Final National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The Northeast's most dominant team of the decade now has a National Prep Poll title to show for it. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) is No. 1 in the final National Prep Football Poll of the season, becoming the first team from the region to finish as the country's top-ranked high school football team in the 23-year history of the poll.

The Ironmen won their fourth consecutive Non-Public Group IV state title and sixth in eight years. They defeated six teams that were nationally or regionally ranked this season, including a 30-6 blowout in week one of eventual California Open Division champion De La Salle (Concord).

Texas 5A/II champion Abilene, which went 15-0 and won its first state crown since 1956, finished the season ranked No. 2. North Carolina 4AA titlist Butler (Matthews) is ranked No. 3 and two-time defending Tennessee Division II-AA champion Memphis University closed the year at No. 4. Rounding out the top five is Lake Travis (Austin), which ended the season with its third straight Texas 4A title and a 46-game winning streak.

Week 18 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- For the first time during the 23-year history of World Features Syndicate's National Prep Football Poll, a team from the Northeast region is poised to finish the season ranked No. 1 in the country.

Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.), which has won four straight Non-Public IV state titles and 23 consecutive games, moved into the top spot in the Week 18 poll. The Ironmen have been the beneficiary of seven upsets to Top 10 teams during the last two weeks.

Right behind Don Bosco at No. 2 in the rankings is North Carolina 4AA champion Butler (Matthews), which will probably receive heavy consideration for the preseason No. 1 national ranking next year. The Bulldogs feature a talented junior class, led by blue chip quarterback Christian LeMay.

No. 3 Abilene (Texas) is probably the only team that could still unseat Don Bosco from the top ranking in the final poll. The Eagles remain undefeated heading into Saturday's Texas 5A/II title game against two-time defending champion No. 7 Katy.

Week 17 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Following a playoff weekend that saw the upset of eight Top 25 teams, there are plenty of changes in the Week 17 National Prep Football Poll.

South Carolina 4A/I champion Dorman (Roebuck) leads the parade of teams entering the national poll this week. The No. 7 Cavaliers shocked then-No. 2 Byrnes (Duncan), 28-17, avenging their only loss of the season.

Tulsa Union also avenged its only loss of the year and is back in the national poll at No. 14. The Redskins hammered rival Jenks, 52-19, for the Oklahoma 6A crown.

No. 19 Northside (Warner Robins) and No. 20 Servite (Anaheim), both of which were nationally ranked earlier this season, return to the national Top 25 in advance of playing in championship games this weekend. Northside is gunning for the Georgia 5A title while Servite will meet No. 3 Edison for the CIF-SS Pac-5 crown.

No. 21 West Monroe (La.) and No. 23 Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), each no stranger to the national rankings, can add to their already impressive collection of state championship hardware this weekend.

No. 24 La Salle (Wyndmoor) has advanced to the Pennsylvania 4A semifinals in its first season competing in the state playoffs.

Week 16 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- A weekend filled with playoff upsets ushered six teams into this week's National Prep Poll's Top 25 rankings.

Miami Central tops the list of squads new to the rankings. The Rockets re-entered the national poll at No. 6 after they defeated then-No. 11 Miami Northwestern, 29-16, and avenged their only loss of the year.

Abilene (Texas) makes its debut appearance of the season in the poll at No. 17. The Eagles stunned then-No. 3 Cedar Hill, 41-17, in the third round of the 5A/II playoffs over the weekend.

Newnan (Ga.) is No. 19 after edging then-No. 15 Grayson (Loganville), 9-7, in the 5A quarterfinals.

No. 20 South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) is back in the national rankings for the first time since its 89-game winning streak ended in last year's 5A championship game. The Tigers upset then-No. 12 Madison Central, 36-21, in this year's 6A semifinals.

Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown, Ohio) is ranked No. 21 this week after throttling Steubenville, 45-7, in the Division III semifinals.

Finally, two-time defending Texas 5A/II champion Katy is back in the poll at No. 24 after breezing to three playoff wins by an average margin of 36 points. The Tigers were ranked No. 4 in the nation to start the season.

Week 15 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The Week 15 National Prep Poll includes Washington-area power Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), a team that's no stranger to the rankings but one that had been unable to get over the hump during the postseason. All that changed Saturday when the Falcons defeated nemesis DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) -- then ranked No. 14 -- 14-7 for their first Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title.

Good Counsel is No. 18 in this week's poll. It is the second time the Falcons have been nationally ranked this season.

There is another Maryland squad in the Top 25 this week as Linganore (Ijamsville) entered the national rankings for the first time. The No. 21 Lancers moved into the Class 3A state semifinals with a 19-0 shutout at then-regionally ranked Quince Orchard (Gaithersburg).

Week 14 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Cleveland public schools power Glenville is back in the Top 10 rankings of the weekly National Prep Poll. The Tarblooders, who started the season ranked No. 5, are No. 8 this week after eliminating then-No. 4 St. Ignatius from the postseason and avenging their only loss of the season.

Glenville beat the Wildcats, 30-13, in a Division I second-round playoff game Saturday. It was the fifth win in the last seven meetings over St. Ignatius for the Tarblooders, who are three wins away from capturing their first state championship.

No. 24 Memphis (Tenn.) University also entered the national poll this week. The defending Division II-AA state champion Owls have won 24 consecutive games.

Week 13 National Prep Football Poll released

On the strength of its third-ever win over rival Independence (Charlotte, N.C.), Butler (Matthews) has earned its first-ever spot in the National Prep Poll's Top 25.

The Bulldogs capitalized on five turnovers to get the 31-24 win over the Patriots, who were ranked No. 18 last week. It was only the third time this season Butler did not beat an opponent by at least 21 points.

The remainder of the week 13 rankings went largely unchanged. The national Top 10 remained completely intact after every one of those teams won its last game by at least 17 points.

Week 12 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The first Prep Poll of November brought with it five new faces to the national Top 25. At No. 17, Northwestern (Miami) is highest ranking for a team that was not in the national poll a week ago. The Bulls, who began the year No. 3, have lost only to No. 16 Washington (Miami).

Leading a pack of four teams who are in the Top 25 for the first time this season is No. 20 Madison Central (Madison, Miss.). The Jaguars are outscoring opponents by an average score of 42-9 this season.

The Woodlands (Texas) is No. 21. The Highlanders defeated perennial power Lufkin, 31-21, on Friday and beat regionally ranked Katy earlier this season.

Mission Viejo (Calif.), which has beaten every opponent by at least 19 points, is now No. 22.

Rounding out the Top 25 is North Penn (Lansdale), the Eastern Pennsylvania power which is allowing only 7 points per game and owns a victory against regionally ranked St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) this season.

Week 11 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Two-time defending Florida 5A champion St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) remains No. 1 in the National Prep Poll for the 24th consecutive week.

It's the longest any team has held the top spot in the national rankings since six-time Prep Poll champion De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) held the top spot from the beginning of the 2000 season through the first game of 2004.

The Raiders have won 31 consecutive games dating back to the middle of the 2007 season by average score of 44-9. They have already beaten a Top-10 team this season (No. 2 Byrnes) and may get the opportunity to play another, No. 7 Lakeland, during the state playoffs.

Week 10 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- For the first time this season, no new teams entered the weekly National Prep Poll Top 25.

Last week's nationally ranked squads went 25-0, winning by an average score of 43-11. When you throw in the 43 regionally ranked teams that played last week, the overall won/loss record for last week's ranked teams was 67-1.

A few squads moved up slightly in this week's rankings. The most significant movement was by Texas' No. 1-ranked squad, Cedar Hill, which moved up one spot to No. 3. The Longhorns have scored 47 or more points in four consecutive games and are averaging 43 per contest this season.

Week 9 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- For the first time in over a decade, Cincinnati Moeller is back in the National Prep Poll Top 25 rankings.

The Crusaders are No. 25 this week after defeating crosstown rival Elder, 35-13. It was the first home loss in 16 games for the Panthers, who were ranked No. 5 in the nation earlier this season.

Moeller has won nine of its last 10 games under second-year coach John Rodenberg. The Crusaders are seeking their first state championship since 1985. That was the final year of an 11-year run that saw Moeller win seven state titles and one USA Today national championship.

Week 8 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Booker T. Washington (Miami) is back in the National Prep Poll Top 25 for the first time since the end of the 2007 season. The Tornadoes are ranked No. 16 after their 35-28 upset of then-No. 3 Miami Northwestern on Saturday.

It's a similar story for No. 21 Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.), which also returns to the national poll for the first since '07. The Eagles knocked off previous No. 4-ranked Lowndes (Valdosta), 10-7.

Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky.) is in at No. 24 one week after defeating Ohio power St. Xavier (Cincinnati). The Bluebirds' rankings resume was upgraded significantly when St. Xavier knocked off then-No. 12 Elder (Cincinnati) over the weekend.

The final spot in this week's Top 25 goes to two-time defending Washington 4A champion Skyline (Sammamish). The Spartans' only loss this season was September 18 to California's top-ranked team, No. 8 Oaks Christian, 28-25.

Week 7 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- California's ultra competitive Pac-5 Division has a new 'team to beat' with the emergence of Edison (Huntington Beach). The Chargers are ranked No. 15 this week after upsetting then-No. 6 Servite (Anaheim), 23-9.

Through four weeks of play, Edison is already the third different Pac-5 contender to be ranked in the National Prep Poll's Top 25.

Defending Illinois 8A titlist Maine South (Park Ridge) also enters the national rankings this week at No. 24. The Hawks' high-flying offense has picked up where it left off last season, scoring 50 or more points in four out of five games this season. Last year, Maine South scored over 50 in six out of 14 contests.

Week 6 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- After recording the 11th shutout in its current 18-game winning streak, defending Virginia Division 5 champion Phoebus (Hampton) entered the National Prep Poll Top 25.

The No. 24 Phantoms, who lost four Division I recruits and its head coach to the college ranks from last year's team that finished ranked No. 8 in the nation, shut out Warwick, 37-0. Warwick is where new Phoebus coach Stan Sexton coached last season.

Defending Colorado 5A titlist Mullen (Denver) moved into the national poll at No. 25 after defeating perennial Missouri power Rockhurst (Kansas City), 17-7, on the Hawklets' home field. The win avenged a loss from last season for the Mustangs.

Week 5 National Prep Football Poll

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Fresh off an impressive 27-7 defeat of perennial national power Long Beach (Calif.) Poly, St. Bonaventure (Ventura) enters this week's National Prep Poll Top 25 rankings.

Senior running back Devon Blackledge ran for 291 yards and three touchdowns to lead the No. 12 Seraphs, whose only loss since September 2007 is a 12-7 setback to Poly last season.

Jenks (Okla.) rejoins the national poll at No. 21 after defeating rival Tulsa Union, 27-25. The Trojans began the year ranked No. 12 before Oklahoma-bound receiver Jarrett Lake was ruled ineligible for the season.

No. 22 Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas) makes its first-ever appearance in the national rankings this week. The Tigers have several key players back from the team that reached the Class 5A/II state semifinals last season.

Rounding out the Top 25 this week is Washington D.C.-area power Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). The Falcons got a win at Valhalla (El Cajon, Calif.) to open the season then blanked city-ranked Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore), 42-0, in week two.

Week 4 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- It looks like another banner year for South Florida high school football.

The talent-rich region that produced last year's Prep Poll champion (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and the final No. 2 team in the previous season (Miami Northwestern), has three teams in this week's Top 25.

Miami Central joined Aquinas (No. 1) and Miami Northwestern (No. 3) on the national list after winning on the road, 34-3, at state-ranked Mainland. The Rockets outgained the Bucs by more than a two-to-one margin and forced four turnovers in the unexpected blowout.

There are three more teams that entered the national poll for the first time this season. Defending Oklahoma 6A champ Tulsa Union is in at No. 20 after opening the season with a 17-6 win against state-ranked Broken Arrow.

St. Xavier (Cincinnati) -- Prep Poll champion in 2007 -- is No. 21 after defeating regionally ranked teams in back-to-back weeks.

Garland (Texas) is No. 25 despite coming off a bye week. The Owls destroyed Kimball, 60-7, in their season opener.

Across the PrepNation: Weekend Rewind 8-31-09

Just a few thoughts before moving on to the next week of the prep football season ...

Week 2 National Prep Poll Top 25 Reax

1.	Fort Lauderdale, Fla., St. Thomas Aquinas	52	Upper Arlington (Ohio)	7	Raiders utterly dominant
2.	Duncan, S.C., Byrnes	43	Central Gwinnett (Ga.)	7	Rebels invoke ‘mercy rule’
3.	Miami, Fla., Northwestern		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at Carol City		Bulls look sharp in kickoff classic win
4.	Katy, Texas	9	North Shore	7	Tigers force five fumbles
5.	Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville	13	MW No. 3 St. Ignatius	14	Last three games between two decided by 5 points total
6.	Chesapeake, Va., Oscar Smith	27	Venice (Fla.)	13	Tigers get rain-soaked win on ESPNU
7.	Lakewood, Calif.		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at Crenshaw		Lancers drop out of Top 25 after star RB’s arrest
8.	Bellevue, Wash.		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 vs. Earl Marriot (B.C.)		One tune-up before trip to Texas
9.	Sammamish, Wash., Skyline		Idle. Opens Sept. 5 vs. Jesuit (Ore.)		Opener vs. Oregon power will be tough
10.	Cedar Hill, Texas	44	DeSoto	41	‘Horns rally from 21 down to win
11.	Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes	75	Woodland	14	Vikes put a hurtin’ on outmanned foe
12.	Cincinnati, Ohio, Elder	49	MW No. 5 East St. Louis (Ill.)	28	Panthers’ ‘O’ sharp in opener
13.	Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco Prep		Idle. Opens Sept. 12 vs. No. 17 De La Salle (Calif.)		Sept. 12 cannot come soon enough
14.	Westlake Village, Calif., Oaks Christian		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at Alemany - FSPT		Lions play No. 9 Skyline Sept. 18
15.	Allen, Texas	25	SW No. 10 Longview	28	Eagles’ ‘D” couldn’t protect 17-point lead
16.	Lakeland, Fla.		Idle. Opens Sept. 11 at Winter Haven		Dreadnaughts impressive in kickoff classic win
17.	Concord, Calif., De La Salle		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 vs. Serra (San Mateo)		Spartans’ run game should be dominant again
18.	Prattville, Ala.	11	North Gwinnett (Ga.)	14	Lions still team to beat in Alabama 6A?
19.	Bethlehem, Pa., Liberty		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at North Penn		State semifinals rematch … and preview?
20.	Peoria, Ariz., Centennial		Idle. Next Sept. 4 at Chandler		Bulls-eye on Coyotes’ back growing
21.	Dallas, Texas, Skyline		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 vs. Kimball		Opener vs. Kimball could get ugly
22.	Jenks, Okla.		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at Bixby		Trojans ahead of Union in poll for now
23.	Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha		Idle. Opens Sept. 5 vs. Riverdale Baptist		Stags’ talent should overwhelm most foes
24.	River Ridge, La., John Curtis		Idle. Opens Sept. 4 at Mandeville		March toward state title No. 24 begins
25.	Charlotte, N.C., Independence	56	Hopewell	12	Patriots’ ‘O’ clicking on all eight entering South Pointe showdown

PREPNATION NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK (AUG. 27-29)

Dylan Favre (QB) St. Stanislaus (Bay St. Louis, Miss.). Brett Favre's nephew continues to re-write the Missisissippi high school record books. The 5-10 senior threw for a state-record 549 yards in a 50-7 blowout of Mendenhall. As a junior, Favre set the state record for touchdown passes in a season with 45.

REGIONAL REPORTS

NORTHEAST

Pittsburgh Central Catholic was the surprise No. 1 team in the preseason WPIAL rankings compiled by veteran prep sports writer Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Vikings got the nod over McKeesport, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, and North Allegheny in the rankings released last Friday. In contrast, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has Central Catholic No. 5 to start the season, with Penn Hills, McKeesport, Gateway and Woodland Hills ranked Nos. 1-4.

EAST COAST

Bayside (Virginia Beach, Va.) stunned state-ranked Green Run (Virginia Beach), 21-17, in both team's season-opener. According to the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, the star of the game was not Green Run's all-state senior running back Dejor Simmons. Rather, it was Bayside freshman quarterback Deion Stitt, who completed 9-of-11 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns in his varsity debut ... A pair of Upstate South Carolina players had big nights last Friday. According to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Dorman junior running back A.J. Booker had four rushing touchdowns in an impressive 42-17 blowout of state-ranked Gaffney. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Jake Lambert threw a school-record seven touchdown passes to lead Woodruff in a 59-34 shootout win against Greer.

SOUTHEAST

For the second consecutive year, defending Alabama 6A champion Prattville lost a road game to an out-of-state opponent. Last season, the Lions lost their opener, 15-10, in Cincinnati to St. Xavier. On Saturday, Prattville was defeated, 14-11, in Georgia by North Gwinnett, which is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A by Georgia High School Football Daily . . . According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, senior running back Charles Perkins of Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.) ran for 302 yards on 33 carries in his team's 10-7 defeat of Parkview (Lilburn). Perkins, who stands 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, is committed to Georgia Tech.

MIDWEST

You can call defending Indiana 4A champ Indianapolis Cathedral the 'giant killer.' In back-to-back weeks, the Irish has defeated teams that were ranked No. 1 in the state 5A poll. Two weeks ago, Cathedral won a grind-it-out 7-6 battle with Carmel. On Friday, Cathedral beat Warren Central in a shootout, 35-32 . . . In case you were wondering, Cincinnati St. Xavier's injury and inexperience-riddled 4-6 record last season was probably an aberration. The Bombers made a giant statement for the start of 2009 with Friday's 16-0 shutout of regionally ranked Colerain in front of more than 10,000 fans at Nippert Stadium.

MIDLANDS

A week two matchup featuring the two top-ranked teams in Utah's Class 5A rankings did not disappoint in the excitement department. Regionally ranked Bingham (South Jordan) erased a 14-point halftime deficit and beat defending state champion Alta (Sandy), 38-34. Things don't get any easier next week for Bingham, which travels to Dallas to play Texas powerhouse Euless Trinity Monday at Dallas Cowboys Stadium . . . Junior running back Caleb Sims made his debut at William Chrisman (Independence,. Mo.) a memorable one. Sims, who played last season at national power Rockhurst (Kansas City), ran and ran and ran for a school-record 337 yards on 43 carries in a 37-30 defeat of Ruskin (Kansas City).

SOUTHWEST

ESPN and ESPNU televised seven high school football games over the weekend, but none was more entertaining than No. 10 Cedar Hill's come-from-behind 44-41 defeat of rival DeSoto. Playing without star running back Ben Malena, who sprained his ankle in the first quarter, the Longhorns got the win despite falling behind 28-7 in the first half . . . According to the Arizona Republic, senior running back J.C. Baker of Yuma (Ariz.) scored seven touchdowns and totaled 345 total yards on only 13 touches in a 50-45 win against Lake Havasu.

WEST COAST

Two of Hawaii's top teams, led by two of the state's top quarterbacks, met with St. Louis (Honolulu) holding on to defeat Leilehua, 28-21. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Jeremy Higgins helped the Crusaders get the better of the matchup, throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Leilehua's Andrew Manley, the state's co-offensive player of the year last season, had 187 passing yards with two touchdown throws and another on the ground . . . Orange Lutheran (Calif.), ranked No. 4 in the state to start the season by Cal-Hi Sports, was beaten handily, 28-14, by Pickerington Central (Ohio) in the wrap-up game of the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. California teams had won in their three previous trips to Ohio to play in the event.

Is there a team, player, or other story in the world of prep football or basketball that we should know about? Email your tips and information to PrepNation Editor and Founder Jamie DeMoney at PrepNation@aol.com.

Week 3 National Prep Football Poll released

Defending Ohio Division I champ St. Ignatius (Cleveland) is back in the weekly Top 25 rankings.

The Wildcats, who have 10 state championships and two National Prep Poll titles, are ranked No. 11 after clawing their way to an upset of previous No. 5-ranked intra-city rival Glenville, 14-13, on Saturday.

No. 16 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) leads a trio of teams also making their season debut in the national poll. The Rams looked strong in a season-opening 14-10 defeat of defending 5A champion Camden County (Kingsland).

Representing Southern California's ultra competitive Pac-5 Division, Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) is in at No. 20 this week. Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.), the top-ranked team in the Chicago area, debuts at No. 25.

Week 2 National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Three-time defending Arizona 5A/II champion Centennial (Peoria) thumped reigning Nevada 4A champion McQueen (Reno), 51-20, in the Southwest region's kickoff contest of the season. The impressive win bumped the No. 20 Coyotes up one spot in the first regular season National Prep Poll of 2009.

The season gets cranked up in earnest later this week, when 10 more Top 25 teams kick off their schedules. ESPN and ESPNU will televise three games this weekend, including No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas' opener against Upper Arlington (Ohio) Saturday afternoon.

Preseason National Prep Football Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Defending Florida 5A champion St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) is ranked No. 1 in the first National Prep Poll of the season.

This is the 14th consecutive weekly poll with Aquinas ranked in the top spot. The Raiders, who have won 24 straight games, took over the nation's No. 1 ranking last September and rolled to their second consecutive state championship and first-ever Prep Poll mythical national title.

"It’s hard to imagine the 2009 Raiders being as dominant in all phases of the game as last year's team," said Jamie DeMoney, who begins his 10th year as compiler of the World Features Syndicate/Associated Press National Prep Poll. "The '08 Aquinas team was by far faster, stronger, and more fundamentally sound than every team it faced.

"The standard last year's Aquinas team set is almost unrealistically high. But with that said, with the quality of talent and coaching that this team will have, I see no reason to expect the Raiders to lose a game this year, either."

The Raiders, who have about a dozen potential Division I recruits in their senior class, will play a difficult schedule that kicks off with an August 29 trip to play Upper Arlington, Ohio, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. On October 5, Aquinas will host No. 2 Duncan, S.C., Byrnes in a much-anticipated nationally televised matchup.

Preseason National Prep Football Poll

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas

PrepNation.com continues the most comprehensive package of preseason high school football rankings ever published. We are counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, from No. 101 to No. 26, leading up to the release of the official preseason National Prep Poll on August 3.

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Last season: 15-0, Class 5A state champion and National Prep Poll champion
Coach: George Smith
Key players: RB Giovanni Bernard (5-8, 200, Sr.), RB James White (5-11, 195, Sr.), QB Turner Baty (6-2, 190, Sr.), QB Jake Rudock (6-2, 175, Jr.), WR Phil Dorsett (5-9, 170, Jr.), OL Brandon Linder (6-6, 275, Sr.), OL Jermaine Barton (6-7, 280, Sr.), DL Matt Stokes (6-2, 250, Sr.), LB Vinnie Mauro (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB John Baglia (6-1, 215, Sr.), DB-WR Lamarcus Joyner (5-8, 170, Sr.), DB Brian Robinson (6-0, 190, Sr.), DB Cody Riggs (5-11, 170, Sr.), DB Keion Payne (6-0, 170, Sr.), K-P Mike Palardy (6-2, 175, Sr.)
Outlook: Thirteen starters, including eight players who signed with Division I programs, graduated from the Raiders’ fifth state title and first National Prep Poll championship team. That’s the bad news. The good news is the incoming senior class has at least 12 Division I prospects. It’s hard to imagine the 2009 Raiders being as dominant in all phases as the team that came before it (Aquinas won by an average margin of 46-8 in ’08). But there is no reason to expect them to lose a game, either. Smith says fall drills will decide the pecking order at QB between Baty and Rudock, who are both Division I prospects. Baty transferred to Aquinas last year from Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) while Rudock saw some varsity action as a sophomore during mop-up time. “They’re both hard-working kids,” Smith says. Aquinas has only three returning offensive starters, and two of them are running backs. Bernard, who gained 1,528 yards on 160 carries (9.5 average) with 18 touchdowns last season, is more of a between-the-tackles type of back. White, on the other hand, is more dangerous in the open field. He had 960 rushing yards on 127 carries (7.5 average) and also scored 18 touchdowns. Both starting receivers graduated leaving a talented underclassman, Dorsett, as perhaps the top option this year. He has excellent speed and might be the top college prospect in the Raiders’ junior class. Blue chip recruit Linder is the lone starter returning on the offensive line, but Barton leads a group of talented blockers with great size ready to step up and win starting jobs. The defense, which has six starters back, features arguably the best secondary in all of high school football. There are three returning starters plus highly rated newcomer Joyner, an all-county transfer from Southwest Miami High. He, Robinson, Payne, and Riggs all are rated three stars or higher by rivals.com. Riggs, the son of former NFL running back Gerald Riggs, led the team last season with eight interceptions and 24 passes broken up. Returning linebackers Mauro and Baglia each totaled double-digit tackles for losses. The Raiders will have an edge on most opponents in the kicking game. Palardy, who can handle both kicking and punting, made 3-6 field goals and 76-78 PATs as a junior and has accepted a scholarship offer from Tennessee. Once again, the Raiders have a schedule befitting a national power. For the second straight year, they open the season in Ohio, playing Columbus-area power Upper Arlington at Ohio Stadium on August 29. On October 2, the Raiders host Byrnes (S.C.) in a much-anticipated showdown between the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country. “Anytime you have success, your bar raises,” says Smith. “Including what the players demand of themselves.”

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 2 Byrnes

PrepNation.com continues the most comprehensive package of preseason high school football rankings ever published. We are counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, from No. 101 to No. 26, leading up to the release of the official preseason National Prep Poll on August 3.

2. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 4A/I state champion
Coach: Chris Miller
Key players: RB Marcus Lattimore (6-2, 215, Sr.), QB Chas Dodd (5-11, 180, Sr.), WR Nick Jones (5-10, 185, Sr.), WR Torian Richardson (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR Jazz King (5-11, 180, Sr.), DE Corey Miler (6-4, 245, Sr.), DE Brandon Willis (6-4, 250, Sr.), DB Zack Miller (5-11, 170, Sr.)
Outlook: For the third time in four seasons, Byrnes begins the season ranked in the Top 10 of the National Prep Poll. Six offensive starters return, including one of the best groups of skill players in the country, as the Rebels seek their seventh state title in eight years and a shot at their first national championship. Dodd, a Rutgers recruit, will trigger Byrnes’ high-powered offense for a third season. As a junior, he had 2,397 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. One of the nation’s top-rated running backs, Lattimore gives the Rebels’ pass-oriented offense another explosive dimension. He ran for more than 2,300 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Three veteran receivers are also back in Jones, Richardson, and King. The trio combined for over 1,600 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in ’08. There are only five returning starters on defense, but the unit is very strong up front. Blue chip recruits Corey Miller (Florida St.) and Willis form perhaps the top pair of bookends in all of high school football. Zack Miller is top returning player in the Rebels’ secondary. Byrnes has a Florida opponent on its schedule for the fourth straight year. The Rebels will play at No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) on October 2 in a much-anticipated nationally televised matchup.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 3 Miami Northwestern

PrepNation.com continues the most comprehensive package of preseason high school football rankings ever published. We are counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, from No. 101 to No. 26, leading up to the release of the official preseason National Prep Poll on August 3.

3. Northwestern (Miami)
Last season: 13-2, Class 6A state runner-up
Coach: Billy Rolle
Key players: DT Todd Chandler (6-0, 280, Sr.), OT Torrian Wilson (6-5, 315, Sr.), WR Michaelee Harris (6-1, 175, Sr.), WR Lorenzo Shinhoster (5-10, 170, Sr.), RB Corvin Lamb (5-10, 190, Sr.), QB Teddy Bridgewater (6-3, 170, Jr.), DB Khalid Marshall (5-9, 175, Sr.), DB Khambrell McGee (5-9, 170, Sr.), TE Charles Fashaw (6-5, 240, Sr.)
Outlook: Beware the running of the Bulls. For the second time in three years, Northwestern begins the season ranked in the top five of the National Prep Poll and favored to bring home the 6A state championship. The 2007 team had 10 seniors sign with Division I colleges. Incredibly, this year’s team might match that number. The top player on the team might actually be a junior. Bridgewater, a highly athletic QB, passed for 1,357 yards as a sophomore and followed that up by leading a team comprised of Northwestern players to the championship of the highly competitive Nike 7ON national passing tournament in Oregon over the summer. Highly rated prospect Harris and Monsignor Pace transfer Fashaw are the Bulls’ top veteran receivers. Lamb, who has 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash, gives Northwestern’s spread offense another dimension. An offensive line that has some question marks will be rebuilt around returning all-state selection Wilson. Powerful Miami-bound nose tackle Chandler, a three-year starter, provides the up-front muscle of what should be an outstanding defense. There is also a lot of talent returning in the secondary, including speedsters Marshall and McGee.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 4 Katy

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4. Katy (Texas)
Last season: 13-3, Class 5A/II state champion
Coach: Gary Joseph
Key players: TE Zach Swanson (6-6, 230, Sr.), RB William Jeffrey (5-7, 155, Sr.), OL Shep Klink (6-6, 285, Sr.), LB Jonathon Fisher (6-0, 200, Sr.), FS Sam Holl (6-1, 190, Sr.), LB Grant Clifton (5-11, 200, Jr.), DE Nick Narcisse (6-3, 195, Jr.), WR Greg Morris (5-8, 150, Jr.), QB Michael Stojkovic (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Outlook: The Tigers were a unanimous choice as the state’s preseason No.1 team by many magazines and websites devoted to covering Texas high school football. That’s partially due to the quality of play attributed to the 10 returning starters on this year’s team. But it also has a lot to do with Katy winning back-to-back 5A state titles and four championships this decade. Joseph, who is 68-7 in five years as head coach, says the strength of this year’s team will be its defense. The unit has five players who earned all-district accolades last season. In fact, Holl was named the 17-5A defensive MVP and earned second team all-state recognition. On offense, Stojkovic will be a first-year starter but has enough previous experience to have earned a letter. His primary weapons will be all-district RB Jeffrey and WR Morris, a junior with blazing 4.42 speed in the 40. The offensive line features a pair of Division I commitments in Stanford-bound TE Swanson and OT Klink, a Texas A&M recruit. Katy’s mettle will be tested early and often this season. The Tigers open the year against No. 58 North Shore, and two weeks later will host No. 8 Bellevue (Wash.) in an intriguing interregional matchup of national power programs.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 5 Glenville

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5. Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)
Last season: 11-1, Region 1 semifinalist
Coach: Ted Ginn
Key players: DB-RB Latwan Anderson (5-11, 185, Sr.), DB-WR Christian Bryant (5-10, 175, Sr.), DE Jayrone Elliott (6-3, 215, Sr.), DE Terry Hasberry (6-2, 240, Sr.), LB Andre Sturdivant (6-2, 220, Jr.), DB-WR Aaron Morris (5-10, 195, Sr.), QB Cardale Jones (6-4, 195, Sr.), LB James Gordon (6-3, 195, Sr.), QB-WR Demetrious Craig (6-1, 180, Sr.), WR-DB Shane Wynn (5-9, 165, Jr.), OT Aundrey Walker (6-5, 295, Jr.)
Outlook: The Tarblooders split two games with eventual Division I champion St. Ignatius last season. Unfortunately for them, their loss in the series was an 8-7 heartbreaker in the playoffs. Talented senior and junior classes must step up to fill some big shoes left behind after eight players signed with Division I programs. Glenville’s secondary features a pair of national recruits in Anderson, a transfer from St. Edward, and Bryant, who can also line up at WR and QB. The defensive line has two outstanding pass rushers in Elliott and Hasberry. At linebacker, you will find one of the country’s top junior recruits in Sturdivant. On offense, the QB duties should fall to talented junior Jones, the backup last season. However, Nordonia transfer Craig will also be in the mix. Junior OT Walker has the look of a future blue chipper. The Tarblooders do not play a difficult conference schedule but will test themselves early on with three consecutive road games against No. 29 St. Ignatius, Reynoldsburg, and Region 4 contender Wayne (Huber Heights).

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 6 Oscar Smith

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6. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)
Last season: 15-0, Division 6 state champion
Coach: Richard Morgan
Key players: QB Phillip Sims (6-2, 220, Sr.), DT Evan Hailes (6-1, 315, Sr.), DE Corey Steward (5-10, 245, Sr.), LB Raysean Richardson (6-0, 200, Jr.), LB Jeremy Majette (6-1, 240, Sr.)
Outlook: With one of the nation’s top-rated quarterbacks and four offensive linemen returning, the Tigers are a heavy favorite to repeat as state champs in Virginia’s largest classification. Sims, an Alabama recruit and four-year starter, was first team all-state last season after throwing for more than 3,200 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also had over 3,000 passing yards as a sophomore when the Tigers lost in the state semifinals. Seven starters are back from a defense that allowed only 8 points per contest. The anchor of the defensive line is Hailes, a Penn St. recruit and two-time all-state selection. He is flanked by Steward, who had 16 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in ’08. Richardson returns to lead the linebackers after totaling eight sacks and 11 tackles for loss as a sophomore. He will be joined by Majette, a transfer from Bayside (Virginia Beach). The Tigers open the season August 28 with a nationally televised matchup against Venice (Fla.).

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 7 Lakewood

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7. Lakewood (Calif.)
Last season: 10-3, CIF-SS Pac-5 Division semifinalist
Coach: Thadd Mac Neal
Key players: QB Jesse Scroggins (6-2, 200, Sr.), WR Kevin Anderson (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB Jerry Stone (5-10, 200, Sr.), DB Dion Bailey (6-0, 195, Sr.), DT Justin Utupo (6-2, 245, Sr.), DB Brennan Kelley (5-9, 180, Sr.), WR Chris Davis (5-7, 165, Sr.), OL Kelley Harpham (6-3, 260, Jr.), LB Rahim Cassel (6-2, 215, Jr.), RB Alley Long (5-9, 185, Jr.)
Outlook: If the Lancers are ever going to both unseat nationally ranked Long Beach Poly as Moore League champion and win their first CIF championship, one would think this would have to be the year. Seven starters return on both sides of the ball and there are at least five major Division I recruits in this year’s senior class. USC-bound QB Scroggins returns to lead an explosive offense. As a junior he passed for 2,556 yards and 24 touchdowns. His top target will again be Anderson, an Arizona St. recruit who has great hands and runs excellent routes. The Lancers have equally effective weapons in the running game with Stone, a breakaway back who had 1,671 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and speedy junior Long. The biggest area for concern is along the offensive line, where Harpham returns after an all-league sophomore season. Notre Dame-bound tackle Utupo is the top returning player in the Lancers’ defensive front. He had 10 sacks last season. Bailey, a USC commit, returns to roam the secondary after picking off nine passes and earning All-CIF accolades a year ago.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 8 Bellevue

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8. Bellevue (Wash.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 3A state champion
Coach: Butch Goncharoff
Key players: OT-DT Julious Moore (6-1, 275, Sr.), OG-DT Jake Hilliard (6-3, 260, Sr.), OT-DT Sam Kenney (6-3, 245, Sr.), TE-OT-DE Hank Thayer (6-3, 240, Sr.), OG-DE Marcus Henry (6-4, 240, Jr.), FB-LB John Kanongata’a (5-11, 215, Sr.), RB-DB David Nguyen (5-11, 185, Sr.), RB-DB Sean Coley (5-11, 175, Sr.), QB-WR-FS Kendrick VanAckren (6-2, 185, Jr.), QB-WR-DB Joe Joe Connor (5-11, 173, Sr.)
Outlook: The Wolverines, who have six state titles since 2001, have the experience, talent, and schedule demands that are indicative of a Top 10 team. Seven starters return on offense, including four experienced offensive linemen. The leaders of the group are UCLA-bound two-way tackle Moore and first team all-league guard Hilliard. Taking over the controls of Bellevue’s hard-charging and deceptive-to-read Wing-T offense will be Connor, an ultra quick lower Division I prospect who played about 30 percent of the team’s snaps last season. He will have two returning starters at RB to work with in Nguyen and Coley. There are six starters back on defense, a unit led by all-state LB Kanongata’a. Bellevue has a rigorous non-league schedule that includes a September 12 trip to the Lone Star state to play defending Texas 5A/I champion No. 4 Katy followed by a home game against defending California Open Division titlist No. 90 Grant. The biggest concern for the Wolverines, especially in a game against the likes of Katy, might be depth. Many of the team’s top players play heavy minutes on both sides of the ball.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 9 Skyline

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9. Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Mat Taylor
Key players: QB Jake Heaps (6-2, 195, Sr.), WR Kasen Williams (6-2, 195, Jr.), WR Miles Edwards (6-1, 190, Sr.), OT Jase Butorac (6-3, 280, Sr.), OL Michael Stead (6-4, 240, Sr.), OG Evan Day (6-3, 255, Sr.), TE-DE Cooper Pelluer (6-3, 225, Sr.), LB Anthony DeMatteo (5-11, 200, Sr.)
Outlook: The two-time defending 4A champion enters the season on a 28-game winning streak. The Spartans are built around Heaps, a four-year starter and highly touted BYU recruit. As a junior, he threw for more than 3,100 yards with 31 touchdowns. His top target is Williams, one of the nation’s top recruits in the Class of 2011. Williams, also a starter since his freshman year, had nearly 1,000 receiving yards last season. He was also the state high jump champion (6-10) last spring and already has offers from many of the nation’s top college programs. Up front, the Spartans are in great shape with three big offensive linemen returning. Pelluer is talented two-way player who is poised for a breakout senior year. All-league LB DeMatteo is the top returning player from a defense that allowed only 6 points per game.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 10 Cedar Hill

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10. Cedar Hill (Texas)
Last season: 12-2, Class 5A/II state quarterfinalist
Coach: Joey McGuire
Key players: RB Ben Malena (5-9, 205, Sr.), LB Aaron Benson (6-1, 210, Sr.), OG Adam Shead (6-4, 300, Sr.), OL Josh Allen (6-3, 265, Sr.), FS Elisha Olabode (5-11, 180, Sr.), K Eduardo Camara (5-9, 150, Sr.), WR Lovett Gibson (6-2, 180, Jr.), QB Driphus Jackson (6-1, 185, Jr.)
Outlook: With seven starters returning on offense and six back on defense, the Longhorns are in excellent position to vie for their second state title in four years. An offense that averaged 36 points per game could be even better this season. The workhorse of the unit will again be Malena, a Texas A&M commit who ran for 2,202 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. He runs behind an offensive line with three all-district players back including massive Oklahoma-bound OG Shead. Returning at QB is Jackson, who had 1,316 passing yards and 818 rushing yards as a sophomore starter. The defense is anchored by Benson, a future Texas Longhorn who had 155 tackles and seven sacks. The captain of an otherwise youthful secondary will be Olabode, who had 99 tackles and three interceptions last season. Arkansas-bound K Camara gives the Longhorns an added weapon with his field goal range that extends beyond 50 yards.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 11 Lowndes

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11. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.)
Last season: 12-1, Class 5A state quarterfinalist
Coach: Randy McPherson
Key players: OT-DT Ed Christian (6-5, 290, Sr.), OT-DT Jordan Black (6-4, 245, Sr.), LB-TE Telvin Smith (6-4, 220, Sr.), RB-DB Khary Franklin (5-7, 165, Sr.), OT-DT Justin Browning (6-3, 280, Sr.), LB Robert Anderson (5-9, 195, Sr.), DB Tyler Hunter (6-0, 185, Jr.), LB Michael Copeland (6-3, 220, Sr.), OL-DL Michael Miller (6-2, 250, Sr.)
Outlook: The Vikings began last season ranked No. 3 in the National Prep Poll and seemed a sure bet to pick up their fourth state championship of the decade. But an upset loss to Grayson in the playoffs derailed those hopes. Eight offensive and four defensive starters from that team are back and hungry for redemption. On offense, Florida St.-bound tackle Christian anchors a huge and talented offensive line. They will open holes for Franklin, who isn’t big but has 4.3 speed in the 40. The top players back from a defense that allowed just 9 points per game last season are Florida St.-bound LB Smith and super fast junior DB Hunter.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 12 Jenks

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12. Jenks (Okla.)
Last season: 12-2, Class 6A state runner-up
Coach: Allan Trimble
Key players: WR Jarrett Lake (6-2, 190, Sr.), RB Colton Dost (5-10, 172, Sr.), OT Jake Alexander (6-2, 275, Sr.), OT Eric Graham (6-4, 280, Sr.), QB Sawyer Kollmorgen (6-1, 195, Jr.), DT David Lore (6-2, 255, Sr.), TE Tyler Ott (6-2, 245, Sr.), Hunter Johnson (6-2, 220, Jr.)
Outlook: The Trojans, who have won six state championships this decade, begin the year ranked in the National Prep Poll’s Top 25 for the seventh time since 2000. Trimble, who has lost only 16 games in 13 years at Jenks, has plenty of good things to say about his offense. The group has eight returning starters including three experienced linemen, led by Tulsa recruit Alexander. The passing game should flourish with another year of seasoning for talented young QB Kollmorgen. As a sophomore, he passed for 1,437 yards and 11 touchdowns. One of his top targets will be Lake, an Oklahoma-bound playmaker who has just scratched the surface of his potential. Lore and talented junior LB Johnson will anchor a defense with only three full-time returning starters. If the Trojans defense can mature in a hurry, a 10th state title in 14 years is a distinct possibility.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 13 Elder

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13. Elder (Cincinnati)
Last season: 13-2, Division I state runner-up
Coach: Doug Ramsey
Key players: QB Mark Miller (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB Adam Brown (5-8, 165, Sr.), WR Tim O’Conner (6-4, 190, Sr.), TE Alex Welch (6-5, 235, Sr.), DE Pete Bachman (6-4, 220, Sr.), K Tony Milano (6-1, 170, Sr.), LB-P Corey Mason (6-3, 200, Sr.)
Outlook: The Panthers fell one win short of capturing their third state title in seven seasons last year. Four offensive starters return but there none are back on the offensive line. That might not matter much because the returning skill performers are outstanding. Running the offense for the third straight season will be Miller, a first team all-state selection last season who threw for nearly 2,000 yards. His top receiving targets also return in the sure-handed O’Conner, an Indiana recruit, and Notre Dame-bound TE Welch. On defense, seven starters return to duty including Indiana-bound DE Bachman. Elder’s should have an edge in special teams against most foes with Milano back handling the kicking duties. As a junior, he hit a school-record 47-yard field goal.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 14 Don Bosco Prep

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14. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Last season: 11-1, Non-public Group 4 state champion
Coach: Greg Toal
Key players: OL-DL James Kittredge (6-4, 265, Sr.), OL Brandon Sacco (6-4, 260, Sr.), RB Tony Jones (5-8, 190, Sr.), DE Bryan Murphy (6-3, 225, Sr.), DE-LB Steele DiVitto (6-3, 220, Sr.), TE-LB Ryan Cobb (6-1, 215, Sr.), WR Lennie Caroo (6-2, 205, So.), QB Gary Nova (6-2, 195, Jr.)
Outlook: The Ironmen have a talent and experience-laden team ready to meet the challenges of a demanding schedule. Thirteen total starters return from their fifth state championship squad in seven seasons. It includes five players already committed to Division I colleges. The biggest question mark is deciding on and developing a new starting QB to replace Brett Knief, now on a baseball scholarship at North Carolina. His talent and leadership were vital in Don Bosco’s road defeat of nationally ranked De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) last season. Going into the fall drills, Nova had the most experience among three players competing for the job. Jones, a super quick back who can also line up in the slot, will be the focal point of the rushing attack. Virginia-bound TE Cobb and rising sophomore star WR Caroo should be standouts in the passing game. The offensive line will be anchored by Vanderbilt recruit Kittredge and Sacco, who will play at Pittsburgh. Kittredge will also jump over to defense and join DiVitto, a Boston College commit, and Pittsburgh recruit Murphy on the defensive front. The Ironmen will play a rematch against No. 18 De La Salle, this time in New Jersey, on September 12. Two weeks later, they travel to Alabama to play three-time defending 6A champ No. 19 Prattville.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 15 Oaks Christian

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15. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Last season: 14-0, CIF-SS Northwest champion
Coach: Bill Redell
Key players: QB Nick Montana (6-2, 190, Sr.), RB-LB Malcolm Jones (6-0, 220, Sr.), DE-TE Alani Fua (6-6, 200, Sr.), OT Erik Kohler (6-5, 280, Sr.), LB Zac Stout (6-2, 225, Sr.), DT Cassius Marsh (6-4, 280, Sr.), WR Jordan Payton (6-2, 190, So.)
Outlook: With eight starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Lions begin the year nationally ranked for the second time in four years. Optimism is usually high when an offense that averaged 48 yards per game returns its quarterback. When the QB happens to be the son of an NFL legend, then optimism tends to fly off the charts. Montana, son of Hall of Fame passer Joe Montana, completed 132 of 241 passes (55 percent) for 2,394 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. He virtually had his pick of any college from which to accept a scholarship offer before settling on the Washington Huskies. Montana will lead the Lions to his future home city of Seattle on September 18 to play No. 9 Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.). Another key returnee is Jones, a four-year starter who is capable of dominating a game on both sides of the ball. As a junior, he ran for 1,504 yards on 149 carries (10 average) with 26 touchdowns. Look for big things from Payton, a young receiver who possesses tremendous athletic ability. The top returning offensive linemen is blue chip recruit Kohler. Future BYU Cougar Stout, who led the team in tackles last year, returns to anchor the Lions’ defense. He is aided from outstanding play up front in the trenches by Marsh and Fua.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 16 Allen

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16. Allen (Texas)
Last season: 15-1, Class 5A/I state champion
Coach: Tom Westerberg
Key players: QB Matt Brown (6-1, 180, Sr.), QB Tucker Carter (6-2, 200, Sr.), OL Cedric Ogbuehi (6-4, 275, Sr.), OL Luke Burleson (6-5, 270, Sr.), OL Taylor Pearson (6-4, 287, Sr.), OL Richard Greer (6-2, 285, Sr.), DB Josh Reed (6-2, 165, Sr.), LB Cheyenne Urban (6-0, 213, Sr.), LB Melvin Spears (6-2, 215, Jr.)
Outlook: The Eagles have only eight total returning starters but are loaded at quarterback and on the offensive line. Carter stepped in when Brown broke his collarbone during last year’s playoffs. He picked up where the highly skilled Arizona recruit left off and helped lead Allen to its first-ever state championship. Expect Westerberg to use both passers in some capacity this season in Allen’s high-powered spread offense attack. All five starting offensive linemen are back this season. Two have made early college commitments with Ogbuehi choosing Texas A&M and Burleson pledging to Baylor. Reed and Urban are the lone returning starters on defense. Spears and the other new faces on that side of the ball must develop in a hurry in order for Allen to fulfill its mission to repeat as state champion.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 17 Lakeland

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17. Lakeland (Fla.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: Bill Castle
Key players: QB Jarred Haggins (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB William Lucas (5-11, 205, Sr.), LB Quayshawn Nealy (6-1, 210, Sr.), RB Rodney Watson (5-9, 170, Sr.), WR Javeres McRoy (5-9, 165, Jr.), RB Ben McRoy (5-9, 160, Sr.)
Outlook: The six-time state titlist Dreadnaughts perennially field a championship-caliber defense, and this year should be no exception. Lakeland returns seven starters on that side of the ball, including a pair of Division I-caliber linebackers. Lucas (Purdue) and Nealy (uncommitted) each totaled more than 100 tackles last season. The secondary should be excellent too, with three starters returning. On offense, Florida St. recruit Haggins returns for his third year as a starter. Watson and McRoy are experienced ball carriers. Castle says his biggest area for concern is the development of a rebuilt offensive line. For the third time in four seasons, Lakeland will hop on a plane to play an out-of-state game against a top national opponent. In 2006, Lakeland traveled to Cincinnati and defeated St. Xavier. Last season, the Dreadnaughts defeated Pittsburgh Central Catholic in Wheeling, W.Va. This year, perhaps the biggest game in Lakeland history: September 25 vs. No. 18 De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 18 De La Salle

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18. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Last season: 12-2, Division I state runner-up
Coach: Bob Ladouceur
Key players: RB Tyler Anderson (5-10, 185, Sr.), RB Terron Ward (5-7, 173, Sr.), OT-DT Tom Hickel (6-3, 260, Sr.), OT-DT Chris Lawrence (6-2, 258, Sr.), TE-LB Blake Renaud (6-2, 235, Jr.), OT-DE Dylan Winn (6-2, 230, Jr.), OG-DT Dino Waldren (6-0, 245, Sr.), DE William Marre (5-11, 235, Sr.)
Outlook: The Spartans have 11 total starters returning, with an especially strong group of offensive and defensive linemen. Under Ladouceur, De La Salle has won six National Prep Poll titles and an unimaginable 93 percent of its games. One of the main reasons for that unprecedented success has been the Spartans’ superior line play and physical nature. With that in mind, although this year’s team lacks experience at quarterback and receiver, there is no reason to expect anything but another outstanding season. There is good experience and talent at the RB position. Ward and Anderson combined for close to 1,300 rushing yards last season. The Spartans have not one but two games against nationally ranked out-of-state opponents on their schedule. On September 12, they will travel to New Jersey and attempt to avenge last season’s loss to No. 14 Don Bosco Prep. Two weeks later, No. 17 Lakeland comes to California for a meeting at Diablo Valley College. Both games are expected to be nationally televised.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 19 Prattville

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19. Prattville (Ala.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Jamey DuBose
Key players: QB Sam Gibson (6-2, 205, Sr.), S Nick Perry (6-2, 190, Sr.), WR Cornelius Fenderson (6-3, 175, Sr.), DL Josh Sinson (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB Qushaun Lee (5-11, 220, Sr.), DB Cedric Smith (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR Corey Shelton (5-6, 150, Sr.)
Outlook: Seven starters return on offense and six on defense for the Lions, who have won three consecutive 6A titles and 43 of their last 44 games overall. The guy who makes the offense go is Gibson, an LSU recruit who had total more than 1,000 passing and 500 rushing yards as a junior. Shelton is a lethal offensive weapon that comes in a small package. Though he stands just 5-foot-6, the rivals.com 3-star recruit has blazing 4.3 speed in the 40. Stinson, Lee and Smith have the most experience coming into the season on a defense that history tells us should be very good. Only twice in the last three seasons have the Lions allowed an opponent to score more than 20 points.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 20 Liberty

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20. Liberty (Bethlehem, Pa.)
Last season: 15-1, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Tim Moncman
Key players: QB-FS Anthony Gonzalez (6-3, 190, Sr.), WR-DB Jared West (6-3, 185, Sr.), DE Dontae Holmes (6-3, 220, Jr.), OT Giles Campbell (6-2, 270, Sr.), LB Rashad Knight (6-2, 220, Sr.), LB Drew Persa (6-3, 215, Jr.)
Outlook: With six starters back on both sides of the ball -- including the state MVP at quarterback -- the Hurricanes should offer a strong defense of their first 4A state championship. Gonzalez is a true difference-maker on both sides of the ball. In Liberty’s 28-21 state championship game victory against Bethel Park, he ran for 205 yards and three touchdowns, then made a one-handed interception in overtime to clinch the win. For the season, Gonzalez passed for 1,580 yards and rushed for 1,697 yards with 36 total touchdowns. His top receiver, West, is also back another year. The Stanford recruit is a tremendous athlete with great leaping ability. The Liberty offensive line has four new starters but all but three are seniors and the unit will average 260 pounds. The lone holdover is Campbell, who protects Gonzalez’s blind side at left tackle. The Hurricanes defense has good talent returning in the front seven. Holmes, Knight and Persa are all Division I prospects.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 21 Centennial

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21. Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 5A/II champion
Coach: Richard Taylor
Key players: OT Nick Rowland (6-5, 300, Sr.), OL-DL Dylan Lusk (6-2, 305, Sr.), LB Austin Arias (6-0, 225, Sr.), QB Dain McFarland (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB Austin Garday (6-0, 205, Sr.), OL Junior Nieves (6-3, 305, Sr.), WR Matt Baugh (6-1, 182, Sr.), DB Kyle Coffey (5-10, 175, Sr.), RB Jebron Harrington (5-10, 195, Jr.)
Outlook: The Grand Canyon State has come to fear the Coyotes, who have won three consecutive state titles and 41 of their last 42 games. This year’s team should be particularly strong on offense, where three starting offensive linemen are back on duty. The leader of the group is Rowland, an all-state selection last year with several Pac-10 scholarship offers. Starting QB McFarland is also back after throwing for close to 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Stepping in to replace graduated all-state RB John Hughes will be Harrington, who averaged over seven yards per carry in limited action as a sophomore. UNLV recruit Arias and three-year starter Garady are the top players back on defense. The Coyotes open the season August 22 against defending Nevada 4A champion Reno McQueen.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 22 Skyline

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22. Skyline (Dallas)
Last season: 12-2, Class 5A/I state quarterfinalist
Coach: Reginald Samples
Key players: LB Corey Nelson (6-1, 215, Sr.), LB Domonique Patterson (6-0, 220, Sr.), WR Mike Davis (6-1, 180, Sr.), WR Joe Powell (6-1, 174, Sr.), QB Javia Hall (6-2, 175, Sr.), DL Rodney Williams (6-1, 240, Sr.), OL Graylin Hawkins (6-3, 230, Sr.), OL DeMarcus Shaw (6-2, 225, Sr.), RB Tony Drake (5-9, 175, Sr.)
Outlook: Not since 1988 has a Dallas Independent School District team captured a Texas 5A state title. The Raiders, sporting a roster that includes nine players already committed to Division I colleges, might have what it takes to end that championship draught. It’s hard to narrow down just one team strength for this squad. But you’d probably look first at linebacker, where the Texas A&M-bound duo of Nelson and Patterson return for their third year of starting duty. As a junior, Nelson notched 155 tackles, 12 sacks, and blocked a ridiculous nine punts. Making their job easier will be a very good defensive line that features Houston recruit Williams, a first team all-district player last year. Hall (North Texas) takes over a full-time roll at QB after sharing snaps last season. He will have the luxury of throwing the football to a pair of major Division I recruits in Davis (LSU) and Powell (Oklahoma). Drake, an explosive runner and dangerous receiver out of the backfield, is headed to play at Michigan next season. The offensive line has three all-district players returning, including North Texas recruit Hawkins.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 23 Independence

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23. Independence (Charlotte, N.C.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 4AA state semifinalist
Coach: Tom Knotts
Key players: QB Anthony Carrothers (5-9, 170, Sr.), RB NyJee Flemming (5-10, 185, Jr.), OL Ryan Thompson (5-11, 200, Sr.), LB Courtland Carson (6-0, 210, Sr.), DL-LB Jeremy Inglesi (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR Kierre Brown (5-9, 155, Sr.), WR Adrian Gimble (6-2, 175, Jr.)
Outlook: The Patriots are hoping to get back to business as usual, which for them is winning state championships. Knotts led Independence to 109 straight wins between 2000-2007 and seven consecutive state championships. But the Patriots have fallen short the last two seasons, which must seem like an eternity to the folks in and around Mint Hill. Look for an offense with seven returning starters to flourish with three-year starting QB Carrothers running the show on the field and Knotts’ former offensive coordinator Aaron Brand returning to the Indy chalkboard. Though Carrothers lacks ideal height for a passing QB, he threw for more than 4,000 yards and 47 touchdowns last season and has more than 6,700 yards and 64 touchdowns for his career. There are also two new offensive weapons in juniors Flemming and Gimble, both of whom already have Division I offers. The offensive line is anchored by Thompson, a three-time All-Charlotte area guard. Division I-caliber LB Carson leads a group of four returning starters on defense. The Patriots will be tested early in the season when they travel to face defending South Carolina 4A/II champion No. 94 South Pointe (Rock Hill) on September 4.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 24 DeMatha

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24. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Last season: 10-2, WCAC champion
Coach: Bill McGregor
Key players: RB Marcus Coker (6-1, 220, Sr.), RB-WR-DB Jeff Knox Jr. (6-3, 200, Sr.), OT Arie Kouandjio (6-6, 315, Sr.), OL Shane Johnson (6-4, 280, Sr.), OL Jake Geiser (6-3, 275, Sr.), LB Austin Phillips (5-10, 215, Sr.), DB Michael Coley (5-10, 180, Sr.), DB Kyrrel Latimer (5-10, 200, Sr.), DB Lorenzo Waters (6-1, 205, Sr.)
Outlook: Despite graduating eight or more Division I players for the 19th consecutive year, the Stags remain the team to beat in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. After all, DeMatha rebuilds every year and still has won all but one WCAC title this decade, despite heavy competition from nationally ranked rival Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). This year’s team will have the ability to wear opponents down with a big offensive line and power rushing attack. The primary battering ram will be Coker, who ran for close to 1,200 yards as a junior. Another player who might get some carries is Knox, a versatile Pittsburgh recruit who also lines up at receiver and safety. On defense, the Stags’ secondary has at least three players who are being heavily recruited. Latimer chose to end the recruiting process early by committing to Virginia. The most experienced player in the front seven will be Phillips.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 25 John Curtis Christian

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25. John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 2A state champion
Coach: J.T. Curtis
Key players: OT Luke Charpentier (6-4, 295, Sr.), TE-FB Chris Guillot (6-0, 215, Sr.), QB Bryce Jenkins (5-11, 190, Sr.), DB Jonathan McKnight (6-1, 175, Sr.), DT Walker Ashburn (6-2, 255, Sr.), DL Jermaine Collins (5-10, 200, Sr.), LB John White (5-10, 215, Sr.), LB Dex Thibodeaux (5-10, 220, Sr.), LB Seth Jones (6-1, 200, Jr.), RB Torrey Pierce (5-9, 155, Jr.), Josh Hanberry (5-9, 170, Sr.), WR Darian Allen (6-1, 185, Sr.)
Outlook: The Patriots lost last year’s opening game against preseason No. 1 Euless (Texas) Trinity, 28-12, but rebounded to win 14 straight games and roll to state championship No. 23 in the last 34 seasons. Seven key defensive starters are back from that team including versatile senior DB and return man McKnight. He is the younger brother of USC standout Joe McKnight. Ashburn, and highly rated Division I prospect, and Collins anchor a very good defensive line. Their play will make life easier for a llinebacker corps that already returns three out of four starters. On offense, Jenkins takes over the starting QB job after playing significant minutes as a junior. He will be aided by the return of two starters at receiver in Hanberry and Allen. The top returning blockers are blue chip tackle Charpentier and TE-FB Guillot. Pierce, who averaged 7 yards per carry as a sophomore, has a chance to be the Patriots’ primary ball carrier.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 26 Miami Central

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26. Central (Miami)
Last season: 8-4, lost in second round of Class 6A playoffs
Coach: Telly Lockette
Key players: QB Jeffrey Godfrey (6-0, 190, Sr.), RB Brandon Gainer (6-0, 205, Sr.), WR Joshua Reese (6-1, 183, Sr.), OL Jose’ Jose’ (6-3, 335, Sr.), LB Derrick Dansby (6-1, 200, Sr.), WR Charles Gaines (5-11, 170, Jr.)
Outlook: The Rockets have the firepower to challenge nationally ranked rival Miami Northwestern on the road to 6A supremacy. In Godfrey, Central returns one of the nation’s top-rated QB prospects. A starter since his freshman year at Miami Edison, Godfrey posted more than 2,000 passing yards last year. Reese and Gaines are part of a top-notch receiving corps. The two combined for more than 1,500 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in ’08. Gainer is an explosive running back who had 1,644 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The arrival of Booker T. Washington transfer Jose’, a Tennessee recruit, should make Central’s offensive line one of the best in South Florida. All-county middle linebacker Dansby anchors a defense that must take its game to the next level in order for the Rockets to avoid another premature exit from the postseason.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 27 Servite

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27. Servite (Anaheim, Calif.)
Last season: 7-4, lost in second round of CIF-SS Pac-5 playoffs
Coach: Troy Thomas
Key players: QB Cody Fajardo (6-2, 195, Sr.), OT Matt Jakubiec (6-8, 310, Sr.), OL Nico Espinoza (6-2, 300, Sr.), OL Wiatt Baker (6-2, 250, Sr.), DT Kirifi Taula (6-3, 280, Sr.), WR Chris Nicholls (5-8, 165, Sr.), DB Connor Loftus (5-11, 175, Sr.), DE Troy Niklas (6-5, 245, Jr.)
Outlook: With 12 total starters returning and arguably the best grouping of offensive and defensive linemen in the area, you have to like the Friars’ chances to compete for the ultra competitive Pac-5 championship. There are seven regulars back on offense including Fajardo, who set a school record for completion percentage last season (65 percent). He’ll have the benefit of working behind an offensive line teeming with talent and experience. The leader of the group is Jakubiec, a mammoth left tackle who has committed to Arizona. Espinoza is the strongest of the group, bench pressing 375 pounds. Baker is a three-sport star who was also the league heavyweight wrestling and shot put champion. The most dangerous offensive skill player is Nicholls, who has run the 100 meters in 10.66 seconds. The strength of a defense with five returning starters also is in the trenches, where Division I prospects Taula and Niklas are stalwarts.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 28 Plant

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28. Plant (Tampa, Fla.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Robert Weiner
Key players: WR-DB Eric Dungy (6-1, 170, Sr.), QB Phillip Ely (5-10, 160, Jr.), RB T.J. Glover (5-10, 160, Sr.), LB Mike Mirabella (6-0, 210, Sr.), DE Anthony Harrell (6-0, 215, Sr.), DB Javonte Martin (5-9, 155, Sr.), OL Andre Mondor (6-4, 320, Sr.), OL Tony Posada (6-5, 295, Jr.), OL Jon Vega (6-6, 320, Sr.), DE James Wilder (6-3, 215, Jr.)
Outlook: After winning two of the last three state championships in Class 4A, the Panthers move up to compete against the likes of nationally ranked Lakeland and defending National Prep Poll champion St. Thomas Aquinas in 5A. Despite graduating All-American QB Aaron Murray (Georgia), this should still be an outstanding offensive team. It begins up front with an offensive line featuring excellent size and experience. Behind center is Ely, a junior who gained tremendous experience filling in when Murray missed seven games due to injury. His primary receiver is likely to be Dungy, the son of former NFL coach Tony Dungy. Three-year starting LB Mirabella is the top player back from a defense that allowed only 11 points per game. He will benefit from the arrival of first team all-county performer Wilder, a transfer from Chamberlain and son of the former NFL RB by the same name.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 29 St. Ignatius

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29. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)
Last season: 14-1, Division I state champion
Coach: Chuck Kyle
Key players: LB Scott McVey (6-1, 225, Sr.), QB Mark Myers (6-3, 185, Sr.), RB Kevin Johnson (5-10, 195, Sr.), TE Brendan Carrozzoni (6-4, 225, Sr.), LB Jake Ryan (6-3, 220, Sr.), DE Gerard Ramella (6-2, 210, Sr.), OL Stewart Ross (6-3, 230, Sr.)
Outlook: The two-time National Prep Poll champion Wildcats finished nationally ranked and won their first state championship since 2001. The previous senior class had four Division I recruits, and this year’s group appears to be equally talented. The top returning player is future Ohio St. Buckeye McVey, who earned first team all-state recognition last season after totaling 35 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Fellow LB Ryan also figures to be a future Division I player. Leading the offense will be first-year starter Myers at QB. He has a good arm and picked up valuable experience last year backing up Andrew Holland (Pennsylvania). Johnson split carries with a couple of other backs last year but should be the featured runner this season. He is a Division I prospect with outstanding speed. Carrozzoni, a Pittsburgh recruit, is the Wildcats’ top returning receiver.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 30 Mission Viejo

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30. Mission Viejo (Calif.)
Last season: 10-2, lost in second round of CIF-SS Pac-5 playoffs
Coach: Bob Johnson
Key players: OT Mike Criste (6-5, 295, Sr.), OG Patrick Webster (6-3, 275, Sr.), RB-S Jake Marshall (6-1, 210, Sr.), RB Exavier Edwards (5-10, 190, Sr.), QB Dallin McEwen (6-2, 205, Sr.), DE Marc Milllan (6-1, 212, Sr.), LB Nick Dzubnar (6-2, 218, Sr.)
Outlook: Four offensive and five defensive starters are back for the Diablos, who have qualified for the CIF playoffs 10 consecutive years. Offensive line play should be a strength with highly rated recruit Criste and Webster leading the charge. A strong running game featuring Marshall and Orange Lutheran transfer Edwards will help ease any growing pains experienced by first-year starter McEwen at QB.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 31 Tulsa Union

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31. Union (Tulsa, Okla.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 6A state champion
Coach: Kirk Fridrich
Key players: OL Alec Henry (6-4, 285, Sr.), QB Chase Boyce (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR Thomas Roberson (6-3, 180, Sr.), James Roberson (6-3, 180, Sr.), TE Deonte Morris (6-2, 210, Sr.), DB Luke Sinder (5-11, 165, Sr.)
Outlook: The Redskins did their part to keep the Jenks-Union combined stranglehold on the state championship trophy last season. Remarkably, one of the two archrivals has won every 6A title since 1996. Union begins this year as co-favorite with the Trojans to keep that string alive. Seven starters are back on offense, yet a major void has been left with the graduation of all-state RB Jeremy Smith (Oklahoma St.). That is soothed somewhat by the return an experienced signal caller in Boyce. His top targets are the Roberson twins, who have both committed to play at Tulsa. The offensive line has two returning starters led by Henry, an all-state guard. The defense lacks star power, but does return six starters including a great leader and hard-nosed player in Snider.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 32 Long Beach Poly

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32. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.)
Last season: 14-1, Division I Open Division state runner-up
Coach: Raul Lara
Key players: WR Kaelin Clay (5-11, 175, Sr.), RB Cory Westbrook (5-11, 185, Sr.), OL-DL Wilson Edwards (6-0, 245, Sr.), OL-DL Ryan Edwards (6-2, 265, Sr.), WR Alex Cannon (5-11, 165, Sr.), QB Chris Leachman (6-4, 195, Sr.)
Outlook: Only five offensive and one defensive starter return for the Jackrabbits, who have won seven CIF section titles the last 12 years and 79 consecutive Moore League games. With youth and inexperience at several positions – including QB – Poly will have its work cut out for it in 2009. Four of 10 regular season opponents are in the PrepNation 101 preseason national rankings. Then come the rigorous Pac-5 Division playoffs, which probably will include a whopping six teams ranked in the PrepNation 101 rankings. As usual, Poly has some explosive skill players on offense. Westbrook averaged six yards per carry as a backup last season. Clay is the ultimate deep threat. Three of his six touchdowns were 50 yards or longer.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 33 Madison Central

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33. Madison Central (Madison, Miss.)
Last season: 12-2, Class 5A state semifinalist
Coach: Bobby Hall
Key players: QB Peyton Johnson (6-0, 190, Sr.), DE Carlton Martin (6-3, 265, Sr.), DE Bryon Bennett (6-3, 265, Sr.), TE Will Bryan (6-2, 240, Sr.), WR L.J. Hollins (6-2, 185, Sr.), OL Defoe West (6-1, 250, Sr.), LB Tyrece McDonald (6-0, 210, Sr.), WR Tobias Singleton (6-2, 175, Jr.)
Outlook: With nine offensive and six defensive starters returning, the Jaguars are a favorite to win their first state title since 1999. Championship trophies are nothing new to Hall, who led Louisville to the Mississippi 4A championship in 1991 and then Amory to three Class 3A titles and into the national rankings during the mid to late 1990s. Johnson is the triggerman of an offense that scored more than 40 points seven times last season. He had 2,228 passing yards and 21 touchdowns and also rushed for 820 yards and 14 scores. His top receiving target will be Singleton, who had 946 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore. West will anchor the offensive line from the center position. He is a three-year starter and did not allow a sack last year. Highly rated recruits Martin and Bennett are stalwarts of a very good defensive line. The two combined for 11.5 sacks and 48 QB pressures last year.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 34 Notre Dame

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34. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.)
Last season: 11-1, lost in second round of CIF-SS Pac-5 playoffs
Coach: Kevin Rooney
Key players: QB Ryan Kasdorf (6-1, 205, Sr.), OL-DL Ben Gottschalk (6-4, 250, Sr.), RB-DB Kenny Boggs (5-6, 170, Sr.), OL-DL Daniel Munyer (6-3, 265, Sr.), OL Tyler Sulka (6-5, 270, Sr.), LB Wayne Swinson (5-11, 190, Sr.), LB Andrew Kimble (5-9, 200, Sr.), DL D.J. Nelson (6-3, 215, Sr.), DB Bryan Ruballo (5-9, 170, Sr.)
Outlook: Reigning Gatorade state player of the year Kasdorf is one of six returning offensive starters. As a junior, Kasdorf had 3,291 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and completed an impressive 69 percent of his passes. He will have the luxury of working behind an offensive line with four starters back. Gottschalk, who is a highly rated college prospect, was an All-CIF tackle last season while Munyer and Sulk both earned all-league recognition. Scat back Boggs ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. The defense has only four returning starters (Swinson, Kimble, Nelson and Ruballo), but all received all-league accolades in ’08.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 35 Montgomery Bell Academy

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35. Montgomery Bell (Nashville, Tenn.)
Last season: 10-2, Division II-AA state runner-up
Coach: Daniel McGugin
Key players: FB-LB Fitz Lassing (6-3, 220, Sr.), TE-LB Brad Bars (6-3, 220, Sr.), QB Luke Colbert (6-3, 215, Sr.), WR William Tanner (6-0, 175, Sr.), K Andrew Fletcher (5-10, 170, Sr.), OL Jordan Staffer (6-2, 290, Sr.)
Outlook: With five starters back on both sides of the ball, the Big Red is a strong contender to win its second state title in three years. Tennessee’s private-school Division II-AA classification is highly competitive, with defending champion and nationally ranked Memphis University, traditional power Brentwood Academy, and up-and-comer Ensworth all returning strong teams this season. MBA’s strong senior class is led by Bars, who had over 100 tackles last season. He is joined at linebacker by Lassing, who is also a great blocker as a fullback. Tanner had nearly 1,000 receiving yards last season, and will be a great asset for first-year starting QB Colbert. Fletcher is one of the top kicking prospects in the South. He made eight field goals last season and can hit from 50-yard range.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 36 Bolles

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36. Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 2A state champion
Coach: Corky Rogers
Key players: QB Chandler Carr (6-1, 195, Sr.), OL Brent Benedict (6-5, 283, Sr.), DB Desmond Cooper (6-2, 187, Sr.), RB Jawan Jamison (5-8, 165, Sr.), WR Jacob Stenson (5-10, 181, Sr.), RB Jordan Garside (5-9, 204, Sr.), LB Josh Hood (6-0, 222, Sr.)
Outlook: Another year, another title for the Bulldogs who picked up their eighth state championship in 20 years under Rogers. Bolles is moving down one class this season to 2B, where a potential matchup with No. 41 Pahokee could possibly await in the postseason. The strength of this team should be its running attack, with returning starters Jamison and Garside moving the chains behind Georgia-bound offensive tackle Benedict. Wake Forest recruit Cooper and leading tackler Hood are the top returning players from a defense that allowed only 10 points per game last season.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 37 West Monroe

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37. West Monroe (La.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: Don Shows
Key players: OT Dillon Day (6-4, 250, Sr.), OL Andrew Bryan (6-2, 300, Sr.), OL Wayne Hendricks (6-2, 250, Sr.), DE Jordan Allen (6-6, 250, Sr.), S Robert Lay (6-0, 205, Sr.), CB Vincent Bell (5-8, 160, Sr.), DB Samer Mahgoub (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Outlook: The Rebels fell one win shy of winning their seventh state championship in 20 seasons, losing to nationally ranked Destrehan, 14-3, in the final. With a strong group of seniors returning, they might be the favorite this season. Up front, the Rebels have three veteran linemen who are Division I prospects. The defensive front features Allen, who is committed to LSU. There is also great talent and skill in the secondary with Division I prospects Lay, Bell, and Mahgoub returning.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 38 Dwyer

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38. Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
Last season: 12-2, Class 4A state semifinalist
Coach: Jack Daniels
Key players: RB-LB Matt Elam (5-10, 210, Sr.), FB-LB Gerald Christian (6-3, 230, Sr.), CB-WR Robert Clark (5-9, 165, Sr.), DT Michael Fleurizard (6-1, 280, Sr.), TE Nick O’Leary (6-4, 215, Jr.), DE Curt Maggitt (6-4, 210, Jr.), QB Jacoby Brissett (6-4, 225, Jr.)
Outlook: Dwyer appears to have the team to beat in Class 4A this season. Seven offensive and eight defensive starters return for the Panthers, who are seeking their first state championship despite making 10 consecutive playoff appearances. Elam, a Florida recruit, is the most heralded player on the roster. He is a phenomenal physical specimen who is a big-time hitter on defense and a productive ball carrier when he lines up at running back. Fellow Gators recruit Christian had 45 catches out of the backfield last season and made 75 tackles on defense. West Virginia commit Clark also played both ways, accounting for nearly 800 yards receiving and making 43 tackles at cornerback.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 39 Edison

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39. Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.)
Last season: 7-3, did not qualify for the postseason
Coach: Dave White
Key players: OL Roman Sapolu (6-2, 246, Sr.), QB Matt Viles (6-3, 190, Sr.), LB Jordan Zumwalt (6-4, 220, Sr.), WR-FS Jeff Trojan (6-3, 180, Sr.), WR-DB Mike Rivera (5-8, 155, Sr.), RB-DB Davion Orphey (6-1, 175, Jr.), RB-FS Wade Houston (5-11, 170, Sr.)
Outlook: The Chargers, who return seven offensive starters, enter the season on a roll after capturing two of the Southern California’s most significant 7-on-7 passing tournaments during the summer. Viles, a 2,000-yard passing as a junior, is clicking with a strong receiving corps that is led by Trojan and Rivera. The Chargers’ running game is in good hands with talented junior Orphey and Houston back after each averaged more than six yards per carry in ‘08. Sapolu, an Oregon St. recruit and son former NFL lineman Jesse Sapolu, is the cornerstone of an otherwise inexperienced offensive line. The leader on defense is all-state LB Zumwalt, who had 113 tackles and two interceptions as a junior.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 40 Camden County

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40. Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.)
Last season: 15-0, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Jeff Herron
Key players: WR-DB Steven Murphy (6-2, 180, Sr.), RB-DB Ean Days (6-1, 195, Sr.), OT Luke Mercier (6-3, 280, Sr.), DE Matt Jackson (6-3, 240, Sr.), DE Derek Salisbury (6-4, 245, Sr.), RB Jamarie Sanders (5-10, 180, Jr.)
Outlook: Five starters return on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats, who won their third state championship in 10 years last season. The strength of the team will be Herron’s vaunted Wing-T offensive attack. The top leading rusher is Days, who averaged over six yards per carry last season. Murphy is an excellent athlete and is poised for a big senior season. The defensive linemen should be the strength of Camden’s 3-5-3 alignment. Jackson, who led the team in sacks, and Salisbury are both Division I prospects.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 41 Pahokee

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41. Pahokee (Fla.)
Last season: 12-3, Class 2B state champion
Coach: Blaze Thompson
Key players: QB De’Joshua Johnson (5-11, 170, Sr.), TE-DE Zack Allen (6-3, 220, Sr.), OL-DL Richard Ash (6-3, 275, Sr.), OL-DL Antonio Ford (6-3, 265, Sr.), WR Fred Pickett (5-11, 165, Sr.), OG Doral Willis (6-0, 300, Sr.), DB Merrill Noel (5-10, 165, Sr.), WR Chris Dunkley (6-0, 175, Sr.), DB Raheam Buxton (6-0, 175, Sr.)
Outlook: The Blue Devils, who have five state titles the last six seasons, once again have a roster packed with Division I talent. Nine seniors are rated two stars or higher by rivals.com and five have already committed to major Division I programs. Wide receiver is a position of particular strength. West Virginia-bound Pickett and Royal Palm Beach transfer Dunkley are great targets for Johnson, a converted WR himself and Florida St. commit. There is a lot of speed and athleticism in Pahokee’s secondary, as well. Noel has pledged to play at Florida St. Buxton, who will is only a first-year starter, has committed to play at Miami. The Blue Devils are also very strong in the trenches where Ash, Ford, and Willis are all highly rated prospects.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 42 Colerain

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42. Colerain (Cincinnati)
Last season: 11-2, lost in Region 4 final
Coach: Tom Bolden
Key players: QB Greg Tabar (6-0, 175, Sr.), OL Brandon Good (5-11, 260, Sr.), OL Joe Campbell (6-1, 250, Sr.), RB Trayion Durham (6-1, 225, Jr.), RB Tyler Williams (5-7, 160, Jr.), LB-S Tyon Dixon (6-0, 195, Sr.), DB Chris Dukes (5-9, 165, Jr.), D’arius Godfrey (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Outlook: The Cardinals will field a veteran team with plenty of talent at the offensive and defensive skill positions. Colerain’s difficult-to-defend option offense is once again in the capable hands of Tabar, a good leader and near 4.0 student in the classroom. Durham and Williams lead a stable of three capable juniors who will split carries at the running back positions. Good and Campbell anchor the offensive line, one of Colerain's strengths, traditionally. On defense, the leader is Dixon, a Louisville recruit. Dukes and Godfrey carry the banner for what could be the best secondary in Cincinnati this season.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 43 St. Bonaventure

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43. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.)
Last season: 14-1, Division III state champion
Coach: Todd Therrien
Key players: LB Dylan Davis (6-0, 235, Sr.), DB-WR Troy Hill (5-11, 165, Sr.), OL Giovanni DiPoalo (6-4, 260, Sr.), QB Logan Meyer (6-1, 205, Sr.), RB Devon Blackledge (5-9, 165, Sr.), DE-TE Daniel Miguel (6-4, 240, Sr.), DE-TE Cody Kurz (6-3, 245, Jr.), OL David Barajas (6-3, 290, So.)
Outlook: The Seraphs have 14 returning starters with at least 10 Division I prospects on their roster. All-state LB Davis was the leader of a defense that allowed only two opponents to score 20 or more points. He is flanked on one end by Kurz, a future blue chip recruit who started as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, DiPoalo, a future USC Trojan, anchors a talented offensive line. The unit also includes a strong up-and-comer in Barajas, who started as a freshman. The running game should be strong with Blackledge resuming starting tailback duties after a 1,000-yard season. Making the offense go once again will be Meyer, who had over 2,300 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 44 Mainland

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44. Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
Last season: 11-1, lost in second round of Class 5A playoffs
Coach: John Maronto
Key players: OL Mike Kilgore (6-2, 285, Sr.), DT Kenneth Kirksey (6-1, 280, Sr.), RB Marlin Lane (6-1, 195, Jr.), WR O.J. Ross (5-11, 180, Sr.), LB Marcus Arline (6-0, 215, Sr.), DB Ricardo Allen (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR Chevin Davis (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB Anthony Hamm (6-1, 210, Sr.)
Outlook: The Buccaneers will be a strong contender for their first state championship since 2003. Nine starters return from a defense that allowed more than 14 points only once last season. The leader is two-year captain Arline, a middle linebacker. He led the team in tackles last season and Maronto says he is very physical has a great motor. One of the top college prospects on the team is Kirksey, a very physical defensive lineman who can play either tackle or end. The leader in the secondary is Allen, a captain and three-year starter. There is plenty of speed at the offensive skill positions. Ross is a highly rated college prospect with 4.3 speed in the 40. Lane, who already is committed to Clemson, is one of nation’s top-rated Class of 2011 prospects.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 45 East St. Louis

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45. East St. Louis (Ill.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 7A state champion
Coach: Darren Sunkett
Key players: QB Detchuaz Wray (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB Courtney Molton (5-8, 165, Sr.), RB Vinson Arterbridge (6-1, 215, Jr.), WR Keante’ Minor (6-0, 195, Jr.), WR Jylon Spraggins (5-10, 170, Sr.), LB Isiah Grey (6-1, 200, Sr.), DL Eric Howard (6-3, 310, Sr.), DL Clint Tucker (6-3, 280, Jr.), S Darius Stewart (6-2, 200, Sr.)
Outlook: The Flyers ended a 17-year state championship draught last season, winning their final 13 games and capturing the 7A title. Twelve total starters return including Wray, a three-year starter at QB. He has more than 5,100 passing yards and 800 rushing yards with 72 touchdowns in his career. Leading rushers Molton (3,100 career rushing yards) and Arterbridge, a talented junior, are also back. Minor and Spraggins have large shoes to fill at the receiver position after two major Division I recruits graduated. The Flyers’ defense is strong up front with returning starters Howard and Tucker. An otherwise inexperienced secondary got a major boost when Stewart transferred in from McCluer North (Florissant, Mo.).

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 46 Mullen

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46. Mullen (Denver)
Last season: 12-2, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Dave Logan
Key players: LB Nduka Onyeali (6-1, 230, Sr.), LB-TE Leilon Willingham (6-3, 218, Jr.), DT Beau Martin (6-2, 250, Sr.), RB Adonis Ameen-Moore (6-1, 205, Jr.), WR-S Rayshawn Williams (6-0, 180, Jr.), QB Jonny Miller (6-2, 205, Sr.), OL Dewayne Pecosky (6-3, 275, Sr.)
Outlook: Eleven total starters return for the Mustangs, who captured the third state title since 1998 and delivered Logan his fourth state title at three different schools. Seven veterans are back on defense. It is a unit that is particularly strong along the front seven. Onyeali had 107 tackles and 20 sacks as a junior. Willingham started as a sophomore and made a major impact. Leading the offense once again is Miller, a Syracuse commitment. Ameen-Moore, one of the nation’s top Class of 2011 recruits, enters his third season as a major contributor in the Mullen offense. A third member of the Mustangs’ tremendous junior class is Williams, who is a cousin of Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 47 Moeller

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47. Moeller (Cincinnati)
Last season: 6-5, lost in first round of Division I playoffs
Coach: John Rodenberg
Key players: QB Andrew Hendrix (6-3, 220, Sr.), OT Jeff Tanner (6-4, 280, Sr.), TE David Schneider (6-3, 245, Sr.), OT Ali Kassem (6-5, 330, Sr.), RB Richie Dyer (5-11, 175, Jr.), DE Marcus Rush (6-3, 240, Sr.), LB Nick Galvin (6-0, 220, Sr.)
Outlook: Rodenberg welcomes back seven offensive and six defensive starters for his second year at the helm. The longtime Cincinnati-area head coach hopes to lead the Crusaders to their eighth state championship, but first since 1985. There is great talent at the QB position, with Notre Dame-bound Hendrix back for another season. As a junior, threw for over 1,600 yards with 11 touchdowns. Dyer is a talented runner with good quickness. The offensive front features a pair of Division I recruits with Tanner (Wake Forest) and TE Schneider (Ball St.). Moeller’s secondary is short on experience but the front seven is in fine shape with Division I talents Rush and Galvin returning.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 48 Stony Point

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48. Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas)
Last season: 13-2, Class 5A/I state semifinalist
Coach: Craig Chessher
Key players: TE Gerard Shillow (6-3, 215, Sr.), RB Stephen Williams (5-9, 175, Jr.), S Desmond Martin (6-1, 188, Sr.), CB Kevin White (5-9, 165, Sr.), DE John Andrews (6-0, 230, Sr.), QB Aaryn Sharp (6-2, 220, Jr.), QB Gus Berrera (5-9, 170, Jr.)
Outlook: The Tigers enter the 2009 season on a roll. After reaching the state semifinals in just their second-ever playoff berth, they picked up a major piece of hardware over the summer winning the Texas Division I state 7-on-7 championship. It was a significantly good sign for a team that enters the season without a QB firmly ensconced in the starting role. Instead, Sharp, who saw some varsity action as a sophomore, and Berrera, who led the JV team to a perfect 10-0 season, rotated behind center during the tournament. Whichever QB gets the majority of the snaps when the real bullets start flying, he will benefit from having Williams lining up behind him. He was an all-district selection as a sophomore. Shillow, a strong blocker and pass catcher, will line up at H-back. Chessher says the team’s biggest question mark is the offensive line, the one group of position players who do not participate in 7-on-7 play. On defense, all five returning starters were all-district picks. Martin has committed to Texas Tech.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 49 South Panola

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49. South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: Lance Pogue
Key players: RB Nick Parker (6-1, 210, Sr.), DL Devin Clark (6-2, 250, Sr.), OL Martez Wallace (6-3, 275, Sr.), WR Nick Brassell (6-2, 180, Jr.), QB Kasey Livingston (6-3, 180, Jr.), RB Qyendairs Griffin (5-9, 200, Jr.)
Outlook: The Tigers fell just short in their attempt to win a sixth consecutive state title when their 89-game winning streak was snapped in an overtime loss to Meridian in the 5A state championship game. Even with the loss, they had still put together the third longest win streak in prep football history. The top returning player is Parker, a big-time recruit who had 2,500 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. He is backed up by Griffin, a talented junior. The top returning player on defense is Clark, who had nine sacks last season.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 50 Hazelwood Central

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50. Hazelwood Central (Florissant, Mo.)
Last season: 12-2, Class 6 state champion
Coach: Richard Nixon
Key players: QB Kerry Gibson (6-3, 185, Sr.), LB Yomi Alli (6-1, 205, Sr.), LB Courtland Dunlop (6-1, 210, Jr.), LB-RB A.J. Chappelle (6-5, 195, Jr.), DB Brian Walker (5-11, 185, Sr.)
Outlook: With 16 total starters returning, the Hawks are in strong position to repeat as Missouri’s large-school state champion. Gibson had an outstanding junior season, racking up over 2,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards with 32 total touchdowns. The defense should be extremely tough with leading tackler Alli, Dunlop, and Chappelle forming an athletic and tough trio at linebacker. Walker brings experience and talent to the secondary, where he had 103 tackles and eight interceptions last season.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 51 Garland

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51. Garland (Texas)
Last season: 11-2, lost in third round of Class 5A/I playoffs
Coach: Jeff Jordan
Key players: WR Adrian Phillips (5-11, 195, Sr.), QB Jared Barnett (6-1, 190, Sr.), LB Tevin Jackson (6-2, 220, Sr.), S Tyhre Ivery (6-0, 160, Sr.), OL Raymundo Mendoza (5-9, 195, Sr.), OL Moshood Adeniji (6-2, 240, Sr.), DT Jeremiah Edwards (6-1, 275, Sr.)
Outlook: The Owls have enough talent and experience to make a serious run at their first state championship since 1999. There are six returning starters on offense, beginning with Barnett. The Iowa St. recruit threw for 1,216 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. His top target is reigning district MVP Phillips. The future Texas Longhorn accounted for over 2,000 combined passing, receiving, and rushing yards last season. Jackson leads a defense that has five veterans in the starting lineup. Jackson, also a Texas recruit, had 94 tackles and seven sacks. Edwards, a Kansas pledge, anchors the Owls’ defensive interior.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 52 Peachtree Ridge

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52. Peachtree Ridge (Suwannee, Ga.)
Last season: 12-3 last season, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: Bill Ballard
Key players: WR Brad Roby (5-11, 180, Sr.), RB Brandon Stanley (6-3, 205, Sr.), OT Trevor McBurnett (6-4, 297, Sr.), FS Juan Burnett (6-1, 195, Sr.), QB Nick Lombardo (5-11, 170, Sr.), LB Eric Odonkor (5-11, 200, Sr.), LB Tanner Botts (6-2, 215, Jr.), LB Tyler Botts (6-2, 210, Jr.)
Outlook: Eleven starters are back for the Lions, who were state runner-ups last season after tying for the 5A championship in 2006. Veteran QB Lombardo will look to Vanderbilt-bound WR Roby to make the passing game go. Stanley, also a Division I prospect, returns to his starting spot at tailback. The offensive line has two starters back including McBurnett, an all-region performer last season. The strength of the defense is at linebacker, where three of four starters are back, and the secondary, where two regulars return.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 53 Butler

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53. Butler (Matthews, N.C.)
Last season: 12-2, Class 4AA state semifinalist
Coach: Mike Newsome
Key players: QB Christian LeMay (6-3, 190, Jr.), WR-DB Nate Charest (5-10, 170, Sr.), RB-DE Jahwan Edwards (6-0, 225, Jr.), OT Kendall Lamm (6-5, 260, Sr.), LB Alex Polofsky (5-11, 220, Sr.), OT Rich Arelleno (6-6, 270, Sr.)
Outlook: Butler returns nine offensive and five defensive starters from a team that lost only to nemesis Charlotte Independence. LeMay emerged last season as one of the nation’s Top Class 2011 prospects. The talented signal caller threw for 1,639 yards and 15 touchdowns. LeMay has a dependable senior receiver in Charest on which to depend. Up front, Lamm and Arelleno are veteran blockers with great size. Polofsky anchors a defense that must improve if the Bulldogs are going to beat nationally ranked Independence for only the second time in a decade. Junior end Edwards could also develop into a difference-maker.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 54 Destrehan

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54. Destrehan (La.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Stephen Robicheaux
Key players: RB Henry Lenox (6-0, 215, Sr.), RB Marshall Charles (6-0, 190, Sr.), OT Ashton Duhe (6-3, 295, Sr.), DT Calvin Ursin (6-0, 255, Sr.)
Outlook: Destrehan, which enters the year with a 29-game winning streak, became just the third team ever to repeat as Louisiana 5A champion. Graduation claimed many of the Wildcats’ top players but the team’s top two rushers do return with all-district selection Lenox and Charles back for their senior seasons. All-district performer Duhe will be counted on as an anchor for an otherwise rebuilt offensive line.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 55 Good Counsel

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55. Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
Last season: 11-1, WCAC runner-up
Coach: Bob Milloy
Key players: CB-WR Louis Young (6-1, 190, Sr.), DB-WR E.J. Scott (5-11, 170, Sr.), DE Troy Gloster (6-0, 210, Sr.), TE-DT Vince Croce (6-5, 230, Jr.), LB Chris Pitsenberger (5-11, 210, Sr.), DT A.J. Bowman (5-10, 220, Sr.) QB Zach Dancel (5-11, 170, Jr.), DB Frank Tamakloe (6-3, 190, Sr.)
Outlook: Once again, the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference likely will be a two-team race between Good Counsel and nationally ranked DeMatha. Coach Milloy’s squad has defeated the Stags in the regular season three of the last six years, but has been unable to repeat the trick in the WCAC championship game. This year, seven starters return on each side of the ball. There is tremendous athleticism at the skill positions. In the secondary, Young (Stanford), Scott (Virginia), and Tamakloe (Wisconsin) have all made Division I verbal commitments. The leaders on the defensive front are Pitsenberger and Bowman, who both earned first team all-conference accolades last season. The triggerman on offense will be first-year starter Dancel

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 56 Longview

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56. Longview (Texas)
Last season: 13-3 (one loss by forfeit), Class 4A/I state runner-up
Coach: John King
Key players: RB Tyler McCray (6-0, 180, Sr.), QB Aaron Johnson (6-1, 180, Sr.), WR Carey Fortson (6-1, 170, Sr.), OL Bryce Redman (6-2, 240, Sr.), DL Bubba Vactor (6-0, 290, Sr.), WR LaDarrian Robertson (6-3, 200, Jr.)
Outlook: The Lobos are the preseason favorite to win a 4A state championship. Amazingly, despite being a perennial football power, it would be Longview’s first title since 1937. There are six starters back on both sides of the ball, led by veteran QB Johnson. As a junior, he had 900 yards rushing and 1,800 yards passing. His favorite targets will be Fortson and up-and-coming junior talent Robertson. Toting the football again will be McCray, who totaled 1,760 yards and 26 touchdowns. The leader of an otherwise rebuilt offensive line is Redman, who already has 30 career starts under his belt.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 57 Evangel Christian

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57. Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.)
Last season: 13-2 (one win by forfeit), Class 2A state runner-up
Coach: John Bachman
Key players: WR Eric Thomas (6-3, 195, Sr.), WR Thomas Bridgewater (6-0, 180, Sr.), DE Brandon Jackson (6-4, 260, Sr.), DE Jermauria Rasco (6-4, 270, Jr.), QB David Dee Duron (5-10, 160, Jr.), OL Gene Glenn (5-11, 256, Sr.), LB Deonte Thompson (6-3, 205, Sr.)
Outlook: The one-time National Prep Poll champion (1999) has been known for traditionally having one of the most prolific offenses in high school football. But the strength of this year’s team might be the defense, where three Division I prospects will line up in the front seven. Jackson, a Texas A&M recruit, and Rasco are handful to prepare for at the end positions. At linebacker, Thompson is a great athlete. As always, the wide-open Evangel passing game should thrive with Duron throwing to experienced pass catchers in Thomas and Bridgewater. All three of Evangel’s on-field losses last season were against teams that finished ranked in the national Top 50 by PrepNation.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 58 North Shore

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58. North Shore (Houston)
Last season: 9-1, lost in third round of Class 5A/I playoffs
Coach: David Aymond
Key players: OT Trey Hopkins (6-3, 270, Sr.), OT Sedrick Flowers (6-2, 280, Sr.), WR DeAndrew White (6-0, 180, Sr.), DB Alton Demby (5-9, 175, Sr.), DB Larry Stephens 6-0, 185, Sr.), RB Tracy Woods (5-11, 215, Sr.), LB Derrick Matthews (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Outlook: The Mustangs return four offensive and four defensive starters, and all eight were all-district selections last season. The group includes three-starter Hopkins, a highly athletic lineman who has committed to play at Texas. Another highly rated recruit is White, an explosive WR with great leaping ability. The top returning rusher is Woods, a physical back who can move the chains. The strength of North Shore’s defense likely is its secondary, where a pair of Division I recruits in Stephens (Oklahoma St.) and Demby (Houston) both return.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 59 Shiloh Christian

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59. Shiloh Christian (Springdale, Ark.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Josh Floyd
Key players: QB Kiehl Frazier (6-2, 210, Jr.), LB Mitchell Roberts (6-3, 240, Sr.), DT Samuel Harvill (6-1, 260, Jr.), OT Travis Bodenstein (6-4, 290, Jr.), RB-DB Garrett Harper (5-10, 175, Jr.), WR-DB Zann Jones (6-0, 180, Jr.), DB Wilson Huett (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL Josh Salsbury (6-0, 240, Sr.)
Outlook: The Saints return eight offensive starters and six on defense from a team that outscored opponents by an average of 47-11 last season despite losing to Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.), 47-9, in the opening game. Frazier had the offense clicking on all cylinders by season’s end. He earned state championship game MVP accolades and totaled 1,447 passing and 990 rushing yards with 32 total touchdowns for the season. His top weapons also return in fellow juniors Jones (23 touchdowns in two seasons) and Harper (1,300 all-purpose yards in ’08). The offensive line has good size and experience with Bodenstein and Salbury, who both have started since their freshmen seasons. Anchoring the defense are Roberts, an all-state pick as a junior, and Harvill, a tremendous nose guard who can bench press 530 pounds.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 60 Mount Carmel

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60. Mount Carmel (Chicago)
Last season: 10-3, Class 8A state semifinalist
Coach: Frank Lenti
Key players: RB Milton Greer (6-0, 195, Sr.), OL Mike Husar (6-2, 250, Sr.), DT Nathan Ollie (6-2, 260, Sr.), WR-FS Jack Sherlock (6-3, 195, Sr.), QB Chris Sujka (5-10, 180, Jr.)
Outlook: Mount Carmel is always a team to watch in the Illinois state championship derby. The Caravan has claimed first or second place an impressive 10 times since 1995, with their most recent championship coming in 2002. This year’s team will benefit from the return of Greer, an excellent back who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards last season and scored 19 touchdowns. Ollie, a Ball St., is a disruptive force on the defensive line. Sherlock is a key playmaker on both sides of the ball.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 61 DeSoto

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61. DeSoto (Texas)
Last season: 6-6, lost in second round of 5A/I playoffs
Coach: Claude Mathis
Key players: RB Marcus Murphy (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR Darius Terrell (6-3, 210, Sr.), OL Marcus Hutchins (6-5, 260, Jr.), OL Evan Washington (6-5, 285, Sr.), LB Byron Hudson (6-1, 205, Sr.), DB Adrian White (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB Zach Orr (5-11, 205, Sr.), QB Ryan Polite (6-2, 195, Jr.)
Outlook: Perhaps no team in Texas – or anywhere else – has as many talented returning players as the Eagles do. If not for losing six games last season, their preseason ranking would undoubtedly be higher. There will more than enough time for that to change once the season begins, however. The offense should be explosive with Polite returning to the controls after a strong sophomore season. His primary target figures to be Terrell, a first team all-district player last season who is committed to Texas. The running game also is in fine hands with Murphy back after totaling more than 1,700 combined rushing and receiving yards. In the trenches, there are a pair of blue chippers in LSU recruit Washington and top junior prospect Hutchins. The defense features eight returning starters led by Texas-bound CB White.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 62 Kahuku

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62. Kahuku (Hawaii)
Last season: 10-2, Division I state semifinalist
Coach: Reggie Torres
Key players: DT Kona Schwenke (6-4, 230, Sr.), DT Hauoli Jamora (6-2, 225, Sr.), DT Veteson Sauni (5-11, 250, Sr.), LB Ben Mamea (6-0, 200, Jr.), QB Sage Kaka (6-1, 180, Sr.), OL Jase Toomalatai (6-1, 275, Sr.)
Outlook: The Red Raiders are armed with eight returning starters in their quest for a sixth state championship this decade. If the adage is true that great defenses are built from the inside out, Kahuku’s could be special. The defensive line features a pair of BYU recruits in Schwenke and Jamora. At linebacker, Mamea is a junior who has a chance to be special.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 63 Hahnville

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63. Hahnville (Boutte, La.)
Last season: 6-4, lost in first round of 5A playoffs
Coach: Lou Valdin
Key players: RB Alfred Blue (6-2, 190, Sr.), WR James Butler (6-2, 190, Sr.), OL-DL Britten Lanaux (6-4, 220, Sr.), QB Brian Ensminger (6-1, 205, Jr.), DB Brion James (6-2, 215, Sr.)
Outlook: The Tigers hope to ride a strong running attack to their first state championship since 2003. The key player on offense is Blue, a Division I prospect who is poised for a breakout senior season. Another talented offensive threat is Butler at receiver. Lanaux will book end the left side of an offensive line that has plenty of size and experience.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 64 Wheaton Warrenville South

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64. Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.)
Last season: 8-2, lost in first round of Class 7A playoffs
Coach: Ron Muhitch
Key players: QB-WR Mack Tracey (6-1, 193, Sr.), K-OL Nick Immekus (6-0, 225, Sr.), OL Chris Cortopossi (6-2, 285, Sr.), OL Rocco Ammons (6-4, 300, Sr.), QB Reilly O’Toole (6-3, 205, Jr.), RB Julian Banuelos (5-10, 185, Sr.), TE Dan Hohenstein (6-6, 205, Sr.)
Outlook: Seven offensive starters return for the Tigers, who lost two games last season by a single point. Muhitch says his seniors and juniors have the talent and commitment required to challenge for a state championship game berth for the third time in four seasons. The starting QB position will go to either speedy slash/WR Tracey or to O’Toole, the starting point guard on WWS’ varsity basketball team. O’Toole played sophomore football last season. The offensive line, featuring Division I prospect Ammons, has good size and experience. On defense, there are only two returning starters. But that side of the ball is Muhitch’s specialty. He was defensive coordinator when the Tigers won four state championships in the 1990s.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 65 Stevenson

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65. Stevenson (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
Last season: 10-2, Division 1 state quarterfinalist
Coach: Rick Bye
Key players: QB Jason Fracassa (5-9, 170, Sr.), DL-OL Carl Davis (6-5, 300, Sr.), LB Jon Sulek (Sr.), WR D.J. Mershman (5-11, 175, Sr.), LB Charlie Walker (6-3, 195, Sr.), RB Justice Wright (5-10, 170, Sr.)
Outlook: The Titans, who return nearly all of their starting offensive skill players, are the early favorite to win a state title in Michigan’s largest classification. Fracassa, though undersized, is a tremendous high school player who enters his fourth year as a starting QB with nearly 6,000 career passing yards. He is the grandson of legendary Brother Rice head coach Al Fracassa. Wright averaged 8.5 yards per carry and earned all-county recognition as a junior. Division I prospects Davis and Walker bring excellent athleticism to the defense front.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 66 Bishop McDevitt

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66. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Last season: 10-3, lost in third round of Class 4A playoffs
Coach: Jeff Weachter
Key players: WR Salath Williams (6-4, 185, Sr.), WR-FS Jeremy Cornelius (6-3, 185, Sr.), WR-DB Aaron Sye (6-1, 180, Sr.), OLB-SS Jon Duckett (6-1, 210, Sr.), DB Corey Ford (5-10, 165, Sr.), RB Jamel Poteat (5-11, 195, Jr.), QB Matt Johnson (6-2, 195, Jr.), DE Noah Spence (6-3, 230, So.), OT Victor Shaffer (6-3, 275, Sr.), OG Andrew Miscannon (6-2, 265, Sr.), OT Justen Garlic (6-6, 287, Jr.)
Outlook: The Crusaders have all the ingredients necessary for greatness this season. Not only are nine offensive and eight defensive starters back in the lineup, there are no fewer than 10 players on the roster who have received Division I scholarship offers. The makings for a very potent offensive attack begin with QB Johnson. As a sophomore, he had 2,010 yards passing. His three top receiving targets remain with Williams, who is committed to Pittsburgh, Cornelius (Purdue), and Sye all returning. Another top future prospect is Poteat, who had 1,800 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore. Up front, the Crusaders are in great shape with all-league performers Shaffer and Miscannon returning along with talented underclassmen Garlic. The talent level on defense is also high, beginning with Duckett and Ford, both Division I prospects.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 67 Rancho Cucamonga

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67. Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)
Last season: 13-0-1, CIF-SS Central Division champion
Coach: Nick Baiz
Key players: QB-DB Greg Watson (6-0, 195, Sr.), TE Randall Telfer (6-4, 235, Sr.), RB Michael Boyd (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL-LB Gary Berwick (6-0, 235, Sr.), OL Jon Hernandez (6-0, 260, Sr.), RB-DB Sateki Finau (5-11, 185, Jr.)
Outlook: Led by their returning all-state QB, the Cougars have nine total starters returning. Watson, a three-year starter, threw for 2,500 yards and ran for 900 yards as a junior with 34 total touchdowns. One of his top targets is Telfer, a USC recruit. The running game should be potent also, with Boyd and talented junior Finau expected to share the workload.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 68 Memphis University

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68. Memphis University (Memphis, Tenn.)
Last season: 13-0, Division II-AA state champion
Coach: Bobby Alston
Key players: QB Barry Brunetti (6-2, 210, Sr.), RB Keith McBride (6-1, 215, Sr.), RB-DB Stephond Allmond (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL Ben Still (6-4, 280, So.)
Outlook: The Owls have seven returning offensive starters but only one on defense. The leader is Brunetti, a West Virginia recruit who had nearly 2,000 combined passing and rushing yards with 36 touchdowns last season. McBride and Allmond are also great offensive weapons and are poised for big senior seasons. The Owls have a challenging schedule that includes road games against Top 101 Mississippi powers Olive Branch and South Panola.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 69 Alta

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69. Alta (Sandy, Utah)
Last season: 13-1, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Les Hamilton
Key players: LB A’i Ho-Ching (6-0, 215, Sr.), OT Jordan Black (6-6, 245, Sr.), LB Parker Hausknecht (6-2, 215, Sr.), QB Jordan Brown (6-2, 180, Sr.), OL Lundon Smith (6-3, 250, Sr.), WR Zack Liston (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Outlook: Alta, the two-time defending 5A state titlist, will be hard-pressed to hold off region rival Bingham in its quest for a three-peat. Last year the Hawks were only a 7-point road loss to eventual California state champion Sacramento Grant away from a perfect season. Only five full-time starters are back from that team, led by all-state LB Ho-Ching. Another strong and experienced defender is Hausknecht, a Utah St. recruit. The offensive line is led by returning left tackle Black, who has pledged to BYU. Brown takes over behind center after seeing action as a backup last season.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 70 St. Xavier

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70. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.)
Last season: 12-1, Class 6A state semifinalist
Coach: Mike Glaser
Key players: QB Brian Buehner (6-0, 175, Sr.), RB Jermiah Neal (5-10, 193, Sr.), OG Zane Karrer (6-4, 270, Sr.), SS Nick Sears (5-11, 190, Sr.), K Wyatt Gray (6-2, 185, Sr.), DB Daylen Hall (5-10, 175, Jr.)
Outlook: For the second straight season, the Tigers defeated nationally ranked Louisville Trinity in the regular season but were then upended by their archrival in postseason play. This year’s team has seven total returning starters including at QB with Buehner, who runs a 4.5 40-yard time. He will hand the ball off plenty of times to Neal, a well put-together senior who saw quite a bit of action as a junior backing up last year’s state Mr. Football Rolandan Finch (Boston College). The defense features a pair of true athletes in SS Sears and a future Division I prospect in Hall. Gray, who made 12-13 field goals and 93-95 PATs, gives the Tigers a great edge in the kicking game.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 71 St. Xavier

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71. St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Last season: 4-6, did not qualify for the postseason
Coach: Steve Specht
Key players: QB Luke Massa (6-4, 195, Sr.), OT Matt James (6-7, 285, Sr.), LB Steven Daniels (6-1, 225, Jr.), OL Ryan Schneiber (6-4, 275, Jr.)
Outlook: One year after the Bombers went 15-0 and were rated best team in America by the National Prep Poll, the team buckled under a mountain of inexperience, key injuries, and a murderously tough schedule. The outcome was likely the best losing season in the history of prep football. Proof of that statement is revealed in the fact that half of St. Xavier’s four victories were against teams that finished in the Top 35 of the national rankings and three of its four wins were against teams that won their respective state championship. Of the six losses, only one was by more than five points and the cumulative won-loss record of the opponents was an impressive 62-17. This year, the Bombers’ schedule is less severe, but only by a little bit. A whopping eight of the 10 opponents are listed in the PrepNation 101 preseason rankings or the PrepNation 101 Teams to Watch. Massa, who became the starting QB midway through the ’07 season and led the team to a state championship, is committed to Cincinnati. He is a talented dropback passer with a strong arm. His junior season ended when he broke his collarbone in the fourth game. James, a highly rated Division I prospect, is back for this third year as starting left tackle. The defense is led by returning all-league LB Daniels, also a Division I prospect.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 72 Hamilton

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72. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 5A/I state champion
Coach: Steve Belles
Key players: SS Devon Carrington (6-2, 200, Sr.), RB Zach Bauman (5-10, 210, Sr.), RB Michael Allen (5-10, 170, Sr.). QB Travis Dean (5-11, 185, Sr.), OL Christian Westerman (6-5, 290, Jr.), LB Ben Peters (6-2, 215, Sr.)
Outlook: Last year the Huskies picked up their fourth state title in nine years and improved to 38-3 in three seasons under Belles' guidance. Three top players signed in February with Pac-10 universities but there are still 12 starters back. Leading the group is Stanford-bound DB Carrington, who had 63 tackles and four interceptions as a junior. Hamilton's offense topped the 40-point mark eight times last season and could be even better in ’09. Westerman and four other offensive linemen have game experience. The running game should be outstanding with the tandem of Bauman and Allen toting the football.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 73 Grayson

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73. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
Last season: 13-1, Class 5A state semifinalist
Coach: Mickey Conn
Key players: RB Ean Pemberton (5-4, 155, Sr.), DT Shawn Green (6-3, 280, Sr.), DL Joe Champaign (6-1, 235, Sr.), LB Terry Williams (6-1, 240, Sr.)
Outlook: Powered by the running legs of the diminutive Pemberton, the Rams jolted the Peach State last season by starting 13-0 and upsetting nationally ranked Lowndes in the state quarterfinals. Several key members of that team are back including Pemberton, who proved a tough target to tackle and ran for nearly 2,000 yards as a junior. The defense is led by Williams, a Georgia Tech recruit, and 2008 all-state selection Champaign.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 74 Chaparral

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74. Chaparral (Temecula, Calif.)
Last season: 12-2, CIF-SS Inland Division runner-up
Coach: Tom Leach
Key players: QB Mitch Glassman (6-3, 210, Sr.), RB Jonathan Diaz (5-7, 175, Sr.), WR Antoine Arnold (6-3, 175, Jr.), LB Matt Lester (5-11, 200, Sr.), RB/DB Darius Guillory (5-9, 170, Jr.)
Outlook: The Pumas have 14 starters returning from a team that lost only to eventual Division I state champion and No. 2 nationally ranked Corona Centennial. Glassman threw 17 touchdown passes and for over 1,700 yards as a junior. Though undersized, Diaz is coming off a junior season that saw him surpass the 2,000-yard rushing mark with 32 touchdowns. Two-way standout Guillory will also get his share of carries in addition to being a big threat catching the ball out of the backfield.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 75 Monsignor Pace

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75. Monsignor Pace (Opa Locka, Fla.)
Last season: 11-3, Class 3A state semifinalist
Coach: Alvin Slaughter
Key players: QB Stephen Morris (6-2, 190, Sr.), RB De’Andre Johnson (5-9, 205, Sr.), LB Issac Dixon (6-0, 185, Sr.), OG John Ragoo (6-7, 345, Sr.), OT Zachary Soto (6-6, 265, Sr.), CB Normando Harris (6-0, 180, Sr.), DB Jabari Gorman (5-11, 180, Jr.)
Outlook: The Spartans are expected to challenge fellow nationally ranked powers Bolles and Pahokee in the small but mighty Class 2B state playoffs. Morris, who had over 2,000 passing yards and 19 touchdowns last season, is one of 13 returning starters. Johnson also returns to the offensive backfield after a 1,000-plus rushing yards junior season. Helping pave the way Ragoo and Soto, who form a mammoth left side of the offensive line. On defense, the secondary features a great junior talent in Gorman.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 76 Warren Central

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76. Warren Central (Indianapolis)
Last season: 9-4 (one loss by forfeit), Class 5A quarterfinalist
Coach: John Hart
Key players: QB Derek Hart (6-4, 200, Sr.), RB Shakir Bell (5-7, 175, Sr.), DB James Manual (6-1, 190, Sr.), WR Mo McGee (5-11, 170, Sr.), S Jerry Boyd (6-1, 190, Sr.)
Outlook: The Warriors are well-armed and ready to contend for a fifth state championship since 2003. Hart, the coach’s son, passed for nearly 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. The secondary has a pair of sure-fire Division I prospects in Manual and Boyd.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 77 St. Joseph's Regional

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77. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)
Last season: 11-1, Non-Public Group 3 state champion
Coach: Tony Karcich
Key players: RB Kamal Hogan (5-11, 195, Sr.), DB-WR Kai Dominguez (6-1, 175, Sr.), CB-WR K’waun Williams (5-10, 175, Sr.), QB Devin O’Conner (6-1, 190, Sr.)
Outlook: Several key players return from the Green Knights’ 13th state championship team since 1987. That talent will come in handy because Karcich has put together a difficult schedule that includes all four of the other New Jersey teams listed in PrepNation’s Top 101 teams and 101 Teams to Watch. Williams is a hard-working two-way player who committed to Pittsburgh after a big junior season. Hogan, whose grandfather is former NFL DB Jack Tatum, has great speed.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 78 Highlands

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78. Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky.)
Last season: 14-1, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Dale Mueller
Key players: WR-DB Austin Collinsworth (6-2, 190, Sr.), LB-TE Brandon Roller (6-1, 225, Sr.), OT-DT Tyler Grubbs (6-6, 290, Sr.), QB-DB Will Bardo (6-4, 200, Sr.), TE-DE Kyle Welz (6-5, 245, Sr.)
Outlook: With 15 returning starters, the Bluebirds are on a crash course for their eighth state championship in 14 seasons. Veteran coach Mueller says there are as many eight Division I players on the roster. Collinsworth, son of former NFL player and current NFL television analyst Cris Collinsworth, had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and five kick returns for touchdowns last season. Grubbs, a Miami of Ohio recruit, and Welz lead an experienced group of linemen.

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No.79 Maine South

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79. Maine South (Park Ridge, Ill.)
Last season: 14-0, Class 8A state champion
Coach: Dave Inserra
Key players: RB-LB Matt Perez (5-11, 205, Sr.), QB-LB Tyler Benz (6-3, 210, Sr.), OT Alex Cichowski (6-3, 225, Sr.), OG Mike Cichowski (6-2, 210, Sr.), SS Ronnie Muck (6-1, 200, Sr.), OT Victor Nelson (6-7, 310, Jr.)
Outlook: After playing bridesmaid with three consecutive state runner-up finishes from 2003-05, the Hawks were finally the bride in 2008 by capturing the 8A title and finishing ranked No. 12 in the National Prep Poll. Only seven starters from that team are back but they include Perez, who led the team with 31 total touchdowns and averaged 11.8 yards each time he touched the ball on rushes, receptions, and returns. Benz had a fine junior season at LB, racking up 18 tackles for losses and six interceptions. He now will become the starting QB after the graduation of all-state performer Charlie Goro (Vanderbilt).

PrepNation 101 Preseason Countdown: No. 80 Bergen Catholic

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80. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
Last season: 9-3, Group 4 Non-Public state runner-up
Coach: Fred Stengel
Key players: RB-LB Doug Rigg (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR-FS Tanner McEvoy (6-5, 200, Jr.), QB-CB Mike Halligan (5-11, 185, Sr.), S-WR Shutang Mungwa (6-2, 200, Jr.), OL-DL Chris Bush (6-2, 220, Sr.), LB Brendan McGovern (6-0, 235, Sr.)
Outlook: With 15 starters returning, the Crusaders hope to challenge nationally ranked Don Bosco Prep and capture their first state title since 2004. McGovern was the team’s leading tackler last season while Division I recruit Rigg led the team in sacks. On offense, McEvoy provides a great target for experienced QB Halligan.