No teams ranked in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 presented by the Army National Guard lost this weekend, but one team came extremely close.
North Gwinnett overcame a 20-point, second-half deficit to escape with a wild 50-47 victory against Mill Creek in the weekend's most exciting game. Quarterback Hayden Sphire and receiver Nate Brown, along with Dante Sawyer and the team's defense, sparked the incredible comeback that allowed North Gwinnett to retain its No. 6 ranking.
The team's defense, which struggled mightily in the first half, will likely need to improve in the coming weeks as matchups with Collins Hill and Peachtree Ridge loom.
The only other ranked team to be challenged this week was Mater Dei, which knocked off rival Servite 28-21. It was a late challenge, as Mater Dei led 21-0 in the first half.
Next week could see a much greater shakeup in the rankings, as St Joseph Regional, Serra, and St. Edward all face tough tests.
MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard
Washington retains its spot atop the Xcellent 25.
Photo by Jann Hendry
The nation's No. 1 team remained unbeaten with a 21-9 victory over rival Northwestern.
Qwixcore2. (2) DeSoto (Texas), 6-0After a slow start, DeSoto once again turned it up a notch to come away with a 55-20 win over previously unbeaten Mansfield Timberview.
Qwixcore3. (3) Allen (Texas), 6-0Allen could be on a collision course with DeSoto. It downed Plano East 62-17.
4. (4) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), 6-0In Trinity League action, Bosco downed Santa Margarita 56-12.
Qwixcore5. (5) St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.), 4-0Idle
