Monday, December 24, 2012

High School Football America Radio Show

Because of the Christmas holiday, the High School Football America radio show be taking Thursday off, but you can always listen to past shows in our archives.

Above is last Thursday's show that featured MaxPreps' Steve Spiewak

We'll return on January 3rd. Happy Holidays!

 Jeff

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Final 2012 High School Football America Top 25

By Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica


So the 2012 high school football season is officially over - other than for some national and local all-star games for seniors.

What a season it was!

If you've been following our rankings throughout the year, you know that we didn't release our first Top 25 until a month into the season, in order to get an accurate picture of who was good on the field, not just on paper.  We also didn't post rankings from mid-November on, so that the playoffs could unfold.

Now it’s time for High School Football America to name its first national champ.

Let’s also start using the word “mythical” in-front of national champs, because ultimately, there’s really no way to do this scientifically.


There are some years when a team rises head-and-shoulders above the pack, but for the most part, each year there could be anywhere from 5-8 teams that could lay claim to the “mythical” title. That’s the case this year with several teams having outstanding seasons.

We salute all of them! However, we need to name a national champ.

The choice could have gone many ways, but in the end, it came down to the Allen Eagles (Texas) and John Curtis (Louisiana) with Bellevue (Washington), De La Salle (California) and Katy (Texas) getting first-place votes.

My personal vote came-down to strength of schedule for the Eagles, who captured Texas’ Class 5A Division I championship Saturday night defeating previously unbeaten Lamar. The Eagles (15-1) finish the season with one loss, a 27-24 loss to Coppell (11-1) in overtime. Seven of Allen’s 16 opponents won 11 or more games this season.

There is no doubt that a case could be made for John Curtis. However, when you consider that Curtis (14-0) played seven opponents with sub-.500 records, compared with only three for Allen.  On the other side of the equation, Curtis faced and passed everyone of its tests. 

You can't do more than play your schedule and play it well.  The Patriots' outscored opponents 667-60 with seven shutouts. 

When the votes were tallied, we have co-national champs.

How would an Allen vs. John Curtis match-up turn-out next week?  We'll never know...but we do know they are both great teams.

For those of you that would like to check out our first national rankings back in mid-September, click here.

Again, congats the everyone and I can't wait until 2013.

Happy Holidays!


High School Football America Final 2012 Top 25

1 (tie). Allen (Texas) 15-1
Original Ranking: #11

1 (tie). John Curtis (River Ridge, LA) 14-0
Original Ranking: #5
3. Bellevue (Washington) 14-0

Original Ranking: #7

4. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 15-0
Original Ranking: #8

5. Katy (Texas) 16-0
Original Ranking: #21

6. Hoover (Alabama) 16-0
Original Ranking: #13

7. North Allegheny (Wexford, PA) 16-0
Original Ranking: NR

8. Norcross (Georgia) 15-0
Original Ranking: NR

9. DeSoto (Texas) 14-1
Original Ranking: #4

10. Butler (Matthews, NC) 15-0
Original Ranking: #20

11. University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 12-0
Original Ranking: #25

12. Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 13-0
Original Ranking: #18

13. Trinity (Louisville, KY) 13-1
Original Ranking: #9

14. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) 13-1
Original Ranking: #23

15. Good Counsel (Maryland) 11-1
Original Ranking: #24

16. St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 13-2
Original Ranking: NR

17. Centennial (Corona, CA) 14-2
Original Ranking: NR

18. Manatee (Bradenton, FL) 13-1
Original Ranking: #2

19. Steele (Cibolo, TX) 14-1
Original Ranking: NR

20. Whitehaven (Memphis, TN) 15-0
Original Ranking: NR

21. Miami Central (Florida) 12-2
Original Ranking: NR


22. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, OH) 12-3
Original Ranking: #17

23. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) 14-1
Original Ranking: #19

24. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ) 10-2
Original Ranking: NR

25. Booker T. Washington (Miami) 13-1
Original Ranking: NR

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Listen to High School Football America - December 13th Show

by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica




If you missed last Thursday's High School Football America show, you missed a good one.  However, if you did, all you have to do to hear it is click-on the "play button or arrow" above to listen whenever you want.

On this show, Jeff Fisher talks with Corona Centennial (California) head coach Matt Logan about his team's preparation for its showdown with De La Salle in the California Open Division championship game.

Fisher also previews the Pennsylvania state championships with Dave Mika of EasternPAFootball.com and WesternPAFootball.net.

Fisher's third guest is Rim of the World (California) High School running back Jake Taylor, who became the sixth player in high school football history to rush for 4,000 yards in a season.

The show wraps-up with a flashback interview that Fisher and Trish Hoffman did back in June 2011 with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel after he was named the 2011 National Football Player of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

Iowa High School to Get New Stadium Thanks to Powerball

by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica

What would you do if you won $202 million in the Powerball?

In the case of Brian and Mary Lohse of Iowa - build a high school football stadium.

The Des Moines Register reports that the family will donate $3 million dollars of their winnings to the Bondurant-Farrar school district to build a new high school football stadium in time for their oldest son's senior season in 2014 

One interesting twist is the family has asked that the visitor's locker froom be painted pink.

Last year Bondurant-Farrar finished 10-3, losing in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

California RB Tops 4,000 Yards Rushing this Year

by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica

Friday night, Rim of the World High School (Lake Arrowhead, CA) senior running back Jacob Taylor became just the fifth running back in America to EVER top the 4,000 yard rushing mark in a season.  Not only did Taylor reach his goal, his team held-on to defeat previously unbeaten Ontario Christian 34-31 to win the CIF-SS East Valley Division championship, which was the school's first since 1976.

Taylor entered the game needing 228 yards to surpass the 4,000 mark - he ended-up with 260 yards on 41 carries.

Here are the other running backs that have topped the 4,000 yard in a season milestone:

4,756 - John Giannantonio, Netcong HS (New Jersey), 1950
4,495 - Tyler Ebell, Ventura HS (California), 2000
4,087 - Travis Henry, Frostproof HS (Florida), 1996
4,045 - Ken Hall, Sugar Land HS (Texas), 1953
4,032 - Jacob Taylor HS (California), 2012

Bellevue Wins 5th Straight Washington State High School Football Title

by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica

The word straight can be used a lot after Bellevue's 35-3 win over Eastlake Catholic Friday night in Washington's 3A state championship game.

The Wolverines won their fifth straight title, a record in the state, plus it was the program's 40th straight victory.  It was also the school's 10th championship in the last 12 years.

The Seattle Times reports that the final margin of victory doesn't show how tough a game it was for the five-time champs.

Bellevue is currently ranked 4th in the latest High School Football America Top 25.

For those of you wondering, St. Louis High School (Honolulu, Hawaii) and Washington High School (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) hold the record with 14 straight state titles.

All-Time Record for Consecutive High School Football State Titles:14 - St. Louis HS (Hawaii)
14 - Washington HS (South Dakota)
9 - Union HS (Arizona)
8 - Independence HS (North Carolina)

Thursday, November 15, 2012

High School Football America Top 25

By Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica


Three of our teams suffered surprising losses over the weekend, which has shuffled the deck in the lastest High School Football America Top 25.

Falling-out are Camden County (Georgia), St. Edward (Ohio) and St. Joseph's Prep (Pennsylvania).  All three suffered their first loses of the season over the weekend.

New this week, Bentonville (Arkansas), St. John Bosco (California) and Allen (Texas). 

Bosco is interesting because they have four losses, but all four are forfeits from using an ineligible player earlier this year.  The Braves are undefeated on the field and won the extremely tough Trinity League title.

Allen is back-in after climbing as high as #11 before losing to current #20 Coppell.


High School Football America Top 25

1. Manatee (Bradenton, FL) 10-0
Manatee closes out an unbeaten regular season with a 49-6 win over Lakewood Ranch. Next up: Northeast in first round of Florida 7A playoffs on Friday. Last Week: #1

2. DeSoto (Texas) 10-0
The Eagles avoided an upset by scoring 15 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to beat Manfield 37-23 Next up: Harker Heights (5-6) in first round of Texas 5A Division I playoffs on Saturday. Last week #2

3. John Curtis (River Ridge, LA) 10-0
The Patriots’ defense continues to roll with fourth straight shutout and sixth in the last seven games. JC beat Pope John Paul II 64-0 in opening round of Louisiana’s 2A playoffs. Next up: North Webster (7-4) on Friday. Last Week: #3

4. Bellevue (Washington) 11-0

The Wolverines win streak now 37 straight after 28-0 win over Ferndale. Next up: Peninsula (9-2) in 3A quarterfinals on Friday. Next Week: #4

5. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 10-0
Idle. Next up: Pittsburg (9-2) on Friday in CIF North Coast playoffs. Last Week: #6

6. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, CA) 11-0
Broncos’ star Su’a Cravens didn’t play in the first round of the postseason in 34-6 win over South Hills. Next up: Norco (7-4) in quarterfinals of CIF Inland Division playoffs on Friday Last Week: #7

7. Hoover (Alabama) 12-0

Bucs advanced to 2nd round of Alabama 6A playoffs with a 38-7 victory over Shades Valley. Next up: Pell City (7-5) in 2nd Round of 6A playoffs on Friday. Last Week: #8

8. Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 11-0
No problems for the Tigers in 37-7 win over McCallie that moves them to within two wins of a Tennessee Division II-AA state championship. Next up: Montgomery Bell Academy in Division II AA semifinals on Friday. Last Week: #9

9. Katy (Texas) 10-0
The finish a perfect regular season with a 41-6 win over Memorial. Katy averaged over 49 points a game during the regular season . Next up: Westbury (3-7) in the Texas 5A Division II first round on Thursday. Last Week: #10

10. Butler (Matthews, NC) 12-0
Bulldogs beat arch-rival Independence for the second time this year. Friday’s 55-26 over the Patriots moves the Bulldogs into the NCHSAA 4-AA quarterfinals. Next up: East Forsyth (13-0) on Friday. Last Week: #12

11. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) 11-0

Gauchos’ appear primed to win back-to-back Los Angeles City Section Division I titles after 57-14 win over Locke. Next up: Garfield (6-5) on Friday in CIF-City Section quarterfinals. Last Week: #11

12. University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 7-0

Did not play. Next up: Cardinal Newman (9-1) in Florida Class 3A opening round. Last Week: #13

13. Colerain (Cincinnati, OH) 12-0
Cardinals’ are now in the Ohio Division 1 quarters after a 35-34 overtime win over Elder. Next up: Archbishop Moeller (9-3) on Saturday. Last Week: #14

14. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) 10-1
Gaels top 70 points for third straight game in 71-28 win over Palo Verde. Next up: Nevada 4A Championship vs. Centennial (9-2) on Friday. Last Week: #15

15. North Allegheny (Wexford, PA) 11-0
Tigers beat Bethel Park 42-14 to advance to the WPIAL 4A semis. Next up: Seneca Valley (10-1) on Friday. Last Week: #16

16. Good Counsel (Maryland) 10-1
Good Counsel earned a rematch with arch-rival DeMatha for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference with a 21-7 win over St. Johns. Next up: DeMatha (9-2) on Sunday. Last Week: #17

17. Steele (Cibolo, TX) 10-0

The Knights finish a perfect 10-0 in the regular season with a 42-14 win over Southwest. Next up: Marshall (5-5) in Texas 5A Division II playoffs. Last Week: #19

18. Grayson (Loganville, GA) 9-1
Defending AAAAA champs beat Brookwood 42-13. Next up: Wheeler (6-4) in 1st Round of Georgia AAAAAA playoffs. Last Week: #20

19. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NY) 7-1
The Ironmen beat Hackensack 42-8. Next up: St. Augustine Prep (7-1) on Friday in NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 quarterfinals. Last Week: #20

20. Coppell (Texas) 10-0
The Cowboys move into the postseason with a perfect 10-0 record after a 41-3 win over Lewisville. Next up: MacArthur (7-3) in the opening round of the Texas Class 5A Division I playoffs. Last Week: #22

21. St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) 11-1
The defending Division 1 champs are back in the state quarters after shutting-out North Royalton 56-0. Next up: Mentor (11-1) on Saturday Last Week: #24

22. Trinity (Louisville, KY) 10-1
The Shamrocks are seeking their 10th title in 12th year. Trinity moved to the state quarters with a 62-8 win over Madison Central. Next up: St. Xavier (8-4) on Friday. Last Week: $25

23. Bentonville (Arkansas) 10-0
New to the poll after being idle last week. Next up: West Memphis (8-3) in Arkansas 7A quarterfinals. Last Week: NR

24. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) 7-4
The Braves four losses were by forfeit for using an ineligible player otherwise a perfect 11-0 on the field. Next up: Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks (8-3) in CIF Pac-5 quarterfinals. Last Week: NR  

25. Allen (Texas) 9-1
The Eagles return to the Top 25 after beating Plano 35-34. Only loss is to #20 Coppell in overtime. Next up: Richardson (5-5) in Texas 5A Division I first round. Last Week: NR

Dropped-out:
#5 Camden County (GA), #13 St. Edward (OH), #22 St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)

Others receiving consideration in alphabetical order:
Abilene (Texas), American Heritage (Florida), Archbishop Moeller (OH), Byrnes (SC), Camden County (Georgia), Glenbard West (Illinois),  Goose Creek (South Carolina), Lassiter (Georgia), Jordan (Utah), Mission Viejo (California), Norcross (Georgia), Santa Margarita (California) Southlake Carroll (Texas), Whitmer (Ohio)

Friday, November 02, 2012

Where the High School Football America Top 25 Plays

by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HFSBamerica

Four teams in the High School Football America Top 25 picked-up victories Thursday night.

#8 Hoover closed-out a perfect regular season with a 30-7 win over Opelika. Next stop for the Bucs is the Alabama 6A playoffs with a first round match-up with Shades Valley.

#14 University (Florida) beat Eagle's View 56-0 to improve to 8-0. It was the second straight shutout victory for the Suns.

In Georgia, defending AAAAA champ #20 Grayson shutout Archer 48-0. The AJC reports that the Rams returned two interceptions for touchdowns to improve to 8-1.

#23 Coppell (Texas) clinched the District 5-5A title Thursday night with a 21-3 win over Denton RyanThe Dallas News reports that Cowboy QB Colby Mahon passed for 197 yards and two touchdowns, plus he ran for a score.

Here's where the rest of the Top 25 plays this weekend:
*all games Friday unless noted
1. Manatee (FL) vs. Sarasota
2. DeSot (TX) vs. Grand Prairie
3. John Curtis (LA) vs. South Plaquemines
4. Bellevue (WA) vs. Lincoln
5. Camden County (GA) vs. Lownes
6. De La Salle (CA) vs. California
7. Vista Murrieta (CA) vs. Chaparral
9. Enworth (TN) - Idle
10. Katy (TX) vs. Cinco Ranch (Saturday)
11. Narbonne (CA) vs. Gardena
12. Butler (NC) vs. West Forsyth
13. St. Edward (OH) vs. Mayfield (Saturday)
15. Colerain (OH) vs. St. Xavier (Saturday)
16. Bishop Gorman (NV) vs. Shadow Ridge
17. North Allegheny (PA) vs. Altoona
18. Good Counsel (MD) vs. Archbishop Carroll (Saturday)
19. Steele (TX) vs. Carroll
21. Don Bosco Prep (NJ) vs. Hackensack
22. St. Joseph's Prep (PA) vs. Archbishop Ryan
24. St. Ignatius (OH) vs. Austintown-Fitch (Saturday)
25. Trintiy (KY) vs. Clark

Monday, October 22, 2012

Manatee Remains #1 in latest High School Football America Top 25


by Jeff Fisher
Editor-in-Chief
High School Football America
Follow @HSFBamerica
 
Only minor changes this week with four of the High School Football America Top 25 teams on a bye week and only #23 Mater Dei (California) losing this past weekend.


Mater Dei’s loss to St. John Bosco opens a hole for Coppell from Texas to enter the rankings at #24. The Cowboys are a perfect 7-0 this season with an 27-24 overtime win over previously ranked Allen.

It was a tough week for Coppell as the team played with heavy hearts on Friday. Last weekend, the senior wide receiver Jacob Logan died during a swimming accident.

High School Football America Top 25

1. Manatee (Bradenton, FL) 7-0
Hurricanes had a tussle for a while with Venice before pulling away for a 56-27 win. QB Cord Sandberg (Mississippi St. verbal) 13-of-14 for 253 yards and 3 TDs. Sandberg also ran for two scores. Next up: Palmetto (7-0) on Friday. Last Week: #1

2. DeSoto (Texas) 7-0
Dontre Wilson scored six touchdowns to lead the Eagles to a 52-24 win over Midlothian. Next up: Duncan (2-5) on Friday Last week #2

3. John Curtis (River Ridge, LA) 7-0
Bye Week. Next up: Clark (1-7) on Friday. Last Week: #3

4. Bellevue (Washington) 8-0
The Wolverines win streak reaches 34 straight with 49-11 win over Liberty. Next up: Mercer Island (5-3) on Friday. Next Week: #4

5. St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) 8-0

Wildcats avenged last year’s regular season loss to St. Xavier with 32-21 win Saturday. St. Ignatius won its 15th straight behind four touchdowns from Tim McVey. Next up: St. Edward (9-0) on Saturday Last Week: #5

6. Trinity (Louisville, KY) 8-0
Bye Week. Next up: Archbishop Moeller (Ohio) (6-3) on Saturday. Last week: #6

7. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 7-0
Running back Tiapepe Vitale rushed for 202 yards and three TDs in 41-9 win over Monte Vista. Next up: San Ramon Valley (4-4) on Friday. Last Week: #7

8. Camden County (Kingsland, GA) 7-0
Bye Week. Next up: Brunswick (3-4) on Friday. Last Week: #8

9. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, CA) 8-0

USC recruit Su’a Cravens scored the Broncos first three TDs on a punt return, a pass reception and 100-yard interception return in 45-17 win over previously undefeated Murrieta Valley. Next up: Murrieta Mesa (6-2) on Friday Last Week: #9

10. Hoover (Alabama) 9-0
Bucs defense continues to look strong in 14-0 win over Minor. Hoover has only allowed 66 points this year. Next up: Tuscaloosa County (7-1) on Friday Last Week: #10

11. Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 9-0

Tigers win their showdown with once-beaten Brentwood Academy 20-0. Corn Elder rushed for 296 yards and 2 TDs. Next up: Father Ryan (3-6) on Friday. Last Week: #11

12. Katy (Texas) 7-0
The Tigers fell behind 7-0 and 10-7 before taking control in a 38-13 win over Seven Lakes. Next up: Strake Jesuit (1-6) on Saturday. Last Week: #12

13. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) 8-0
The Gauchos avenged two straight losses to San Pedro with a 28-7 victory Friday. Next up: George Washington Prep (4-4) on Friday. Last Week: #13

14. Butler (Matthews, NC) 9-0
Bulldogs pitched their third shutout in the last four games in 58-0 victory over South Mecklenberg. Next up: Independence (9-1) on Friday. Last Week: #14

15. University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 7-0

Suns shutout Westminster Christian 27-0. Next up: Edison (3-3) on Thursday Last Week: #15

16. Colerain (Cincinnati, OH) 0-0
QB Alfred Ramsey brought the Cardinals back from a 17-0 deficit in the battle of unbeatens. Ramsey rushed for 230 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 158 yards and one score in 57-44 win. Next up: Oak Hill (5-4) on Friday. Last Week: #16

17. Bishop Gorman (Nevada) 7-1
First the first-time in his tenure as head coach of the Gaels, a Tony Sanchez coached team gave-up more than a touchdown against a Nevada opponent. BG beat Centennial 49-20 to win the school’s fourth straight Southwest division title. Next up: Desert Oasis (2-6) on Thursday. Last Week: #17

18. North Allegheny (Wexford, PA) 8-0
Tigers showed no let-up after big back-to-back games in beating Shaler 55-7. Next up: North Hills (6-2) on Friday. Last Week: #18

19. Good Counsel (Maryland) 7-1
Dorian O’Daniel rushed for two TD as the Falcons beat St. John’s 41-17. Next up: Bishop O’Connell (5-3) on Saturday. Last Week: #19

20. Steele (Cibolo, TX) 7-0
The Knights scored 35 first quarter points on the way to a 63-0 shuout of South San Antonio. Next up: East Central (5-2) Last Week: #20

21. Grayson (Loganville, GA) 7-1
Third straight shutout for the Rams in 41-0 win over South Gwinnett. Grayson have outscored last three opponents 155-0. Next up: Bye Week. Last Week: #21

22. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NY) 5-1
Bye Week. Next up: Bergen Catholic (4-2) on Saturday. Last Week: #22

23. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, PA) 7-0

Hawks continue to impress with 42-3 win over Father Judge. Next up: Archbishop Ryan (5-3) on Saturday. Last Week: #24

24. Coppell (Texas) 7-0
On the first play of the game against Flower Mound, the Cowboys only used 10 players. It was a tribute to senior wide receiver Jacob Logan, who died last week during a swimming accident. Next up: Marcus (2-5). Last Week: NR

25. Byrnes (Duncan, SC) 7-1
Rebels bounce back from loss to Gaffney putting 72 points on board in 72-27 win over Mauldin. Next up: Mauldin (4-4) on Friday. Last Week: #25

Dropped-out: #23 Mater Dei (CA)

Others receiving consideration in alphabetical order:

Allen (Texas), Abilene (Texas), American Heritage (Florida), Bentonville (Arkansas), Goose Creek (South Carolina), Lassiter (Georgia), Mission Viejo (California), St. Edward (Ohio), St. John Bosco (California), Southlake Carroll (Texas)

Monday, October 01, 2012

New National Top 25

By Jeff Fisher
HSFA Editor-in-Chief

HSFA logo webThere are two newcomers to this week’s High School Football America Top 25.

Overall, it was a fairly easy weekend for the Top 25 teams with only #11 Allen (Texas) and #21 Bolingbrook (Illinois) losing. #16 Narbonne (California) was challenged by Mater Dei, one of the top teams in Southern California.

With Allen and Bolingbrook falling out of the poll, two teams with one loss make their debut.

Grayson (Georgia), which opened the season with hopes of claiming a national championship, enters our poll at #24, while defending national champ Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey) takes over the #25 slot.

This week, the nation’s #1 team, Santa Margarita, will receive its first test since losing quarterback Johnny Stanton to season-ending knee surgery. The Eagles, who had a bye week, will face Servite in their Trinity League opener.

Two other ranked teams will be challenged by strong opponets this week when #21 Good Counsel hosts DeMatha in a Maryland showdown and #23 North Allegheny squares-off with fellow western Pennsylvania-power Gateway.

High School Football America Top 25

1. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) 5-0

Santa Margarita opens Trinity League play this week, one of the toughest leagues in the country. It will be the Eagles first game without quarterback Johnny Stanton (Nebraska verbal), who had successful knee surgery Friday. Next up: Servite Last Week: #1

2. Manatee (Bradenton, FL) 4-0
QB Cord Sanberg (Mississippi St. verbal) accounted for 4 TDs in 52-13 win over Southeast. Win was 270th of head coach Joe Kinnan’s career. Next up: Braden River on Friday. Last Week: #2


3. DeSoto (Texas) 5-0
Eagles defense stuffed South Grand Prairie in 40-7 win Friday. DeSoto has a bye this week. Last week #3

4. John Curtis (River Ridge, LA) 5-0
The Patriots top the 50 point mark for the second straight game in 59-0 win over Riverside. It was also JC’s second straight shutout. Next up: Carver on Saturday. Last Week: #4


5. Byrnes (Duncan, SC) 6-0
Another big game for Rebels QB Shuler Bentley with 375 yards and 5 TDs in 49-7 win over Spartanburg. Next up: Riverside on Friday. Last Week: #5

6. Bellevue (Washington) 5-0
The Wolverines roll with their third straight shutout. Bellevue beat Juniata 49-0. Next up: Interlake on Friday. Next Week: #6


7. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 5-0
The Spartans defense limited Livermore, who was averaging 313 yards per game on the ground, to just 53 yards rushing in 57-0 victory. Next up: Foothill on Friday. Last Week: #7

8. Trinity (Louisville, KY) 6-0
Over 30,000 watched Trinity beat its arch-rival St. Xavier 34-7. The Shamrocks win streak reaches 31 straight. Next up: DuPont Manual on Friday. Last week: #8

9. St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) 6-0
Wildcat head coach Charles Kyle wins #296 in 35-7 victory over Glenville. Next up: John Adams on Saturday Last Week: #9

10. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) 3-1
The Crusaders rebound from one-point loss to St. Joseph with a 62-20 win over previously undefeated Passiac Tech. 5 TDs passes for BC QB Jon Germano. Next up: DePaul on Saturday Last Week: #10

11. Camden County (Kingsland, GA) 4-0
The Wildcats Wing-T offense picked-up 278 yards on the ground to beat Valdosta 43-6. Next up: Coffee on Friday Last Week: #12

12. Hoover (Alabama) 6-0
Hoover wins the battle of unbeatens topping Vestavia Hills 35-15. Next up: Bessemer City on Friday Last Week: #12


13. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, CA) 5-0
The Broncos scored on its first six possessions to beat Palisades 42-6. Next up: Temecula Valley on Friday Last Week: #14

14. Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 7-0
The Tigers raced-out to a 42 point halftime lead on the way to a 49-0 win over Pope John Paul II. Next up: Montgomery Bell Academy. Last Week: #15

15. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) 5-0
For the second straight week the Gauchos knocked-off an unbeaten SoCal power. This time it was Mater Dei 18-17. Next up Carson on Friday. Last Week: #16

16. Butler (Matthews, NC) 6-0
Bulldog back-up QB Zach Gross continues to play well while Riley Ferguson heals from a broken hand. Gross had 2 TD passes in 60-0 win over East Mecklenberg. Next up: Ardrey Kell on Friday. Last Week: #17

17. Katy (Texas) 4-0
The Tigers handed Morton Ranch its first loss of the season 62-24. Next up: Mayde Creek on Saturday Last Week: #18

18. University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 3-0
University’s has now gone three weeks with playing a football game. This week they will be tested against unbeaten Chaminade-Madonna in a 3A District 8 showdown. Last Week: #19

19. Colerain (Cincinnati, OH) 6-0
Cardinals’ junior running back Detuan Smith rushed for 200 yards and three 3 TDs in 35-0 shutout of Mason. Next up: Middletown on Friday. Last Week: #20

20. Bishop Gorman (Nevada) 4-1
The Gaels played their first Nevada opponent and had to problems in a 70-0 shutout of Legacy. Next up: Cimarron-Memorial on Friday. Last Week: #22

21. Good Counsel (Maryland) 4-1
The Falcons were idle last week. Two weeks to focus on arch-rival DeMatha on Friday. Last Week: #23

22. Steele (Cibolo, TX) 5-0The offense, averaging 43 points a game this year, continued to click in 42-14 win over San Marcos. This week is a bye week for Steele. Last Week: #24

23. North Allegheny (Wexford, PA) 5-0
Mack Leftwich tossed 4 TD passes as the Tigers beat Butler 49-0. Next up: unbeaten Gateway on Friday. Last Week: #25


24. Grayson (Loganville, GA) 4-1
The Rams have won two straight since its 22-7 loss to Parkview. The defending AAAAA champs beat Shiloh on Friday 45-27. Next up: Central Gwinnett on Friday. Last Week: NR

25. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NY) 3-1
The defending national champs enter the poll after another solid road interstate win. The Ironmen beat Utah-power Alta 53-24. DBP also beat Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas on the road on September 14. Next up: Fair Lawn. Last Week: NR

Dropping out: #11 Allen (Texas) lost to Coppell 27-24 in OT and #21 Bolingbrook (Illinois) lost to Lincoln-Way East 42-19

Others receiving consideration in alphabetical order:


Allen (Texas), American Heritage (Florida), Bentonville (Arkansas), Carmel (Indiana), Coppell (Texas), Lassiter (Georgia)

*Through games of September 30, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

High School Football America National Top 25


By Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

As promised, we took a month’s worth of games before deciding on our very first High School Football America Top 25.

Quite, honestly, we were trying to stay away from doing a national poll, but our readers kept asking for it, so we decided what the heck, let’s give it a whirl and see how it turns-out.

For those of you that follow me on our national radio show, you know I think that polls are all about creating conversation, not actually crowning a “mythical national champion.”

Taking the mantle in our first poll is Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA).  The Eagles are the defending CIF Division I champion, with a ton of talent back from the 2011 squad, including Nebraska-recruit Johnny Stanton at quarterback.  After a less-than-impressive couple of wins to start the season, the Eagles have turned it on with back-to-back 55-0 and 72-0 shutout victories. 

We’ll find-out how good Santa Margarita is this week when it faces unbeaten St. Bonaventure (Ventura, CA). 

Manatee from Florida came-in a close second in our first Top 25 with Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) checking-in at #3 after an impressive 2-0 start to a one of the toughest schedules in the nation.  BC has already beaten two defending state champs in St. Anthony’s (New York) and Bishop Gorman (Nevada).  Desoto (Texas) and John Curtis (River Ridge, Louisiana) round-out our initial Top 5.

So without further a do, here’s our very first Top 25:

1. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) 4-0
Hung 72 points on Carson Friday, which set a school record for points.  Big showdown this week with unbeaten St. Bonaventure.

2. Manatee (Bradenton, FL) 3-0
Coming off solid 44-34 win against Miami Central that began the season ranked #1 be USA Today.

3. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) 2-0
Have beaten two defending state champs in St. Anthony’s (New York) and Bishop Gorman (Nevada)

4. DeSoto (Texas) 3-0
Solid 42-21 victory of power Euless Trinity, which followed a big win over Oklahoma-power Jenks two weeks ago.

5. John Curtis (River Ridge, LA) 3-0
Big win two week’s ago against defending Florida 8A champ Plant and solid win Friday against East St. John.

6. Byrnes (Duncan, SC) 4-0
The Rebels appear poised to head into the postseason undefeated.

7. Bellevue (Washington) 3-0
The Wolverines beat Texas-power Euless Trinity to start the season and now appear poised to go after their 9th Washington state title in the last 11 years.

8. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 4-0
The Spartans survived a scare Friday in 21-13 win over St. Mary’s of Stockton.

9. Trinity (Louisville, KY) 4-0
29-game win streak for the four-time defending Kentucky 6A champs.

10. St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) 4-0
The defending Division I champs have been challenged in four wins

11. Allen (Texas) 3-0
Two of the Eagles next three opponents are undefeated through three weeks of games in Texas.

12. Camden County (Kingsland, GA) 3-0
After Grayson’s stunning loss to Parkview on Friday, the Wildcats are the only Georgia team to find its way into our inaugural poll

13. Hoover (Alabama) 4-0
The Bucs 4-0 start includes a solid win over South Panola (Mississippi) in Week 2

14. Cass Tech (Detroit, MI) 4-0
The defending Division 1 champs have looked very good after an impressive win over defending Division 2 champ Brother Rice in season opener.

15. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, CA) 3-0
The Broncos are loaded with offensive talent that was on display in Friday 59-14 win over Redlands East Valley

16. Lake Travis (Austin, TX) 3-0
The move to Class 5A will be interesting for the Cavaliers who picked-up a 28-24 victory over Round Rock Westwood Friday.

17. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, OH) 4-0
Moeller will be tested this week when it faces St. Xavier of Cincinnati.

18. Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 5-0
Ensworth is averaging over 46 points a game.

19. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) 3-0
The Gauchos defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown this season.

20. Butler (Matthews, NC) 4-0
Butler is going after its three North Carolina big schools title in the last four years.

21. Katy (Texas) 3-0
The Tigers offense continued to click with 516 yards in 63-10 win over The Woodlands.

22. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, CA) 4-0
The Lions haven’t lost a step with Jeff Woodruff taking over for legendary Bill Redell.

23. Bishop Gorman (Nevada) 3-1
The Gaels won’t have time to think about Friday’s loss to Bergen Catholic with a road trip to Southern California this week to face Servite.

24. Good Counsel (Maryland) 3-1
With DeMatha looming two weeks away, GC can’t look past this week’s match-up with Gonzaga.

25. University (Ft. Lauderdale) 3-0
University’s impressive 49-3 win over Cocoa lands them the final spot in our first-ever Top 25.

"The Turnaround": Another Close Call

by Jason Strunk
Lubbock High School Head Coach


Lubbock Cooper Pirates vs. Lubbock High

Location - Lubbock, TexasStadium - Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park
Time - 8:00 p.m.
Captains - Joel Rivera, Raleigh Anderson, Keefe Gallagher, Dom Adame
Coin Toss - We want the ball (Cooper won toss and deferred).

Westerner Key's to victory:
1. Finish drives
2. Ball security/protect the ball
3. Red Zone efficiency (just score!)

Tidbits:


Coach Strunk's Cooper Note
Board

LHS had lost 24 straght games heading into this contest... Cooper is a state-ranked opponent that is located just outside Lubbock city limits... Weather was cool...perfect football weather...crowd approximately 8,000... 

Game Notes:

There is no point in going blow-by-blow on this game. This game was lost on two crucial drives.

With the Westerners up 21-19 in the first half, we had the ball with about 6 minutes to go in the quarter. We were moving the ball pretty good all game. We had it in our hands again. This time we had a chance to go up 28-19 at the half! A lead that would have been the difference in the game. A lead that could have snapped the streak. A lead that, well, simply put, could have been the LEAD of the year.

As it turns out, we marched inside the 5 yard line and came away empty... again. We mixed up the play calling well, I thought. RB Brandon Hernandez was hit for a loss on 1st down. 2nd down we were nailed with a sack. All of a sudden we are back to the 14. On 3rd down, we were sacked again. However, we caught a break as Cooper was called for an offside penalty. This set up and 3rd and goal from the 9. We tried Brandon on a run again. Why? He is an All District Running Back that carries people with him. He makes things happen. Also, I didn't want to be stuck with a 4th and 9. Percentages say, the lesser the yards, the higher the execution rate. I was hoping for very manageable 4th and 4 or 5.

Brandon was hit again in the backfield again. This time getting back to the LOS. I was right where I didn't want to be: 4th and goal from the 9. Kicking a field goal was not in my plans. I have all the confidence in the world in our kicker, Ryan Rodriguez, however, at some point we need to overcome this red zone funk. I can't always kick field goals, especially in a few weeks once district games start. They need to learn to finish. Finish a drive! If we could put 7 on the board it would have been the giant step we need to take!

On 4th and 9, QB Layven Armendariz dropped back and fired a bullet over the middle at WR Bam Jackson. He was open. Bam was walking in with a TD... except a Cooper LB got his hand up at the last second and tipped the ball up and over Bam's head. TD lost. Turnover on downs. 28-19 lead not to be had.

My thought at this point was, let's get into half with the 21-19 lead. Our defense came out and did their job. We got the ball back and ran out the clock. We will take a halftime lead any day of the week. We were up at half on a state ranked opponent. Not a situation too many people would feel down about. 

We felt we could sustain the lead and grind out one more score. Cooper was receiving the 2nd half kick. If we could get a stop and punch one in, we would be alright. Cooper had other plans, however.

Cooper took the opening drive and scored. Their QB threw a long TD to beat our man coverage. I personally felt our coverage was good. CB Amadeo Conyers was in good shape. Travis Windham, the Cooper QB, threw one heck of a ball. Give them credit. Cooper up 27-21. 

We weren't worried. We kept the sore this way until we began a drive with eight minutes left in the 4th quarter. We faced a 3rd and 9 in Cooper territory. from the 48, Armendariz hit Cory Schovanec on the outside. "Schov" caught it, made a move, put his hand on the ground, and off he went. 44 yards later, we are on the 4 yard line. Five minutes to go. Down by 6. On the 4. Time to punch this in and get the "W".

On 1st down, Hernandez carried to the 2 yard line. 3 plays to get two yards! On 2nd and goal from the 2, Armendariz kept it. He was dropped for a loss. now we were looking at 3rd and goal from the 6. No panic. We felt we were going to be fine.

On 3rd and 6 we slipped Brandon out on a screen to the right. He was WIDE open. The only thing between Brandon and the end zone was turf. Turf! Layven released the ball. A strike, so it seemed, until Cooper's DE stuck his left hand out and tipped the ball away. The ball falls to the turf and you could hear the roar of the crowd turn to a groan. He was clearly open.

Now we had another 4th down. Had to get the ball into the end zone. We liked all of our options. This was the make or break play of the game. Everything we wanted was right in front of us. All the frustrations could end, right here, right now. It was time.

Layven dropped back. He peeked the post in the end zone. He didn't like it. He checked to number 2. He didn't like it. Layven stepped up in the pocket. He never checked off to #3. He was dropped for a sack before he could ever get the ball out. Our #3 check down, Brandon Hernandez, was standing wide open to the left. We just didn't get it out to him. Ball game over. Cooper (who added a safety late) wins 29-21. If we punch it in, the safety never happens and we win 28-27, assuming our D had one more stop in them.

Possibly 4 yards from victory. We were on the doorstep again. Can we get any closer?

I will say this. Layven Armendariz is one of the toughest players I have ever been around. We don't want anyone else back there running the offense. Next time out, he makes that play and we pull it out. He is a solid QB and he is our guy all the way to the end. Layven, you are an excellent QB and we have nothing but good times ahead of us. Mental toughness and attitude! You have everything it takes.

Another tough loss to swallow. But we swallowed it. I didn't give them any time to hang their heads. We were back in on Saturday at 9 a.m. No time to rest. Time to work and work harder, at that. 

We enter our bye week this week. We have two weeks to get ready for the Andrews Mustangs. We will be ready!

Good times are ahead! I have no doubt about that!

Talk to you tomorrow....

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday Night National Scoreboard - September 14, 2012

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

It's been a busy time for the High School Football America family with our move from Chicago to Los Angeles, but now that we're settled-in, we're bringing back the very popular Friday night National High School Football Scoreboard.

Check back throughout the night to see how your favorite team made out.  Some states have already been posted with Thursday night's scores.

National High School Football Scoreboard 
Friday, September 14, 2012

New Hampshire Scores
New Jersey Scores
Pennsylvania Scores