High school football rankings: California powerhouse St. John Bosco tops Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Entering his 13th season leading the program, head coach Jason Negro looks to lead Braves to second national title since 2019.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Jul 1, 2022, 10:00am
St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) extended its streak of finishing ranked among the nation's top 10 for the sixth consecutive year in 2021. Loaded with talent and depth at key positions, the Braves will begin 2022 at No. 1 in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings.

Five-star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei headlines the talent returning for head coach Jason Negro. UIagalelei is the No. 2-ranked edge rusher in the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports, and a matchup nightmare on offense at tight end. Four-star Louisville pledge Pierce Clarkson takes over as the full-time starter at quarterback after throwing for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns while splitting time last season.

The offensive line will be led by Sean Haney and Sean Na'a.

St. John Bosco's defense stacks up with any other team in the country. In addition to Uiagalelei, Class of 2024 standout linebacker Kyngstonn Viliama-Asa returns after missing his sophomore season with a knee injury.

In the secondary, four-star prospects Aaron Williams (Louisville), R.J. Jones (California) and Jshawn Frausto-Ramos (Stanford), along with three-star Ty Lee (UCLA) headline the standouts from the Class of 2023. Peyton Woodyard and Marcelles Williams are both rated among the top 60 for the Class of 2024.

California is the only state to have three teams ranked in the top 10 with Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and Centennial (Corona) joining Bosco.

Florida has the most teams ranked in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 with seven, led by IMG Academy (Bradenton) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale).

Perennial powers Westlake (Austin) and North Shore (Houston) lead a contingent of five schools from Texas. 

Read on for a complete look at the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25. Click on school links for complete team previews.
Graphic: Ryan Escobar
1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Head coach: Jason Negro
2021 record: 10-2 | Final ranking: No. 6

Head coach: Bruce Rollinson
2021 record: 12-0 | Final ranking: No. 1

Head coach: Messay Hailemariam
2021 record: 8-2 | Final ranking: No. 4

Head coach: Billy Miller
2021 record: 9-1 | Final ranking: No. 17

Head coach: Roger Harriott
2021 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 9

Head coach: Brent Browner
2021 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 15

Head coach: Tony Salazar
2021 record: 16-0 | Final ranking: No. 2

Head coach: Rick Garretson
2021 record: 11-2 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Matt Logan
2021 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: No. 10

Head coach: Jon Kay
2021 record: 15-1 | Final ranking: No. 13

Head coach: Bryant Appling
2021 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Jason Mohns
2021 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 14

Head coach: Dameon Jones
2021 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 24

Head coach: Mark Freeman
2021 record: 13-1 | Final ranking: No. 16

Head coach: Jube Joseph
2021 record: 12-2 | Final ranking: No. 20

Head coach: Reginald Samples
2021 record: 13-2 | Final ranking: No. 21

Head coach: Matt Thompson
2021 record: 15-0 | Final ranking: No. 8

Head coach: Pat Ward
2021 record: 11-0 | Final ranking: No. 19

Head coach: Reed Heim
2021 record: 14-2 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Mike Smith
2021 record: 6-4 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Vito Campanile
2021 record: 12-0 | Final ranking: No. 3

Head coach: Adam Carter
2021 record: 10-4 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Bill Castle
2021 record: 9-2 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Tom Lombardo
2021 record: 15-1 | Final ranking: No. 25

Head coach: Gary Joseph
2021 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: Not ranked

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