MaxPreps 2019 preseason Top 100 high school football teams

By Zack Poff Jul 24, 2019, 12:00am

California, Florida and Texas claim nearly half of list as 38 teams look to repeat as state champions.

Video: Top 25 high school football rankings
A breakdown of the Top 25 teams entering the 2019 season.

Earlier this week we released our Top 25 high school football rankings and now it's time to dig deeper and bring you up to speed on the nation's Top 100 teams.

The expanded look into the nation's best extends our month-long preview of the 2019 season. See below for previous installments.




The squads featured in our Top 100 are no stranger to success as 38 won state titles in 2018 and will look to 2019 for a repeat performance.

All but one of the MaxPreps National Champions from the past decade made this year's Top 100 list as nearly half of teams come from California, Florida and Texas — 44 in all.
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
The back-to-back CIF Open Division state champs are loaded once again in 2019 led by 5-star quarterback Bryce Young, 5-star linebacker Raesjon Davis and 2020 Washington commit Myles Murao.

Panthers haven't lost a game since 2016 and with the talent they bring back they could run the table for the third consecutive season.

DJ Uiagalelei leads the way for one of the most explosive offenses in high school football that features Kris Hutson, Logan Loya, Beaux Collins and Nate Jones

The defending 6A Division 1 state champs have one of the most talented teams in the country led by Zachary Evans, Dematrius Davis Jr., Shadrach Banks, Damieon George and Corey Flagg Jr.

Nobody has a tougher schedule than the No. 5 team in the country and if they finish the year undefeated expect the D.C. power to finish at No. 1.

The Ascenders loaded up in the offseason, adding 5-star cornerback Elias Ricks, 2020 LSU commit Jermaine Burton and 2020 Clemson commit Demonte Capehart to an already talented roster.

The 6A-Division 1 Texas state runner-up bring back a boatload of talent led by 2020 Texas commit Ja'Quinden Jackson, 4-star safety Chris Thompson Jr. and 4-star linebacker Kendrick Blackshire.

Tim Roken takes over for Gabe Infante as head coach but don't expect the Philadelphia power to be any different especially with Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kolbe Burrell all returning.



South Florida is a hot bed for high school football and like usual the Rockets will be one of the best from the Sunshine State.

Year in, year out the Raiders are in the mix when we release our initial Top 25. They have more active NFL players than any other high school and expect a few more players from this team to join that list in the near future.

The Hawaii power has gone 34-1 over the last three seasons, winning a state title each year during that span. The Crusaders are again loaded, led by 2020 Notre Dame commit Jordan Botelho at linebacker and 3-star Jayden de Laura under center.

Corona Centennial gets a chance to show why it's the best team in California right off the bat when the Huskies open up against No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana).

The Crusaders cruised to 13 consecutive wins to close out the 2018 season and they bring back one of the most talented teams, led by 2020 Ohio State commit Gee Scott Jr., 2020 Washington commit Sam Adams II and the No. 1 player from the Class of 2021 J.T. Tuimoloau.

Caleb Williams showed why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country after leading Gonzaga to its first WCAC conference title since 2002 while accounting for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns against DeMatha. He's back for his junior season along with a very talented offensive line.

The Akron power is going for its fifth straight state title and is led by 2020 Arizona State commit DeaMonte Trayanum and 2020 Alabama commit Caden Clark.



Won its first state title since 2006 going 16-0 and beating St. Thomas Aquinas 33-20 in the 7A state championship. The Dreadnaughts added some key transfers and have 5-star running back Demarkcus Bowman returning after rushing for over 2,400 yards and 36 touchdowns last year.

After starting last year 1-3, the Gaels finished with 10 straight wins and started to click later on in the year with a young core of key players. Expect 2020 Penn State commit Micah Bowens and 4-star wide receiver Rome Odunze to be one of the best tandems in the country.

The Spartans have won at least 10 games every year since 2004. Don't expect that to change this season.

Florida is the only state with five teams  in the Top 20 and the final school is a very talented Chiefs squad led by 2020 Alabama commit Thaiu Jones-Bell.

The Eagles have made the Texas state semifinals seven consecutive seasons and have won at least 10 games every year since 2006. Even though they have to replace Grant Tisdale and Theo Wease, expect Raylen Sharpe and Bryson Green to put up big-time numbers in 2019.
Allen quarterback Raylen Sharpe
Allen quarterback Raylen Sharpe
File photo by Neil Fonville
21. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
The DMV area is one of the top spots at producing football talent and the Stags make it four teams in our initial Top 25.

The first of four schools from New Jersey is the defending Non-Public Group 4 champions and the Green Knights return a lot of key players led by 2020 Purdue commit Michael Alaimo and 2020 Ohio State commit Luke Wypler.

Over the last three seasons the Silver Foxes have gone 41-1 and won three consecutive 5A state titles.

Injuries and eligibility issues were a huge factor last year for the Blue Devils. Expect them to compete for a 7A state title in 2019 with a loaded roster led by 2020 Tennessee commit Harrison Bailey, 5-star athlete Arik Gilbert, 4-star defensive end BJ Ojulari and 2020 Florida commit Rashad Torrence II.

For the first time since 2005 the Bulldogs will be without Kris Richardson or Troy Taylor at head coach. Still, expect them to compete at a high level with Paul Doherty taking over. They are loaded on offense with Daniyel Ngata, Elijhah Badger and C.J. Hutton all returning.



The defending Division 1 state champs ran the table last season going 13-0 and have a good chance to repeat in 2019.

One of the most talented teams in the country and they added Darion Green-Warren, Traeshon Holden, Macen Williams, Jared Greenfield and Anthony Beavers Jr. to a team that came close to competing for a CIF state title. 

Garrett Wilson is going to be difficult to replace on offense, but Hank Carter always figures out a way and it's always nice to have 2020 Texas commit Hudson Card at quarterback. Expect the Cavaliers to be one of the best teams in Texas.

The Bulls surprised a lot of people winning the 6A state championship after entering the postseason at 5-5. Terrence Lewis, Marcus Fleming, Romello Brinson and Tim Burns are all back and will be one of the favorites to win the 5A state title again.

Expect the 7A state title to be wide open in Georgia this season and one of the favorites will be the Indians. They are loaded with talent led by 2020 Alabama commit Javon Baker, 2020 Georgia commit Jamil Burroughs and 2021 quarterback Carlos Del Rio.

The defending Division 1 state champs closed out 2018 winning 11 of its last 12 games and even though the Eagles must replace some key players they will be in the mix to compete for another state title in Ohio's largest classification.



The Tigers only two losses last year came against North Shore, the eventual state and national champs. The addition of former Dutch Fork running back Ron Hoff helps offset the backfield loss of Deondrick Glass and expect another big year from Bronson McClelland and Jordan Patrick.

Chad Johnson had one of the toughest jobs in the country last year replacing legendary head coach Bob Johnson at the helm. Expect the Diablos to be even better this season, especially with 2021 quarterback Peter Costelli under center for the next two seasons. 

The Arizona power is going for its seventh straight title this season but it'll be a lot harder this season with the addition of the open division in the AIA. The Sabercats have the talent to win it, led by 5-star cornerback Kelee Ringo, 4-star linebacker Damian Sellers and 4-star cornerback Jacobe Covington.

The Bearcats have won at least 10 games every year since 2005 and Tim Buchanan returns to the sidelines for the first time since 2013 when he led them to a 16-0 record and a 4A Division 2 state title. They will be one of the highest scoring offenses in the state with 2020 Oklahoma commit Jase McClellan back for his senior campaign.

After winning the school's first state title in football last year, the Chiefs look to ride that momentum into 2019. Cardinal Gibbons is as talented as any team in the state at the wide receiver position and Brody Palhegyi proved he can hang last year when he had to come in for Nik Scalzo under center.

Justin Rogers takes over for Rush Propst — the first new coach for the Packers since 2008 — and while he has big shoes to fill expect the Packers to be in the mix for the 7A state title with Daijun Edwards, Nyquann Washington, Jaycee Harden, Lemeke Brockington and Carter Boatwright all back.

In Riley Dodge's first season as head coach, the only loss the Dragons suffered came against Duncanville in the 6A Division 1 quarterfinals. Expect them to be in contention again with 2020 Clemson commit RJ Mickens back.

The Red Devils went 14-0 in 2018 and brought home the 7A state title after beating Taulia Tagovailoa and Thompson 52-7. Replacing Peter Parrish is going to be tough at quarterback, but Tucker Melton showed he's more than capable when he got in last season and having 4-star E.J. Williams at wide receiver will make his job that much easier.

The Lions' lone loss last year came against St. John Bosco in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals. With Ethan Calvert, Bryce Farrell, Alonzo Fontenette and Westlake transfer Patrick Roberg under center, they have a chance to win at least 11 games for the fourth time in the last five years.
Oaks Christian receiver Bryce Farrell
Oaks Christian receiver Bryce Farrell
File photo by Steven Silva
41. Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio)
After winning the Division 1 state title in 2017, the Tigers lost in the semifinals last season to Colerain. With Demeatric Crenshaw and Lorenzo Styles Jr. returning there's a good chance they make it to the semis for the third straight season. 



The Lobos won their first state title in 81 years last season, and with 2020 Texas A&M commit Haynes King back under center they'll look to make it two straight.

The Crusaders are historically one of New Jersey's best and this year's talented roster is led by 2020 Michigan commit Jordan Morant.

The Scots enter the season with the eighth longest active winning streak in the country at 31. They have won three straight 5A Division 1 state titles and with 2020 Arkansas commit Chandler Morris back under center don't be shocked if they make it a four-peat.

Jacob Conover and Shaun Aguano led the Wolves to three consecutive state titles over the past three years and the Arizona power has to replace both in 2019. Expect new coach Rick Garretson and a talented Wolves squad to be up to the test.

The fourth and final team from the WCAC is the Falcons. Southern California's Trinity League and the WCAC are the two toughest in high school football.

Made it all the way to the 8A state championship game and return a lot of key starters led by 4-star wide receiver Xzavier Henderson.

This could be the best of a long line of talented Lions teams, led by 2020 California commit Chris Street, 2020 Michigan commit Jeffrey Persi, 2021 linebacker Jaden Genova and 2021 quarterback General Booty.

The Panthers were one of two teams to beat Georgia 7A state champs Milton in 2018. They finished 11-1 and return a bunch of talent that includes Cody Brown, Kobe Wilson, Terian Williams II and Jordan Williams.

Jaylan Knighton, Bryce Gowdy, Xavier Restrepo, Deajaun McDougle and Derohn King are just some of the notable players that give the Bucks one of the most loaded teams in all of Florida.

While the basketball team is making all the headlines expect the football squad to be equally as successful. After falling short in the CIF division 1-A state championship last year, the Trailblazers will be in the mix again with DJ Harvey, Chayden Peery, Kamari Ramsey and JD Sumlin leading the way.

Coming off its second consecutive state title and fourth in the last five years the Coyotes will be in the mix once again in 2019.

The Crusaders won their third state title since 2015 last season and will be among the favorites again led by 4-star wide receiver Rashawn Williams.



The Dons beat Narbonne in the CIF Division 1-AA Southern California regional final and lost in overtime to Folsom in the championship game. They return key starters including DJ Ralph, Jordan Allen, Holden Brosnan and Logan Berzins.

Darryl Thomas has been on the Highlanders' coaching staff the past seven years and  takes over as head coach after the legendary Tim Salter retired. You can expect Thomas to lean on one of the most talented defenses in the state led by 5-star Justin Flowe and 4-star Jonathan Flowe.

The Mavericks were upset in the second round of the 4AA state playoffs last season and expect that to fuel a talented roster led by 2020 Auburn commit Trenton Simpson.

The Raiders are 42-3 over the past three years with all three losses coming against Highland Park in the 5A Division 1 semifinals. With 2020 Alabama commit Drew Sanders leading the way they are capable of knocking off anyone in Texas.

The Buccaneers are typically the top-ranked Alabama team so don't be surprised if they finish the season at No. 1 with 2020 Ole Miss commit Robby Ashford running the show.

The Mustangs are loaded with 2021 Alabama commit Drake Maye under center along with 2020 Texas A&M commit Muhsin Muhammad III and Providence Day transfer Porter Rooks at wide receiver.

The only game the Tigers dropped was to Archbishop Hoban in the Division 2 state championship. Aidan Longwell and 2021 Ohio State commit Jayden Ballard will have them competitive.
Washington quarterback Aidan Longwell
Washington quarterback Aidan Longwell
File photo by Jeff Harwell
61. Muskegon (Mich.)
The Big Reds' 27-game winning streak was snapped in last year's Division 3 state championship against King. With 2020 Ohio State commit Cameron Martinez back for his senior season there's a good chance for a trip to the title game for the fourth straight season.



The Cavaliers have been a talent pipeline and this year's squad has big-time players including LV Bunkley-Shelton, Justin Houston, Maalik Murphy, Doug Brumfield, Ronald Gilliam and Devyn King.

Head coach Steve Trivisonno announced in February that his 24th season will be his last, so you know the Cardinals want to give him a season to remember. They've gone 24-4 over the last two years and with the talent returning there's a good chance for a third straight double-digit win season.

One of the best stories in high school football, the Sharks went 15-1 in their first full varsity season and made it to the 5A Division 1 state championship. They return defensive stalwarts including Xavion Alford, Alec Bryant, Jeremiah Harris, Ronald Triplette, Warren Shankle and Courtney Brown.

Despite Jermaine Burton transferring to IMG Academy, the Coyotes will  have one of the most explosive offenses in the country led by Johnny Wilson, Jaden Casey, Larry Turner and Jyden King.

Won its first state title last year and went a perfect 13-0. They return 2020 Oklahoma commit Andrew Raym and 2020 Oregon commit Myles Slusher. Class of 2022 standout Maurion Horn is another name to watch.

The defending 7A state champs are in good position to repeat with future Michigan Wolverine J.J. McCarthy under center and a bunch of big-time playmakers surrounding him.

Rich Hansen has his team ready every single season and the Marauders will be in the mix with Bergen Catholic and St. Joseph Regional among the state's best. 2020 Ohio State commit Cody Simon is one of the top players in New Jersey.

Only three losses last year came against some of the best teams in Texas - Allen, Highland Park and Longview. They bring back a lot of talent on offense led by 2020 Ohio State commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba and if 2022 quarterback Braedyn Locke shows out the Yellowjackets will be a big threat in Texas.



The St. Louis power owns back-to-back state titles and a 65-5 mark over the last five years with three championships during that span.

The Patriots are 38-2 over the last three seasons but couldn't make it three straight state titles last season. Despite 5-star safety James Williams transferring to Western, there's a ton of talent. Class of 2023 standout Mark Fletcher has already landed offers from Alabama, Georgia and Miami and is a name to watch.

Won its second consecutive 5A state title last year and bring back a bunch of big-time players led by 2020 Memphis commit Keilon Brown and 5-star wide receiver Chris Hilton.

Good luck trying to complete a pass against this secondary that includes 2020 Clemson commit Fred Davis II, 2020 Georgia Tech commit Miles Brooks and 2020 Alabama commit Jahquez Robinson.

Won the school's first state title last season beating Sierra Canyon in the CIF Division 1-A championship. Will be good on both sides of the ball with 2020 Oregon commit Jay Butterfield back at quarterback along with 3-star defensive end Akili Calhoun.

Went 12-1 last year with 2020 Michigan commit A.J. Henning banged up through his junior season. Expect a huge senior year for the 4-star playmaker and the Griffins.

The Rebels have enough talent to stretch the streak of winning at least 11 games to a sixth straight season.

The defending 8A state champs lost some key players but return 2020 Georgia commit Carson Beck under center and look to repeat with him slinging the rock.

The back-to-back 3A state champs are loaded again with 2021 Miami commit Thad Franklin, 2020 Miami commit Willie Moise and 2020 Auburn commit Elijah Canion.

Led by 2021 quarterback Tyler Macon, 2020 Tennessee commit Antonio Johnson and Lutheran North (St. Louis) transfer Kevon Billingsley, the Flyers will be among the best in Illinois.
East. St. Louis receiver/safety Antonio Johnson
East. St. Louis receiver/safety Antonio Johnson
File photo by Jimmy Simmons
80. Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, Texas)
Went 15-1 in 2018 with its only loss coming against Aledo in the 5A Division 2 state championship. Malik Hornsby, Devon Achane and 2020 Florida commit Avery Helm are a prime-time trio.

The Trojans won their second straight 6A state title and went 15-1 last season with the only loss coming against one of the best teams in the country, St. Frances Academy. Will be good on both sides of the ball with 2020 Troy commit Kyle Toole back under center and 2021 linebacker Baron Hopson leading the defense.

The Hawks have won at least 10 games every season since 2012 and 5-star wide receiver Agiye Hall is one of the best prospects from the Class of 2021 for a reason.



Lost in the 4AA state championship to Wake Forest but expect the Cougars to be back in contention in 2019 with 4-star linebacker Power Echols, 2020 Syracuse commit Stefon Thompson and 3-star defensive end Stephen Sings all returning.

The Eagles became the fourth team in Tennessee state history to win at least four state titles in a row last season. They will be the favorites to bring home a 15th state title in 2019.

The Cleveland power has one of the toughest schedules in the country and expect that to have them ready for the Division 1 playoffs once November rolls around.

Sam Huard, Jabaz Tinae, Junior Alexander and Justin Baker give them one of the most explosive offenses in the state, and with the addition of 5-star linebacker Sav'ell Smalls the defense should improve tremendously.

It will be near impossible to top last year's team that went 14-0 and finished the season at No. 10 in the Top 25 but expect them to be among the state's best still with Roman Purcell taking over at quarterback.

Ran the table in 2018 and won the school's first state title. The Chargers returners are led by 3-star quarterback Cole Hagen, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. Josh Wilson, 2020 Texas commit Van Fillinger and Kennan Aiono will give them one of the best defenses in the state.



Had its 25 game winning streak snapped in the 7A state championship but expect Wildcats to be in the mix to win its second state title over the last three years.

The Wildcats are a team to watch with one of the best quarterbacks in the country in 2021 Texas A&M pledge Eli Stowers. On defense, they get 2020 Oklahoma State commit Grant Mahon back after an injury wiped out his junior season.

Expect the Greyhounds to bounce back following a 6A championship loss to Warren Central. 2020 Penn State commit Cole Brevard, 2020 Indiana commit Ty Wise and 3-star running back Dylan Downing all return.

Every year for the past decade teams have tried to knock off Bishop Gorman for Nevada supremacy — and the Patriots hope 2019 is their year. They are loaded with talent led by Zyrus Fiaseu, Lonenoa Faoa, Moliki Matavao and Donte Bowers. One of the toughest schedules in the country — matchups against Chandler (Ariz.), Mililani (Hawaii), St. John Bosco (Calif.) and Corona Centennial (Calif.) — should get the Patriots battle-tested for a playoff showdown against the Gaels.

The Springers ride a 31-game win streak into 2019 after capturing their fourth consecutive state title last year. They have holes to fill but all Loren Johnson has done since taking over as head coach is win and don't expect that to change with Malcolm Greene, David Laney and Kelvin Gilliam all back.

Jenks and Union have run Oklahoma football for a long time, but Owasso and Broken Arrow are on the rise with each having won titles in the largest classifications two years in a row. Broken Arrow won last season, while Owasso captured the title in 2017.

Ethan Garbers, John Humphreys, Mark Redman, Bradley Schlom and Jason Vicencio give the Sea Kings one of the top offenses in California.

Finished last year 15-0 and beat Oak Grove in the 6A championship to win the school's first state title. The Eagles must replace 5-star linebacker Nakobe Dean but return key players led by 2020 Ole Miss commit Josaih Hayes and 2020 Mississippi State commit Jakivuan Brown.

It has been tough the last couple of years since Greg Toal left but the Ironmen are trending in the right direction and it helps to have the No. 1 player in the state in 4-star running back Jalen Berger.



The Trojans will contend for the 6A state title in 2019 and have one of the best running backs in the country in Carson Steele. He has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards and 49 touchdowns through his first two years.

The lone loss came against the eventual 7A state champs Nazareth Academy in the quarterfinals. The Wolverines have one of the top offensive lines in the state led by 2020 Oregon commit Marcus Harper, Cameron James and Khalyl Warren.

The Rams have proven to be one of the best teams in Georgia annually but must replace a bunch of Division I talent lost to graduation. Grayson will have a new coach, but with CJ Dixon under center, 2020 Georgia Tech commit Ryan King at wide receiver and Phil Mafah at running back the Rams should still compete with the state's best.
Grayson running back Phil Mafah
Grayson running back Phil Mafah
File photo by Dean Swint