SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25: Behind Justice Haynes, Buford (Georgia) moves up in national high school football rankings
Coming off an impressive 39-27 win over Mill Creek (Georgia), Buford (Georgia) moves up five spots to No. 9 in this week's SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 national high school football rankings.
Class of 2023 Alabama running back commit Justice Haynes powered the Wolves to victory with 214 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass.
On the other end of the rankings, Kahuku (Hawaii) is back at No. 25. And Archbishop Moeller (Ohio) drops out after losing 6-0 to St. Edward (Ohio).
Get the complete breakdown of the latest SBLive/SI Power 25 national high school football rankings below.
SBLive/SI's national football rankings are compiled by SBLive reporter Connor Morrissette and Sports Illustrated's Director of Football Recruiting John Garcia based on observations and conversations with an extensive network of coaching and media sources across the country. The rankings will be released every Monday throughout the 2022 season.
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SBLIVE/SI POWER 25 NATIONAL FOOTBALL RANKINGS
Oct. 17, 2022
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) (8-0)
Last week: 1
Last game: 48-16 win over Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)
Ranking rationale: Two weeks ago, Mater Dei won the regular season game of the year in high school football. Going up against a St. John Bosco defense with more national recruits (12) than starters (11), the Monarchs ran the ball well with sophomore Jordon Davison and QB Elijah Brown to eat the clock and beat the Braves 17-7. Mater Dei finished the game with 176 yards on the ground. Both Davison and Brown rushed for TDs. On defense, Zabien Brown and Daryus Dixson snagged interceptions and the Monarchs' ends, tackles and linebackers consistently won at the line of scrimmage. Last week, the Monarchs beat up Orange Lutheran 48-16.
2. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) (6-0)
Last week: 2
Last game: 90-0 win over Somerset Academy Key (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Avant Garde Academy (Hollywood, Fla.)
Ranking rationale: Chaminade-Madonna got back to its winning ways following a few weeks off due to Hurricane Ian. Somerset Academy Key was no much for the Lions in a game that was over after the first quarter.
Earlier this season in one of the games of the year in Florida high school football, Chaminade-Madonna beat No. 6 American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) 42-34. Davion Gause rushed for three touchdowns and Cedric Bailey connected on an 85-yard touchdown pass play with Jeremiah Smith to lift the Lions to a thrilling win.
“They’re going to win it all, too,” American Heritage head coach Mike Smith said of Chaminade-Madonna postgame. “That’s one of the best football teams, and I’ve been here 10 years, and that’s one of the best football teams we’ve seen in my 10 years here. They’re well coached. They have a lot of talent. They’re going to go get it.”
The Lions have three games left in the regular season, but they won't be challenged again until the playoffs.
3. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) (8-1)
Last week: 3
Last game: 70-0 win over Palo Verde (Las Vegas)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Foothill (Henderson, Nev.)
Ranking rationale: Bishop Gorman's three-point loss to No. 1 Mater Dei back in August looks even better following Mater Dei's 17-7 win over No. 4 St. John Bosco. Bishop Gorman performed much better on offense against the Monarchs' vaunted defense than St. John Bosco did.
Against league opponents this season, Bishop Gorman has outscored teams 260-0. The Gaels have 15 of the top 25 2023 recruits in the state of Nevada on its roster, according to 247Sports.com. USC wide receiver commit Zachariah Branch and Georgia cornerback commit Justyn Rhett are the headlining recruits.
4. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) (7-1)
Last week: 4
Last game: 31-0 win over JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Ranking rationale: The Braves rebounded from their defeat against No. 1 Mater Dei to shutout JSerra last week. Two weeks ago, St. John Bosco struggled against Mater Dei's rushing attack, but the Braves' defense only gave up 17 points in the rivalry loss. What killed St. John Bosco was poor offensive execution. Quarterbacks Pierce Clarkson and Caleb Sanchez completed only 14 passes for 106 yards. Clarkson, the Braves' starter, missed the second half after suffering a concussion in the first half. He was sacked three times and never really looked comfortable. Sanchez didn't look comfortable either facing constant pressure over the final two quarters.
The Braves have one of the most talented rosters in the country and they will most likely get another crack at the Monarchs in the Division 1 Southern Section championship game in November. That game will most likely decide the national No. 1 ranking.
5. Miami Central (Fla.) (7-0)
Last week: 5
Last game: 53-7 win over Norland (Miami)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Columbus (Miami)
Ranking rationale: Like the team's done all season, Miami Central continues to win in an impressive fashion. The Rockets beat up Norland 53-7 to claim the 2M District 13 championship in Florida. Class of 2023 Florida International commit Keyone Jenkins threw four touchdown passes with 2023 Pitt commit Lamar Seymore catching three of them. Class of 2023 4-star defensive lineman Rueben Bain upped his sack total to 12 on the season.
In their first game of the season, the Rockets handed No. 8 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) its first loss to an in-state opponent since 2013.
6. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) (7-1)
Last week: 6
Last game: 24-0 win over Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Naples (Fla.)
Ranking rationale: Two touchdowns from 2023 running back Mark Fletcher and one from wide out Brandon Inniss, two Ohio State commits, led American Heritage to a 24-0 win over Stranahan last week. American Heritage's lone loss this season came against No. 2 Chaminade-Madonna 42-34.
In addition to Fletcher and Inniss, 2023 4-star cornerback Damari Brown, 2023 4-star safety Daemon Fagan and 2023 Missouri cornerback commit Shamar McNeil are the other top recruits on the Patriots' roster.
7. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) (5-0)
Last week: 8
Last game: 22-15 win over No. 25 Kahuku (Hawaii)
Next game: Oct. 28 at Arundel (Gambrills, Md.)
Ranking rationale: St. Frances Academy got Kahuku's best shot before coming back to win 22-15 three weeks ago. Quarterback Michael Van Buren completed the Panthers' turnaround with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kyree Benton with just 39 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. The Panthers also got two defensive scores in the game.
Van Buren has received scholarship offers from Alabama, Miami and Oklahoma, among others. Class of 2023 4-star defensive lineman Dashawn Womack (LSU commit) is the top player for the Panthers on defense. He scored a 75-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery against Kahuku.
8. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (5-1)
Last week: 8
Last game: 55-0 win over American Collegiate Academy (Clearwater, Fla.)
Next game: Oct. 28 vs. Middletown (Del.)
Ranking rationale: Since losing to No. 4 Miami Central (Fla.) 20-14 to open the season, IMG has outscored its next four opponents 154-45. In the class of 2023, three of the top 35 recruits in the country are on IMG's roster, per 247Sports.com, and in the 2024 class, five players are ranked in the top 20 nationally. The Ascenders are stacked with blue chip prospects.
9. Buford (Ga.) (7-0)
Last week: 14
Last game: 39-27 win over No. 17 Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Dacula (Ga.)
Ranking rationale: In the game of the week in Georgia, Buford took down No. 17 Mill Creek 39-27 last week. Class of 2023 Alabama running back commit Justice Haynes powered the Wolves to victory with 214 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass.
“This is 7A playoff football,” Buford head coach Bryant Appling said. “That’s what it was. I’m glad my kids got a taste of it. To be able to play a rivalry game like that and step up at the end of the game, I couldn’t ask for much more. I’m happy we got out of here with a win.”
Buford solidified its spot as the top team in Georgia with the win.
10. Chandler (Ariz.) (6-0)
Last week: 9
Last game: 40-21 win over Casteel (Queen Creek, Ariz.)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Mountain View (Mesa, Ariz.)
Ranking rationale: Chandler led 34-0 over Casteel at halftime two weeks ago. Running back Ca'lil Valentine supplied three rushing touchdowns for the Wolves — all in the first half — including scoring on an 80-yard run on the first play from scrimmage.
Before the high school football season began, one Arizona high school football insider said this about the Wolves: "Chandler is easily No. 1 in Arizona, the runaway favorite." Expect the Wolves to go undefeated.
11. Westlake (Austin, Texas) (7-0)
Last week: 10
Last game: 29-10 win over Dripping Springs (Texas)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Austin (Texas)
Ranking rationale: Westlake has won 47 games in a row dating back to 2019. The Chaparrals are led by senior receivers Jaden Greathouse, a Notre Dame commit, and Keaton Kubecka, a Kansas commit. Class of 2023 interior lineman TJ Shanahan is committed to Texas A&M and class of 2023 edge rusher Colton Vasek is committed to Oklahoma.
In last week's win over a good Dripping Springs team, Westlake's defense intercepted Baylor QB commit Austin Novosad three times. With 5:50 to play, Westlake quarterback Paxton Land scored a 22-yard touchdown on the ground to give the Chaparrals a 22-10 edge, which effectively ended the game.
Unfortunately for Westlake, Shanahan suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury in the game.
12. North Shore (Houston, Texas) (7-0)
Last week: 11
Last game: 56-7 win over West Brook (Beaumont, Texas)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Humble (Texas)
Ranking rationale: North Shore blew out winless West Brook 56-7 to improve to 7-0 on the season. North Shore has won three Class 6A Division I state championships in the last four years in Texas. Once again, they're firmly in the mix to win that crown in December. North Shore's top players are 2023 UTSA WR commit David Amador, who has played quarterback for the Mustangs since starter Kaleb Bailey went down with an injury, 2023 corner Jacoby Davis and 2023 linebacker Jayven Anderson.
13. Guyer (Denton, Texas) (7-0)
Last week: 12
Last game: 62-7 win over Braswell (Little Elm, Texas)
Next game: Oct. 20 vs. Allen (Texas)
Ranking rationale: Guyer's explosive offense was at it again in the Wildcats' 62-7 win over Braswell. Jackson Arnold, a 2023 Oklahoma commit, threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition to Arnold, two other Guyer seniors have verbally committed to big-time college programs: safety Peyton Bowen is a Notre Dame pledge and safety Ryan Yaites is committed to LSU. Guyer takes on Allen this week in one of the games of the year in Texas high school football.
14. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (7-0)
Last week: 13
Last game: 49-13 win over Fort Lauderdale (Fla.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Ranking rationale: St. Thomas Aquinas beat up Fort Lauderdale 49-13 on senior night. Class of 2023 QB Hezekiah “Champ” Harris was named MVP of the game.
St. Thomas Aquinas won a 7A state title in Florida a season ago and the team is in a great position to repeat with wide receivers James Madison II and Chance Robinson, two top 100 2024 recruits, in the fold. In terms of committed players, 2023 safety Conrad Hussey is a Penn State pledge, 2023 receiver Isaiah Hardge is committed to the University of Colorado and 2023 defensive lineman Jason Hammond is an Iowa State commit. Hammond recorded two tackles for loss against Dillard.
15. Colquitt County (Norman Park, Ga.) (7-0)
Last week: 15
Last game: 49-21 win over Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.)
Ranking rationale: Class of 2023 running back Charlie Pace continued his monster season with a 126 yard, four touchdown performance against Camden County last week. Colquitt County has won every game it's played by at least three scores this fall. In two weeks, the Packers take on undefeated Valdosta on the road. Is Colquitt County a true Georgia state championship contender and Power 25 team? We'll find out then.
16. Corona Centennial (Corona, Calif.) (7-1)
Last week: 17
Last game: 42-7 win over Vista Murrieta (Murrieta, Calif.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Murrieta Valley (Murrieta, Calif.)
Ranking rationale: Since falling to No. 2 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 43-20, the Huskies have responded with five blowout wins over JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), Temecula Valley (Calif.), Chaparral (Temecula, Calif.), Roosevelt (Calif.) and Vista Murrieta. Corona Centennial is the clear No. 3 team in California and should once again make a deep postseason run in November before running into either Mater Dei or St. John Bosco.
17. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) (6-1)
Last week: 16
Last game: 39-27 loss to No. 9 Buford (Ga.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.)
Ranking rationale: Mill Creek came close to upsetting No. 9 Buford, but ultimately couldn't stop 2023 Alabama running back commit Justice Haynes. The Hawks are still ranked this week thanks to keeping that game close. Mill Creek's top players are 2023 Alabama safety commit Caleb Downs, 2023 Clemson linebacker commit Jamal Anderson and 2023 wide out Makhail Wood.
18. Duncanville (Texas) (6-0)
Last week: 18
Last game: 38-3 win over Mansfield (Texas)
Next game: Oct. 20 at Skyline (Dallas, Texas)
Ranking rationale: Duncanville won its 37th consecutive District game last week. Junior Caden Durham rushed for 142 yards and three scores. Sophomore Dakorien “Rook” Moore caught five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Duncanville has arguably the best defense in Texas high school football. The Panthers are firmly in the 6A Division 1 state championship mix in the Lone Star State.
19. Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.) (8-0)
Last week: 19
Last game: 42-13 win over PURE Academy (Memphis, Tenn.)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)
Ranking rationale: After two challenging out-of-state wins against Milton (Ga.) and Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.) to start the year, Lipscomb Academy has crushed its last six opponents by a combined score of 270-31. Lipscomb is loaded this season led by 2023 QB Hank Brown, a Liberty commit. He's protected by mammoth 2023 offensive tackle Brandon Solis. Class of 2023 wide receivers Junior Sherrill (Vanderbilt commit) and Nate Spillman (University of Tennessee commit) are two other top players on offense. Defensively, 2024 linebacker Edwin Spillman and 2024 cornerback Kaleb Beasley are both top recruits in their class.
20. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) (6-1)
Last week: 20
Last game: 48-14 win over Father Judge (Philadelphia)
Next game: Oct. 28 at Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)
Ranking rationale: St. Joseph's Prep's led Father Judge 48-0 at halftime last week. In its season opener, St. Joseph's Prep hung around with No. 14 St. Thomas Aquinas for four quarters, which pushed the Hawks into the Power 25. St. Joseph's Prep fell in that game 48-37, but the Hawks have won six straight since then and they most likely won't lose again this year. Their top players are 2023 West Virginia linebacker commit Josiah Trotter, 2024 corner Omillio Agard, 2024 QB Samaj Jones and 2024 wide receiver Brandon Rehmann.
21. Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Ga.) (7-0)
Last week: 21
Last game: 59-0 win over East Paulding (Dallas, Ga.)
Next game: Oct. 21 vs. Newnan (Ga.)
Ranking rationale: Hughes doesn't have a marquee win on its schedule yet, but the Panthers have so much talent on their roster and they've won in such a dominant fashion this season, they stay at No. 21 this week. Led by 2023 Ohio State tight end commit Jelani Thurman and 2023 Georgia offensive lineman commit Bo Hughley, Hughes has outscored its first seven opponents 368-59. Junior quarterback Air Noland has completed 70% of his passes and thrown 25 touchdowns with only three picks. Expect the Panthers to go undefeated this fall.
22. Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio) (9-0)
Last week: 23
Last game: 48-0 win over Benedictine (Cleveland)
Next game: Oct. 21 at St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
Ranking rationale: Hoban dominated winless Benedictine 48-0 last week. As of Oct. 17, the Knights have the best resume in Ohio high school football thanks to recording impressive wins over Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.) and St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio). Archbishop Hoban takes on a very good St. Edward team this week. If the Knights win, they'll solidify themselves as Ohio's top dog.
Class of 2023 Buffalo running back commit Lamar Sperling is Hoban's top player. Class of 2024 QB Jacqai Long is the other top recruit on the Knights' roster.
23. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.) (6-0)
Last week: 24
Last game: 48-10 win over Brophy College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Next game: Oct. 21 at Mountain Ridge (Glendale, Ariz.)
Ranking rationale: The Lions proved that they're the No. 2 team in Arizona high school football in their 35-7 win over previously undefeated Basha two weeks ago. Junior quarterback Navi Bruzon played a near-perfect game completing 17 of 20 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards and a TD. On defense, junior linebacker Keaton Stam made 10 tackles and recovered a fumble.
Last week, the Lions beat up Brophy Prep 48-10.
24. Lehi (Utah) (10-0)
Last week: 25
Last game: 28-24 win over Timpview (Provo, Utah)
Next game: TBD (playoffs)
Ranking rationale: At the end of the regular season, Lehi is the top team in Utah high school football thanks to coming out on top in games against Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) and Timpview (Provo, Utah). Class of 2023 QB Jackson Brousseau, a Colorado State commit, has thrown 22 touchdowns this season. The other top recruits on Lehi's roster are 2023 defensive lineman Isaac Terrell (Washington State) and 2024 offensive tackle Jensen Somerville.
25. Kahuku (Hawaii) (8-2)
Last week: NR
Last game: 29-17 win over Mililani (Hawaii)
Next game: Oct. 22 vs. Kapolei (Hawaii)
Ranking rationale: Kahuku played well on defense in a 34-7 defeat to No. 4 St. John Bosco earlier this season and then lost on a last second touchdown against No. 8 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) last month. The Red Raiders have proven they can hang with the best. Class of 2023 Kahuku linebacker Liona Lefau is committed to Texas and 2023 safety Brock Fonoimoana is committed to Utah. Those two lead one of the best defenses in the country.
In last week's 29-17 win over Mililani, Fonoimoana had a 59-yard pick-6 that ESPN Honolulu called "back-breaking" for Mililani.
--
DROPPED OUT
No. 22 Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) (7-0)
MOVED IN
No. 25 Kahuku (Hawaii) (8-2)
ON THE BUBBLE
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Belleville (Mich.)
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
Catholic-B.R (Baton Rouge, La.)
Columbus (Miami, Fla.)
Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.)
Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.)
Edna Karr (New Orleans, La.)
Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.)
Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
Katy (Texas)
Lakeland (Fla.)
Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio)
Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.)
Mount Carmel (Chicago, Ill.)
Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
Skyridge (Lehi, Utah)
St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
Valdosta (Ga.)
Washington (Massillon, Ohio)
