Preseason Top 25 high school football poll
This is the preseason Top 25 poll for the nation's high school football teams.
Note: Here's my preseason Top 25 Poll of high school football teams across the USA. The next poll will be released on Wednesday, September 5, and the poll will be released weekly each Wednesday morning after that.
It is nearly impossible to differentiate between De La Salle of Concord, Calififornia, with its 113-game winning streak, and Long Beach Poly, a veritable football factory.
Fortunately, these two schools will make this decision much easier on Saturday, October 6, with a game scheduled between the two schools in Long Beach, which if the teams remain unbeaten, may likely decide the national champion.
Until then, they begin the season deadlocked for the top spot and we will let the schools decide who is the best on the field.
Here is the preseason Top 25:
T1. De La Salle, Concord, CA (13-0 in 2000) If the Spartans national-record 113-game winning streak is to continue past this season, De La Salle will certainly have earned it. Besides the marquee matchup with Long Beach Poly, they will also face Buchanan out of Clovis, CA, who won the CIF Central Division championship last year, in their season opener. Perennial powerhouse Mater Dei, which nearly put an end to the streak last season, will possibly get another crack at ending the streak on September 22. Then will come the game against Poly. If they make it through that part of the schedule, it is very likely De La Salle will be the national champion. QB Matt Gutierrez (1,650 yards passing, 23 TD's) will lead De La Salle.
T1. Poly, Long Beach, CA (14-0 in 2000) Poly will be hard-pressed not to look forward to their date with De La Salle. Poly is absolutely loaded this year. Running back Hershel Dennis is one of the top backs in the country. And it makes it even easier when he is running behind one of the top linemen in the nation in 6-foot-6, 290-pound Winston Justice. Opposing receivers won't be running across the field with their head down as they may find 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety Darnell Bing ready and waiting. Raul Lara is in his first season as head coach after taking over for Jerry Jaso. Jaso left mighty big shoes to fill with a 54-1-1 career record, but this Poly team may have as much talent as this tradition-rich school has ever had.
3. Lincoln, Tallahassee, FL (13-1 in 2000) Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden probably wishes he had a receiving corps like Lincoln has this year. And that is saying a lot about Lincoln's receivers. Greg Threat (who also is a top safety), transfer Antonio Cromartie and three-year starter James White should allow highly-recruited QB Gavin Dickey to put up some monster numbers this year.
4. Jenks, Jenks, OK (14-0 in 2000) Lawrence Pinson adds to the long-standing tradition of great linebackers to play at Jenks. Jenks doesn't necessarily have a ton of blue-chip players, however, the Trojans are very deep and very talented overall with hardly a weakness to be found. It will remain to be seen if Jenks can get over the hump of losing at Tulsa Union, seemingly a tradition Jenks would rather forget.
5. Lufkin, Lufkin, TX (9-3 in 2000) They have one of the top quarterbacks in the nation with Texas A&M-bound Reggie McNeal. McNeal and star running back Terry Williams are protected by 315-pound lineman Julius Parks. With over 100 tackles last season, LB Drefus Thompson will anchor the defense. The sky may be the limit for this team, who will be tested no fewer than four times in the regular season.
6. West Monroe, West Monroe, LA (15-0 in 2000) One poll had West Monroe as its national champion last year. And they may be better and more talented this year. The defense will be suffocating, led by DE Case Sanders, LB's Lucas Jackson and Mims Boyce, and DB Jarred Frost. The option-based offense will feature stud running back Demario Taylor and will run behind an offensive line that averages over 270 pounds per player. A possible Top 10 matchup on September 28 with Evangel Christian looms large.
7. Joliet Catholic, Joliet, IL (14-0 in 2000) They have won 28 straight games and two consecutive Illinois Class 4A titles. Two running backs went over 1,000 yards -- J.R. Zweirzynski (2,073 yards and 29 TD's) and Chris Gruber (1,130 yards and 13 TD's). The offensive line is the only question mark for the Hilltoppers.
8. Glades Central, Belle Glades, FL (15-0 in 2000) An exciting offense led by third-year starter Chris Holley, who has yet to lose in 30 games at quarterback. The Raiders have won 35 consecutive games. Speedster Santonio Holmes will be the main target for Holley offensively. Cedric Crosby (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) anchors a solid offensive line. The defensive backs are the strength of the defense, paced by Jimmie Vincent and Curtis Marshall.
9. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh, PA (12-1 in 2000) Another western Pennsylvania team led by a strong quarterback, as has been the case in that state for many years. Steve Breaston is the best, or second-best, QB in the state depending on which publication is ranking him. However, the road to the Pennsylvania state title is as difficult as it has been in many years.
10. Evangel Christian, Shreveport, LA (10-3 in 2000) The long line of talented QB's continues at Evangel, with sophomore John David Booty (the younger brother of Josh) leading the Eagles through a schedule that includes games against two teams in the Top 10 (Lufkin and West Monroe). Although Booty is a sophomore, the experience in the receiving corps (Quentin Bell, Thomas Bachman, Kenneth Brantley) should help Booty immensely this season.
11. Independence, Charlotte, NC (15-1 in 2000) The defending state champions return the top passing-receiving duo in North Carolina history. Junior QB Chris Leak threw for 4,529 yards and 51 touchdowns last season. Mario Raley caught 107 passes for 1,644 yards and 20 touchdowns as Leak's favorite target. RB Mario Crow will keep defenses honest.
12. St. Ignatius, Cleveland, OH (12-1 in 2000) The perennial Ohio powerhouse will count on QB Nate Szep and wideouts Cameron Wick and Matt Miller, as well as TE Tom Christy. The offensive line and defensive backfields are the only preseason question marks for the Wildcats.
13. Parkview, Lilburn, GA (15-0 in 2000) "De-fense" will be the prevalent chant amongst Panthers' fans. Safety Jeff Francouer (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) runs the 40 in 4.4, and had 15 interceptions last season. Francouer is also the team's top wideout. Todd Stewart and Sean Dawkins head up a very good linebacking corps.
14. Westlake, Austin, TX (14-1 in 2000) Westlake is another team that relies on its defense to win games. Two six-foot seniors, Mark Fisher (6-1) and Tyler Gatewood (6-0), are the ringleaders of the defense from their linebacker positions.
15. Greenwood, Greenwood, SC (14-1 in 2000) Senior quarterback Sam Williams can beat you through the air or on the ground. Wide receiver Dvon Hill caught 52 passes for 876 yards last year, with 14 TD's for the defending state champs.
16. Colerain, Cincinnati, OH (13-1 in 2000) The option team returns 11 starters from last year's team, which went to the state semifinals in Ohio. Offensively, where most of the starters return, this offense will put up points on the ground. QB Sean Jones went over 1,000 yards both in the air and on the ground.
17. Harrison, Farmington Hills, MI (14-0 in 2000) QB Drew Stanton, who has already committed to Michigan State, leads a talented, but balanced, offense. Safety Dave Condeni and outstanding cover corner, Terril Mayberry, lead the defense for the Hawks.
18. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (8-3 in 2000) The Eagles, Poly, and perennial powerhouse Mater Dei are among the best teams in southern California. Ashton White is probably the top running back not named Hershel Dennis (from Poly) in the southern half of the state.
19. Rockhurst, Kansas City, MO (14-0 in 2000) Sophomore running back Tony Temple rushed for over 1,000 yards last year as a freshman. He will be the focus of the Hawklets' offense and, if he can avoid a sophomore slump, Rockhurst will be very difficult to beat.
20. Ben Davis, Indianapolis, IN (12-2 in 2000) QB/WR James Banks threw for 1,741 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. However, Banks may move to either part-time or full-time wide receiver due to the lack of experienced wideouts on this year's squad.
21. Lee, Midland, TX (13-2 in 2000) Huge tight end Eric Winston (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) leads the three-time defending Class-5A state champions. The Rebels also return all five offensive line starters, and WR's Tim Norman and Phillip Coleman lead a very fast group of receivers.
22. Bethlehem Catholic, Bethlehem, PA (10-4 in 2000) They advanced to the state semifinals in a state that had two consensus Top-10 teams last year in Erie Cathedral Prep and Central Bucks West. Mark Borda threw for nearly 3,000 yards last season.
23. Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ (9-4 in 2000) Gilbert made its move last year by reaching the state semifinals in Arizona. And with most of the starters returning, especially on the offensive side of the ball, QB Reed White (the son of former Dallas Cowboy Danny White) will look to lead them to the state title.
24. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ (11-1 in 2000) Elizabeth's inexperience at quarterback will be masked by all-everything back Ibrahim Halsey. The 5-foot-11 190-pound senior totaled 2,473 all-purpose yards and 24 TD's last season. Halsey also plays safety on defense and is one of the top defenders in New Jersey.
25. Lexington, SC (13-3 in 2000) Junior RB Demetris Summers already has over 4,500 career rushing yards and is the top back in South Carolina. Lexington returns 22 seniors, most of them at key positions and will be one of the favorites to win the state title.
Teams to Watch: Jamestown, NY; North Hills, Pittsburgh, PA; St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Lakeland, FL; St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, NJ; Washington, Massillon, OH; St. Louis, Honolulu, HI; Mt. Carmel, Chicago, IL; Hoover, AL; Cathedral Prep, Erie, PA; Heritage, Newport News, VA
Regional Rankings East 1. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 2. Bethlehem Catholic, Bethlehem, PA 3. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ 4. Jamestown, NY 5. North Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 6. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, NJ 7. Cathedral Prep, Erie, PA 8. Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY 9. Parkersburg, Parkersburg, WV 10. Boston College High, Dorchester, MA
Midwest 1. Joliet Catholic, Joliet, IL 2. St. Ignatius, Cleveland, OH 3. Colerain, Cincinnati, OH 4. Harrison, Farmington Hills, MI 5. Rockhurst, Kansas City, MO 6. Ben Davis, Indianapolis, IN 7. Washington, Massillon, OH 8. Mt. Carmel, Chicago, IL 9. Male, Louisville, KY 10. Creighton Prep, Omaha, NE
South 1. Lincoln, Tallahassee, FL 2. Jenks, Jenks, OK 3. Lufkin, Lufkin, TX 4. West Monroe, West Monroe, LA 5. Glades Central, Belle Glades, FL 6. Evangel Christian, Shreveport, LA 7. Independence, Charlotte, NC 8. Parkview, Lilburn, GA 9. Westlake, Austin, TX 10. Greenwood, Greenwood, SC
West T1. De La Salle, Concord, CA T1. Poly, Long Beach, CA 3. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 4. Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ 5. St. Louis, Honolulu, HI 6. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, CA 7. Buchanan, Clovis, CA 8. Jesuit, Portland, OR 9. Northridge, Layton, UT 10. O'Dea, Seattle, WA
It is nearly impossible to differentiate between De La Salle of Concord, Calififornia, with its 113-game winning streak, and Long Beach Poly, a veritable football factory.
Fortunately, these two schools will make this decision much easier on Saturday, October 6, with a game scheduled between the two schools in Long Beach, which if the teams remain unbeaten, may likely decide the national champion.
Until then, they begin the season deadlocked for the top spot and we will let the schools decide who is the best on the field.
Here is the preseason Top 25:
T1. De La Salle, Concord, CA (13-0 in 2000) If the Spartans national-record 113-game winning streak is to continue past this season, De La Salle will certainly have earned it. Besides the marquee matchup with Long Beach Poly, they will also face Buchanan out of Clovis, CA, who won the CIF Central Division championship last year, in their season opener. Perennial powerhouse Mater Dei, which nearly put an end to the streak last season, will possibly get another crack at ending the streak on September 22. Then will come the game against Poly. If they make it through that part of the schedule, it is very likely De La Salle will be the national champion. QB Matt Gutierrez (1,650 yards passing, 23 TD's) will lead De La Salle.
T1. Poly, Long Beach, CA (14-0 in 2000) Poly will be hard-pressed not to look forward to their date with De La Salle. Poly is absolutely loaded this year. Running back Hershel Dennis is one of the top backs in the country. And it makes it even easier when he is running behind one of the top linemen in the nation in 6-foot-6, 290-pound Winston Justice. Opposing receivers won't be running across the field with their head down as they may find 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety Darnell Bing ready and waiting. Raul Lara is in his first season as head coach after taking over for Jerry Jaso. Jaso left mighty big shoes to fill with a 54-1-1 career record, but this Poly team may have as much talent as this tradition-rich school has ever had.
3. Lincoln, Tallahassee, FL (13-1 in 2000) Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden probably wishes he had a receiving corps like Lincoln has this year. And that is saying a lot about Lincoln's receivers. Greg Threat (who also is a top safety), transfer Antonio Cromartie and three-year starter James White should allow highly-recruited QB Gavin Dickey to put up some monster numbers this year.
4. Jenks, Jenks, OK (14-0 in 2000) Lawrence Pinson adds to the long-standing tradition of great linebackers to play at Jenks. Jenks doesn't necessarily have a ton of blue-chip players, however, the Trojans are very deep and very talented overall with hardly a weakness to be found. It will remain to be seen if Jenks can get over the hump of losing at Tulsa Union, seemingly a tradition Jenks would rather forget.
5. Lufkin, Lufkin, TX (9-3 in 2000) They have one of the top quarterbacks in the nation with Texas A&M-bound Reggie McNeal. McNeal and star running back Terry Williams are protected by 315-pound lineman Julius Parks. With over 100 tackles last season, LB Drefus Thompson will anchor the defense. The sky may be the limit for this team, who will be tested no fewer than four times in the regular season.
6. West Monroe, West Monroe, LA (15-0 in 2000) One poll had West Monroe as its national champion last year. And they may be better and more talented this year. The defense will be suffocating, led by DE Case Sanders, LB's Lucas Jackson and Mims Boyce, and DB Jarred Frost. The option-based offense will feature stud running back Demario Taylor and will run behind an offensive line that averages over 270 pounds per player. A possible Top 10 matchup on September 28 with Evangel Christian looms large.
7. Joliet Catholic, Joliet, IL (14-0 in 2000) They have won 28 straight games and two consecutive Illinois Class 4A titles. Two running backs went over 1,000 yards -- J.R. Zweirzynski (2,073 yards and 29 TD's) and Chris Gruber (1,130 yards and 13 TD's). The offensive line is the only question mark for the Hilltoppers.
8. Glades Central, Belle Glades, FL (15-0 in 2000) An exciting offense led by third-year starter Chris Holley, who has yet to lose in 30 games at quarterback. The Raiders have won 35 consecutive games. Speedster Santonio Holmes will be the main target for Holley offensively. Cedric Crosby (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) anchors a solid offensive line. The defensive backs are the strength of the defense, paced by Jimmie Vincent and Curtis Marshall.
9. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh, PA (12-1 in 2000) Another western Pennsylvania team led by a strong quarterback, as has been the case in that state for many years. Steve Breaston is the best, or second-best, QB in the state depending on which publication is ranking him. However, the road to the Pennsylvania state title is as difficult as it has been in many years.
10. Evangel Christian, Shreveport, LA (10-3 in 2000) The long line of talented QB's continues at Evangel, with sophomore John David Booty (the younger brother of Josh) leading the Eagles through a schedule that includes games against two teams in the Top 10 (Lufkin and West Monroe). Although Booty is a sophomore, the experience in the receiving corps (Quentin Bell, Thomas Bachman, Kenneth Brantley) should help Booty immensely this season.
11. Independence, Charlotte, NC (15-1 in 2000) The defending state champions return the top passing-receiving duo in North Carolina history. Junior QB Chris Leak threw for 4,529 yards and 51 touchdowns last season. Mario Raley caught 107 passes for 1,644 yards and 20 touchdowns as Leak's favorite target. RB Mario Crow will keep defenses honest.
12. St. Ignatius, Cleveland, OH (12-1 in 2000) The perennial Ohio powerhouse will count on QB Nate Szep and wideouts Cameron Wick and Matt Miller, as well as TE Tom Christy. The offensive line and defensive backfields are the only preseason question marks for the Wildcats.
13. Parkview, Lilburn, GA (15-0 in 2000) "De-fense" will be the prevalent chant amongst Panthers' fans. Safety Jeff Francouer (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) runs the 40 in 4.4, and had 15 interceptions last season. Francouer is also the team's top wideout. Todd Stewart and Sean Dawkins head up a very good linebacking corps.
14. Westlake, Austin, TX (14-1 in 2000) Westlake is another team that relies on its defense to win games. Two six-foot seniors, Mark Fisher (6-1) and Tyler Gatewood (6-0), are the ringleaders of the defense from their linebacker positions.
15. Greenwood, Greenwood, SC (14-1 in 2000) Senior quarterback Sam Williams can beat you through the air or on the ground. Wide receiver Dvon Hill caught 52 passes for 876 yards last year, with 14 TD's for the defending state champs.
16. Colerain, Cincinnati, OH (13-1 in 2000) The option team returns 11 starters from last year's team, which went to the state semifinals in Ohio. Offensively, where most of the starters return, this offense will put up points on the ground. QB Sean Jones went over 1,000 yards both in the air and on the ground.
17. Harrison, Farmington Hills, MI (14-0 in 2000) QB Drew Stanton, who has already committed to Michigan State, leads a talented, but balanced, offense. Safety Dave Condeni and outstanding cover corner, Terril Mayberry, lead the defense for the Hawks.
18. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (8-3 in 2000) The Eagles, Poly, and perennial powerhouse Mater Dei are among the best teams in southern California. Ashton White is probably the top running back not named Hershel Dennis (from Poly) in the southern half of the state.
19. Rockhurst, Kansas City, MO (14-0 in 2000) Sophomore running back Tony Temple rushed for over 1,000 yards last year as a freshman. He will be the focus of the Hawklets' offense and, if he can avoid a sophomore slump, Rockhurst will be very difficult to beat.
20. Ben Davis, Indianapolis, IN (12-2 in 2000) QB/WR James Banks threw for 1,741 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. However, Banks may move to either part-time or full-time wide receiver due to the lack of experienced wideouts on this year's squad.
21. Lee, Midland, TX (13-2 in 2000) Huge tight end Eric Winston (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) leads the three-time defending Class-5A state champions. The Rebels also return all five offensive line starters, and WR's Tim Norman and Phillip Coleman lead a very fast group of receivers.
22. Bethlehem Catholic, Bethlehem, PA (10-4 in 2000) They advanced to the state semifinals in a state that had two consensus Top-10 teams last year in Erie Cathedral Prep and Central Bucks West. Mark Borda threw for nearly 3,000 yards last season.
23. Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ (9-4 in 2000) Gilbert made its move last year by reaching the state semifinals in Arizona. And with most of the starters returning, especially on the offensive side of the ball, QB Reed White (the son of former Dallas Cowboy Danny White) will look to lead them to the state title.
24. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ (11-1 in 2000) Elizabeth's inexperience at quarterback will be masked by all-everything back Ibrahim Halsey. The 5-foot-11 190-pound senior totaled 2,473 all-purpose yards and 24 TD's last season. Halsey also plays safety on defense and is one of the top defenders in New Jersey.
25. Lexington, SC (13-3 in 2000) Junior RB Demetris Summers already has over 4,500 career rushing yards and is the top back in South Carolina. Lexington returns 22 seniors, most of them at key positions and will be one of the favorites to win the state title.
Teams to Watch: Jamestown, NY; North Hills, Pittsburgh, PA; St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Lakeland, FL; St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, NJ; Washington, Massillon, OH; St. Louis, Honolulu, HI; Mt. Carmel, Chicago, IL; Hoover, AL; Cathedral Prep, Erie, PA; Heritage, Newport News, VA
Regional Rankings East 1. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 2. Bethlehem Catholic, Bethlehem, PA 3. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ 4. Jamestown, NY 5. North Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 6. St. Joseph Regional, Montvale, NJ 7. Cathedral Prep, Erie, PA 8. Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY 9. Parkersburg, Parkersburg, WV 10. Boston College High, Dorchester, MA
Midwest 1. Joliet Catholic, Joliet, IL 2. St. Ignatius, Cleveland, OH 3. Colerain, Cincinnati, OH 4. Harrison, Farmington Hills, MI 5. Rockhurst, Kansas City, MO 6. Ben Davis, Indianapolis, IN 7. Washington, Massillon, OH 8. Mt. Carmel, Chicago, IL 9. Male, Louisville, KY 10. Creighton Prep, Omaha, NE
South 1. Lincoln, Tallahassee, FL 2. Jenks, Jenks, OK 3. Lufkin, Lufkin, TX 4. West Monroe, West Monroe, LA 5. Glades Central, Belle Glades, FL 6. Evangel Christian, Shreveport, LA 7. Independence, Charlotte, NC 8. Parkview, Lilburn, GA 9. Westlake, Austin, TX 10. Greenwood, Greenwood, SC
West T1. De La Salle, Concord, CA T1. Poly, Long Beach, CA 3. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 4. Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ 5. St. Louis, Honolulu, HI 6. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, CA 7. Buchanan, Clovis, CA 8. Jesuit, Portland, OR 9. Northridge, Layton, UT 10. O'Dea, Seattle, WA
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