MaxPreps Top 10 Football Games of the Week

College football is still one week away, but there are plenty of made-for-TV high school games on the cable sports channels for prep football fans to devour this weekend. The inaugural MaxPreps Top 10 Games of the Week of 2012 has a closer look at seven games that will be nationally televised.

Two games this week are between teams in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 rankings. On Friday, the spotlight will shine on Las Vegas where No. 10 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) is taking on No. 11 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). The top matchup the following day is a home game for No. 20 Oscar Smith (Chesapeake Va.) against No. 13 Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.).

Elsewhere, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) puts its No. 4 ranking on the line when it plays Arizona power Brophy College Prep (Phoenix). In Ohio, 19th-ranked Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) begins a stretch of five games against out-of-state opponents when it takes on Gilman (Baltimore). No. 22 Ensworth (Nashville, Tenn.) looks to improve to 2-0 when it travels to Lexington Catholic (Ky.).

Here's a look at this week's Top 10 games of the week along with predictions by MaxPreps staff writers, editors and contributors Mitch Stephens, Steve Montoya, Stephen Spiewak, Kevin Askeland, Leland Gordon and Jamie DeMoney.



MaxPreps Top 10 Football Games of the Week

No. 10 Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) at No. 11 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

This is the first game of a challenging nonleague schedule for Good Counsel. Next week, the Falcons return home for a game against Baltimore power Gilman, followed by a meeting with St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.). Good Counsel has seven starters back on both sides of the ball from a team that went 12-0 and finished fifth in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 last season. Clemson recruit Dorian O'Daniel will be counted on to make big plays both as a running back and linebacker.

This is the second-straight home opener for Bishop Gorman against a fellow nationally ranked foe. Last season, the Gaels lost a heartbreaker to Florida power Armwood (Seffner) – which later was changed to a forfeit win. This year, Bishop Gorman will play four consecutive out-of-state opponents out of the chute. Fourth-year starting quarterback Anu Solomon (an Arizona commit) has more than 7,500 passing yards with 104 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions for his career.

Mitch Stephens: Bishop Gorman 28, Good Counsel 27
Steve Montoya: Bishop Gorman 21, Good Counsel 10
Stephen Spiewak: Good Counsel 21, Bishop Gorman 20
Kevin Askeland: Bishop Gorman 48, Good Counsel 30
Leland Gordon: Bishop Gorman 35, Good Counsel 27
Jamie DeMoney: Good Counsel 31, Bishop Gorman 28

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No. 13 Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) at No. 20 Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)

A national television audience will watch South Carolina's dominant program of the last decade shoot for its 13th win against an out-of-state opponent since 2005. The Rebels, with seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, are the overwhelming favorite to win a third-consecutive 4A/I state title and ninth in 11 years. Always explosive on offense, this year Byrnes attack is triggered by junior quarterback Shuler Bentley. He is the son of former head coach Bobby Bentley, who led Byrnes to state titles in 2004 and '05.



Oscar Smith can cement its national ranking and likely move up in the polls with a win against Byrnes. The Tigers, who won two of the last three Division 6 state titles, have enough talent on defense to contain the Rebels. The unit features senior linebacker Kanyia Anderson, who recorded 22 sacks last season, and junior tackle Andrew Brown, a MaxPreps U.S. Air Force Sophomore All-American who transferred in from crosstown rival Indian River.

Mitch Stephens: Oscar Smith 29, Byrnes 28
Steve Montoya: Oscar Smith 28, Byrnes 24
Stephen Spiewak: Byrnes 28, Oscar Smith 24
Kevin Askeland: Byrnes 42, Oscar Smith 21
Leland Gordon: Byrnes 24, Oscar Smith 21
Jamie DeMoney: Byrnes 38, Oscar Smith 23

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No. 4 Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) at Brophy College Prep (Phoenix)

Santa Margarita is loaded with experience on both sides of the ball. The Eagles have nine offensive and six defensive starters back from a 13-2 team, including talented signal-caller Johnny Stanton. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Nebraska commit racked up more than 3,800 yards of total offense and 34 touchdowns last season. The strength of Santa Margarita's defense is the secondary, a unit led by 6-foot-4, 205-pound safety Connor O'Brien (a Washington recruit).

Brophy Prep should have any offseason rust already kicked off the hinges when it meets Santa Margarita Saturday evening. The Broncos won a rare Wednesday night season opener over Mountain Ridge (Glendale), 37-14. This is the middle game of three for the Broncos in only a 10-day stretch to open the year. Seven offensive and six defensive starters return from a team that went 11-1. Washington State-bound quarterback Tyler Bruggman and receiver Devon Allen are one of the top pass-catch combos in the nation.

Mitch Stephens: Santa Margarita 35, Brophy Prep 31
Steve Montoya: Santa Margarita 35, Brophy Prep 31
Stephen Spiewak: Santa Margarita 31, Brophy Prep 20
Kevin Askeland: Santa Margarita 35, Brophy 14
Leland Gordon: Santa Margarita 49, Brophy 28
Jamie DeMoney: Santa Margarita 28, Brophy 25

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Gilman (Baltimore) vs. No. 19 Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)

Gilman looks ready-made to go toe-to-toe with a rugged Ohio opponent. On defense, the Greyhounds have an outstanding front seven that boasts five returning starters, including Michigan-bound tackle Henry Poggi and Virginia-committed linebacker Micah Kiser. The leader on offense is senior Shane Cockerille, a Maryland recruit who posted more than 1,000 yards both passing and rushing in 2011.



Moeller is returning 13 starters from a team that was unbeaten and nationally ranked midway through last season before it closed with four losses in six games. The Crusaders have nine experienced players on offense, including quarterback Spencer Iacovone, a Division 1 baseball recruit who passed for more than 2,000 yards as a junior. On the other hand, Moeller's defense will be largely rebuilt. But the group is strong in the middle with Michigan State-committed linebacker Shane Jones leading the way.

Mitch Stephens: Gilman 24, Moeller 21
Steve Montoya: Moeller 14, Gilman 7
Stephen Spiewak: Moeller 28, Gilman 21
Kevin Askeland: Moeller 28, Gilman 21
Leland Gordon: Moeller 17, Gilman 14
Jamie DeMoney: Moeller 24, Gilman 17

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No. 22 Ensworth (Nashville, Tenn.) at Lexington Catholic (Ky.)

Ensworth had its hands full in a 35-28 win against Memphis University School last week. The Tigers got 230 yards and four touchdowns on the ground from senior Cornelius Elder.

Ensworth gave up nearly 400 yards through the air in Week 1. It's a stat that cannot be ignored when breaking down this game, given Lexington Catholic's prolific passing attack. The Knights feature junior signal caller Kyle Bolin, a Louisville commit who passed for 29 touchdowns and more than 3,000 yards last season. He threw for three scores and more than 200 yards in a 21-7 victory over state-ranked Bell County (Pineville) last week.

Mitch Stephens: Ensworth 28, Lexington Catholic 21
Steve Montoya: Ensworth 34, Lexington Catholic 14
Stephen Spiewak: Ensworth 31, Lexington Catholic 14
Kevin Askeland: Ensworth 28, Lexington Catholic 21
Leland Gordon: Ensworth 31, Lexington Catholic 27
Jamie DeMoney: Ensworth 38, Lexington Catholic 31

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East St. Louis (Ill.) at Rockhurst (Kansas City)

East St. Louis, which was 9-3 last season, has 14 starters returning. On offense, the player most likely to make headlines is running back Natereace Strong. He has speed to burn and should have a breakout sophomore season running behind a huge and experienced offensive line led by returning all-metro guard Demarvious Loving.



Boasting outstanding play in the trenches and a coach (Tony Severino) with more than 300 wins, Rockhurst is always a top contender for Missouri's Class 6 title. Nebraska pledge Zach Hannon (6-5, 297) is the Hawklets' top offensive lineman. The defensive front features end Jordan Willis, who is headed to Kansas State. Rockhurst has played 11 out-of-state opponents since 2004 with an 8-3 record.

Mitch Stephens: Rockhurst 34, East St. Louis 27
Steve Montoya: Rockhurst 24, East St. Louis 21
Stephen Spiewak: Rockhurst 17, East St. Louis 14
Kevin Askeland: Rockhurst 28, East St. Louis 27
Leland Gordon: Rockhurst 28, East St. Louis 17
Jamie DeMoney: Rockhurst 23, East St. Louis 13

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Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) vs. Cass Tech (Detroit)

The premier matchup in Michigan has defending Division 2 state champ Brother Rice taking on reigning Division 1 titlist Cass Tech. Al Fracassa, with 360 wins at Brother Rice and more than 400 total, has 12 starters back from a 10-4 team. The Warriors' strength will be the running game, featuring an experienced offensive line. The top veteran defender is linebacker Jon Reschke, a Michigan State pledge.

Despite lofty expectations at the beginning of last season, Cass Tech stumbled out of the gate in an ugly 43-7 loss to Harrison (Farmington Hills). The Technicians' level of consistency gradually matched their high level of talent and they finished the year with a dazzling 49-13 blowout of Catholic Central (Novi) for the Division 1 crown. This year, expectations are even higher. The squad has four seniors committed to Big Ten programs and several more with scholarship offers. The key to another Thanksgiving weekend trip to Ford Field is the continued development of quarterback Jayru Campbell, a 6-foot-3, 170-pounder who started as a freshman.

Mitch Stephens: Cass Tech 35, Brother Rice 34
Steve Montoya: Cass Tech 31, Brother Rice 20
Stephen Spiewak: Cass Tech 35, Brother Rice 21
Kevin Askeland: Cass Tech 27, Brother Rice 21
Leland Gordon: Cass Tech 28, Brother Rice 27
Jamie DeMoney: Cass Tech 29, Brother Rice 23

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Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) at Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.)

Life after Bill Redell begins at Oaks Christian with long road trip north to play the Sac-Joaquin Section's two-time defending Division III champions. Redell, the first football coach in school history, retired last spring only to later be named head coach at Occidental College. Taking the reigns for the Lions is Jeff Woodruff, a 30-year veteran of Division 1 college coaching. He inherits an offense rich with talent and experience. The unit has seven returning starters including standout junior quarterback Brandon Dawkins, who totaled 2,844 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in 2011.



Despite being located about 400 miles away, Del Oro's first two opponents this season are from Ventura County. After hosting Oaks Christian this week, the Golden Eagles will make the trek south to play Westlake next Friday in the Battle for Veterans. Del Oro's star on offense is San Jose State-committed running back Brandon Monroe. He had more than 1,600 rushing yards for an offense that averaged 39 points per game last season.

Mitch Stephens: Oaks Christian 35, Del Oro 34
Steve Montoya: Del Oro 28, Oaks Christian 27
Stephen Spiewak: Oaks Christian 24, Del Oro 10
Kevin Askeland: Oaks Christian 35, Del Oro 21
Leland Gordon: Del Oro 28, Oaks Christian 24
Jamie DeMoney: Del Oro 27, Oaks Christian 24

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Alcoa (Tenn.) at Maryville (Tenn.)

The annual matchup dubbed the "6-Mile Series" kicks off for the 84th time. Maryville and Alcoa have a combined 25 state titles (Maryville has 13, Alcoa has 12). Maryville beat Alcoa, 26-19, last season to snap a two-game losing streak to the Tornadoes. The Rebels have won six of the last eight and own a 57-23-3 advantage in the series overall.

Alcoa, which fell short in its bid for an eighth-consecutive state title in 2011, opened with a 14-7 win against Webb (Knoxville). Maryville, which has a 30-game winning and back-to-back Class 6A state titles, clobbered Cleveland, 41-17, while amassing more than 400 rushing yards, including over 200 from junior Shawn Prevo.

Mitch Stephens: Maryville 35, Alcoa 21
Steve Montoya: Maryville 17, Alcoa 13
Stephen Spiewak: Maryville 21, Alcoa 20
Kevin Askeland: Maryville 48, Alcoa 24
Leland Gordon: Maryville 42, Alcoa 28
Jamie DeMoney: Maryville 23, Alcoa 7

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University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) vs. Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio)

University School is an up-and-coming program with a roster dotted with Division 1 prospects. The Suns won 12 games last season – including a win over South Carolina 4A/II champion Goose Creek on the road – before losing in the playoffs to eventual 3A champ American Heritage (Delray Beach). The team's top playmaker on offense is Jordan Cunningham, a member of MaxPreps' list of the nation's Top 25 receivers.



Like University School, Trotwood-Madison hopes a win here will catapult its standing for national rankings consideration. The Rams are defending Division II state champions, but that usually doesn't mean recognition as one of the top overall teams in a state that includes traditional Division I powers such as St. Ignatius (Cleveland), St. Xavier (Cincinnati) and Colerain (Cincinnati). Trotwood-Madison has 14 starters back from a 15-0 squad, including nine on defense. That unit is led by Ohio State-bound cornerback Cameron Burrows, a MaxPreps Top 100 recruit.

Mitch Stephens: Trotwood-Madison 21, University School 20
Steve Montoya: Trotwood-Madison 20, University School 14
Stephen Spiewak: Trotwood-Madison 31, University School 21
Kevin Askeland: University School 35, Trotwood-Madison 14
Leland Gordon: Trotwood-Madison 28, University School 21
Jamie DeMoney: University School 27, Trotwood-Madison 21

Jamie DeMoney is a Regional Content Manager and Product Specialist for XOS Digital PlayerOnDemand. He has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years.