It's survive-and-advance season, as playoffs get underway in most states.
Folsom has moved into the top five in the Xcellent 25 national rankings, thanks to its defense as much as its offense.
Photo by David Kinsella
At this point in the season, style points are out the window; it's all about finding ways to win games.
Manvel and Colquitt County both won close games to remain unbeaten and rise in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.
In the National Game of the Week, Manvel held off Pearland 35-33, while Colquitt County avoided an upset at the hands of Camden County, winning 28-24.
One team that was not as fortunate was Paramus Catholic, which falls from No. 4 to No. 14 after its first loss of the season, a
stunning 27-0 setback at the hands of St. Joseph Regional.
MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard
1. (1) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), 11-0The Gaels march closer to a state title. They defeated Desert Oasis 63-0.
2. (2) De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 10-0De La Salle blasted California 42-0.
3. (3) Allen (Texas), 10-0The Eagles continue to roll, defeating Plano East 35-13.
4. (5) Washington (Miami), 10-0Idle.
5. (6) Folsom (Calif.), 10-0It continues to be a special season for Folsom, which defeated Woodcreek 71-7.{PAGEBREAK}
6. (7) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), 9-1St. John Bosco is undefeated against California teams. It beat Santa Margarita 58-34.
7. (8) Skyline (Dallas), 10-0Skyline recorded its third shutout in five weeks, downing Sunset 55-0.
8. (9) Bellevue (Wash.), 10-0Bellevue dominated Bishop Blanchet 44-0.
9. (10) Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.), 10-0Colquitt County survived against Camden County, winning 28-24.
10. (11) Manvel (Texas), 10-0Another team that received a stiff test over the weekend, Manvel held off Pearland 35-33.{PAGEBREAK}
11. (16) Starkville (Miss.), 11-0Starkville's offense put on a show in a 56-46 win over Clinton.
12. (15) Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.), 10-0Mainland fought off Fort Pierce Central to come away with a 28-17 victory.
13. (12) Buford (Ga.), 10-0Buford is simply dominating opponents right now. It pounded Stephens County 56-0.
14. (4) Paramus Catholic (N.J.), 8-1Paramus Catholic stumbled in its last game before the playoffs, losing to St. Joseph Regional 27-0.
15. (13) Central (Miami), 9-1Idle.{PAGEBREAK}
16. (14) Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), 11-1The Miners downed Herriman 36-6.
17. (17) DeSoto (Texas), 9-1Claude Mathis' squad closed the regular season with a 69-20 win over Duncanville.
18. (18) Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, La.), 10-0Louisiana's top-ranked team beat Brother Martin 45-24.
19. (19) Carroll (Southlake, Texas), 10-0The Dragons are unbeaten heading into the playoffs following a 38-14 victory over Bell.
20. (22) Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, Ala.), 11-0Clay-Chalkville posted an astonishing 85 points in a victory over Scottsboro.{PAGEBREAK}
21. (20) Punahou (Honolulu), 7-0Idle.
22. (21) Carmel (Ind.), 12-0The Greyhounds advanced in the playoffs with a 56-6 win over Carroll.
23. (23) St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 9-1The Raiders routed Deerfield Beach 45-7.
24. (24) JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), 9-1JSerra notched a huge win for its program, beating Servite 38-21.
25. (25) Hudson (Ohio), 11-0Hudson won its opening round playoff contest against Perry, setting the stage for a matchup with St. Ignatius.
