MaxPreps has prep high school football covered from A-Z this year including coverage of all the top teams in the nation.
Here's a look at the nation's best programs, from A-Z, over the past six seasons, starting with defending national champion Aquinas.
A – Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Although Armwood technically has the better overall record over the past six seasons, we’ll go with Aquinas for its most recent success, which includes state 5A championships in Florida in 2008 and 2007 and a national championship in 2008. The Raiders are 75-9 since 2003 and begin the year ranked No. 5 in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard preseason rankings.
B – Byrnes, Duncan, S.C.
The Rebels start out the season ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard preseason rankings and have been a force over the past six seasons with an 83-4 record and state championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008.
QB Riley Dodge led Carroll to a pair of state 5A championships.
Photo by Harvey Dunn
The Dragons were the top program in the country under coach Todd Dodge, winning state titles in 2004, 2005 and 2006 with an 82-6 record since 2003. Current coach Hal Wasson could have Carroll back in the spotlight again this year as it is expected to win District 6-5A.
D – De La Salle, Concord, Calif.
The Spartans aren’t quite 151-0 over the past nine seasons, but 70-8-2 isn’t bad. De La Salle also has a state title in 2007 and national titles in 2007 and 2003. The Spartans begin the season ranked No. 26 in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard preseason national rankings.
E – East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Pioneers are regularly the team to beat in Division 3 in Michigan after posting state titles in 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2003. East Grand Rapids is 73-6 during that span and begin the season ranked No. 5 overall in the state.
F – Franklin, Tenn.
Franklin finished the season ranked No. 2 in the state last year and has a 62-17-1 record since 2003. The Rebels won league titles in 2003 and 2006 and begin the year ranked No. 8 overall in the state.
G – Glenville, Cleveland, Ohio
The Tarblooders have won six straight championships in the Senate League and are 64-11 since 2003. Ted Ginn’s squad starts the 2009 season ranked No. 7 in Division 1 in Ohio.
H – Hoover, Ala.
The Buccaneers won three straight state titles from 2003 to 2005 and are 75-12 since 2003. Hoover is ranked No. 2 in the state behind Prattville to start the season.
I – Independence, Charlotte, NC
Owners of state titles in 2003 through 2006, the Patriots begin the year ranked No. 1 in the state of North Carolina. Independence is 88-4 since 2003.
J – Jenks, Okla.
The Trojans have been a model of consistency in Oklahoma with a 71-9 record since 2003 and state titles in 2003, 2006 and 2007. Of course that record may take a big hit if they have to forfeit nine games from the 2008 season as ordered by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association last week. The OSSAA ruled the Trojans used an ineligible player last season. Jenks, which is appealing the decision, opens the season ranked No. 1 in the state.
K – Katy, Texas
The Tigers have been one of the most successful teams in Texas the past six seasons, going 82-8 with state championships in 2003, 2007 and 2008. Katy is once again predicted to win District 17-5A.
L – Lowndes, Ga.
The Vikings won state championships in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and have posted a 70-10 record since 2003. Lowndes begins the year ranked No. 3 in the state at the 5A level.
M – Maryville, Tenn.
The Rebels are 87-2 since 2003 and had a win streak of over 60 games to go along with four straight state titles from 2004 to 2007. Maryville is ranked No. 7 in its state playoff division to start the season.
Nick Montana has added yet another star figure to Oaks Christian.
Photo by Jose Marin
The Bulls begin the season ranked No. 1 in the 6A division in Florida and No. 15 overall in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard rankings. Northwestern is 71-10 since 2003 with state titles in 2006 and 2007.
O – Oaks Christian, Westlake Village, Calif.
The Lions have been a juggernaut at the small school level in California with a 79-5 record since 2001 with six straight Southern Section championships and a 2006 state title. Oaks Christian begins the year at No. 20 in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard preseason national rankings.
P – Prattville, Ala.
While it was certainly tempting to take Poly of Long Beach in this slot, Prattville has been the more dominant team of late, posting a 79-4 record since 2003 with state championships the past three seasons in Alabama’s largest division. The Lions start the season ranked No. 4 in the MaxPreps/Army National Guard national rankings.
Q – Quince Orchard, Gaithersburg, Md.
The Cougars won a state title in 2007 and are 58-13 over the past six seasons. Quince Orchard begins the 2009 season ranked No. 4 in the Maryland 3A division.
R – Rockhurst, Kansas City, Mo.
The Hawklets won a state title in 2007 and begin the 2009 season ranked No. 2 overall in the state of Missouri. Coach Tony Severino’s club is 55-12 since 2003.
S – South Panola, Batesville, Miss.
After losing for the first time in six years last season, the Tigers are 89-1 since 2003 with five state championships. South Panola is ranked No. 1 in the 6A division in Mississippi to start the season.
T – Trinity, Louisville, Kent.
Trinity is a four-time defending state champion in Kentucky and has gone 75-11 with five state championships since 2003. The Shamrocks begin the year ranked second in the 6A division.
U – Union, Tulsa, Okla.
Try to pick the best team in Oklahoma over the past six seasons. Both Union and Jenks are 71-9 with three state titles during that span. The Redskins won their state crowns in 2004, 2005 and 2008. They begin the year ranked No. 2 behind Jenks.
V – Vestavia Hills, Ala.
The Rebels begin the season ranked No. 21 in the state of Alabam, but they are 56-18 since 2003 with league championships in 2007 and 2003.
W – Warren Central, Indianapolis, Ind.
The Warriors have dominated the large school division in Indiana, going 73-12 since 2003 with four straight state crowns from 2003 to 2006. Warren Central begins the year ranked No. 1 in Indiana.
X – Xaverian Brothers, Westwood, Mass
The Hawks won three straight league titles from 2004 to 2006 and have a 47-22-1 record over the past six seasons. Xaverian Brothers begin the season ranked No. 2 in the state.
Y – York, Elmhurst, Ill.
With league titles in 2005 and 2006, York is 41-22 since 2003.
Z – Zeeland West, Zeeland, Mich.
The Dux are coming off a losing season, but are 37-10 since the school’s recent opening. Zeeland West won a state title in 2006 and won league titles in 2005 and 2007.
