Preseason Top 25 high school football early contenders

No. 5 Allen (Texas) - Full preview
Strengths: Experience will be key for Allen this year, as the Eagles return many important pieces from last year’s team that lost by two points to Euless Trinity in the second round of the 5A-I playoffs. Quarterback Alec Morris, running back Jonathan Williams and receiver Andrew Rodriquez give the Eagles an outstanding “Big 3” on offense to complement seven returning starters on defense.

Question marks: This is an extremely solid team from top to bottom, but playing in one of the toughest regions in the state may take its toll on Allen. Last year, the Eagles were stunned late in the regular season by Hebron after allowing more than 600 yards and turning the ball over late in the game. This year, with an even bigger bulls eye on its back, Allen can ill afford an off week.

Outlook: Coaches all around the state pointed to Allen as the state’s top team, and with good reason. They have all the key ingredients to win a state title, which the Eagles last accomplished in 2008. If the secondary can jell and Williams can stay injury-free, this could be a special year for the Eagles. However, with Cedar Hill as its opener and with Euless Trinity looming early in the playoffs, Allen certainly will have to earn it.

No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) - Full preview
Strengths: First-year head coach Rocco Casullo, who was promoted to fill the position vacated by George Smith’s retirement, is a defensive coach, and he’ll have plenty to work with. Jelani Hamilton, the team’s top recruit, anchors the defensive line. Cole Champion leads a stout linebacking unit. The secondary features plenty of young talent, but is very inexperienced. Dami Ayoola and Fred Coppet give the Raiders a speedy one-two punch at running back.

Question marks: Like the Raiders’ defensive backs, the team’s wide receivers will be fast and very skilled, but the unit is new and will need to adjust to a new quarterback. Games against De La Salle and Prattville will present different but equally daunting challenges to Aquinas early in the season.

Outlook: Over the last five years, Aquinas has shown that it reloads as well as anyone in the country. While the Raiders lost some key pieces to graduation, there are plenty of future stars waiting in the wings. The team's ground game will be difficult to stop. Defensively, Aquinas won't drop off much from last year's sterling unit.

No. 3 De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) - Full preview
Strengths: De La Salle is still carrying the momentum from a stunning 48-8 whalloping of Servite. In 2011, quarterback Bart Houston will be back and should help provide a vertical element to the Spartans’ offense that hasn’t always been there. Anthony Williams will be his big target. Justin Walker, who is small but is extremely athletic, will see time on offense and defense. Michael Barton, committed to California, is a playmaker at linebacker.

Question marks: The Spartans are always stout on both sides of the line, but the team’s secondary will need some players to improve. Mister-Marshall Cotton, who is no longer on the team, further thins De La Salle’s ranks at safety.

Outlook: De La Salle’s game with Aquinas will be one of the most heavily anticipated games in recent memory, and it could set the tone for the rest of the team’s season. It is used to going up against bigger, faster opponents, so De La Salle will not be intimidated by Aquinas’ size and athleticism. Northern California football is in store for a big season, and right now, De La Salle leads the pack.

No. 2 Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) - Full preview
Strengths: Armwood returns top prospect Matt Jones, who will run behind a huge, nasty offensive line led by Cody Waldrop and features Cameron Dees and Kevin McCoy. The team’s defense, which boasts Eric Striker at linebacker and Leon McQuay at defensive back, is another strength.

Question marks: It’s hard to find any real weakness on this team, but the biggest one will be behind center, at least initially. A transfer from Tampa Bay Tech, quarterback Darryl Richardson has impressed this spring, but will need to adjust to the Hawks’ drastically different offense quickly. He has shown flashes of brilliance this spring, putting his rocket arm on display. Still, he needs to gain a full understanding of the Hawks’ offense for them to have the type of season they’re capable of having.

Outlook: This team is extremely talented and should be hungry for a state title after just falling short in last year’s 4A championship game. If it plays to its potential, this Armwood squad could be one of the best in Tampa-area history and will compete for the No. 1 spot in the Xcellent 25.

No. 1 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) - Full preview
Strengths: This Don Bosco Prep defense could be the best the Ironmen have ever had, and that’s saying a lot. Darius Hamilton and Al-Quadir Muhammad lead an explosive defenslive line. Yuri Wright, Elijah Shumate and Jabrill Peppers help comprise the nation’s best secondary. Michael Strizak will be another player that needs to be accounted for each play.

Question marks: How will quarterback Mike Yankovich fare as a full-time replacement for the departed Gary Nova? Yankovich, more in the mold of former Don Bosco Prep signal-caller Brett Knief, will need to mature quickly. He also has the luxury of throwing to arguably the state's top receiver, Leonte Carroo.

Outlook: After flying under the radar to begin last season, the Ironmen will begin the season with the bulls eye on their backs. They have the talent and experience to have another memorable season. Yankovich should be ready to handle the offense. The defense may be tested early on with games against Mission Viejo and Manatee.

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