Others in the discussion:Miramar (Fla.)
Tracy Howard, Miramar
Photo by Stuart Browning
Currently undefeated and ranked No. 4, if Miramar captures Florida's Class 8A title, it will have beaten St. Thomas Aquinas, Columbus, and Plant, all in one season, providing for a very impressive resume.
Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.)It's been a strange season in California, with no team emerging as truly elite, with the possible exception of unbeaten Westlake. If it convincingly beats De La Salle in the Open Division Bowl Game, it will warrant being in the discussion for the top spot.
Armwood (Seffner, Fla.)Ranked No. 2 for much of the season, Armwood has been a two-faced team this year. It imposed its will at times, traveling on the road to beat Bishop Gorman in one of the more impressive victories of the season, and also blanked 8A finalist Plant, 21-0. However, it required a last-minute special teams touchdown to survive Lakewood Ranch in the first round of the playoffs and struggled similarly with Gainesville and Bartram Trail. A decisive victory over Central would end the season on a high note.
Carroll (Southlake, Texas)Unlike the Carroll teams of the mid 2000s, this Carroll squad was a darkhorse entering the season and has continued to pick off top teams on its Class 5A-I playoff run. It now owns victories over Skyline, Martin, Arlington Bowie and Cedar Hill. Finishing 16-0 with a title in the state's largest classification would certainly enter Carroll into the conversation for a higher ranking.
Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)With victories over Gilman and Manatee, Good Counsel ventured outside its WCAC schedule and came away with a pair of solid wins. It has clearly surpassed league rival DeMatha as the top program in the Washington, D.C. area. However, it didn't entirely breeze through its schedule, as it struggled mightily with 4-6 St. John's.
Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)A team in good position to rise in the rankings on the season's final weekend, there is talk that Lake Travis is the state's top team. The program is going for an unprecedented fifth straight state title and there remains little doubt that it could play with any 5A team in the state. It is favored in the 4A-I title game against Midway. Additionally, its resume will be strengthened if Aledo, a team it beat 62-35 in September, captures the 4A-II state title.
Maryville (Tenn.)
George Quarles, Maryville
Photo by Randy Sartin
Simply by virtue of the belief that this team may be the best that
Tennessee legend George Quarles has ever coached, this Maryville team
deserves consideration. Maryville beat rival Alcoa in August and only got better as the season continued. It dominated the 6A playoff bracket, winning by over 30 points per game on average.
Bellevue (Wash.)Bellevue lived up to its preseason national ranking by finishing 14-0 and capturing the Class 3A state title. In the process, it beat Oaks Christian, Skyline, and Lakes. Though it loses its leader in
Tyler Hasty, this team could actually be better next season.
