Preseason Top 25 high school football early contenders

No. 10 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) - Full preview
Strengths: On paper, this definitely looks like the best team Bishop Gorman has had, as quarterback Jarret Solomon, running back Shaquille Powell and all five offensive linemen return from a state title-winning team that only narrowly suffered losses to De La Salle and Hamilton. Bishop Gorman is physical up front, and will wear down most of its opponents on offense. They also have the skill players to break games open with big plays.

Question marks: While the defense returns five starters, it will need to absorb the loss of Jalen Grimble, the team’s defensive leader last year, and fellow defensive end Bryson Mook, who gave the Gaels a big boost in the playoffs. Two of Bishop Gorman’s early opponents, Servite and Armwood, both have the ability to dictate a game by running the football, which could pose a challenge to the Gaels’ front seven.

Outlook: In the past few years, Bishop Gorman has quickly risen to football relevance, and now, prominence. After their game against De La Salle, Spartans coaches raved about the Gaels and predicted they’d be even stronger in 2011. Given the difficulty of its schedule, an undefeated season would enter Bishop Gorman into the discussion for a national No. 1 ranking.

No. 9 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) - Full preview
Strengths: Like last season, St. Edward’s strength will be in the trenches. Defensive linemen Greg Kuhar and Darryl Render return from a squad that allowed 14 points or less 10 times last year. Blue-chip recruit Kyle Kalis, guard Tyler Orlosky, and tight end Sam Grant all return up front on offense, and should pave the way for another pounding rushing attack.

Question marks: The dearth of returning skill players would spell trouble for other teams, but not the Eagles, whose success last season was driven by their physical play up front. However, the fact that St. Edward will be starting a new quarterback and running back, and has an inexperienced secondary, is a cause for concern.

Outlook: St. Edward won’t be quite as good as it was in 2010, at least at the start of the season. Rick Finotti has a winning format in place, and the school’s first football state title was invaluable in creating a buzz around an Eagles program that historically had been overshadowed by St. Ignatius. If new quarterback Henry Hilow and new running back Dwayne Aaron can mature quickly, the Eagles will be very successful against one of the nation’s toughest schedules.

No. 8 Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, Calif.) - Full preview
Strengths: Opposing teams are going to have a hard time keeping Pleasant Grove off the board. The Eagles averaged nearly 37 points last season en route to a Division I Sac-Joaquin Section title and a 14-1 season. Quarterback Cody Demps returns alongside running back Mark Jenkins, who rushed for a whopping 2,739 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mega-recruit Arik Armstead, a two-way lineman, is simply dominant at offensive tackle.

Question marks: Offensively, this team has few question marks, provided Jenkins stays healthy. Defensively, Armstead is a major contributor on defense and is equally unstoppable rushing off the edge. With the likes of D.J. Dunn, Nick Terry, and Tyler Slavich all back, Pleasant Grove’s defensive line will also be solid, but any injury to Armstead will have double the effect on the team.

Outlook: Pleasant Grove lost only to Folsom last year in a game that was probably closer than the score indicates. A young program, Pleasant Grove continues to improve under head coach Joe Cattolico. All indications are that this will be the season the Eagles make their presence felt both statewide and nationally.

No. 7 Trinity (Euless, Texas) - Full preview
Strengths: As usual, Trinity’s strength will lie in its physical line play, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Hiva Lutui, Dillon Dillard and Henry Lae’aeota will be the foundation of the Trojans’ aggressive running game. Linebacker Brian Nance is one of the best in the state at his position, and he’ll be joined by T-jay Taylor, Dez Richardson and Chris Fonokalafi.

Question marks: Kailahi Kautai will have some of the biggest shoes to fill anywhere around; he takes over for quarterback Brandon Carter, who carried the Trojans throughout the playoffs last year. Kautai and running back Joel Kimpala will be responsible for a tremendous amount of production, but both are unproven.

Outlook: Trinity won state titles in 2005, ‘07, and ‘09, so they’re due for another championship according to recent pattern. Trinity’s defense, which struggled at times last year, has a chance to be exceptional. Despite big losses to graduation, Trinity will hardly drop off, as Steve Lineweaver has this program operating at a level that is nearly unmatched nationally.

No. 6 Prattville (Ala.) - Full preview
Strengths: Prattville has never been more talented, with Division I athletes all over the field. Quarterback Justin Thomas brings experience, leadership and speed to the quarterback position. He’s already committed to Alabama. Defensive tackle Justin Shanks and defensive end Caleb Gulledge anchor an outstanding defensive line.

Question marks: Off-the-field issues have clouded Prattville’s offseason, but that didn’t stop the Lions from winning their spring game against Davidson. Prattville lost four games last season with many of the same players they have entering 2011. Jamie Dubose’s squad needs to avenge those defeats in order to live up to the team’s enormous potential.

Outlook: Prattville appears ready to reclaim its perch atop the Alabama high school football scene. The Lions have talent at every position on the field and are very well-coached. They’ll need to come ready to play, as they open up against Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas.

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