MaxPreps Top 10 high school football games of the week

Our weekly preview of the MaxPreps Top 10 High School Football Games of the Week begins in Texas, where No. 3 Allen's road to a third-consecutive state title includes another collision with No. 17 DeSoto.

Allen eliminated DeSoto in the state semifinals each of the last two seasons, but this year the Dallas-area powers will play in round two of the playoffs. On Saturday, AT&T Stadium will host this much-anticipated double rematch that features two of the top quarterback prospects in the nation in Allen senior Kyler Murray and DeSoto junior Tristen Wallace.

Elsewhere, the weekend before Thanksgiving means the conclusion of the prep football season. State champions will be crowned in five northern states, including Minnesota, where Eden Prairie will try to win an unprecedented fourth-consecutive large-school title.

It took an 8-2 record last week for Jamie DeMoney to stay two games ahead of the pack in our season-long predictions contest. DeMoney's record for the season is 89-41. The field is tightening behind him, however, with only eight wins separating Stephen Spiewak (87-43) in second place and Colin Ward-Henninger (79-51) in last.



Here's a look at this week's Top 10 games along with predictions by MaxPreps staff writers and contributors Mitch Stephens, Stephen Spiewak, Kevin Askeland, Leland Gordon, Colin Ward-Henninger and Jamie DeMoney.

To catch up with what's happening in the playoffs nationwide, view the state champions and brackets nationwide story.


Allen (Texas) vs. DeSoto (Texas)

What to watch: Suffice to say, this is a severe second-round test for No. 3 Allen as it strives for a third-consecutive state championship – this time in Class 6A-Division I – and it's a big-time revenge spot for No. 17 DeSoto, which was sent home by the Eagles the last two seasons. Last week, Allen (11-0) extended its state-best winning streak to 38 games with a 59-21 rout of Keller Central. MaxPreps National Player of the Year candidate Kyler Murray led the way with 404 passing yards and six touchdowns. The Texas A&M commit has 56 combined passing and rushing touchdowns this season and a total of 164 in his career. DeSoto (10-1) opened its postseason by defeating Coppell, 51-35. DeSoto junior quarterback Tristen Wallace – a four-star prospect according to 247Sports – ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns.

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Just the facts: Murray's record as Allen's starting quarterback matches his team's current winning streak: 38-0. … DeSoto has been eliminated from the state playoffs by either No. 8 Skyline (Dallas) or Allen in five of the past six seasons.



Mitch Stephens: Allen 49, DeSoto 48
Kevin Askeland: Allen 45, DeSoto 44
Jamie DeMoney: Allen 59, DeSoto 49
Stephen Spiewak: DeSoto 45, Allen 42
Leland Gordon: Allen 42, DeSoto 40
Colin Ward-Henninger: DeSoto 63, Allen 60

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Guyer (Denton, Texas) vs. Carroll (Southlake, Texas)

What to watch: No. 20 Carroll needed a 17-point fourth-quarter rally to survive its Class 6A-Division II opening-round game against Mansfield last week. Senior Ryan Agnew threw three touchdown passes after Carroll (11-0) was trailing 31-17 with under seven minutes left in the game. Agnew's game-winning heave was a 31-yarder to senior Tariq Gordon with only 13 seconds left on the clock, according to the Dallas Morning News. Guyer, on the other hand, had a much easier go of it in a 59-28 rout of Plano. Superstar sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson devastated Plano's defense with 250 passing and 179 rushing yards with four total touchdowns. It's the seventh time this year Robinson has eclipsed 100 yards both passing and rushing in the same game.

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Just the facts: Saturday will be the fourth meeting between these teams in the last five seasons. Guyer has won two of the previous three, including a win over Carroll in the 2010 state quarterfinals. … Not including one loss by forfeit for Guyer, both teams have exactly 60 wins since 2010.

Mitch Stephens: Guyer 42, Carroll 35
Kevin Askeland: Carroll 38, Guyer 35
Jamie DeMoney: Guyer 38, Carroll 35
Stephen Spiewak: Guyer 42, Carroll 35
Leland Gordon: Carroll 31, Guyer 28
Colin Ward-Henninger: Carroll 35, Guyer 31

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Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) at Paramus Catholic (N.J.)

What to watch: It's semifinal weekend in New Jersey's rugged Non-Public Group IV bracket. A doubleheader of games featuring four of the top five teams in the state's MaxPreps Computer Rankings kicks off Saturday afternoon when No. 14 Paramus Catholic hosts Don Bosco Prep. It's a rematch of an Oct. 11 win for Paramus Catholic that was played amid an air of hostility that bubbled up when both head coaches publicly accused each other of impermissible recruiting. Paramus Catholic (8-1) is now 10 spots lower in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 than before its stunning 27-0 loss to St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) two weeks ago. As the top seed in the bracket, the Paladins had a first-round bye last week to work on righting their ship. Meanwhile, Don Bosco Prep (7-2) returned two interceptions for touchdowns to aid in a 42-21 round-one win over St. Augustine (Richland) last week. The Ironmen have five pick-sixes in their last five games.

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Just the facts: This will be the 15th meeting between these Big North United Division rivals in the last 11 years. Don Bosco Prep had won 12 in a row before Paramus Catholic beat the Ironmen in last year's playoffs and in the regular season earlier this year. … Current Big North United members have a combined 46 Non-Public Group III or IV state championships since 1974.

Mitch Stephens: Paramus Catholic 24, Don Bosco Prep 17
Kevin Askeland: Don Bosco Prep 24, Paramus Catholic 21
Jamie DeMoney: Don Bosco Prep 27, Paramus Catholic 20
Stephen Spiewak: Paramus Catholic 21, Don Bosco Prep 20
Leland Gordon: Paramus Catholic 22, Don Bosco Prep 17
Colin Ward-Henninger: Don Bosco Prep 24, Paramus Catholic 21

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Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) at St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)

What to watch: The second of two Non-Public Group IV semifinals is an interconference showdown, but still a rematch from earlier this season. St. Peter's Prep (9-1) flattened Bergen Catholic, 49-20, in a nationally televised Sept. 11 game behind a stellar performance from Notre Dame-committed quarterback Brandon Wimbush. The four-star senior passed for 348 yards and ran for 74 with a season-high six total touchdowns. Last week, Wimbush was exceptionally efficient in a 46-7 rout of Seton Hall Prep (West Orange), throwing for 276 yards and four touchdowns on 18-for-21 passing. Bergen Catholic (8-2) has played its best football in the final half of the season. The Crusaders won their final four regular-season games to grab a share of the championship in the Big North United Division, then opened the playoffs with a 49-20 rout over Paul VI (Haddonfield) last week. Senior running back Corey Russo led the Crusaders with 107 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

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Just the facts: Saturday will be the 10th meeting between these North Jersey powers in the last 11 years. St. Peter's has won the last two, but Bergen Catholic has a 6-3 edge overall since 2004. … Bergen Catholic leads the state of New Jersey in most postseason games played (73). The Crusaders have qualified for the playoffs every year but two since New Jersey's playoff system began in 1974.

Mitch Stephens: Bergen Catholic 21, St. Peter's Prep 20
Kevin Askeland: St. Peter's Prep 35, Bergen Catholic 21
Jamie DeMoney: St. Peter's Prep 31, Bergen Catholic 14
Stephen Spiewak: St. Peter's Prep 35, Bergen Catholic 21
Leland Gordon: St. Peter's Prep 29, Bergen Catholic 21
Colin Ward-Henninger: St. Peter's Prep 30, Bergen Catholic 28



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Centennial (Corona, Calif.) at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

What to watch: This second-round Pac 5 Division playoff game is a rematch of a 20-point Mater Dei win on Aug. 30. That game was a very inauspicious start to the season for a Centennial offense that then rapidly improved and averaged almost 52 points in its next 10 games. The Huskies (9-2) topped 60 points for the third time this year in last week's wild 68-64 win over Serra (Gardena). Centennial four-star junior receiver Javon Mckinley had a season-high 240 receiving yards, four touchdown catches and an 82-yard touchdown on a kickoff return. Meanwhile, in a rematch of another of its early season wins, Mater Dei smothered Westlake (Westlake Village), 28-7. The Monarchs (9-2) forced five turnovers and limited recent Class of 2016 Florida State commit Malik Henry to only 116 passing yards, according to the LA Daily News.

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Just the facts: Friday will be the seventh meeting between these SoCal powers since 2007, but their first in the postseason. The teams have split the previous six games, 3-3. … The two losses this season for both Centennial and Mater Dei came against teams that are or have been ranked in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 this season.

Mitch Stephens: Mater Dei 35, Centennial 34
Kevin Askeland: Centennial 58, Mater Dei 55
Jamie DeMoney: Mater Dei 34, Centennial 24
Stephen Spiewak: Centennial 44, Mater Dei 41
Leland Gordon: Centennial 35, Mater Dei 32
Colin Ward-Henninger: Centennial 48, Mater Dei 35

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Totino-Grace (Fridley, Minn.) vs. Eden Prairie (Minn.)

What to watch: The Minnesota state football finals will be contested outdoors for the first time in 32 years, as the Metrodome, which hosted the championship games from 1982-2013, was demolished in January. This Class 6A championship game is the finale of a Friday quadruple-header at TCF Bank Stadium, where game-time temperatures are expected to dip into the low 20s. Perennial power Eden Prairie aims for its fourth-consecutive state crown. The Eagles (12-0) extended their state-best winning streak to 29 games and secured their 11th Prep Bowl appearance with a hard-fought 13-7 win over Maple Grove last Friday. Senior running back William Rains carried the load with 159 rushing yards in 33 attempts, according to twincities.com. Meanwhile, Totino-Grace (11-1) punched its first ticket to a title game in Minnesota's largest classification with a 37-21 win over Lakeville North. Totino-Grace senior Benjamin Mezzenga nearly doubled his season rushing yardage total in one night, toting it 15 times for 155 yards and four touchdowns.

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Just the facts: Eden Prairie would become the first team to ever win four straight championships in Minnesota's largest classification. The Eagles already have nine state titles overall under coach Mike Grant – son of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant – since 1996. … Although it has an enrollment in line with Class 4A schools, Totino-Grace voluntarily chose to opt-up and compete at the Class 6A level. The Eagles previously won nine state titles at smaller-school levels between 1977-2012.

Mitch Stephens: Eden Prairie 28, Totino-Grace 20
Kevin Askeland: Eden Prairie 30, Totino-Grace 13
Jamie DeMoney: Eden Prairie 21, Totino-Grace 14
Stephen Spiewak: Eden Prairie 21, Totino-Grace 14
Leland Gordon: Eden Prairie 31, Totino-Grace 21
Colin Ward-Henninger: Eden Prairie 20, Totino-Grace 17

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Punahou (Honolulu) vs. Mililani (Hawaii)

What to watch: Hawaii's large-school state championship game features the last two unbeaten Division I teams in the state. Defending champion Punahou (8-0) earned its fourth-consecutive state finals berth with a tight 13-10 win over Kahuku in last week's semifinals. Junior John Toner converted field goals from 35 and 48 yards in the final three minutes of the game to preserve the Buffanblu's perfect season. Meanwhile, Mililani (11-0) got a three-point decision of its own with a 17-14 win over Farrington. Senior tackle Rex Manu – a three-star prospect according to 247Sports – led a strong Mililani defensive effort with two quarterback sacks.

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Just the facts: Friday is a rematch of last year's Division I state title game, won 28-22 by Punahou. … This will be only the third game in the last seven weeks for Punahou. The Buffanblu received first-round byes in both the ILH league and HHSAA state playoffs.

Mitch Stephens: Punaou 24, Mililani 21
Kevin Askeland: Punahou 40, Mililani 15
Jamie DeMoney: Punahou 23, Mililani 20
Stephen Spiewak: Punaou 17, Mililani 10
Leland Gordon: Punahou 41, Mililani 27
Colin Ward-Henninger: Punahou 35, Mililani 24

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Arrowhead (Hartland, Wis.) vs. Kimberly (Wis.)



What to watch: Arrowhead aims for a third-consecutive Division 1 state championship against Kimberly, the Division 2 titlist a year ago. Arrowhead (10-3) was an odds-on preseason favorite to three-peat, but expectations became tempered after the Warhawks' 3-3 start. Now, with seven consecutive wins – including over previously unbeaten Bay Port (Green Bay) in last week's semifinals – Arrowhead's stumble out of the gate seems like ancient history. Junior quarterback Johnny Duranso had his best all-around performance of the season last week, throwing for 173 yards and two touchdowns and running for 157 yards and three more scores in the Warhawks' 42-28 defeat of Bay Port. Meanwhile, Kimberly (13-0) continued a season of domination – during which it has won every game by at least 26 points – with a 48-16 blowout of Marquette University (Milwaukee). Senior quarterback Austin Weyenberg and junior running back Blair Mulholland accounted for all seven Kimberly touchdowns, all of which were scored in the first half.

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Just the facts: Friday will be a Wisconsin-record 12th appearance in a state championship game for Arrowhead. In addition to titles in 2012 and 2013, the Warhawks were crowned champs in 1993, '94, '96 and 2007. … This is Kimberly's first finals appearance in Division 1, but the Papermakers reached the final game four times in lower classifications. In addition to last season, Kimberly took home state titles in 2007 and 2008.

Mitch Stephens: Kimberly 28, Arrowhead 21
Kevin Askeland: Kimberly 35, Arrowhead 28
Jamie DeMoney: Kimberly 30, Arrowhead 27
Stephen Spiewak: Arrowhead 28, Kimberly 24
Leland Gordon: Kimberly 36, Arrowhead 30
Colin Ward-Henninger: Arrowhead 28, Kimberly 27

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Dowling (West Des Moines, Iowa) vs. Washington (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

What to watch: Dowling looks to capture its second-consecutive and fifth overall Class 4A state championship with a win over a Washington squad trying to win its first state championship. Dowling (12-1) advanced to Friday's finale with a 41-28 triumph over conference rival Waukee. Senior quarterback Ryan Boyle sparked the Maroons with a team-high 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Iowa commit has totaled more than 6,000 combined passing and rushing yards with 78 total touchdowns the last two seasons. Washington (13-0) earned its first trip to the championship game in 12 seasons with a 28-17 win against previously unbeaten Bettendorf. Senior linebacker Connor Vincent was the Warriors' star on defense, recording a team-high 12 tackles (including two for losses) and one fumble recovery.



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Just the facts: Dowling ranks second with 37 postseason appearances since Iowa's state playoff system began in 1972. … Washington has made the playoffs a very respectable 22 times but has made only one championship game appearance, a loss in the 2002 Class 4A final.

Mitch Stephens: Dowling 17, Washington 14
Kevin Askeland: Dowling 40, Washington 21
Jamie DeMoney: Dowling 20, Washington 14
Stephen Spiewak: Dowling 30, Washington 24
Leland Gordon: Dowling 31, Washington 24
Colin Ward-Henninger: Dowling 42, Washington 31

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Olathe North (Kan.) at East (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)

What to watch: At least on paper, the winner of this semifinal game will advance into next weekend's state championship game as the clear favorite. That's because Friday night's showdown matches Kansas' last two unbeaten Class 6A teams – teams that have been ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in state media polls all season. Last week, Olathe North (11-0) advanced with a 27-14 win over Blue Valley (Stilwell) that featured a key fumble recovery and touchdown reception in the fourth quarter by Kansas-committed tight end/defensive end Josh Moore. On the other hand, Shawnee Mission East's quarterfinal victory was much more decisive – a 41-0 rout of West (Shawnee Mission). It was the Lancers' 10th win by 28 or more points this season.

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Just the facts: Though Olathe North and Shawnee Mission East are both members of the Sunflower League, the teams did not meet during the regular season and ended up sharing the conference championship. … Olathe North is seeking its 11th state championship appearance and ninth title in the last 19 seasons. Shawnee Mission East finished runner-up last season, and that was its only state finals appearance in school history.

Mitch Stephens: Olathe North 24, Shawnee Mission East 14
Kevin Askeland: Shawnee Mission East 32, Olathe North 14
Jamie DeMoney: Olathe North 23, Shawnee Mission East 20
Stephen Spiewak: Shawnee Mission East 20, Olathe North 17
Leland Gordon: Shawnee Mission East 43, Olathe North 35
Colin Ward-Henninger: Olathe North 30, Shawnee Mission East 28



Jamie DeMoney has covered high school sports and recruiting for the past 20 seasons. He is a Regional Content Manager and Product Specialist for XOS Digital and compiles the National Prep Poll (PrepNation) for World Features Syndicate.

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