MaxPreps 2014 preseason Top 25 non-public high school football teams

Some people believe private high schools should play in a league of their own.

Well, now they at least have a rankings set of their own.

Across the country, some of the nation's top high school football teams are non-public schools. Here's how they stack up against each other.


1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
The Raiders are star-studded and hungry. It could be a recipe for a magical season.

2. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Even with the transfer of Kahlil McKenzie, De La Salle is still a major threat to capture a national title.

3. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
With an early-season showdown with St. Thomas Aquinas, American Heritage can vault even higher up this list.

4. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
St. Edward is the top-ranked team in Ohio, but will have to beat a swarm of fellow private schools to retain that title.

5. Servite (Anaheim, Calif.)
After finishing 6-6 a year ago, look for the Friars to be drastically improved this fall.

6. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Another dream season will be difficult to repeat, but many expect Bosco to be Southern California's top team yet again.

7. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Talent. Facilities. A national-caliber schedule. Tony Sanchez's Bishop Gorman program could reach new heights in 2014.

8. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
Pennsylvania's preseason favorite will be tested in both in-state and out-of-state contests.

9. Serra (Gardena, Calif.)
Talent is never an issue at Serra. The team is bursting at the seams with future Division I players.

10. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
A loaded defense, seasoned offensive line and new quarterback put the Ironmen in good position to get back on top in 2014.

11. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.)
One of the smallest schools on this list, Trinity's starters can hang with anyone.

12. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)
With several star players and returning starters all over the field, the Marauders might be underrated here.

13. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
DeMatha lost one of its finest senior classes due to graduation, but it is reloading at an impressive level right now.

14. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Bruce Rollinson's squad fell short of a CIF Bowl Game berth last year, but returns a balanced squad this year.

15. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Ohio's two-time Division I state champion can never be counted out.

16. Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)
Seventeen starters make Archbishop Wood a state title favorite in AAA.

17. Curtis (River Ridge, La.)
This season, Curtis is somewhat young and unproven on defense, especially upfront. Its offense should click, and its defense will mature.

18. Alemany (Mission Hills, Calif.)
An impressive group of skill players suggests Alemany could top its mark of 33 points per game last season.

19. Paramus Catholic (N.J.)
New Jersey's two-time non-public Group IV champion enters 2014 as an underdog with a high upside.

20. Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, La.)
With key returners at quarterback and running back, Rummel will push for a remarkable third-straight state title.

21. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.)
A season-ending, 44-8 loss to Long Beach Poly last season is plenty of motivation for the Seraphs in 2014.

22. Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
Transitioning from legendary head coach Al Fracassa won't be easy, but Brother Rice is poised for a good season.

23. Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.)
En route to a 14-0 season, Central Catholic bludgeoned teams offensively last year. Expect a repeat performance.

24. Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.)
Head coach Jeremy Thielbahr has done a superb job building up a program that is poised to compete with state juggernaut Bellevue.

25. Punahou (Honolulu)
Punahou was unbeaten last season and returns 14 starters.