Although high school football at its core is an extremely local event, that doesn’t stop fans around the country from wondering “What If?”
What if the top team from your neighborhood, town, or state got to play a team from a totally different place? What if, instead of debating the best team in a given league, district, or region, fans debated the best team in the Northeast, on the West Coast, across the Midwest or even the entire country?
These debates are taking place more frequently. Though they are fun, they are in many ways futile. No national playoff exists, nor is a true national champion actually ever crowned.
Still, with the rise of interstate matchups, televised games, and the ability to obtain information about teams (through sites like MaxPreps.com), national rankings may be academic, but they are well-informed and insightful. Compiling national rankings is no science, and they are not exact. However, they should provide fans with a panoramic view of the landscape of top teams from California to the East Coast, and all the states in between.
Injuries, transfers, and late coaching or schedule changes make these early rankings subject to change. But for now, here’s an early take at the teams in the hunt for the mythical national crown.
25. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa., 10-3 2008 record)
Crusaders head coach Jeff Weachter really likes the team he has in 2009. Why shouldn't he? Seventeen starters return from a team that went 10-3 in Pennsylvania’s largest classification. These are hardworking, experienced, players that any head coach would be happy to have. They also happen to be some of the most impressive talents in Pennsylvania—and in some cases, the nation.
Seven seniors have already been offered Division I scholarships. One junior will likely be a top 50 recruit in 2011; one sophomore, a top recruit in 2012. If Bishop McDevitt can stay healthy, it can be a very dangerous team.
After throwing for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore, 6-foot-2 Matt Johnson will resume the reins at quarterback for Bishop McDevitt. A full season of a healthy Johnson will translate into even bigger numbers in 2009. He returns three Division I targets at wide receiver: Salath Williams, Jeremy Cornelius, and Aaron Sye.
That trio combined for over 1,700 receiving yards last season. Still, the player on offense with the most potential may be junior running back Jameel Poteat. Poteat averaged nearly seven yards per carry as a sophomore. He finished the season with over 1,300 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.
According to Weachter, Poteat is on par with former Crusader LeSean McCoy as far as talent. McCoy was the state’s 4A player of the year as a junior. If Poteat approaches that level of production, Bishop McDevitt may average five scores a game. With most of the line back, including two all-league selections, Victor Shaffer and Andrew Miscannon, it’s a possibility.
The entire front four returns on defense for the Crusaders, including super sophomore Noah Spence. Spence, a lock to be included on MaxPreps’ Fresh Faces Top 100, had a monster year as a ninth grader, punishing opposing offenses for 40 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Weachter thinks Spence has the potential to be the most talented player that the program has ever produced.
The next wave of defenders will be led by Fred Dietz, who will be a three year starter at linebacker. Six-foot-two junior Sean Barowski, who also plays fullback, will see time there as well. Jonathan Ducett, a 6-1 safety who runs a 10.8 100 meters and holds an offer from Akron, will roam the secondary.
Pennsylvania is crawling with extremely solid teams for 2009. The Crusaders may be the only team nationally ranked right now, but the usual suspects will no doubt complicate Bishop McDevitt’s title shot. Gateway, Liberty, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills will be strong. State College, who narrowly edged Bishop McDevitt in 2008, is also primed for a good year.
McKeesport and Thomas Jefferson are also capable of appearing in the national rankings. LaSalle may emerge from the former Philadelphia Catholic League as a team to beware of statewide. Still, Bishop McDevitt appears to be at the front of the class. The team’s experience and top-flight talent will be a deadly combination.
24. Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky., 14-1, 5A state champs)
No one around the states of Kentucky or Ohio questions the Highlands football program.
Travis Alford will play linebacker for Highlands in 2009.
Christopher Zaphiris
Each year, the Bluebirds play up two classifications in the state’s 5A bracket, tackling schools much larger than Highlands, which is a 3A school by enrollment. The program thrives on work ethic, teamwork and execution. It’s allowed Highlands to win back-to-back state titles, not to mention 16 other state titles through the years.
The Bluebirds sometimes get slighted when compared to the larger state powers in 6A, mainly Trinity and St. Xavier. Indeed, both teams will be in it until the end in 2009. In particular, Trinity will be a force with national rankings potential. But there may be something very special about this Highlands squad. In addition to its intangibles, the team has major firepower in the form of several big recruits that could put it over the top.
Leading Highlands will be state player of the year candidate Austin Collinsworth. Collinsworth, son of former NFL Pro-Bowler Cris, is a two-way star for Highlands at wide receiver and defensive back. He rung up 840 yards on 46 grabs on offense, while contributing four interceptions on defense. He was a MaxPreps Junior All-American.
Don’t be surprised to see Collinsworth at running back this year. Head coach Dale Mueller will try to get him the ball as much as possible. Not to mention, the team’s new quarterback, 6-4 Will Bardo, already has big options to throw to in 6-5 tight end Kyle Welz and 6-3 wide receiver David Hogue.
He also has another gamebreaker to look for in Nick Buten. Buten had a remarkable season as a junior, catching 17 passes for an astounding 683 yards. He averaged over 40 yards per catch.
Six-foot-six junior Tyler Grubbs will be the leader on a rough and physical offensive line. The Bluebirds also return a half dozen starters on the other side of the ball.
The defense will have to do some reshuffling, but returns its most talented player in 6-1 linebacker Brandon Roller. Roller had a great season as a junior, and will be one of the state’s most coveted recruits. He’ll be joined by returning linebacker Travis Alford. Collinsworth and Buten will help secure the secondary. Their height and speed will make it very difficult for teams to pass on the Bluebirds.
Highlands may have more players going both ways than teams like Trinity or St. Xavier, or other teams in the national rankings. But in many ways, Highlands is often the underdog, and more often than not, it’s found a way to pull through. This year, Highlands begins the season at the top of the Kentucky totem pole, as teams of various classifications will be gunning to dethrone them.
23. Camden County (Kingsland, Ga., 15-0, 5A state champs)
Each year, college coaches flock to the Peach State to recruit some of the country’s best players. While the state may be a Division I pipeline, it’s also a bastion of powerhouse programs that could compete with any of the nation’s best teams on a yearly basis.
Camden County's ground attack will be strong, thanks to Aundre Johnson.
Cecil Copeland
Last year, Camden County ran the table in Georgia’s Class AAAAA, defeating Northside, Newnan and Peachtree Ridge in the process. The Wildcats also put a drubbing on Alabama’s Hoover in a game that was over shortly after it started. The title was Camden County’s first since 2003, but its been to the state semifinals five of the last seven seasons.
With a track record like that, it’s hard to ever pick against Camden County. Many people in Georgia will look at Region 1-AAAAA powers Lowndes, Northside Warner Robbins, as well as Grayson and Peachtree Ridge as AAAAA title hopefuls, but the Wildcats should be the team to beat.
Taking over for Christian Milstead at quarterback looks to be senior Ryan Gregoire. Gregoire got some action as a junior last season and even started a game. At 5-5, he’s one of the smallest quarterbacks in the country. But his size won’t stop him from mastering the team’s Wing-T offense. Moving around behind the likes of giant 6-8, 390-pound sophomore Tyler Dowling on the offensive line could make his height an advantage.
Six-foot-five junior tight end Bryce Sweeney will also be a factor. He could blossom into a major recruit. He’s already hearing from a number of prominent programs, and should continue to develop.
The offensive line will be critical to the team’s success, given head coach Jeff Herron’s affinity for the Wing-T. He’s got a lot of help, however, in the form of assistant head coach Greg Slattery. Slattery is well respected, and will have promising, abelit unproven, players to work with on the line.
The defensive line is a different story. Nose guard Jeremiah Booth and defensive end Matt Jackson both return. James Gelsey, who saw some time on the line as a freshman, will also be back. Derrick Saulsbury will provide even more experience. It will be very difficult for opposing offensive lines to get much of a push against Camden County.
Linebackers Glenn Mack and Antwan Sessions are back as well. But the team’s most talented player on that side of the ball may be safety Michael Showers. Showers has the build (6-3, 180) and the speed (4.5) to be an absolute force on defense.
If returning running backs Ean Days and Aundre Johnson can repeat their mastery of the Wing T, Camden County may repeat as state champs. Granted, anything can happen in the AAAAA playoffs, but the ingredients exist for another ring for the Wildcats.
22. Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio, 11-1)
The Tarblooders are back after a year where the team lost one game, by one point, to a St. Ignatius team that went onto to win the Ohio Division I state title. While both teams graduate many key players, Glenville is once again loaded with talent. This could be the year Ted Ginn Sr. brings home a championship.
If gravity can't stop Glenville, Region I opponents will also have
a hard time slowing the Tarblooders.
Scott Seighman
Six-foot-four junior Cardale Jones should emerge at quarterback. Jones has the physical gifts to thrive, but sat last year behind senior Terrance Owens. Only a sophomore last year, Rob Walton saw time in the season-ending loss to St. Ignatius at running back and should be counted on for more production behind an offensive line that will need to offset the loss of Marcus Hall.
Speed will be abundant in the slot positions. Junior Shane Wynn is a sparkplug at wide receiver who has returned kicks for the Tarblooders for since his freshman year. Doubling at wide receiver and defensive back is Christian Bryant, perhaps Glenville’s biggest recruit in the class of 2010.
Up front of defense, look for 6-5, 300-pound junior Aundrey Walker to emerge as a dominant run stopper at defensive tackle. He’s part of a sophomore class that includes Jones, Wynn, and 6-3 linebacker Andre Sturdivant. Speedy linebacker Devonte Morgan, also a junior, adds another threat. Six-foot-two defensive end Terry Hasberry will bring pressure off the end.
Bryant and returning safety Aaron Morris will lead the way in the secondary.
That talent alone would be enough to make Glenville a state title contender. But the Tarblooders will also be bolstered by several transfers that could have vital roles.
Versatile athlete Latwan Edwards will play for Glenville next year after spending last season at St. Edward. He’ll solidify an already stacked secondary, and should help on offense. Former Nordonia quarterback Demetrius Craig will also be a Tarblooder in 2009. At 6-2, he can help at either quarterback or running back.
Like several other teams on this list, talent will not be the question. Glenville has size and athletes at every position.
The St. Ignatius Wildcats are deep and will be difficult to get past once again. Strongsville will also pose challenges. However, Glenville is positioned to make a very deep playoff run and may be on a collision course with one of the Cincinnati powers to determine Division I state supremacy.
21. De La Salle (Concord, Calif., 12-2, Division I Bowl Game runner-up)
Volumes have been written, spoken, and filmed about the De La Salle Spartans, the nation’s preeminent high school football program. Winning is the norm for De La Salle. Losing a game is a total aberration. Losing two games is almost unheard of.
Last season, the Spartans hung on for close wins against Serra and Loyola before eventually losing at home to Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) in a game the Spartans led going into the fourth quarter. De La Salle went undefeated the rest of the way, earning a bid to the Division I Bowl Game, where the Spartans came up short against Corona Centennial.
Still, it’s hard to leave the Spartans off any national list considering they are still led by one of the great football minds of this generation, head coach Bob Ladouceur. Ladouceur, who’s only 54, is one win away from becoming the state’s all-time victories leader.
Bob Ladouceur's Spartans of De La Salle are poised for another outstanding season.
Heston Quan
Between the sidelines, the Spartans like what they have returning. A quarterback will emerge from the talented trio of Travis Pacos and Scott Herting, both juniors, and Bart Houston, a sophomore. Nick Montana, had he not transferred down south to Oaks Christian, would have made this team top 5-caliber.
The offensive line is quick and deep and will create opportunities for Terron Williams-Ward, Tyler Anderson, and Kenneth Egu, three more-than-capable rushers. The trio all took part on the school’s 4x100 track team, which was one of the fastest in the state.
It’s the team’s defense, however, that has Spartan faithful so excited for 2009 and 2010. The unit is young, yet battled-tested. Returning all-state selection Dylan Wynn, who had 13 sacks last year, will be only a junior. Linebacker Blake Renaud, also a junior, returns along with linebacker Thomas Hickel. The running backs will double as defensive backs, making the Spartans hard to penetrate anywhere.
De La Salle will face several out-of-state challenges in 2009. The team will travel to play Don Bosco Prep, whose line play and defense may look eerily similar to the Spartans’ own. De La Salle will also host Florida power Lakeland. The Dreadnaughts have some question marks on their lines, but have outstanding speed at the skill positions and are coached by another legend, Bill Castle.
20. Centennial (Peoria, Ariz., 14-0, 5A-II state champs)
How can a team improve on an undefeated, state title campaign in which it outscored opponents 571-88 on the season?
By returning nine starters on offense, four starters on defense and adding younger players hungry to win a fourth consecutive state title.
Head coach Richard Taylor expects this Coyotes squad to once again rise to the occasion against perhaps its most ambitious schedule to date.
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While the team shut down the likes of Desert Vista and Hamilton a year ago, the Coyotes will have a non-conference schedule in 2009 that features Bishop McQueen (Reno, Nev.), Brophy Prep and Chandler. Bishop McQueen is Nevada’s defending 4A state champ, while Brophy Prep was the 5A-I state runner-up. Always well-stocked with speed, Chandler will again be a threat.
Dan McFarland and Anthony Hughes return at quarterback and running back, respectively. McFarland threw for 1,668 yards last season. Hughes split time with his brother John, now at Southern Illinois, and still managed to rush for over 800 yards. He’ll have help from several others, including junior Vegas Johnson and Jebron Harrington, who will see time at fullback.
Sean Dumdie, Matt Baugh, and Gary Ross all return at wide receiver, providing crucial targets for McFarland.
The real strength of the offense will be up front as Centennial returns all but one starter on its offensive line. Center Mark "Roc" Lopez will be flanked by monster guards Nick Rowland and Dylan Lusk. Rowland already has a number of Pac-10 offers, while Lusk’s are soon to come. Junior Nieves, who checks in at 6-4, 275 pounds, is also back.
Austin Arias and Austin Garday are expected to power the linebackers. In the secondary, Anthony Hughes and Kyle Coffey are back as well. Brian Leslie and Harrington will be the pass rushers on the line, while interior linemen have yet to emerge.
Since Centennial won a number of games—including some playoff contests—in blowout fashion, many of their regulars who were non-starters saw significant time. The learning curb will not be as steep as it might be on some other teams.
The Coyotes appear to be even more lethal than last year’s team. Early-season tests, particularly against traditional 5A-I powers, will dictate how high Centennial climbs in the Xcellent 25.
19. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J., 11-1, Non-Public Group IV state champs)
Brett Knief and Dillon Romain are gone for the Ironmen, but that shouldn’t stop Don Bosco from being the favorite in New Jersey’s difficult non-public Group IV playoffs.
Cross-country travel was common for Don Bosco in 2008. The team ventured to Cincinnati, Ohio to challenge St. Xavier and later, made its way to Concord, Calif. to take on the mighty De La Salle Spartans. The Ironmen lost a nail biter against the Bombers, and pulled off a come from behind victory against De La Salle. Both games helped elevate New Jersey football on the national scene and prepared the Ironmen for in-state competition.
Ryan Cobb and the Don Bosco Ironmen feature another ambitious schedule
Todd Shurtleff
This fall’s rendition of the Ironmen will feature replacements for Knief and Romain on offense, but a defense that will have many familiar faces.
At quarterback, Don Bosco should rely on 6-2 junior Gary Nova. Nova is more of a drop back passer in the mold of Mike Teel or Matt Simms, whereas Brett Knief was an outstanding dual threat quarterback for two seasons.Head coach Greg Toal and offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile will make offensive adjustments and the team shouldn't miss a beat.
Don Bosco returns running back Tony Jones, a small but shifty runner who suffered through an injury for part of last season. Paul Canevari, a junior, played linebacker last year but may see some carries this season.
Per usual, Don Bosco’s offensive line, featuring returner Brandon Sacco, may be smaller than the lines on some other nationally ranked teams, but the unit is frighteningly quick and flawless in execution.Ryan Cobb is at tight end; he can block and excels as a receiving option.
James Kittridge, Steele Divitto, and Bryan Murphy are all Division-I caliber players that Bosco will use to stuff the box, making it very difficult for any team to develop a sturdy running game. The Ironmen may be vulnerable to vertical attacks, but it will be hard for most teams to have enough time to pass.
Another game against De La Salle—this time in New Jersey—is on the docket this year. The Ironmen will also challenge three time Alabama 6A state champion Prattville. They will also face their usual in-state opponents, St. Joseph Regional andBergen Catholic, as well as St. Peter’s Prep, a new addition to the regular season schedule.
Strong showings against De La Salle and Prattville could have Don Bosco climbing up the rankings.
18. Colerain (Cincinnati, Ohio, 12-2, Division I quarterfinalist)
Head coach Tom Bolden’s Colerain squad is coming off a season where it suffered only two setbacks. One loss was a three-point defeat at the hands of Middletown; the other, a 27-20 double-overtime setback against Elder that ended the Cardinals’ season.
Certain things are a given with Colerain. The team will always have great community support, feature a pounding running game and have a punishing defense that serves as the team’s backbone. Next fall will be no different.
The Colerain defense will once again smother competition.
Christopher Zaphiris
While Elder, Moeller and St. Xavier will once again make Cincinnati’s Greater Catholic League one of the nation’s toughest, Colerain is the Queen City public school that will give any of the privates schools a run for their money.
Returning their three leading rushers from last season, the Cardinals will not miss a beat offensively. Quarterback Greg Tabar returns after accounting for 22 total touchdowns. He rushed for 805 yards and passed for another 515.
Two juniors return at running back in Tyler Williams and Trayion Durham. The duo combined for over 2,200 rushing yards while scoring 23 touchdowns.
Colerain will be fun to watch defensively. The unit is young, and may have some question marks initially along the defensive line. However, the Cardinals boast some real talent, especially at linebacker where Jarrett Grace roams. Grace is a manchild. At 6-4, 205 pounds, Grace started as a sophomore and became the first Colerain player ever to receive a scholarship offer as a 10th grader when the University of Cincinnati extended the invitation.
Six-foot-one Joe Bolden, also an underclassman, should also play a key role, along with Jake Blust, another youngster with a high ceiling. Tyron Dixon will provide senior leadership to an inexperienced unit. Dom Carter may also see time on defense.
It will be another rough early-season schedule for the Cardinals in 2009. The Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout will pit them against St. Xavier for the second straight year. Week two brings another shot at Elder.
Similar to Elder, Colerain may be a juggernaut state title favorite come November, or may be battered early in the Region 4 playoffs. Amazingly, some around the Queen City think Colerain may be only the third best team in Cincy, behind Elder and a resurgent Moeller. It’s a testament to the quality of football in Cincinnati.
17. Miami Northwestern (Miami, Fla., 13-3, 6A state finalist)
2008 was supposed to be a down year for the famed Bulls of Northwestern. After state titles in 2006 and 2007, the Bulls were without many of the fixtures that brought them local and national recognition. Jacory Harris, Marcus Forston, Sean Spence and several other key players moved on to the college ranks, leaving Northwestern with a number of holes to fill.
At Northwestern, “holes to fill” really means “opportunities for young talent to play.” Several players who had been back-ups were given the opportunity to play more regularly. Though there were some bumps in the road, by December the Bulls were back in the state finals, where they would have been state champions if not for the superhero play of Seminole’s Ray Ray Armstrong and Andre Debose in the fourth quarter of a game that Northwestern led 21-0 but lost 28-21.
Miami Northwestern's Teddy Bridgewater is one of the nation's top juniors.
Chad Pilster
In 2009, the Bulls will have a nice mix of seasoned veterans and young talent that will keep them at heavyweight status in Florida as well as nationally.
Rising star Teddy Bridgewater will once again take snaps for Northwestern. Starting as a sophomore, Bridgewater caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. His poise and athleticism have him projecting to be a heavily recruited player, be it at the quarterback position or as a wide receiver.
He’ll be handing off most often to Corvin Lamb. Lamb saw significant reps as a sophomore on the 2007 championship team. He’s a dynamic back who ought to have a big senior campaign. He’ll be running behind massive lineman Torrian Wilson, a returning first team all-state selection.
The buzz around Florida is that the Bulls’ defense will be the same as it normally is: speedy, aggressive and quick to the ball. Northwestern may be more stout up front than last season. Todd Chandler will be a senior and should plug the middle nicely. Sophomore Eric Kinsey will be great in pass rush; he’s 6-3 and can move.
The linebacking corps will definitely see some new faces. The secondary loses Tevin McCaskill but returns Khalid Marshall, whom head coach Billy Rolle is very high on. As always, young players will emerge and take ownership of those roles.
The retooling that the Bulls will go through this summer and early fall is nothing compared to the rebuilding that took place last year. With experience, leadership, and talent on both sides of the ball, do not be surprised to see Northwestern back in the state finals, though they will have to go through Miami Central to do so.
16. Madison Central (Madison, Miss., 12-2, 5A semifinalists)
For the first time in several years, South Panola won’t be the 5A favorite in the Magnolia State. In fact, the Tigers won’t even be the 6A favorites. That honor belongs to the Madison Central Jaguars.
There will be pretty significant changes to the landscape of the Mississippi high school football scene in 2009. First, the state is expanding to a new 6A classification, which will include many of the familiar 5A teams from past years. Second, South Panola’s win streak—and state title streak—is no longer intact, and the Jaguars are ready to seize the opportunity.
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Madison Central returns most of its starters for 2009, including a number of key players. At the top of the list is quarterback Peyton Johnson, who had a season to remember. The 5-11 Johnson threw for 2,228 yards and 22 touchdowns while racking up 820 yards and 14 scores on the ground. He’ll have one of the class of 2011’s top recruits to throw to in Tobias Singleton. Singleton caught 49 passes for 946 yards and 13 scores. L.J. Hollings will provide another proven option for Johnson.
Temarco Taylor and Xavien Griffin are both returning at running back. Will Bryan, a senior who should get some college looks, will be at tight end. Defoe West will be a three-year starter at center and will be a huge asset on the offensive line.
As potent as the offense may be, the Jaguars’ defense may be even more imposing. Bryon Bennett and Carlton Martin will anchor the defensive lines. Each is a major recruit. Martin finished with 59 tackles and six sacks, and was an all-area selection. The duo will be spending a lot of time in opposing backfields.
Having Tyrece McDonald at linebacker means that the second line of defense will also be strong for the Jaguars. Kenny Barnes will lead the secondary, though Singleton may see some time back there as well.
Picking against South Panola may indeed be near sacrilege in Mississippi, but it’s hard not to like Madison Central as the top team in the state. That’s not to say that South Panola won’t be good. It returns arguably the state’s best player in Nick Parker, and will be a major contender again in 2009.
Oak Grove and Olive Branch will also be strong, but look for Madison Central to bring home the state’s first 6A crown.
15. Miami Central (Miami, Fla., 8-4)
One look at the roster of returning players for the Miami Central Rockets is all that’s necessary to realize that this team boasts an incredible wealth of talent in 2009. Given that the team lost three regular season games last year by a total of seven points, that’s a very frightening realization for opponents in South Florida.
Head coach Telly Lockette’s squad is shrouded in hype and optimism for 2009, but its on-the-field accomplishments last season cannot be overlooked. After all, Central was the team to finally end Miami Northwestern’s 37-game win streak. Though the Bulls exacted playoff revenge, the Rockets may get the last laugh in 2009.
The Rockets will rely on senior star Jeffrey Godrey.
Andres Bastidas
Miami Central features one of the most lethal backfields in the nation. Quarterback Jeffrey Godfrey is a dual-threat with a rocket arm and impressive speed. Running back Brandon Gainer is one of the top players in South Florida. He’s got good speed, a sturdy frame, and was highly productive last season. Both Godfrey and Gainer were second team all-state selections in Florida’s 6A.
The wildcard this season could be Devonta Freeman. Freeman transferred from Miami Edison and should see a portion of the carries. He will only be a junior, but comes with great expectations. He and Gainer in the backfield together could be lethal. Another transfer, lineman Jose Jose, will only bolster the ground game.
If opponents anticipate the run, they’ll likely get burned through the air. Godfrey will look for senior Joshua Reese, one of his favorite targets a year ago. Reese caught three touchdown passes in the victory over Northwestern, and was also a second team all-state selection.
Complementing him will be Charles Gaines, a junior. Gaines contributed greatly as a sophomore, but will have an expanded role this fall. He made all-state honorable mention last season, one of only five sophomores included on the list.
Linebacker Derrick Dansby returns at linebacker, giving the Rockets four reigning second team all-state selections. He had 104 tackles and three sacks last year. Look for another linebacker, junior Miles Pace to assert himself as a major force this season. Per usual, the defensive line will be athletic and the secondary will be fast.
Second-year head coach Lockette has experience winning state titles. He and several members of his current staff were assistants at Miami Northwestern in 2006. The talent is in place for the Rockets. The question is how well the team can play as a cohesive unit, and handle the high-stakes intensity of the 6A playoffs.
14. Destrehan (Destrehan, La., 15-0, 5A state champs)
Louisiana is a football-crazy state and Destrehan is a football-crazy town. It’s hard not to pay careful attention to the high school gridiron scene when Destrehan High School has won two straight 5A state titles and 28 games in a row.
The word around the state is that the Wildcats are ready for a three-peat. The 5A classification in Louisiana is always a challenge and features traditional juggernauts like West Monroe. But Destrehan is no longer just a team, but rather, a program. The Wildcats expect to contend in 2009 and beyond.
While the Wildcats have to replace some key contributors, the team went through the same process last year, when they replaced Gatorade Player of the Year Jordan Jefferson, Louisiana State recruit Tim Molton, as well as Jerico Nelson and Damaris Johnson, who accounted for over 1,100 rushing yards and 1,228 receiving yards, respectively. The Wildcats did not miss a beat.
The 2009 squad will feature heavy doses of returning running backs Henry Lenox and Marshall Charles. Lenox has excellent speed and a great frame. Charles is a capable alternative, filling in late in the year when Lenox went down with injury. Returning senior Ashton Kuhe will provide leadership on the line.
Six-foot-two junior Marcus Lane, a backup last season, may be the man to replace Wynrick Smothers behind center. Returning wide receiver Kyron King, who made a number of big plays for the Wildcats down the stretch last season, will provide a vertical threat for the team.
The defensive line will see some new faces, but they’ll flank both sides of stout three-year starter Calvin Ursin. Ursin was a second team all-district selection, and will help ease the loss of Darrington Sentimore, much like having linebacker Tarquin Kenner back will help going forward without the graduated Rufus Porter.
It may take some time for the defense to gel, but expect the unit to peak when it counts. The offensive unit may carry the team early on, but by playoff time the Wildcats should be hitting on all cylinders and a major threat to notch a three-peat in 5A, which would put the program on par with any in the country.
CONTINUE READING, TEAMS 1-13
