MaxPreps 2014 Texas Preseason Top 25 high school football rankings

Cedar Hill and Allen, divisional state champions in the University Interscholastic League's top classification a year ago, begin the 2014 season atop the preseason edition of MaxPreps Texas Top 25 High School Football Rankings.

Both the Longhorns and Eagles return key offensive personnel.

The early edge goes to Cedar Hill, with its five additional returning starters — including four on defense — compared to Allen.

The season kicks off on Thursday and culminates with 10 state championship games Dec. 18-20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.


*2013 record, ranking in parentheses

1. Cedar Hill (14-2, 3)
The Longhorns avenged a 2012 state championship defeat to Katy by upsetting the Tigers, 34-24, in the 5A-II title game. Among the eight returning offensive starters are receiver Damarkus Lodge (verbally committed to Texas A&M) and quarterback Justin McMillan (LSU). In Saturday‘s opener, Cedar Hill meets South Oak Cliff (Dallas).

2. Allen (16-0, 1)
The Eagles, champions of Texas' largest classification the last two seasons, begin pursuit of a three-peat with a 27-game winning streak. Kyler Murray (Texas A&M pledge) accounted for over 4,800 yards and 65 touchdowns in 2013. The Eagles open with a Friday road trip to Denton's Apogee Stadium to face Guyer (Denton).

3. Katy (15-1, 5)
The Tigers' appearance last fall in the 5A-II state title game was a UIL football record 12th, but their 31-game winning streak ended in a loss to Cedar Hill. Running back Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma pledge) and the Tigers go to work on a new streak in Friday's opener at Kingwood.

4. DeSoto (14-1, 2)
The Eagles were the best team not to win a state championship the last two seasons. DeSoto led Allen by 15 points with nine minutes to play in a 42-35 state semifinal defeat. Six offensive and four defensive starters return. The Eagles open against Martin (Arlington) on Friday in Midlothian.

5. Carroll (Southlake) (11-2, 8)
Quarterback Ryan Agnew as a junior threw for over 3,100 yards and rushed for over 1,200, accounting for a combined 52 touchdowns. The Dragons in their opener host Westlake (Austin). Todd Dodge, who coached Carroll to four state titles, is in his first season as Westlake coach.

6. Trinity (Euless) (11-3, 6)
The Trojans, as usual, will depend on a mammoth offensive line and small but quick ball carriers. Trinity owns a 59-game district winning streak. In its opener, Trinity will host invader Eastern Christian (Elkton, Md.) on Friday.

7. Steele (Cibolo) (12-2, 21)
Dual-threat quarterback L.G. Williams is key to Knights' plans of a seventh double-digit winning season in the last eight years. Williams is one of nine returning starters. Steele opens Saturday on the road against Madison (San Antonio).

8. Aledo (16-0, 4)
The 4A-II state champion Bearcats became the nation's first team to score more than 1,000 points in a season in 2013. The offense boasts five returnees including quarterback Luke Bishop. Aledo, with four state titles in five years, will help debut Baylor's McLane Stadium on Friday against Cedar Park.

9. Lake Travis (Austin) (12-2, 9)
The Cavaliers were within one win of reaching their sixth state final in seven years. With 12 returning starters including quarterback Dominic DeLira (Iowa State commit), Lake Travis again looks to rule the Austin region. The Cavs in their opener host Midway (Waco) on Friday.

10. Pearland (14-2, 10)
With a number of underclass starters, the Oilers in 2013 reached their second state title game in four seasons. Now 16 starters return for coach Tony Heath including 1,500-yard rusher JaColbie Butler (UT-San Antonio pledge). Pearland opens on the road against College Park (The Woodlands).

11. Coppell (9-2, 7)
The only Cowboys losses in 2013 were to Allen on the road and DeSoto in the final seconds of a 5A-I area playoff. New head coach Mike DeWitt will be counting on speedy running back Charles West when Coppell hosts Hebron in Friday's opener.

12. Cy-Fair (Cypress) (12-2, 11)
The Bobcats go against the trend, relying on great defense and a strong running attack to win low-scoring games. Don't expect coach Ed Pustejovsky's formula to change with tailback Jacorey Aleem and defensive lineman Ross Donelly at his disposal. Cy-Fair in its opener hosts The Woodlands on Friday.

13. North Shore (Houston) (12-1, 12)
Promoted defensive coordinator Jon Kay replaces David Aymond as Mustangs' head coach. Among the four returning offensive starters are 1,500-yard rusher Tristian Houston and junior quarterback/linebacker Maciah Long. North Shore kicks off the season at home Friday against Clear Springs (League City).

14. Manvel (12-2, 14)
The Mavericks are loaded at the skill positions. Junior quarterback D'Eriq King has at his disposal wide receiver Reggie Hemphill and running back Qyalan Clay, so maintaining last season's 42-point-per-game average is possible. The Mavs open Thursday against Spring Westfield (Houston).

15. Westfield (Houston) (13-1, 15)
The Mustangs are 35-6 over the last three seasons, making it to the fourth playoff round last fall before losing to Allen. With linemen like Ed Oliver on defense and Toby Weathersby (Texas pledge) on offense, the Mustangs won't be pushed around. Up first is an early showdown against Manvel on Thursday.

16. Martin (Arlington) (10-3, 16)
The Warriors advanced three rounds with a sophomore quarterback (Eric Walker) and running back (Nic Smith). With 14 starters back, Martin is positioned for another playoff run. In Friday's opener at the neutral site of Midlothian, Martin faces DeSoto, the team responsible for two of its 2013 losses.

17. Skyline (Dallas) (11-2, 18)
The Raiders have a tradition of turning out excellent linebackers. Anthony Wheeler and Anthony Smith look to carry on the tradition. The Dallas ISD power has averaged 11.7 wins over the last seven seasons. Up first is South Grand Prairie on Friday.

18. Guyer (Denton) (14-2, 19)
The two-time Class 4A-DI state champion moves up to Class 6A. Eight of the 12 returning starters are on defense. Tailback Anthony Taylor (Texas State pledge) returns after a 1,000-yard rushing season. The Wildcats host Allen in the season opener on Friday.

19. The Woodlands (10-3, NR)
With 13 starters returning including quarterback Chris Andritsos (Oklahoma baseball pledge) and running back Patrick Carr, the Highlanders are poised to build on a strong 2013 finish. Safeties Geoffrey Keating and Antoine Winfield Jr accounted for 187 tackles and four interceptions. Up first is a road test against Cy-Fair (Cypress) on Friday.

20. Smithson Valley (Spring Branch) (10-1, NR)
The Rangers have reached double-digits in wins in 15 of 17 seasons. After a first-round playoff exit in 2013, look for coach Larry Hill and company to rebound in a big way. Up first is a road trip to Midland on Friday.

21. Highland Park (Dallas) (13-2, 23)
The tradition-rich Scots return this fall to the top classification, a move that should be eased somewhat by senior quarterback Brooks Burgin (3,500 passing yards, 700 rushing.) The Scots will face Centennial (Frisco) in a Saturday night opener at SMU.

22. Brennan (San Antonio) (15-1, 24)
The experience of reaching the 4A-DI title game in 2013 should serve the Bears well in their promotion to Class 6A. Among the 10 returning starters is quarterback Da'Shawn Key, a four-year veteran. Up first is a home date against Rouse (Leander) on Friday.

23. Longview (11-2 (NR)
The combination of a drop in classification and the return of running back Jamycal Hasty (Baylor pledge) and quarterback Dezmond Chumley make the Lobos a team to watch. Up first is a Friday visit to Lufkin.

24. Madison (San Antonio) (11-4, 17)
Mark Smith takes over the coaching reigns after a run of 23 seasons by Jim Streety. Dominique Daniels is back after a 1,000-yard rushing season and Ja'Michael Brown topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2013. The Mavericks open at home against Steele (Cibolo) on Saturday.

25. Lamar (Houston) (11-1, 13)
Running back Ronnie Wesley and cornerback Holton Hill give the newly-named Texans star power. Up first for Lamar is a Friday home game against Brenham.

On the bubble
Brenham 14-2, San Angelo Central 10-2, Cedar Park 11-2, Ennis 14-1, Frenship (Wolfforth) 12-1, Horn (Mesquite) 9-3, Judson (Converse) 11-3, Midway (Waco) 9-3, Reagan (San Antonio) 11-1, Rouse (Leander) 10-4