PRESEASON STUDENT SPORTS FAB 50

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS

Final 2005 won-loss record listed for each team.

Contributing: Sheldon Shealer

Thanks as well to members of the Rivals.com national high school network for contributions. Go to Rivals.com and click on the high school menu item at the top to see a directory of all sites in the network. For more national high school coverage, go to StudentSportsFootball.com.

This team was in the mix to be No. 1 in the land a year ago, but one of the reasons we went for Southlake Carroll of Texas is that we knew that Lakeland should be even better this fall.

Last year's dominating Class 4A state championship game victory over then-undefeated St. Thomas Aquinas was the second straight for the Dreadnaughts and 14 starters are back. Many of them are being heavily recruited by major colleges with a whopping six having already committed to the University of Florida.

Leading the way on offense will be what FlaVarsity.com says is one of the strongest 1-2 punches at running back anywhere with the electrifying Chris Rainey (Florida) and the pounding style of Jamar Taylor (Alabama). Last season alone, this tandem combined for nearly 3,000 yards and 47 touchdowns. Helping out the offense will be some transfers that could make a strong impact, including slot receiver Chris Rich, who should give the Dreadnaughts an explosive player. The emergence of Rich could open up things even more for star WR Paul Wilson (Florida), who last season finished with over 1,000 yards. Paving the way for these tremendous backs will be LeShawn (6-4, 287) and James Pouncey (6-4, 280), who will stay together in college at Florida.

While the offense seems even stronger than last year, head coach Bill Castle still will need to replace graduated QB Billy Lowe, who has moved on to Northern Illinois. The most likely candidate to take over that role will be senior Blair Castle (son of the head coach).

The defense is as equally loaded as the offense. DT John Brown (6-2, 285) is one of the nation's best at his position, while others like LB Nick Moody, DB Ahmad Black (Florida) and DB Steven Wilks (Florida) aren't far behind. This doesn't even count the loss of LSU-bound DE Jordon Hammond, who has suffered a preseason torn ACL.

Lakeland's schedule also has been strengthened with the addition of its game against Ohio powerhouse St. Xavier.

The Alabama beat goes on for the Bucs, who will be seeking to extend their state record run to five consecutive Class 6A titles and appear in a seventh straight championship game. Coach Rush Propst has state finals' MVP Ross Wilson (5-11, 160) back at quarterback along with 11 other starters -- six total on each side of the ball, plus a touted transfer in OL Ryan Pugh (6-3, 275) from rival Spain Park. DT Kerry Murphy (6-5, 325) is a major college prospect on the other side of the ball. RB Dennis King (5-9, 180) is an offensive threat. Hoover's schedule includes two other defending state champions in Homewood and UMS-Wright plus two other FAB 50 ranked teams -- Oklahoma's Tulsa Union and Louisiana's John Curtis Christian of River Ridge. If a team from Alabama is looking to win a mythical national title, this school is going about it the right way.

The Panthers are poised to prowl this season with a veteran squad from the last two teams that lost their only games (both in the state playoffs) to two-time national champion, and FAB 50 ranked, Southlake Carroll. The East Texas power has 10 three-year regulars among 14 returning starters. Back to run the offense is QB Jeremy Claybon (6-1, 175), whose favorite targets are three-year veterans Dez Bryant (6-2, 190) and Ralph Thomas (5-9, 170). The top RB is Jacori Turner (5-9, 165), who runs behind the blocking of Max Taylor (6-3, 250) and Matt Adams (6-1, 260). Key defensive players on hand are CBs DanQuan Landry (5-9, 165) and

Joe Jackson (6-0, 180) plus DE A.J. Penson (6-1, 230) and DT Randall Murphy (6-0, 245). All-state PK-P Jamie Hernandez (6-1, 220) is another weapon. Lufkin's schedule includes rivals Longview and Aldine Eisenhower plus Evangel of Shreveport, La.

Coming off their first state Division 1 championship year, the Bombers have little time to celebrate. St. Xavier entertains FAB 50 No. 1 Lakeland (Fla.) on Sept. 16 and also plays FAB 50 No. 14 Lakewood St. Edward, Cleveland St. Ignatius and teams from Kentucky and Indiana. A touted junior class is headed by RB Darius Ashley (5-9, 185), one of six offensive starters returning. Ashley rushed for 1,633 yards and 28 TDs last season. Quarterback is the main concern with junior Dan Milligan (5-8, 160), a top placekicker-punter who played wide receiver last season, a possibility. Anchoring the defense is junior DB Fred Craig (6-2, 205), one of five returning starters on that side of the ball.

While watching the Spartans shut out an unbeaten opponent in last year's CIF North Coast Section championships, it was obvious that they will be back this season as a national powerhouse. Fourteen underclass starters were on the field. The talent level for CalHiSports.com's top preseason team in the state will be close to where it was when De La Salle set the national win streak record at 151 games from 1992 to 2004 and the schedule remains loaded, too. The Spartans will travel on the third weekend of September to play Elder of Cincinnati, Ohio and two weeks later will host Mission Viejo, which has beaten De La Salle the last two seasons. They also may have the opportunity to play at the end of the season in the first CIF Division I state championship bowl game. Top honors candidates returning include junior QB Mike MacGillivray, who passed for 1,366 yards after taking over the starting role in the fourth game, and top two RBs Tim Maupin and Ryan Nastor. DB Lonnie Wishom, WR-RB Tillman Pugh, OLs Tyler Hess and Stephen Valenzuela, DB Byron Colbert, RB-DB Dominguez Dickerson, TE-LB Albert Rossette and junior LB Brady Amick also are back, eager to return the program to its former glory.

6. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) 15-0

"One for the thumb" is the battle cry in Duncan as the Rebels prepare for the 2006 season and another run at the South Carolina AAAA state crown, a prize they have laid claim to in each of the last four seasons. According to SCVarsity.com, only two other teams in Palmetto State history have won four consecutive titles and if Byrnes can repeat in 2006, it will become the only team in state history to win five in a row. The Rebels offense will start and finish with senior QB Willy Korn,, who just attended the prestigious Elite 11 camp. Last season, the 6-2, 210 pounder threw for 4,164 yards and ran for 763 more in leading the Byrnes offense to over 8,000 yards of total offense. He has, yet again, an outstanding corps of receivers to throw to and a solid offensive line. But the key to the success of the team, which is often overshadowed, is the defense, which should be even better this season than last. It will be anchored by Clemson commit and three star LB Stanley Hunter, who finished the 2005 season with 109 tackles, 35 for loss. Byrnes, which has travelled in the past few seasons to take on other top programs such as Evangel Christian (Louisiana) and Montgomery Bell (Tennessee), will face Florida's Glades Central in week two of the season before traveling to Ohio to face Cincinnati Moeller.

There are no signs of a change in the power structure in Mississippi football. The Tigers will be seeking to extend their 45-game win streak and capture a fourth straight state Class 5A title for coach Ricky Woods, the EA SPORTS National Coach of the Year, who is 59-1 at the school with four straight championship game berths. Three Ole Miss recruits headline 10 returning starters -- five on each side of the ball, including six third-year regulars. The Ole Miss recruits are preseason All-America LB Chris Strong (6-3, 250), QB Leroy Diggs (5-11, 175) and RB Jeramie Griffin (6-1, 238). Another top prospect is two-way lineman Hunter Bailey (6-2, 310). Touted juniors entering their third season are two-way back Darius Barksdale (5-11, 180) and OL Cameron Wagner (5-10, 310).

The Warriors have a new head coach at the helm but he's no stranger to a program seeking a fourth straight state Class 5A crown. Defensive coordinator Steve Tutsie takes over for Kevin Wright, who will be guiding Oklahoma power Tulsa Union. Two preseason All-America honorees top group of 16 returning starters. They are WR-DB Jeremy Finch (6-3, 200), a University of Michigan, recruit, and RB Darren Evans (6-0, 210), a Virginia Tech recruit. Evans, the EA SPORTS National Sophomore of the Year in 2004, ran for 39 TDs and a second straight 2,000-rushing yard season in 2005. Other top prospects include WR Adrien Robinson (6-5, 220) and DL Jeff Boyd

(6-4, 265).

Coach Tom Knotts' squad needs some players to come through on defense, but the offense should be as potent as ever. The Patriots have won 92 straight games, the second longest win streak in U.S. prep football history, and could join Concord (Calif.) De La Salle in the 100 club by winning their first eight games. QB Darryl McFadden, the NCPreps.com 4A preseason state player of the year, threw for over 3,600 yards and had 31 TD passes as a junior. Also back on offense are six other starters, including four of five offensive linemen. Jerlando Kasey and DeQuann Leak give Knotts a pair of physical running backs he can use, while two other Division I prospects on hand will be WR Jason Barnes and LB Darryl Smith. There are only two other returning starters on defense, however, besides Smith. The schedule also still lacks some of the punch that you'd like to see for a team with the national recognition that Independence has built.

The Dragons face a rebuilding situation this season after repeating as FAB 50 national champion last season and winning three of the last four state Class 5A-II crowns. Carroll, with 63 wins in its last 64 games, returns only two offensive starters and both are juniors -- tailback Tre Newton (6-2, 190), son of ex-Dallas Cowboy Nate Newton, and Riley Dodge (6-0, 180), son of head coach Todd Dodge, a former prep All-American and University of Texas quarterback. Newton rushed for 1,375 yards and 14 TDs last season. Dodge could start at QB after playing wide receiver and backup QB last season. On defense, five starters return including LB Justin Padron (6-0, 215), DE Kyle Russo (6-3, 245), CBs Arius Ford (5-10, 175) and Anthony Ford (5-10, 175) and S Greg Lehane (5-10, 180).

Nine starters anchor Georgia's top-ranked team that finished as state Class 5A runnerup in 2005. Five defensive veterans are led by University of Georgia recruit Rennie Curran (5-11, 200), who had 343 tackles the last two years from his linebacker spot. Other third-year starters are

RB-LB Joe Moore (5-11, 195) and WR-DB Patrick Moran (5-10, 175). Other veterans are two-way linemen Nick Biggee (6-1, 250) and Mitchell King (6-1, 275), WR-DB Demetre Ledlum (5-8, 175) and RB-LB David Kelley (5-11, 205). A promising transfer from New Orleans is WR Jared Reine (6-0, 180).

The Eagles could make a serious run for the Ohio Division 1 title after returning 13 starters from an unbeaten regular season team that advanced to the state semifinals. Leading the way for the Cleveland area contender will be two-way back Nate Oliver (6-0, 200), an Ohio State defensive recruit, and RB Frank Edmonds (5-7, 190), who rushed for 2,800 yards last season. A top WR prospect is Kyle Hubbard (6-4, 225). Other veterans include two-way lineman Ben Kuhar (6-3, 250), LBs Diauntae Morrow (6-0, 190) and Jeff Lucas (6-3, 225) and WR-DB Willie Seawright (5-10, 160).

With 16 starters returning off a 10-1 Class 2A champion – including one of the best players in the nation in Joe McKnight (6-1, 195) – expectations are high at John Curtis Christian. However, expectations are not necessarily higher than any other year, considering head coach J.T. Curtis has guided the Patriots to 20 state titles since 1975 and boasts a career record 428-46-6. But this year should be more exciting than most with McKnight being one of the key reasons. He will get far more offensive touches this year at running back after two years of mainly playing defense and returning kicks. According to PelicanPreps.com,, McKnight is one of nine returning starters on offense, along with standout RB David Seeman (5-11, 190), a stout offensive line led by Andrew Nierman (6-2, 300) and star-in-the-making WR P.J. Smith (6-4, 180), who will be a junior. The defense will be tenacious, led by NG Jonathan English (6-0, 334), who is a hulking presence. Jacob Dufrene (6-2, 215) and Preston Numa (6-4, 260) lead an outstanding linebacker corps while McKnight and Smith spearhead an equally impressive secondary. While the season goal is to repeat as state champion, a Sept. 29 showdown with fellow national power Hoover, Ala., looms large and should go a long way at telling just how good the Patriots are.

Who's No. 2 in California according to CalHiSports.com or even who's No. 1 may be decided early on when Canyon hosts St. Bonaventure of Ventura (No. 1 in the final state rankings last year) on Sept. 16 and then the following week it will be St. Bonaventure vs. loaded Oaks Christian. Canyon broke through last year by winning the CIF Southern Section Div. II title with a championship game win over league rival Hart of Newhall one week after Hart upset Mission Viejo. Head coach Harry Welch has 12 returning starters, headlined by record-breaking RB J.J. DiLuigi. He rushed for 1,870 yards and scored 43 TDs as a junior. Welch will switch returning wide receiver Ben Longshore to quarterback and based on Longshore's showing in summer passing events that should be more than smooth. In fact, Longshore, whose older brother, Nate, may be the starting quarterback this fall at Cal, could be one of the top QBs this year in Southern California. Sack leader Ben Armbruster and second-leading receiver Chris Kingsbury also are among those back.

The Griffins are the team to beat this season in Illinois according to EdgyTim.com after running the table and capturing the state Class 8A title in only their fifth season. Ten starters return, including five on each side of the ball. The four third-year regulars are RB Andy Gerritsen (6-2, 190), LB Jon Olofsson (6-0, 220), PK-P Tom Lynch (5-11, 190), and OL Adam Gettis (6-4, 250). Other returning veterans from an unbeaten team include junior RB Dan Cebula (5-10, 190), C Phil Wing (6-0, 230), OT Blake Lucas

(6-2, 260), DT D.J. Pirkle (6-1, 280), LBs Brendan Mulheran (5-11, 185) and John Koszulinski (6-1, 210) and DBs Marvin Cosby (5-9, 150) and Ryan Walker (5-10, 175).

The Raiders have 19 starters back from an unbeaten regular season team which advanced to the state Class 3A semifinals. Glades will be seeking its sixth state title and first since 2000 and also will tackle South Carolina power, and FAB 50 ranked, Byrnes High of Duncan in key state vs. state matchup. Preseason All-America WR Deonte Thompson (6-0, 190), a track sprinter, is a big time offensive threat after landing 12 TD passes and returning six kicks for scores last season. QB Bryan Mann (6-1, 190) will run the show after passing for 2,017 yards and 23 TDs in 2005. Four massive linemen will also anchor the trenches -- Earnest McCoy (6-6, 300), Maurice Byrnes (6-4, 335), Jetavious Jackson (6-4, 300) and Jacoby Love (6-2, 280).

The Huskies lost in the Class 5A Division I state championship last year (won state in 2004 and 2003) to Brophy Prep, but ArizonaVarsity.com says it's hard to not rank them No. 1 in Arizona at the start due to the amount of talent returning. Players like WR Kerry Taylor, DB Colin Parker, WR Justin Salum, LB Matt Sanford and WR Gerell Robinson (one of the state's top juniors) will lead the way. Their defense should be another strong point this season for a program that is reloading every season.

There's no doubt that the Lions possess the talent to be as high as No. 1 in the nation. It's just that they still don't yet play a schedule that's strong enough for that high of a ranking, especially when you look at the schedule of other top California teams like De La Salle, Canyon or Mission Viejo. If a few scores break their way, they win in their big showdown game on Sept. 24 against St. Bonaventure and end the season with a CIF Division III state title, Oaks Christian could still finish No. 1 in California. They just remain a team we're wary of placing too high in the rankings to start, although some in the state will think this is still way too high. With Notre Dame-bound QB Jimmy Clausen, USC-bound running back Marc Tyler, USC-bound defensive back Marshall Jones plus as many as six other skill position players on offense and defense that may wind up at major colleges, CalHiSports.com says that head coach Bill Redell may have one of the best groups of skill position players in state history. They are that talented. Up front, the Lions have a few holes to fill but one standout is 6-5, 235-pound Duke Lemmens on defense and transfer Cory Yriarte (6-2, 285) also should make a difference.

Seventeen starters, including nine on offense, remain from last year's No. 1 ranked New Jersey team. Anchoring the team are four two-way starters in all-state LB-RB Will Thompson (6-1, 230), QB-DB Will Hill (6-1, 195),

LB-RB Shariff Harris (6-1, 195), and TE-DE Ravi Pradahang (6-3, 235). St. Peter's Prep also has two touted underclass veterans back in sophomore NG Darryl Green (6-1, 290) and junior FB Anthony Giannobile (5-10, 200).

The Caravan should make a bid for the school's 10th state title after an unbeaten regular season and a state Class 7A runnerup finish in 2005. In fact, EdgyTim.com says there's not that much difference in a comparison between Lincoln Way East and Mount Carmel. QB Carter Kopach (5-11, 180) runs the offense which returns five other starters. Included are linemen Arthur Ray (6-2, 300), Kevin Novacich (6-2, 285) and Tim Kavanaugh (6-0, 255) plus TE-DE Ron Newcombe (6-3, 230) and WR-DB Keith Lewis (5-10, 170). LB Mark Oliver (6-2, 225) anchors the defensive unit.

The Tigers should be on the prowl for a state Class 4A title this season with 6-foot-7, 240-pound Elite 11 QB Ryan Mallett entering his final season at the helm. The University of Michigan recruit, a preseason All-America selection, passed for 2,219 yards and 21 TDs last season. He's one of eight returning starters -- four on each side of the ball, back from a team that lost in a playoff thriller to eventual, unbeaten state champion Highland Park. Other veterans are RB Rowland Smith, who rushed for 884 yards and 12 TDs; DBs Jimmy Strong and John Johnson, LBs Brandon Tolbert and Adrian Burke and DE Courtney Hope. Mallett's favorite target, WR Joe Anderson, also returns after landing 41 passes for 748 yards in 2005.

Thirteen starters are back from a state Class 4A-Big 16 runnerup team, including junior WR A.J. Green (6-2, 190), the EA Sports National Sophomore of the Year. Green, a two-time all-state honoree, landed 75 passes for 1,416 yards last season. Junior QB Reid McCollum also returns along with massive senior OLs Andrew Tucker (6-7, 275) and David Richmond (6-4, 255) plus junior DL Richard Spain and DB Davon Ellington. The nation's all-time winningest coach, John McKissick, enters his 53rd season with 531 wins and 10 state titles. An 11th is possible for the coach, who turns 80 during the season.

The defending state Class 2A champion Lions will be seeking a third title in the last four years. With 12 starters returning, six on each side of the ball, the South Florida power is well fortified to add to the trophy case. A first-year QB, junior Chad Rynning (6-1, 195), will run the offense while a touted sophomore, LB Shane Gordon (6-2, 220), is expected to anchor the defensive unit. The top two-way players are WR-DB Kamar Aiken (6-2, 195) and RB-LB Xavier Stinson (5-9, 215). One of Florida's top linemen, Emeka Nwankwo (6-5, 270), anchors the offensive front which also includes Ed Ferguson (6-4, 315) and two-way lineman Ryan Goldman (6-0, 270).

First-year Redskin coach Kevin Wright is no stranger to state titles and FAB 50 ranked teams. He coached Warren Central of Indianapolis to the last three Indiana Class 5A crowns before moving to Oklahoma. He inherits a team that will be seeking a third straight state Class 6A title. Six starters return for Union, which will risk a 57-game home winning streak against FAB 50 No. 2 Hoover, Ala., in one of the nation's top games this season. Touted OL Matt Romine (6-7, 275) anchors the trenches. Junior QB Brandon Rogers will throw to TE Jacob Tigges (6-3, 245) and WRs Casey Ketchum (6-3, 190), Don Hawkins (6-4, 190) and Blake Ziegenhorn (6-3, 185). The top runner could be FB Harold Cox. A touted junior LB is Dylan Troutman (6-0, 210).

The Class 5A Division I state champions last year after upsetting Hamilton 15-14 on a famous 99-yard drive, the Broncos return another great offensive line anchored by Colorado commit OL Blake Behrens. ArizonaVarsity.com says losing two of the top wideouts might hurt junior QB Bryan Berens, but the runinng game will be key. RB Nick Natale may not be among the biggest or the fastest backs, but he is a tough player that likes to punish teams up the middle. On defense, also look out for LB Andrew Serrano.

California's No. 1 team from last year by CalHiSports.com doesn't have as much back as county rival Oaks Christian, but head coach Jon Mack and his bunch shouldn't drop off much, either. You also have to either tip your hat to Mack or smack him on the head to knock some sense into him for scheduling Canyon and Oaks Christian in back-to-back weeks. The winner of the Oaks Christian-St. Bonnie game also will be in the front-running position to be chosen as the Division III South participant in this year's first CIF Div. III state championship game. St. Bonaventure, which has a state-best 81-3 record so far this decade, will be led by running back Michael Lee and kick returner-defensive back Michael Williams. Lee dashed for 1,930 yards and scored 32 times as a junior. Williams had 94 tackles and returned three kickoffs and one punt for scores. Tight end Blaine Irby has committed to Texas and also is one of the top H-backs you'll ever see. The Seraphs also feature massive junior Vaughn Dotsy (6-6, 320), probably one of the top junior linemen in America. The key for Mack will be developing a quarterback as good as some of the kids he's had at that position in recent years.

The Cougars appear well fortified to compete for a state Class 4A title this year with 18 returning starters -- nine on each side of the ball – back from last year, Harrisburg was in contention before injuries took their toll. The major blow was the loss of promising QB Nate Brown (6-4, 220). Other veterans back include WRs Carlos Smith (5-11, 185) and Lavar Burhannan (6-1, 195), third-year OL Derrick Brown (6-4, 280), and LB Xavier Hunter (6-0, 220). Joining the mix is WR-DB Zach Runkle (6-2, 205), a transfer from Oregon. It does seem odd to start out Pennsylvania's top preseason team this low, but not only is Harrisburg coming off a 7-3 season it also comes from a district that historically hasn't done well in the state playoffs.

The preseason No. 1 pick by MichiganPreps.com went 10-1 last year with its lone loss coming to archrival Birmingham Brother Rice, a team it defeated twice previously in the year. That loss also came with standout QB Justin Siller (19 TDs, 1 int) out with a broken index finger. The Eaglets lost two Div. I players from the backfield (Anthony Bowman to Iowa and Aaron Gant to Ohio State), but they return Siller (six BCS conference offers), CB/WR Dionte Allen (Rivals.com's No. 33 overall player in the country), WR Taurian Washington (a Rivals.com four-star prospect) and LB Alex Delisi. Add to the mix LBs Blair Hollis (major D-1 interest) and Ricky Thomas and another strong group of juniors, including DB/WR Dominique White, and OLSM easily has the most skill position talent in a state that is loaded with senior and junior talent.

Ohio's all-time winningest program, and No. 2 nationally, appears poised to return to the national spotlight after finishing as state Division 1 runnerup to Cincinnati St. Xavier last season. Eight starters return, including RB-DB Brian Gamble (5-11, 175) and LB Andrew Dailey (6-3, 215), both top college prospects. Gamble rushed for 1,512 yards and 17 TDs last season. Dailey recorded 81 tackles in 2005. Other starters on hand include QB Bobby Huth (5-10, 170), TE-DL Emery Saunders (6-2, 280), two-way lineman Cory Shane (6-2, 250), DB Darian McGuire (6-2, 180), WR Trey Miller (6-0, 185) and a pair of touted juniors in OT Reggie Comeaux (6-4, 320) and PK Steve Schott (6-1, 165).

In 2004, Central Catholic ended District 7's eight-year Class AAAA state title drought. The Vikings are poised for another run at glory in 2006. Central Catholic returns 15 starters from last year's team, including All-State RB Lamont Smith, who rushed for 2,100 yards and has committed to Colorado. Stefen Wisniewski (6-3, 270), a two-way lineman, highlights a talented line. Other key players include TE Dan Vaughn (6-2, 205), LBs Lamar Mason (5-10, 170) and Anthony Bailey (5-11, 180), DE Quinten Williams (6-3, 205) and DB Casey Dunn (6-0, 175). Williams is the younger brother of former PCC standout Nate Williams. A late transfer to Central Catholic from North Carolina is QB Tino Sunseri (6-1, 180), He is an accurate passer and the son of current Carolina Panther OL coach Sal Sunseri. He won the accuracy challenge at the Elite 11 camp in Atlanta and was a ballboy at the national camp this summer. The Vikings will face Woodland Hills, Erie Cathedral Prep, Gateway and Mount Lebanon this year.

Returning starters at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back along with a high school All-American candidate in William Alvarez (Virginia Tech commit) give the Bulldogs formidable talent returning and make them the top preseason team according to VirginiaPreps.com. Coach Lou Sorrentino, one of the state's best, guides one of the state's premier programs. Only a late game interception and return for touchdown by Landstown's Percy Harvin prevented Hylton from reaching the Division 6 state finals a year ago.

Head coach A.J. Ofodile's team lost in the Missouri Class 6 quarterfinals last year to eventual champion DeSmet of St. Louis and returns everyone from the roster except two players. Among the returners are QB Logan Gray and TE/OLB Aron White. Gray has committed to Georgia while White has offers from Georgia and many others. Rock Bridge is rock solid in the line as well with a massive front led by juniors Garrick Williams (6-3, 310) and Dan Shufeldt (6-4, 295) as well as all-state Jeremy Guier (6-2, 265) and Jason Reddy, also over 300 pounds. RB Scott Concannon already has TD runs of 99, 97, 96 and 88 yards in his career while the defense will feature three-year starters Johnny Wacker (6-1,

225) and Andrew Adams (6-0 228) at linebacker. We also love it that the school upgraded its schedule, including games against Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas and Har-Ber of Springdale, Ark.

Don Bosco Prep's lofty national ranking slipped away when its fourth-quarter lead over St. Peter's Prep in the state final vanished. This year's team will be loaded for another run at the title behind Notre Dame DE commit Justin Trattou (6-4, 230) and QB Matt Simms (6-2, 200), the younger son of former New York Giants great Phil Simms. Matt Simms passed for more than 2,500 yards last year. Other key players include WR Brandon Boykin (6-1, 175), C Eric Gormeley (6-1, 260), DE Sam Griffin (6-4, 215), LB Ike Garrow (6-0, 255) and DB Orry Michael (5-11, 185).

The Bulls are the team to beat in competitive Dade County with some touted transfers joining 13 returning starters from a state Class 6A semifinal team. Two-way back Antawn Easterling (5-11, 185) is the top offensive returnee but will be joined by touted junior transfer WR Aldarius Johnson (6-3, 200). The QB will be junior Jacory Harris (6-3, 175). Anchoring the defense is all-state junior Sean Spence (6-0, 190). The massive offensive line should be headlined by Darrin Berry (6-2, 270) with junior Marcus Forston (6-3, 290) a force on defense.

A lot of folks in Orange County say that the top teams there will be Mater Dei of Santa Ana and Servite of Anaheim. And while those two teams do indeed look loaded and Mission Viejo does have to replace everyone on the defensive side of the ball, CalHiSports.com says it is just too hard to rank anybody in Orange County ahead of the Diablos until they actually lose to one of those other county teams. Mission Viejo, in fact, hasn't lost to another Orange County team since 2001 and beat Mater Dei last year, 48-7. The Mission Viejo offense also should be as potent as ever. QB Kyle Kirchmeyer is a Div. I college talent in his own right, taking over for graduated R.J. Toman and will have more speed on the corner than any previous Diablo QB has had with wideouts Aziz Spellman-Smith and J.R. Griffin. WR-TE Warren Reuland also is a 6-8 high jumper and may be one of the state's top juniors. The backfield no longer features Chane "The Train" Moline, but Brian Lockridge and Kegan Gogerty combined for more than 1,100 yards last season. Up front, the Diablos are bolstered with 6-2, 290-pound transfer tackle Matt Bahr, who played last year at nearby Santa Margarita. If head coach Bob Johnson and staff get the defense up to speed, Mission Viejo has the type of schedule that will enable it to once again climb right up toward the top of the state and national rankings.

Any serious discussion about the Division 5 championship picture in Virginia should start with the school that's won more titles than anyone in the state. The Crabbers rank among the winningest programs in the nation because year in and year out, they play near flawless football. This year's squad will be led by the top ranked player in the state, QB Tyrod Taylor, who Rivals.com lists as the No. 18 player in the nation. In each of the last three decades -- the 70s, 80s and 90s – Hampton has strung together championship seasons on multiple occasions, so the Crabbers have to be considered the favorite to make it two in a row come December.

Sean Williams, a 6-3, 215-pound all-state at defensive end and tight end and one of the top recruits in the Northwest, is just one of many returning starters for the Crusaders, who look like a good bet to repeat as the highest-class champion in Oregon. All-state OG Michael Lamb (6-4, 245) and all-state RB Paul Weatheroy (5-11, 185) also are back. RB-DB Owen Marecic is another two-way standout while Lamb should have plenty of help in the trenches with all-league Mike Remmers and Andy Kleffner both returning as well. A new six-class system in Oregon begins this year, but it shouldn't impact the traditionally-strong programs like Jesuit as they'll all still be in the highest class.

The Mohigans, riding a 28-game win streak, are aiming for a couple of state records this season. A third straight state Class AAA title would tie the mark while the 36-game record victory run is within reach. Two West Virginia University recruits, third-year starting QB Charlie Russell (6-4, 225) and TE-DE Junius Lewis (6-2, 265) headline 14 returning regulars with eight on offense and six on defense. Russell has passed for 3,500 yards and 40 TDs the last two seasons. Overall, 38 lettermen bolster this Mountain State power.

Eleven starters are back from a Raptors' team that won a state Class 5A title in only their third varsity season. Regular DB Michael Becker (6-1, 180) will take over the QB reins and will operate behind three huge, veteran offensive linemen in Joe Thompson (6-6, 285), Garrett Snoeyenbos (6-5, 270) and center Trevor Witherspoon (6-3, 260). Defensive stalwarts include LBs Paul Cleckner (6-1, 215) and Adam Presley (6-0, 175) and DE Isiah Williams (6-2, 190).

California's winningest program ever returns a strong nucleus of players off last year's team that won the CIF Central Section Div. I title. The Drillers came on strong late in the season despite the loss of QB Tyler Kay to an injury. Phillip Thomas, ranked by CalHiSports.com as one of the state's most versatile talents, switched over from wide receiver and then quarterbacked the team to its title. Both players return this year. Head coach Paul Golla also should have a strong line with all-state underclass Justin Cheadle (6-4, 255) anchoring while the defense will be led by all-state candidate LB Austin Ferguson (6-1, 200).

Rockford is looking for its third Division 1 state title in as many years and is a good bet to take it home again after returning the likes of RB Zach Breen (5-11, 200), WR Callan Sherd (6-1, 175) and DB Jeremy Jones (6-0, 185). According to MichiganPreps.com, those three were among the top four to five players on last years' Rams team and are all potential D-1 prospects. Rockford, one of the largest two or three schools in the state, always has the numbers to put talented players around its stars.

The Rebels remain the team to beat in the Volunteer State Class 4A ranks after winning 72 of the last 74 games and five of the last six state crowns. Twelve starters return, including seven offensive regulars headed by University of Tennessee recruit Tyler Maples (6-4, 180)l, a WR-DB who landed 47 passes for 1,010 yards and 15 scores last season. Other stalwarts include RB Adrian Baker (5-10, 210), junior TE Aaron Douglas (6-6, 235), LB Tanner Caylor (5-10, 210) and DE Dwight Wood (6-0, 200).

The Demons are moving up to Class 5A in Georgia and should be well fortified to make a title run in the largest class. The 2004 Class 4A titlist has 35 lettermen returning, including 10 starters. QB Mark Wright (6-2, 205), who led the 2004 title team, returns to action after sitting out last season with a knee injury. Other key veterans include three-year starters in C Robert Luciano (6-1, 245) and LB Robert Rose (5-10, 190).

With six starters on each side of the ball returning, the Cubs should contend again for a state Class 4A title after recording an unbeaten regular season and advancing to the state semifinals in 2005. The offense will be run by touted QB Jarrett Lee (6-3, 200), an LSU recruit who passed for 3,470 yards and 40 TDs last season. Four top targets return, including University of Texas TE recruit Ahmad Howard (6-4, 225) plus WRs Brandon Collins (6-0, 170), Justin Daniels (6-2, 195) and TCU recruit Shawn Sullivan (5-8, 180).

The Tigers have been knocking on the state playoff door for the past two seasons and they appear poised to kick it down this year. Coach Rich Morgan's teams have won 24 straight regular season games and its back-to-back 11-1 seasons were marred only by regional championship game losses to Landstown. VirginiaPreps.com says their spread passing game should be nearly lethal and the team's defense is faster than it has ever been. Senior QB Dexter Merritt broke the school records of Greg Boone last season and should surpass his own records this year with junior WRs Kerry Boykins, Todd Harrelson and Jamal Wilson forming the best receiving corps in the state's eastern region. Defensively, DL Antonio Hill leads the charge and should be a preseason favorite to make the VirginiaPreps.com all-state squad.

The EA SPORTS National Junior of the Year for 2005, RB-LB John Clay (6-2, 220), returns along with eight other starters from the state Division 1 title team. Clay rushed for 2,032 yards and 30 TDs last season and is a two-time all-state honoree. Tom Bodnar (6-1, 205), a safety last season and brother of graduated John Bodnar, will take over the QB reins. Other touted returnees include DB Jesse Hamilton (5-9, 180) and two-way OL-DL Matt Simmons (6-5, 305). The Panthers open the season with state No. 2 ranked Oak Creek.

A loaded group of returnees is back for this traditionally-tough Rocky Mountain power that lost in last year's Class 5A state final in a close game. Acrobatic all-state WR Devin Aguilar (6-2, 175) and QB Clint Brewster (6-1, 185), who's father is a coach with the Denver Broncos and who has committed to Illinois, are just two of the standouts. Leading RB Phillip Morelli (5-11, 185) and big-time OL Shawn Daniels (6-4, 270), who has committed to Colorado, also are in the mix once again. Picking Mullen on top in Colorado to start isn't easy, either, as there's some others that should be right up there with the Mustangs, including defending champ Douglas County and Columbine of Littleton, which has a monstrous offensive line led by 6-7, 290-pound All-American Ryan Miller.

The Patriots will be the team to beat again in the Alabama Class 5A ranks after repeating as state titlist last season and winning their fourth crown since 2000 and sixth overall title. Homewood's schedule also has been= bolstered by the addition of FAB 50 No. 2 Hoover, the state's Class 6A juggernaut, which should give Homewood a good gauge on the 2006 squad.

The Rampants are becoming to North Carolina's Class 4A playoffs what Independence has been for years in Class 5A. They are the defending 4A state champs and are taking a 21-game winning streak into the 2006 season. Among the team's many returnees is RB Jonathan Williams, who rampaged for 1,500 yards with 23 TDs as a junior. Williams made the NCPreps.com 4A All-State team as an athlete.

The Bulldogs will start out No. 1 in the IowaPreps.com preseason rankings. After winning the largest class state title two years ago, Bettendorf should get back to that level with a roster loaded with veterans and talent. The leader is WR Colin Sandeman, a state player of the year candidate. Another to watch besides the Iowa University commit is returning DL Josh Gabelmann.

(Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia)

1. St. Peter¹s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) 12-0

2. Harrisburg (Harrisburg, Pa.) 7-3

3. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 10-2

4. C.D. Hylton (Woodbridge, Va.) 12-1

5. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) 11-1

6. Morgantown (Morgantown, W.Va.) 14-0

7. Hampton (Hampton, Va.) 13-1

8. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) 11-1

9. St. Joseph Prep (Philadelphia, Pa.) 11-2

10. Christian Brothers (Syracuse, N.Y.) 11-1

11. Xaverian (Westwood, Mass.) 9-3-1

12. St. Joseph (Montvale, N.J.) 11-1

13. DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 11-1

14. Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 10-3

15. Friendly (Friendly, Md.) 9-2

16. Damascus (Damascus, Md.) 14-0

17. Brockton (Brockton, Mass.) 13-0

18. St. Anthony¹s (Melville, N.Y.) 10-1

19. Neshaminy (Langhorne, Pa.) 10-2

20. Centreville (Clifton, Va.) 8-2

(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina)

1. Lakeland (Lakeland, Fla.) 15-0

2. Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 14-1

3. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) 15-0

4. Independence (Charlotte, N.C.) 15-0

5. South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) 15-0

6. Brookwood (Snellville, Ga.) 14-1

7. John Curtis (River Ridge, La.) 10-1

8. Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) 12-1

9. Summerville (Summerville, S.C.) 12-3

10. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) 11-2

11. Northwestern (Miami, Fla.) 9-2

12. Ravenwood (Brentwood, Tenn.) 14-1

13. Maryville (Maryville, Tenn.) 15-0

14. Warner Robins (Warner Robins, Ga.) 9-2

15. Homewood (Homewood, Ala.) 15-0)

16. Rose (Greenville, N.C.) 15-0

17. West Monroe (West Monroe, La.) 13-1

18. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) 14-1

19. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) 13-2

20. Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.) 11-2

(Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)

1. St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) 15-0

2. Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) 14-1

3. Lincoln Way East (Frankfort, Ill.) 14-0

4. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) 12-1

5. Mount Carmel (Chicago, Ill.) 13-1

6. St. Mary's (Orchard Lake, Mich.) 11-1

7. Washington (Massillon, Ohio) 13-2

8. Rockford (Rockford, Mich.) 12-2

9. Racine Park (Racine, Wis.) 13-1

10. Bettendorf (Bettendorf, Iowa) 8-2

11. Brother Rice (Birmingham, Mich.) 12-2

12. Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio) 12-1

13. Prospect (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) 13-1

14. Trinity (Louisville, Ky.) 13-2

15. Davidson (Hilliard, Ohio) 13-1

16. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.) 14-1

17. Wayzata (Plymouth, Minn.) 13-1

18. Valley (West Des Moines, Iowa) 13-0

19. Sacred Heart Griffin (Springfield, Ill.) 14-0

20. Oak Creek (Oak Creek, Wis.) 9-2

(Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)

1. Lufkin (Lufkin, Texas) 14-1

2. Carroll (Southlake, Texas) 16-0

3. Tulsa Union (Tulsa, Okla.) 13-1

4. Texas (Texarkana, Texas) 9-2

5. Rock Bridge (Columbia, Mo.) 7-3

6. Brenham (Brenham, Texas) 14-1

7. Garland (Garland, Texas) 10-3

8. A&M Consolidated (College Station, Texas) 11-3

9. Jenks (Jenks, Okla.) 9-2

10. Millard North (Omaha, Neb.) 12-1

11. Raymore-Peculiar (Peculiar, Mo.) 13-0

12. The Woodlands (The Woodlands, Texas) 7-4

13. Northside (Fort Smith, Ark.) 8-5

14. Copperas Cove (Copperas Cove, Texas) 13-1

15. Westlake (Austin, Texas) 9-2

16. Trinity (Euless, Texas) 14-1

17. Cypress Falls (Houston, Texas) 9-5

18. Central (Salina, Kan.) 13-0

19. Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.) 10-2

20. Central (Little Rock, Ark.) 5-5

(Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming)

1. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) 11-2

2. Canyon (Canyon Country, Calif.) 13-1

4. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) 13-0

5. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.) 14-0

7. Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, Calif.) 12-1

8. Jesuit (Portland, Ore.) 13-1

9. Bakersfield (Bakersfield, Calif.) 11-2

10. Mullen Prep (Denver, Colo.) 11-3

11. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 8-5

13. Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) 9-4

14. Eastlake (Sammamish, Wash.) 8-2

15. Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii) 11-3

16. Douglas County (Castle Rock, Colo.) 13-1

17. Monte Vista (Danville, Calif.) 11-1

18. Prosser (Prosser, Wash.) 13-2

19. Kahuku (Kahuku, Hawaii) 11-1

20. Nevada Union (Grass Valley, Calif.) 13-1

Huff is one of only three journalists who've been inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame. He's known as the founder of the national record book, originated the prestigious Street&Smith's preseason All-American teams and still updates football and boys basketball national records regularly for Student Sports. Huff is beginning his 20th consecutive season of compiling national high school football rankings. No one has done this type of work for more years. Tennis has been executive editor of Student Sports for 12 years and has been compiling California state rankings for 26 years. Huff and Tennis have worked together on the FAB 50 rankings since 1999.

We provide national high school content for SPARQ Magazine and previously published Student Sports Magazine for 11 years. We produce the Nike Football Training Camps, EA SPORTS Elite 11 Quarterback Camp, the EA SPORTS All-American teams, the Area Code Games for baseball, the Nike Premier 50 for girls soccer and numerous television projects. The FAB 50 football rankings are the official continuation of the original national rankings (National Sports News Service) begun in 1927. The Student Sports High School Network on Rivals.com also is the largest high school sports network in the world.