The beginning of the high school football season presents many intriguing games of national interest, as premier squads participate in season-opening kickoff events against other elite teams.
It was a particularly wild weekend, with a number of upsets, thrilling comebacks and huge rivalry games. One result that surprised no one was St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25, traveling to Ohio and smashing Upper Arlington 52-7. Right behind Aquinas are the Byrnes Rebels (S.C.), who once again displayed their dominance against out-of-state competition by thwarting Central Gwinnett (Ga.) 43-7.
Not every highly-ranked team was as fortunate, though. Texas’ Allen and Alabama’s Prattville were among the upset victims. Most teams will have kicked off by the end of next weekend, so watch for more movement in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 in the week to come.
Marcus Lattimore found the end zone three times in No. 2 Byrnes (S.C.) 43-7 win over Central Gwinnett (Ga.).
Photo by Cecil Copeland
MaxPreps Xcellent 25
1. Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 1-0
For the second straight year, the Raiders had a dominant showing at the Herbstreit Varsity Football Series, hammering Upper Arlington (Ohio) 52-7. Running back Gio Bernard ran for 188 yards as Aquinas rolled up 450 total yards on offense.
2. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.), 1-0
Marcus Lattimore led the way for the Rebels, rushing for three touchdowns as Byrnes dismantled Central Gwinnett 43-7.
3. Katy (Texas), 1-0
The Tigers avenged a tight loss last season to North Shore, downing the Mustangs 9-7 and snapping North Shore’s streak of 78 straight regular-season victories.
4. Elder (Cincinnati, Ohio), 1-0
The Panthers began their season firing on all cylinders, exploding for 49 points against a very talented East St. Louis (Ill.) squad. Quarterback Mark Miller tossed threw touchdowns, two of which went to receiver Tim O’Conner.
5. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), 0-0
Notre Dame will be tested early, taking on Klein Oak (Texas) in the Herbstreit Varsity Football Series on Sept. 7.
6. Smith (Chesapeake, Va.), 1-0 The Tigers made a big statement about Virginia football, taking down Venice (Fla.) 27-13. Phillip Sims threw for 265 yards for Smith.
7. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 0-0
A week-two showdown with Gilman will be a good early barometer for just how good the 2009 Stags can be.
8. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.), 0-0
Nick Montana, Malcolm Jones and Jordan Payton will lead this dynamic offense.
9. Curtis (River Ridge, La.), 0-0
The Patriots have won five consecutive state titles, and show little sign of slowing down. Head coach J.T. Curtis is the nation’s second-winningest coach all-time, with 471 victories.
10. Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.), 0-0
Jake Heaps and Kasen Williams make up one of the country’s top quarterback-receiver duos. However, Skyline will be tested early on, as it opens with Oregon power Jesuit.
11. Cedar Hill (Texas), 1-0
The Longhorns overcame an early 21-point deficit and outlasted DeSoto 44-41. Mason Hayes, replacing starting running back Ben Malena after he injured his ankle in the first quarter, rushed for 140 yards and two scores.
12. Destrehan (La.), 0-0
The two-time 5A state champions open their season Friday against Cox.
13. Central (Miami, Fla.), 0-0
Central opens its season with a wildly anticipated game against Mainland (Daytona Beach) next weekend.
14. Madison Central (Madison, Miss.), 2-0
The Jaguars sent a message about football in the state of Mississippi, overwhelming Melrose (Tenn.) 43-28. Peyton Johnson scored two rushing touchdowns and tossed another to L.J. Hollins.
15. Northwestern (Miami, Fla.), 0-0
The Bulls will begin their quest to return to the 6A title game when they travel to Carol City (Fla.) on Friday.
16. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), 0-0
An opening matchup against perennial California power De La Salle will kick off a grueling schedule for Don Bosco Prep, which will also travel to Prattville (Ala.).
17. Longview (Texas) 1-0
The class of Texas’ 4A, Longview proved it can play with any team in the state, as the Lobos knocked off defending 5A champion Allen 28-25.
18. Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.), 1-0
After a bye week, Centennial prepares for a brutal schedule the next four weeks, including games against Chandler, Brophy and Millenium.
19. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), 0-0
The Spartans will get a second chance at Don Bosco Prep, as De La Salle heads to Ramsey, N.J. for a major showdown Sept. 11.
20. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.), 1-0
The Vikings proved they will once again be a force on the national level, smashing Woodland 75-15 and breaking a school record for most points scored in a game.
21. Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), 2-0
Head coach Dave Peck’s squad snapped a three-game losing streak against rival Alta with a thrilling come-from-behind win. Up next is elite Texas program Euless Trinity.
22. Highlands (Ft. Thomas, Ky.), 1-0 The Bluebirds easily defeated Ryle 37-14. A game against nearby Cincinnati program St. Xavier looms in late September.
23. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.), 0-0
The Crusaders open this week against crosstown rival Harrisburg.
24. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.), 0-0
With 14 total starters returning, St. Bonaventure will be well equipped to deal with an unforgiving schedule. A season opener with St. John Bosco will be followed by a duel with Long Beach Poly.
25. Indianapolis Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.), 2-0
After slaying two of the Hoosier State’s top 5A programs in Carmel and Warren Central, the 4A Fighting Irish will have a chance to make a real statement by beating St. Xavier (Ohio) on Friday.
