from Louisiana in the computer rankings. The Eagles finished the year riding a 12-game winning streak capped off by winning the Division I state championship. They should have one of the best defenses in the state led by a trio of 2018 LSU commits in Davin Cotton, Ardarius Washington and Micah Baskerville.

40. Hoover (Ala.)
The defending class 7A state champs won the school's 12th state championship and fifth since 2009. The Buccaneers have one of the top players in the state in 2018 Auburn commit Shedrick Jackson, the nephew of a legendary sports figure, Bo Jackson. Coach Josh Niblett will have one of the top defenses in the state in 2017, too.



39. Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.)
One of the 10 ranked teams from Southern California has a lot of talented players coming back from a 14-1 season. The Gauchos have two of the top players on each side of the ball, Jalen Chatman at quarterback and 4-star USC commit Raymond Scott at linebacker. 38. Cartersville (Ga.)
Cartersville hasn't lost a game since Dec. 5, 2014, the 4A state championship game. The Hurricanes have won 30 in a row, including back-to-back 4A state titles. It helps when you have Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall recruit from the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The 2018 Clemson commit has gone 42-2 during his career as the starting quarterback and is less than 2,500 yards away from breaking Deshaun Watson's Georgia state passing record for most career passing yards (13,077).

37. Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Over the last four seasons, Saguaro has as many state championships as losses — four. The Sabercats have won 53 games since 2013 and are trying to become the first team in state history to make it five consecutive state titles. Max Massingale is back at quarterback and a couple of other returning big-time playmakers are Josiah Bradley and Giovanni Miranda.

36. Bingham (South Jordan, Utah)
Bingham's only loss last season came to Florida power St. Thomas Aquinas in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series. The Miners won the school's third state title in a four-year span last year and things get a little more interesting this season because of the new 6A class that will feature them and East (Salt Lake City).

35. Central (Miami)
When it comes to producing talent, Miami Central is in the discussion among the best. Willis McGahee, Devonta Freeman, Bruce Armstrong, Najeh Davenport, Demetrius Byrd, Rakeem Cato and Dalvin Cook are just some of the notable names. Speaking of Dalvin Cook, his younger brother James Cook is one of the top players in the country and will lead a very talented Miami Central team in 2017.

34. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)
Lake Travis was an amazing team at the end of the 2016 season. After dropping the season opener, the Cavaliers won the next 15 games, outscoring the opposition 802-166, including a 41-6 win over The Woodlands in the 6A-I UIL state championship game. In 2011, Lake Travis became the first team in Texas high school football history to win five straight state championships, and since Hank Carter took over as head coach in 2010 he has led the Cavaliers to three state championships (2010, 2011 and 2016). They lost a lot of key players from last year's team, but one thing for sure with coach Carter there is that they will always be among the best in the state. He has posted a 91-10 record through his first seven seasons and has not lost more than two games in any season.

33. Northwestern (Miami)
Three teams from the same district are in the Top 100: Miami Central, Carol City and Northwestern. The 6A District 16 is the toughest district in Florida and one could make an argument it is one of the toughest in the country. The Bulls won the district title in 2016, but lost to the eventual 6A state champs, Carol City, in the regional semifinals. The Bulls have one of the most underrated players in the country at quarterback in Tutu Atwell Jr.



32. Bishop Sullivan Catholic (Virginia Beach, Va.)
Chris Scott turned Ocean Lakes into a powerhouse and he is starting to do the same at Bishop Sullivan. The Crusaders enter the 2017 season led by 2018 Ohio State commit Teradja Mitchell, 2018 Virginia Tech commit Armani Chatman, 2018 Maryland commit Tyler DeSue and top 2019 prospect Tayvion Land.

31. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)
The New Jersey power capped off the 2016 season with six straight wins, including a 26-17 victory over DePaul Catholic in the Non-Public Group 3 championship game. The Green Knights were featured in our Top 10 toughest schedules story as they have games lined up against St. John's, Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, St. Peter's Prep and Paramus Catholic in 2017.

30. South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.)
South Pointe won its third-consecutive state title in 2016. Don't expect the Stallions to stop in 2017 with one of the top players in high school football coming back, Derion Kendrick. The 2018 Clemson commit checks in as a Top 100 recruit overall and was a 2016 first team MaxPreps All-American Junior Team selection.

29. Trinity (Louisville, Ky.)
Trinity continued its winning ways last season, going 15-0 and winning the 6A state championship. It was the school's 24th state championship and 12th since Bob Beatty took over as head coach in 2000. Two key players for Beatty in 2017 are both the top players from Kentucky in their respective classes — Stephen Herron (2019) and Rondale Moore (2018).

28. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)
Joe Casemento has done a remarkable job since taking over as head coach in 2016. In his first season, he led St. John's to an 8-4 record with three of those four losses coming against two Top 10 teams. The Cadets were one quarter away from snapping DeMatha's four-year run as WCAC champs, so expect them to be even hungrier in 2017.

27. Ryan (Denton, Texas)
Denton Ryan returns most of its key players from a 14-1 team that saw it fall by seven points in the 5A-I UIL state semifinals to eventual state champ Highland Park. The trio of 4-star quarterback Spencer Sanders, along with Gabriel Douglas and Chritauskie Dove at wide receiver, should give the Raiders one of the best offenses in all of Texas in 2017.



26. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)
Mountain Pointe was one win away from completing the second undefeated season in program history, but lost to Chandler in the 6A state championship game. The Pride lost one of the best players in the state, Isaiah Pola-Mao, but his "big" little brother Matthew Pola-Mao is back and checks in as one of the top players overall in the Class of 2019. If Gary Bragg can return from a torn ACL suffered last season, the Pride will be one of the best teams from the West.

25. Kahuku (Hawaii)
The Red Raiders have one of the top players in the state in rising sophomore Sol-Jay Maiava under center. Expect him to be even better this year after being the starting quarterback as a freshman in 2016. Even though Kahuku has a new head coach, don't expect things to change on the defensive side of the ball. It will have one of the best defenses in the country led by Miki Ah You, Samson Reed and 2020 prospect Kaonohi Kaniho.

24. Katy (Texas)
Katy was playing its best football of the season toward the end of 2016, but that all changed when Deondrick Glass got hurt in the playoffs. He missed the North Shore game in the third round of the 6A-I UIL playoffs. The Tigers lost 20-17 and had their nine-game winning streak snapped. Expect big things from Katy and Glass in 2017.

23. East (Salt Lake City)
East rolls into the 2017 season a winner of 23 straight and toting back-to-back 4A state titles. Things will be tougher this year, as the Leopards were added to the new 6A classification in Utah. They will be tested early against Bingham (Aug. 25), Saguaro (Sept. 1) and late as they end the regular season against No. 3 IMG Academy (Oct. 20). Despite losing Jaylen Warren, arguably the best running back in state history, don't expect things to change for coach Brandon Matich. East returns one of the best offensive lines in the country led by Sam Taimani and Junior Angilau.

22. Warren Central (Indianapolis)
Jayden George is trying to become the third George in the family to lead Warren Central to a state championship. His older brother, Jeff George Jr., led the school to a title in 2013, and their dad, Jeff George, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, led Warren Central to back-to-back titles in 1984 and 1985. Luckily for the youngest George, he's got a couple of big-time playmakers that will play a big role in 2017 — David Bell and Julius Brents.

21. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)
This is the most talented team Rich Hansen has had since the Marauders won the school's last state championship in 2014, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and Brandon Wimbush. St. Peter's Prep has one of the most talented defenses in the country led by a trio of Notre Dame commits: Shayne Simon, Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola. If Maasai Maynor plays well at quarterback, expect big things from the Jersey power in 2017.



20. Steele (Cibolo, Texas)
Cibolo Steele was one win away from winning its first state championship since 2010 but lost to Shawn Robinson and DeSoto in the 6A-II UIL final. The Knights will have a new head coach and quarterback in 2017 but luckily 2018 Texas commit Caden Sterns will make life easier for both parties. The 4-star safety checks in as the No. 31 recruit overall in the Class of 2018 and is one of the best all-around players in the country. Expect him to make plays on defense, offense and special teams. Expect Brenden Brady to play a huge role on offense — he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior.

19. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
St. Joseph's Prep finished last year as the No. 12 team in the final Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard after going 14-0 and beating a very good Central Catholic team in the 6A state title game. Even though the Hawks lost 5-star running back D'Andre Swift and some key players on the offensive line, they bring back one of the most talented teams in the state. Marquez McCray and Darryle Simmons should be one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in the country this season.

18. St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
St. X is hoping to make things a little easier in 2017. Last year, the Bombers became the first team in Ohio high school football history to win a state title with at least five losses. Class of 2018 Wisconsin commit Chase Wolf, who played well last year splitting time with Sean Clifford, gets the keys to the quarterback position. Both of the top two receivers from last year's state championship team are back, Cameron Specht and Andrew Wittrock. On defense Blake Bacevich and Bobby Jefferson will be problems for opposing quarterbacks. 17. Carol City (Miami)
Carol City closed out the 2016 season a winner of its last six games, including a 14-6 victory over Lake Gibson in the 6A state championship game. It was the school's first state title since 2003. Soon after, Carol City became one of the most intriguing head coaching positions in the country after Aubrey Hill took a job at Florida International and 27-year-old Benedict Hyppolite took over. The former Tim "Ice" Harris product was an assistant on three Booker T. Washington state title teams. When it comes to talent, the Chiefs are loaded. They have one of the best backfields in the country with Cam'Ron Davis and Nayquan Wright carrying the rock, Marlon "Magic" Smith under center, and Randy Russell, Yasir Abdullah and Aaron Morgan leading one of the best defenses in the state.

16. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
The Spartans enter the 2017 season winners of 25-consecutive North Coast Section titles and have won seven CIF state titles over the last decade. They had a young team in 2016 and finished the year 11-2 with two losses coming against two teams that finished in the Top 25, East and St. John Bosco. The big question for the Spartans will be the quarterback position. However, a great defense led by 2018 USC commit Tuli Letuligasenoa and 5-star 2019 linebacker Henry To'oto'o, along with a strong rushing game led by Kairee Robinson should give De La Salle a good chance to compete for the No. 1 spot in 2017.

15. Cass Tech (Detroit)
The Detroit power finished last year 14-0 and was the No. 14 team overall in the final Xcellent 25 after winning the Division 1 state title. Thomas Wilcher has been one of the best head coaches in the country since taking over in 1997. Since 2010, the Technicians are 85-10 with three state championships. Even though they lost some talented players, including top rated wide receiver in the Class of 2017 in Donovan Peoples-Jones, they are loaded once again.

14. Chandler (Ariz.)
The defending 6A state champs have one of the most talented teams in the country heading into 2017. Back at quarterback is 2016 MaxPreps Junior All-American Jacob Conover and he's got three big-time weapons to get the ball to in Gunner Romney, Jarrick Caldwell and Bryce Jackson. Chandler will be tested early in the season on ESPNU against No. 3 IMG Academy, Aug. 26.



13. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
The kings of the DMV area enter 2017 winners of four consecutive WCAC titles. Even after losing 5-star defensive end Chase Young and one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, Beau English, DeMatha will be one of the most talented teams in the country. The Stags' biggest strength comes in the trenches, led by 4-star defensive lineman Austin Fontaine and 4-star offensive lineman Evan Gregory. Tyler Lenhart takes over at quarterback and will get tested in the season opener as the Stags put their 17-game winning streak on the line against No. 2 Bishop Gorman on Aug. 25.

12. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
The Patriots won their third state title in a four-year span in 2016 after finishing 14-0 in Patrick Surtain's first season as head coach. The former Pro Bowl cornerback has one of the most talented teams in the country heading into his second year. His son, Patrick Surtain II, checks in as the top-rated defensive back in the Class of 2018. He's joined by a boatload of talented players on defense, led by 5-star cornerback Tyson Campbell, 2018 Ohio State commit Andrew Chatfield and 2018 Miami commit Nesta Silvera. On offense expect one of the fastest players in the country, Anthony Schwartz, to be one of the best playmakers from Florida in 2017.

11. Allen (Texas)
This could be the year that Allen wins its first state title since Kyler Murray led the Eagles to three straight from 2012-14. The Eagles haven't lost a regular season game since 2012 and have made the UIL state semifinals the past five consecutive seasons. They are loaded on offense and have one of the best trios in the state with Grant Tisdale under center, Brock Sturges at running back and 5-star wide receiver Theo Wease on the outside.

10. Long Beach Poly (Calif.)
Antonio Pierce enters his fourth season as head coach with one of the most talented teams in California. Oaks Christian's 5-star quarterback Matt Corral transferred over along with two former Hawkins (Los Angeles) stars Jalen Hall and Aashari Crosswell. The strength for Poly this season will be at the skill positions. Corral, Hall, Camren McDonald and Michael Mauai give the Jackrabbits one of the most explosive offenses on the west coast. The big question for Poly this year will be in the trenches. If it can answer the bell on the offensive and defensive lines, expect big things for Poly in 2017.

9. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
New Jersey football has some big-time teams this year and Bergen Catholic leads the way. It all starts with 2018 Boston College commit Johnny Langan under center. He is one of the toughest players in high school football and the rest of the team feeds off that. The Crusaders have three of the top six players in the state from the Class of 2019, led by 5-star defensive end Antonio Alfano, 4-star running back Rahmir Johnson and 4-star athlete Josh McKenzie. Adding former Don Bosco head coach Greg Toal to the coaching staff only helps.

8. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
One of four teams from Southern California in the Top 10 are the boys from Corona. Head coach Matt Logan has proven to be one of the best in the country. Since taking over in 1997 he has led Centennial to eight CIF-Southern Section titles and with 5-star quarterback Tanner McKee slinging the rock in 2017, expect the Huskies to be one of the highest-scoring teams this year.



7. DeSoto (Texas)
DeSoto did something it never had in 2016 — win a state championship. Despite losing some key pieces led by 2016 Texas Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Shawn Robinson, the Eagles return some big-time players in 2017. Courtney Douglas takes over at quarterback and has been waiting for his chance to shine sitting behind Tristen Wallace and Robinson the last few years. BJ Hanspard Jr., Kelan Walker, Gemon Green and German Green help fill out one of the most talented teams from Texas.

6. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
Grayson won its first state title since 2011 last year and finished the season as the No. 4 team in the final Xcellent 25. Christian Hunnicutt takes over at head coach and has to replace a lot of talented players. The Rams have one of the best defensive players in the country regardless of class in 5-star linebacker Owen Pappoe. A trio of Florida State commits in Ronald Thompkins Jr., Wanya Morris, Tru Thompson, and one of the top players in the Class of 2019, Kevin G. Harris II, will help make Hunnicutt's job a lot easier in 2017.

5. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
When it comes to producing talent, one could make a strong case that St. Thomas Aquinas is the best in the business. Don't expect that to stop in 2017. The Raiders will have a great chance to win their fourth-consecutive state title this year and when it comes to secondaries, they might have the best in all of high school football led by 2018 Florida State commit Asante Samuel and 2018 Miami commit Al Blades Jr.. Nik Bonitto is one of the best edge rushers in the country and expect Daniel Carter and Elijah Moore to be big-time playmakers on offense.

4. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Jason Negro has turned St. John Bosco into one of the best high school football teams in the country since taking over in 2010. The Braves have won two CIF state titles since 2013, have a good chance at No. 3 in 2017 and will be right in contention to finish the year at No. 1 at season's end. Re-al Mitchell is back at quarterback and expect a big-time senior season from the Iowa State commit. If St. Thomas Aquinas doesn't have the best secondary in the country it is because of St. John Bosco. Four-star defensive back Jaiden Woodbey and two future UCLA Bruins Chris Steele and Stephan Blaylock all are nightmares for opposing quarterbacks. Get your popcorn ready for Aug. 25 because No. 4 St. John Bosco travels to Florida to take on No. 5 St. Thomas Aquinas.

3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Since its first varsity season in 2013, IMG Academy has gone 37-3 and the Ascenders enter the 2017 season riding a 28-game winning streak. The scary thing is this might be their deepest team yet. They added two of the best from Southern California in 4-star defensive back Brendan Radley-Hiles and 4-star running back Tj Pledger. They also added two of the best edge rushers in the country in Xavier Thomas and Nolan Smith, as both check in as Top 5 players overall in their respective classes. The big question for IMG in 2017 will be replacing Kellen Mond at quarterback, but they have two very good options in Artur Sitkowski and Zack Annexstad. IMG Academy enters the year with the hardest schedule in the country, as the Ascenders face nine teams ranked in the Top 100 and three teams in the Top 25.

2. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Bishop Gorman has more state titles than losses over the past decade. The Gaels are 141-7 since 2007 and have won nine state championships, including eight in a row. They currently have the second-longest active winning streak in the country with 54 straight wins, but have to replace one of the best senior classes in school history. Tate Martell is now at Ohio State, so 2018 UCLA commit Dorian Thompson-Robinson takes over at quarterback. He's got two big-time targets to get the ball to in 2018 Miami commit Brevin Jordan and the team's leading receiver from last season, Jalen Nailor. On defense they are led by 5-star USC commit Palaie Gaoteote, the No. 1 linebacker in the Class of 2018. Like usual, the Gaels have some huge out-of-state games lined up against No. 13 DeMatha, No. 1 Mater Dei, Miami Central and No. 16 De La Salle.



1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Bruce Rollinson has had some great teams during his near 30-year tenure as head coach, but this might be his most talented bunch so far. The No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the Class of 2019 J.T. Daniels is coming off a sophomore season that saw him throw for nearly 5,000 yards and 67 touchdowns. To put what Daniels has done into perspective — he has thrown for more yards than anyone in Orange County area history in only two years. He passed names such as Sam Darnold, Matt Barkley, Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez, just to name a few. When it comes to depth, Mater Dei is loaded everywhere, including 2018 Alabama commit Tommy Brown and Christ Murray, who lead one of the best offensive lines in the state. Five-star playmaker Amon-Ra St. Brown is arguably the best wide receiver in the country, 5-star athlete Bru McCoy is one of the best all-around talents and Claremont transfer Solomon Tuliaupupu will help lead one of the top defenses in all of high school football. The Monarchs have some huge games lined up in 2017: No. 2 Bishop Gorman, No. 9 Bergen Catholic and a Trinity League showdown against No. 4 St. John Bosco.

State-by-state numbers
Arizona - 3
Arkansas - 1
California - 12
Colorado - 1
Florida - 12
Georgia - 7
Hawaii - 2
Illinois - 2
Indiana - 3
Kentucky - 1
Louisiana - 6
Maryland - 3
Michigan - 1
Minnesota - 2
Mississippi - 1
Missouri - 1
Nevada - 2
New Jersey - 5
North Carolina - 2
Ohio - 4
Oklahoma - 2
Pennsylvania - 4
South Carolina - 3
Tennessee - 2
Texas - 13
Utah - 2
Virginia - 1
Washington, D.C. - 1