Pennsylvania high school football rankings: St. Joseph's Prep No. 1 in 2024 Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Hawks begin season ranked No. 16 in the nation after capturing second consecutive Class AAAAAA state title in 2023.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
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Aug 20, 2024, 11:00am
The high school football season in Pennsylvania kicks off this week and MaxPreps has your look at the state's top teams. Defending Class AAAAAA state champion St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

The Hawks begin the season ranked No. 16 nationally after claiming their second consecutive state championship in 2023 and eighth since 2013.

Seniors Maxwell Roy (6-3, 285, DL, Ohio State commitment), Anthony Sacca (6-3, 225, LB, Notre Dame), Cameron Smith (6-0, 200, LB, Penn State), Kahlil Stewart (6-4, 325, OL, Syracuse) and Isaiah West (5-11, 208, RB, Ohio State) along with junior Alex Haskell (6-3, 230, DL) lead the charge for the Philadelphia Catholic League powerhouse.

The best player in the state, however, may be under center for Spring-Ford (Royersford). Committed to Missouri, senior quarterback Matt Zollers (6-4, 205) threw for 2,917 yards 37 touchdowns against just two interceptions last season. Zollers also carried 65 times for 420 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.

In addition to St. Joseph's Prep, defending state champions include Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia) in Class AAAAA, Aliquippa in Class AAAA, Belle Vernon in Class AAA, Southern Columbia Area (Catawissa) in Class AA and Steelton-Highspire (Steelton) in Class A.

The Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 is a composite of the Preseason Top 100 and computer rankings factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical data when available.
Graphic: Ryan Escobar
Graphic: Ryan Escobar
Pennsylvania Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

1. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia), 13-1 record in 2023
2. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia), 15-0
3. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh), 10-2
4. Harrisburg, 12-2
5. La Salle College (Wyndmoor), 6-5
6. Malvern Prep (Malvern), 9-1
7. Peters Township (McMurray), 15-1
8. Aliquippa, 14-0
9. North Allegheny (Wexford), 13-2
10. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg), 13-1
11. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia), 9-3
12. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia), 9-4
13. Manheim Township (Lancaster), 12-1
14. Spring-Ford (Royersford), 9-3
15. Downingtown East (Exton), 11-1
16. Nazareth Area (Nazareth), 12-2
17. Belle Vernon, 13-1
18. Central Bucks South (Warrington), 13-2
19. Northwestern Lehigh (New Tripoli), 15-1
20. Downingtown West (Downingtown), 11-3
21. Cocalico (Denver), 12-2
22. Manheim Central (Manheim), 11-2
23. Montour (McKees Rocks), 10-2
24. Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills), 9-3
25. Haverford School (Haverford), 5-5

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