Regular-season showdowns and intriguing postseason matchups highlight this weekend in high school football. For fans of college recruiting, it’s an excellent time to check out some of top recruits nationally before the season wraps up. Here’s a list of prep matchups around the country worth checking out for recruiting junkies looking for a Friday night fix.
Midwest
Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio) at North Royalton (Cleveland, Ohio)
The Ohio Division I playoffs kick off this weekend and one serious contender to emerge from Region 1 is Glenville.
Aundrey Walker is one of a number of Division I prospects
for Glenville.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
Head coach Ted Ginn’s squad may be an underdog when judged purely by seeding (Glenville is No. 5, North Royalton, No. 4); most around the Cleveland area expect this game to be a tune-up for the Tarblooders before getting a second chance at St. Ignatius.
As such, Glenville will look to make sure everything is clicking in anticipation of meeting the Wildcats in round two. Seniors Latwan Anderson and Christian Bryant are worth the price of admission themselves. Add juniors like Aundrey Walker, Andre Sturdivant and Shane Wynn, all Division I recruits, and the Tarblooders offer an early look at some future stars of Saturday. Glenville is looking to get the playoff monkey off its back, while North Royalton will look to shock the state.
Also consider: Elder (Cincinnati, Ohio) vs. Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio)
Northeast
St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) at Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
More than a dozen Division I prospects will take the field Friday night when St. Peter’s Prep invades Ramsey to challenge Don Bosco Prep.
The most intriguing matchups will take place when St. Peter’s Prep attempts to establish its ground attack. Tackles Jake Kaufman and Keith Lumpkin, both 6-foot-8, will try to open up holes alongside 6-5, 350-pound guard Anthony Wilkins. Junior Savon Huggins has rushed for over 500 yards and eight TDs in his last two games and will be a national recruit next season. 
St. Peter's Prep tackle Jake Kaufman will go up against a talented Don Bosco Prep defensive front.
Photo by Dan Coppola
Steele Divitto and James Kittredge lead the Don Bosco Prep defensive line; they are committed to Boston College and Vanderbilt, respectively. Linebacker Bryan Murphy, committed to Pitt, is great at stopping the run, while future Virginia Cavalier Ryan Cobb is also a playmaker.
Also consider: Cardinal O’Hara (Philadelphia) at La Salle (Philadelphia)
Southeast
Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, Ga.) at North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.)
Georgia’s Region 7-AAAAA title will be on the line when Peachtree Ridge takes on North Gwinnett. Both teams are state title contenders, and both squads boast an impressive lineup of college-ready talent.
North Gwinnett may have the game’s most recognizable player, 6-6 offensive lineman Jawuan James. James was originally committed to Alabama along with teammate and fellow offensive lineman Austin Shepherd, but has since reopened his recruitment. Lane Kiffin is now making a strong push to bring James to Tennessee.
The Bulldogs claim one of the most talented groups of young players in the country. C.J. Uzomah will be a top recruit in 2011; Raahmil Brantley and Jordan Washington are both heralded sophomores.
Peachtree Ridge is led by Bradley Roby, a receiver who has made an early pledge to Vanderbilt. The team’s secondary appears especially solid. Safety Brian Williams will play at Indiana next year, while cornerback Steve Atwater may follow his father’s footsteps to play at Arkansas.
Also consider: Butler (Charlotte, N.C.) at Independence (N.C.)
Texas
De Soto at Tyler
In an intriguing district battle that will have state playoff implications, De Soto and Tyler will lock horns in a showdown between two teams with 8-1 records.
Ashton Dorsey is the prospect to watch on Tyler. The 6-2, 275-pound defensive tackle has already committed to Texas and may be able to contribute early next year for head coach Mack Brown. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson, committed to Southern Methodist, and junior linebacker Antjuan Lee are also players to keep an eye on.
De Soto, whose only loss came in its season opener against Cedar Hill, possesses some of the top recruits in Texas. Junior quarterback Ryan Polite has thrown for nearly 2,700 yards and is protected by top offensive lineman Evan Washington, who has committed to LSU. 
Quarterback Ryan Polite has been a fixture at De Soto since his sophomore season.
Photo by Doug Holleman
Darius Terrell, a receiver committed to Texas, has seven TDs for the Eagles. Defensive back Adrian White, who has intercepted two passes and deflected five others, will also head to Texas next fall.
Also consider: Nimitz (Irving, Texas) at Cedar Hill (Texas)
Southwest
Dorsey (Los Angeles) at Crenshaw (Los Angeles)
Not only is the Dorsey vs. Crenshaw game one of the great rivalries in the city of Los Angeles, it’s also a showcase of a slew of impressive athletes who are destined to play at the next level. Senior captain Charles Garrett has guided the Dons to a 7-1 record. He’s one of the city’s top defensive backs. Running back Jorrian Washington has emerged lately and is a sleeper recruit to watch.
The truly bright stars of the game will suit up for Crenshaw, ranked No. 25 in this week’s MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Rankings presented by the Army National Guard. 
Crenshaw's DeAnthony Thomas has elite speed.
Photo by Anthony Watson
Running back/linebacker Hayes Pullard is enjoying a strong season on the heels of an 11-touchdown campaign as a junior. He'll likely play linebacker in college. Receiver Geno Hall has 572 yards and eight TDs, and won’t remain under the radar very long. Junior running back DeAnthony Thomas had earned a reputation as possibly the best junior in California. He’s a dynamic rusher with top-flight speed that will also make him a sought-after track star.
Also consider: Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.) at Crespsi (Encino, Calif.)
Northwest
Kamiak (Mukilteo, Wash.) @ Auburn (Wash.)
This game may be closer than people thought, as the Seattle Times is reporting that Auburn will be without super safety Chris Young, who has been suspended for the rest of the season. In addition to his play at safety, Young also rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 27 TDs.
Still, Auburn has as much young talent as any team in the area. Junior Alphonse Wade will pick up the slack for Young. Wade is a threat at running back or receiver and has demonstrated the ability to make big plays. Austin Embody, also a junior, is similarly talented and should excel in an increased role.
On defense, Auburn features Danny Shelton, a run-stopping force at defensive tackle. Only a junior, Shelton’s ceiling is very high, and he’ll likely have his pick of colleges.
For Kamiak, 6-3 sophomore linebacker Anthony Berg has an intriguing frame, but the entire Knights defense will have to be rock-solid all night to slow down Auburn.
Also consider: Sunset (Portland, Ore.) at Jesuit (Portland, Ore.)
