Compiled By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
(Rank) School (City, State) 2005 Record
(1) Lakeland (Lakeland, Fla.) 15-0
The 2006 Lakeland Dreadnaughts are being billed as potentially the most talented high school football team in recent memory. Head coach Bill Castle enters his 31st year at the Central Florida school with as many as 11 Division I-A recruits in the senior class, including highly-regarded defensive tackle John Brown (6-2, 294), twin linemen James (6-4, 276) and Lashawn (6-4, 262) Pouncey, and running backs Chris Rainey (5-10, 170) and Jamar Taylor (5-11, 210). The Dreadnaughts are carrying some serious steam into the season with a 30-game win streak, back-to-back 5A titles, and a 67-9 record this decade. The path to a third-consecutive unbeaten season will be tough, with contests against Tampa power, Hillsborough, and a trip to Ohio to face Buckeye State dynasty, St. Xavier.
(2) South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) 15-0
Loaded. That's the best way to describe South Panola's 2006 squad, which will look to extend a 45-game winning streak and capture its fourth-straight 5A title. Mississippi's reigning Player of the Year, linebacker Chris Strong (6-2, 240), is back to lead a defense that gave up less than 10 points per game last season. Quarterback LeRoy Diggs (5-10, 185), running back Jeramie Griffin (6-0, 230), and tight end Rodrick Jefferson (6-6, 215) give the Tigers a pass-run-catch combination that will be tough to stop.
(3) Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) 15-0
It's safe to say that no other team in the country returns a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and a 1,000-yard receiver. Clemson-bound quarterback Willy Korn (6-2, 200) is a local legend who threw for 4,164 yards and 53 touchdowns last season, still finding time to rush for 763 yards and 10 scores. Running back Derek Young (5-10, 180) is back after piling up 1,055 and seven touchdowns. Receiver Matt Quinn (6-4, 170) completes the trio, looking to build on his 77 receptions, 1,038 yards, and 15 touchdowns from a year ago. The Rebels have won state titles in each of the past four seasons, posting a 57-2 record during that span, but may face their stiffest test to date when a loaded Belle Glade, Fla., squad comes to town for an ESPN-televised affair.
(4) Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 14-1
After a 50-29 blowout victory over Tim Tebow and Nease on ESPN last season, America found out what folks in Alabama have known for a while now: the Hoover Buccaneers are a powerhouse. And Rush Propst's eighth team at Hoover could be his best yet after compiling a 91-8 record in his first seven campaigns. The Bucs' high-octane offense will once again be fueled by quarterback Ross Wilson (5-11, 180), who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior. He has an intriguing new target to throw to in Virginia transfer Brandon Clear (6-4, 200). Lineman Kerry Murphy (6-5, 300) can dominate on either side of the ball. Hoover isn't ducking anybody as it looks for a sixth state title in the last seven years, with non-league showdowns scheduled against Union, Okla., and John Curtis, La.
(5) Lufkin (Lufkin, Texas) 14-1
The Panthers have the talent and motivation to unseat Southlake Carroll in the Texas 5A ranks. Quarterback Jeremy Claybon (6-1, 190) threw for nearly 2,500 yards last season and could better that with the return of his favorite target, MaxPreps Preseason All-American Dez Bryant (6-1, 195), and seven other returning starters on offense. Lufkin has a pair of huge battles looming during the regular season with Evangel Christian, La., and The Woodlands on the schedule.
(6) St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) 12-1
The experts in Ohio have pegged St. Edward as the team to beat in the state's Division I ranks, and it's tough to disagree. The Eagles have three of the top players in Ohio with safety Nate Oliver (6-0, 195), already committed to Ohio State, tight end/wide receiver Kyle Hubbard (6-3, 225), and 2,000-yard rusher Frank Edmonds (5-8, 180). Head coach John Gibbons' team is battle-tested after games against Central Catholic, Pa., St. Ignatius, Glenville, and Massillon Washington in 2005. They will need that experience against rival St. Xavier, and Arkansas powerhouse, Springdale - games that will take place in back-to-back weeks in September.
(7) Carroll (Southlake, Texas) 16-0
Not many programs in the country - at any level - could keep expectations this high with just six returning starters. That's what makes Southlake Carroll so special. The Dragons are 63-1 over the past four seasons and have an .857 winning percentage since 1982. Despite the heavy losses, head coach Todd Dodge will have his son, Riley (5-11, 180), manning the quarterback position and 1,000-yard rusher Tre' Newton (6-1, 190) in the backfield. The defense has a pair of productive returnees back in linebacker Justin Padron (6-0, 215) and defensive end Kyle Russo (6-3, 245), a pair that combined for 334 tackles last year.
(8) John Curtis (River Ridge, La.) 10-1
Head coach J.T. Curtis enters his 36th season with the Patriots with what Lee Brecheen of Louisiana Football Magazine says "may be the best John Curtis team ever." That's saying a lot considering the legendary coach has 20 state titles and 428 wins to his credit. MaxPreps Preseason All-American Joe McKnight (6-0, 190) is the catalyst on both sides of the ball for the New Orleans-area school, rushing, receiving, and returning his way to 22 touchdowns as a junior. The Patriots may have as many as eight legitimate Division I-A prospects in the senior class alone.
(9) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) 13-0
Quality of competition always seems to come into question with Oaks Christian, but there is just too much talent on the roster not to include them among the top teams in the country. It starts with Notre Dame-bound quarterback Jimmy Clausen (6-3, 200), widely regarded as the top college prospect in the class of 2007. Clausen has a variety of weapons at his disposal, including USC-bound running back Marc Tyler (6-1, 210), and receivers Sean Wiser (6-2, 190) and Christopher Potter (5-10, 176, Jr.). Defensive back Marshall Jones (6-1, 190), also headed to USC, is another option at running back and receiver. The Lions' defense is spearheaded by Casey Matthews (6-2, 215), who had 132 tackles in 2005.
(10) Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) 14-1
The Warriors' biggest offseason loss was head coach Kevin Wright, who made the jump to Union High in Tulsa, Okla. Former assistant Steve Tutsie takes command of the program, which has posted a 63-7 record over the past five years, and will be expected to deliver a fourth-straight state title to the Indianapolis school. Michigan commitment Jerimy Finch (6-2, 210) is Warren Central's headliner, a first team All-State selection after picking off 10 passes as a junior. Carrying the load on offense will once again be future Virginia Tech Hokie Darren Evans (6-1, 210), who has amassed 4,396 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
(11) St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) 12-0
The Marauders lived up to their nickname in 2005, blasting opponents by an average score of 39-6. It's not going to get any easier for the rest of New Jersey in 2006. The offense will be paced by junior quarterback/receiver Will Hill (6-2, 180), and running back Shariff Harris (6-1, 190), who should be an exciting replacement for departed All-State selection Kee-Ayre Griffin. The defense is Prep's calling card, however. It would be pretty tough to improve on what this group did last year, but most of the playmakers return. Steve Pankiewicz (5-10, 240), Will Thompson (6-1, 230), and Joe Valenti (6-1, 220) were the Marauders top three tacklers a year ago, and comprise one of the nation's best linebacking units. Hill will play in the secondary.
(12) St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) 15-0
The Bombers are 25-2 over the past two seasons, capturing Ohio's Division I title in 2005. St. Xavier will look to continue its winning ways this year, relying on the legs of a star in the making to do so. Junior tailback Darius Ashley (5-8, 170) racked up 1,647 yards and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore and will be one of the state's best, regardless of class. The Cincinnati school could make a major statement at the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge by knocking off national preseason No. 1, Lakeland, Fla.
(13) Garland (Garland, Texas) 10-3
If Southlake Carroll or Lufkin stumble in the Texas 5A ranks, look for Garland to be the team hoisting a divisional state title at the end of 2006. The Owls have a big time athlete in Texas commitment Malcolm Williams (6-3, 205), a versatile offensive threat who plays the wingback position in Garland's Wing-T attack. Defensively, head coach Jeff Jordan has one of the best defensive end combos in the country with senior Marquis Frazier (6-3, 245) and junior Chauncey Aghayere (6-3, 210).
(14) De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) 11-2
Shhhhh.the Spartans return their leading passer, top three running backs, and leading tackler, and are probably enjoying what has been an auspiciously quiet offseason. Junior quarterback Mike MacGillivray (5-10, 170) threw for 1,366 yards and rushed for 255 as a sophomore. Running backs Tim Maupin (5-11, 165), Ryan Nastor (5-6, 175), and Tillman Pugh (5-10, 175) cranked out 2,124 yards and will be back to pace the ground attack. Linebacker Albert Rosette (6-1, 190) led the De La Salle defense with 108 tackles last year. The Spartans will find out exactly where they stand when they face Elder, Ohio, at the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge Sept. 16.
(15) Independence (Charlotte, N.C.) 15-0
Get ready to hear a lot about Independence. Head coach Tom Knotts' club enters the season riding a 92-game winning streak and could join De La Salle, Calif., as the only members of the 100 club with another undefeated season. The Patriots have the talent to make it happen, starting with quarterback Darryl McFadden (6-2, 210), who threw for 3,877 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2005. McFadden, already committed to East Carolina, has a big target in receiver Jason Barnes (6-4, 195), also a high Division I-A prospect.
(16) West Monroe (West Monroe, La.) 13-1
The Rebels lost seven seniors to Division I-A schools following the 2005 season, but it's hard not to like what head coach Don Shows has coming back, especially on the defensive side of the ball. West Monroe will be stout up front with MaxPreps Preseason All-American Will Blackwell (6-4, 290) and Luther Davis (6-3, 265) manning the line. Linebacker C.C. Carpenter (6-0, 219) led the Rebels with 81 tackles last season, while Terry Carter (5-10, 160) is back to patrol the secondary. The quarterback position is a question mark after losing Steven Ensminger to Auburn, but junior Shelby Aulds appears to be next in line. He won't have much time to get comfortable, as Texas power Longview comes to town Sept. 2.
(17) Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 10-2
The Vikings' 10-2 record in 2005 was achieved against one of the more challenging schedules in the Northeast. With All-Pennsylvania Football News first team selections in offensive lineman Stefan Wisniewski (6-3, 270) and running back Lamont Smith (5-9, 165) back in the fold, expectations were sky high at Central Catholic. And then came the news that quarterback Tino Sunseri (6-1, 190), an emerging star at Weddington High School in North Carolina, applied, enrolled, and was cleared to play for Central Catholic this season. The Vikings like to keep the ball on the ground, but having a standout like Sunseri - just a junior - is going to be a big boost when the Pittsburgh school needs to open things up.
(18) Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) 11-1
Motivation is always an important factor to consider as a team enters the fall, and Don Bosco Prep should have plenty of it. The immensely-talented Ironmen were knocked off by St. Peter's Prep for the state title last season, and many of the key cogs on that team are back. Senior quarterback Matthew Simms (6-2, 190) threw for 2,744 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. His toughest job will be to find enough footballs for a deep cast of offensive threats. Junior running back Guy Germinario (5-10, 205) had 847 rushing and receiving yards with 13 touchdowns, while senior back Dale Fava (5-7, 180) chipped in with 561 total yards and five touchdowns. The defense will be led by Division I-A recruits Isiah Garrow (5-11, 240) and Justin Trattou (6-4, 240).
(19) Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) 12-1
Glades Central will look to replace St. Augustine as the buzzsaw in Florida's 3A ranks in 2006. The Raiders should be hungry after a semifinal loss to Sarasota Booker last season, and have the talent - and schedule - to make a major statement at the national level. Head coach Willie Snead's squad opens with No. 3 Byrnes, S.C., then faces a potentially dangerous Redlands, Calif., team in week two. Wide receiver Deonte Thompson (6-0, 190) is being recruited by the likes of Notre Dame and USC, but is just one of many top-flight players on a loaded roster. Glades Central also returns All-State selections in quarterback Bryan Mann (6-3, 195) and defensive lineman Jatavious Jackson (6-4, 270). Twin towers Ernest McCoy (6-6, 340) and Maurice Bynes (6-4, 335) are just two of 11 returning linemen weighing 240 pounds or more.
(20) Canyon (Canyon Country, Calif.) 13-1
If senior Ben Longshore (6-3, 190) can replace the production of departed quarterback Austin Civita, the Cowboys should ride once again to a section title. The pressure on Longshore, the brother of California Golden Bear quarterback Nate Longshore, will be eased by the return of MaxPreps Preseason All-American John (J.J.) Diluigi, who accounted for 2,906 all-purpose yards as a junior. Undersized receiver Christopher Kingsbury (5-6, 155) is another productive returnee, while Ben Armbruster (5-10, 185), coming off a 10-sack season, should spark the defense. The biggest obstacle for the Cowboys will be surviving a brutal schedule, highlighted by showdowns with Notre Dame, St. Bonaventure, Crespi, Hart, and Valencia. Canyon's 10 opponents combined for an incredible 90-37 record in 2005.
(21) Union (Tulsa, Okla.) 13-1
Mark it down. Union High School and new head coach Kevin Wright will be a wildly successful pairing. The architect of the Warren Central, Ind., dynasty, Wright transitioned to Union during the offseason, taking over at a school that has claimed three of the last four 6A titles in Oklahoma. His system will be tested immediately, with his home debut coming against No. 4 Hoover, Ala. The Redskins face archrival, Jenks, the following week. Offensive lineman Matt Romine (6-6, 270) is Union's top returnee, sporting offers from national powers like Alabama, Michigan, and Notre Dame, as well as the in-state Oklahoma Sooners.
(22) Maryville (Maryville, Tenn.) 15-0
Until somebody beats Maryville, they belong amongst the elite in high school football. The Rebels are riding a 30-game winning streak and have won back-to-back 4A titles. Outside of a September scare against Knoxville Central, the 2005 squad was virtually unchallenged. Head coach George Quarles features a pair of University of Tennessee commitments in tight end Aaron Douglas (6-6, 230) and wide receiver Tyler Maples (6-4, 180). Running back Adrian Baker (5-10, 215) will pace the ground attack after producing over 1,100 yards as a junior. Middle linebacker Tanner Caylor (5-10, 210) is the key cog in the Rebel defense.
(23) Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.) 12-1
The Wildcats tore through their 2005 schedule, winning the first 12 games by an average score of 45-5. But an upset loss in the playoffs to Dacula prevented Camden County from winning its second state title in three years. As many as seven seniors on the roster are receiving serious Division I-A attention. Leading the way are receiver/defensive back Willie White (6-3, 185), committed to Georgia Tech, and defensive lineman Rennie Moore (6-4, 250), a Clemson pledge. Head coach Jeff Herron's Wing-T attack will be fueled by running back Mario Roberts (5-7, 180), and a big line shored up by massive Ernesto Herring (6-5, 335). Camden County hasn't lost a regular season game since 2000, but the 56-game streak will be tested immediately in 2006, with a showdown against Brookwood scheduled for Sept. 2.
(24) St. Augustine (St. Augustine, Fla.) 15-0
The Yellowjackets have been a machine the past two seasons, cranking out a 26-1 record and capturing the 3A title in 2005. The St. Augustine defense pitched five shutouts a year ago, but it may be the offense carrying the load this season. Head coach Joey Wiles returns a savvy leader in quarterback Quinterrance Cooper (5-11, 180), and a 1,000-yard rusher in Rai-Shawn Wilson (5-10, 190). An October 6 meeting with rival Nease is the key date on the St. Augustine schedule, while a playoff showdown with Belle Glade would be a dream game in the 3A classification.
(25) Trinity (Euless, Texas) 14-1
Call this our sleeper pick, though folks in Texas would scoff at the notion of Trinity as a "sleeper" - even at the national level. The Trojans rolled to a 14-1 record and a state title in 2005, but lost special players at key positions. But we like their chances to reload with seven All-District performers back, keyed by tight end Jordan Scoggins (6-3, 260) and offensive lineman Manaaki Vaitai (6-3, 290). Head coach Steve Lineweaver has a pair of intriguing underclassmen at his disposal, as well, with versatile junior Mao Leota (6-0, 255) and sophomore defensive back Prinz Kande (5-11, 175), who was the first freshman to play for the Trinity varsity squad in 36 years last season, according to Dave Campbell's Texas Football.
