MaxPreps Top 25 national high school football rankings

Video: Xcellent 25 Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard - Sept. 26

The Battle of Belt Line proved to be one sided as DeSoto (Texas) soared past rival Cedar Hill with an impressive 33-18 win, snapping the Longhorns' two-game winning streak in the series.

2017 TCU commit Shawn Robinson finished the night with over 300 total yards to go with three total touchdowns –  two passing and one rushing. DeSoto's 4-star wide receiver Kadarrian Nixon proved to be a difference-maker as he found the end zone twice and had over 100 yards receiving.

In the other big rivalry game of the weekend Central (Miami, Fla.) outlasted Booker T. Washington (Miami) with a 42-14 win, scoring the games final 26 points to improve to 5-0. After the Tornadoes cut the Rocket lead to 16-14 late in the third quarter, Kord Jenkins returned the ensuing kickoff 88-yards to help ignite the scoring for Central. Four-star running back James Cook found the end zone twice and Willie Davis IV had 135 yards rushing on only five carries, including a 94-yard touchdown run.

Southern California flexed its muscles this past weekend as No. 6 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) dominated St. Mary's (Stockton) 55-16 behind a strong performance from its 3-star junior quarterback Re-al Mitchell. Centennial (Corona) made sure Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) didn't get its second win over a Top 25 team with a 49-32 victory against the No. 2 team from Nevada.

Three new teams enter this week's rankings after three Top 25 teams went down this past weekend.


1. (1) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), 5-0
The Gaels played their first in-state opponent of the season and walked away with an easy 42-0 shutout victory against Bonanza (Las Vegas). Five-star wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey made his season debut after returning from a shoulder injury and he scored touchdowns on his only two receptions of the night. Gorman has now won 44-consecutive games.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. No. 7 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

2. (2) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), 5-0
Just like the No. 1 team in the country, the No. 2 team also posted a shutout victory as the Ascenders blanked Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.) 38-0. 2017 Texas A&M commit Kellen Mond continues to impress as he had four total touchdowns, three through the air and one rushing. 2017 Oregon commit Tre' McKitty had a big-time game with two touchdowns receiving and made one of the catches of the year with a slick one-handed grab. 2017 Maryland commit Joshua Kaindoh was a force off the edge on defense as he had four sacks before the second half even started.
Next game: Oct. 7 Southern Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)

3. (4) DeSoto (Texas), 4-0
The Eagles passed their first big test of 2016 with a two-score win against rival Cedar Hill in the Battle of Belt Line as they move up one spot in this week's rankings. The No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2017, Shawn Robinson, had three total touchdowns and K.D. Nixon finished with two. Emmet Perry led the Eagles with seven receptions and 152 yards averaging 21.7 yards per catch. The defense stepped up big-time for head coach Todd Peterman as they turned the Longhorns over three times on downs, including two huge goal line stands.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. MacArthur (Irving, Texas)

4. (3) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 5-0
Mater Dei has now outscored the opposition 278 to 21 through its first five games in 2016. The Monarchs just recorded their third shutout of the season with a dominant 42-0 victory against Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.) this past weekend. J.T. Daniels continues to put up video game-type of numbers as he threw for a season high 417 yards and five scores. That puts his season total at 1,925 yards and 28 touchdowns in only five games.
Next game: Oct. 7 vs. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

5. (5) Roswell (Ga.), 4-0
Roswell had no trouble with Archer (Lawrenceville, Ga.), cruising to a 47-0 victory. Malik Willis led the way on offense with four total touchdowns – two passing and two rushing – and the defense was lights out from start to finish. The Hornets have now outscored the opposition 136 to 16 through their first four games and they still haven't allowed more than seven points in any game this season.
Next game: Sept. 30 @ Milton (Ga.)

6. (6) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), 4-1
St. John Bosco flexed its muscle against the No. 1 team from Northern California, St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.), with an impressive 55-16 win. One of the best kept secrets in all of high school football, Re-al Mitchell, threw for four touchdowns and had one more on the ground. The defense was big-time once again this week led by a 90-yard pick six from Tyrel Thomas.
Next game: Oct. 7 @ Servite (Anaheim, Calif.)

7. (7) St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 3-1
St. Thomas Aquinas won its third consecutive game after a controversial season-opening loss to Booker T. Washington. The Raiders shutout Hallandale (Fla.) 42-0 as the game was called in the third quarter after lightning struck. Aquinas has now outscored the opposition 133 to 6 over the last three games. 2017 Florida commit Jake Allen threw for nearly 300 yards and had three total touchdowns.
Next game: Sept. 30 at No. 1 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)

8. (8) Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), 3-1
Grayson had no problem with one of the best teams from Alabama as it handled Ramsay (Birmingham, Ala.) 38-6. 2017 Clemson commit Chase Brice finished the night with three passing touchdowns and 2017 South Carolina commit Jamyest Williams had 79 yards receiving and another 63 yards on the ground to go with one score. After a slow start this season offensively for the Rams they have posted back-to-back weeks with 39 and 38 points, respectively.
Next game: Sept. 30 at Rockdale County (Conyers, Ga.)

9. (9) DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 5-0
DeMatha continues to roll in 2016 after dominating against winless St. Mary's Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.) 56-12. Through its first give games the Stags are winning by an average margin of 32.6 points per game and they have been one of the most well-balanced teams in all of high school football. They are averaging 47.4 points per game on offense and just 14.8 points per game on defense.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. No. 23 St. John's (Washington, D.C.)

10. (10) Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.), 5-0
Mountain Pointe scored 50-plus points for the fourth time this season after putting 62 points on the scoreboard against Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.). Through five games the Pride are averaging 52.4 points per game. Gary Bragg had another monster game rushing for 204 yards and two scores. Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jaydon Brooks combined for eight receptions, 211 yards, and three touchdowns.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Desert Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.)

11. (13) Central (Miami, Fla.), 5-0
Miami Central scored the game's final 26 points to pull away from Booker T. Washington (Miami) for a 42-14 win. The biggest play of the game happened after the Tornadoes scored a touchdown to cut the lead to 16-14 late in the third quarter as Kord Jenkins returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards to the house. 2018 Florida State commit James Cook rushed for two scores and Willie Davis IV finished the night with a game high 135 yards on the ground.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Carol City (Miami, Fla.)

12. (12) Colerain (Cincinnati, Ohio), 5-0
Colerain cruised to an easy 52-7 win against Sycamore (Cincinnati, Ohio). 2017 Ohio State commit Amir Riep missed his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury and Gunnar Leyendecker re-injured his ankle and was forced out early in the game, but it didn't slow down the top-rated team from Ohio one bit. Deante Smith filled in nicely finishing with three touchdowns, two rushing and one through the air, and senior fullback Monalo Caldwell rushed for 95 yards and two scores.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Mason (Ohio)

13. (14) Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), 6-0
Saguaro won 34-6 for the second consecutive week and its defense was the story. They limited Sunrise Mountain (Peoria, Ariz.) to six points, a team that came in averaging 45.5 points per game through its first four contests. Saguaro limited them to 19 yards in the first half and just 82 total yards for the entire game. Max Massingale led the way on offense finishing with four touchdowns through the air.
Next game: Sept. 29 vs. Marcos de Niza (Tempe, Ariz.)

14. (15) Allen (Texas), 4-0
The Terry Gambill Era continues to be a good one for the Allen Eagles as they improved to 4-0 after a dominant 69-17 win against Boyd (McKinney, Texas). Allen rushed for six touchdowns on offense and the defense was lights out, forcing three turnovers and recording seven sacks.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Plano West (Plano, Texas)

15. (16) Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.), 5-0
Cass Tech had no trouble with East English Village Prep (Detroit) as it cruised to a 56-16 victory. The No. 1 wide receiver in the Class of 2017 Donovan Peoples-Jones was a playmaker all over the field. He had two defensive touchdowns and also had a 20-yard touchdown reception on offense.
Next game: Oct. 1 vs. King (Detroit)

16. (17) American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), 5-0
American Heritage proved its preseason loss to Booker T. Washington (Miami) was exactly what they needed to head into the season. The Patriots have been lights out ever since that loss and especially on defense. Last week they scored five defensive touchdowns and this week they limited Norland (Miami) to six points and didn't allow a touchdown until they were already up 24-0 in the fourth quarter. 2017 Harvard commit Jason Brown started the game slow but had touchdown passes of 65 and 70 yards to help American Heritage pull away for its fifth consecutive victory.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

17. (18) Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 4-1
Centennial beat a very good Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) team this past weekend 49-32. The game wasn't as close as the final score indicated. The Huskies racked up over 500 yards of total offense and despite an injury to their starting quarterback Tanner McKee that forced him to leave in the first half, the Patriots couldn't stop Centennial. Miles Reed had another monster showing, rushing for 212 of the Huskies' 286 yards on the ground. 2017 UCLA commit Jay Shaw finished the night with two interceptions.
Next game: Oct. 7 vs. Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.)

18. (19) McGill-Toolen (Mobile, Ala.), 5-0
McGill-Toolen won its 14th consecutive game and beat the last team it lost to, Blount (Eight Mile, Ala.), handily with a 45-12 victory. 2017 USC commit Marlon Williams couldn't be stopped. He found the end zone four times – two receiving and two rushing – while hauling in five receptions for 175 yards. Bubba Thompson had a near flawless game completing 18 of 22 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Bryant (Irvington, Ala.)

19. (20) Mission Viejo (Calif.), 5-0
Legendary head coach Bob Johnson notched the 320th victory of his career in a 49-12 win against Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.). Most of the Diablos starters rested during the second half as Matthew McDonald tossed three first-half touchdowns and Olaijah Griffin had 111 yards receiving to go with two scores in the first 24 minutes.
Next game: Sept. 30 at El Toro (Lake Forest, Calif.)

20. (21) Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), 6-0
The Miners continue to breeze through the 2016 season as they won their sixth consecutive game after beating Hunter (West Valley City, Utah) 42-7. So far this year Bingham has outscored the opposition 274 to 64.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Cottonwood (Salt Lake City, Utah)

21. (22) St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia), 4-0
The Philadelphia power continues to dominate through 2016 as it reeled off its fourth consecutive double-digit win to start the season. St. Joseph's Prep was up 35-0 before the second half even started against Archbishop Carroll (Radnor). Christian Waller had another big game, rushing for 100-plus yards for the second consecutive week.
Next game: Oct. 7 @ Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.)

22. (24) Trinity (Louisville, Ky.), 6-0
Trinity scored more points than any other Top 25 team this past weekend, putting up a 70-spot on the scoreboard against Jeffersontown (Louisville). It was 56-0 at halftime. Senior quarterback Spencer Blackburn completed 10 of 12 passes for 208 yards and three scores.
Next game: Sept. 30 at St. Xavier

23. (NR) St. John's (Washington, D.C.), 4-1
A bubble team after losing to No. 2 IMG Academy, the Cadets are back in the Xcellent 25 rankings after an impressive 39-22 win against Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). Keilan Robinson led the way offensively, rushing for 140 yards and three scores. Five-star 2017 Auburn commit Calvin Ashley opened up monster holes on the line of scrimmage for the running game.
Next game: Sept. 30 at No. 9 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)

24. (NR) Warren Central (Indianapolis), 5-1
After a heartbreaking loss to No. 12 Colerain (Cincinnati, Ohio) in the second week of the season, Warren Central has bounced back nicely by winning its last four games. That stretch includes a dominant 66-14 win against Pike (Indianapolis) last weekend. Quarterback Zach Summeier finished the night with 354 yards passing and five touchdowns. Four of those went to wide receiver David Bell, who checks in as the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2019 in all of Indiana.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.)

25. (NR) Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), 4-0
The New Jersey power enters the Top 25 rankings for the first time this season after a 17-14 win against the previously-unbeaten Paladins from Paramus Catholic (Paramus, N.J.). Johnny Langan battled through an ankle injury and threw for a career-high 338 yards.
Next game: Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.)

Bubble Teams

Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.), 5-0
Mill Creek beat Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.) 43-7. Edmond Graham had another monster game, hauling in four receptions for 101 yards. He also took a kickoff back 84 yards to the house.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.)

South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.), 4-1
Idle.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Ridge View (Columbia, S.C.)

East (Salt Lake City, Utah), 6-0
Riding the momentum of an upset over high school football royalty in De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), East smashed Bonneville (Washington Terrace, Utah) 73-9. The program has now won 15 games in a row dating back to last year. Senior running back Jaylen Warren continued his impressive season rushing for 227 yards on only 11 carries last week. He now has 1,324 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on the season.
Next game: Sept. 30 vs. Bountiful (Utah)

Steele (Cibolo, Texas), 4-1
If it wasn't for DeSoto, the Knights would of had the biggest win in all of Texas over this past weekend. They dominated previously-ranked Judson (Converse, Texas) with a 30-9 victory. Cibolo Steele started the season ranked in the Top 25 but lost in double overtime to a very good Lake Travis team mentioned below. Steele showed why they have one of the best defenses in the country limiting an explosive offense to only nine points. Four-star defensive back Caden Sterns iced the game with a 58-yard pick-six.
Next game: Oct. 7 at New Braunfels (Texas)

Lake Travis (Austin, Texas), 4-1
After losing its season opener to Judson (Converse, Texas), Hank Carter's bunch has bounced back strong with four straight. Lake Travis has scored at least 42 points in each of those wins. 2017 Texas commit Sam Ehlinger could make his return after a bye.
Next game: Oct. 7 vs. Austin Westlake