SBLive/Sports Illustrated Top 25 national high school football rankings (9/25/2023): Florida power Chaminade-Madonna moves up

Florida leads the way with six nationally-ranked high school football teams

On the heels of three consecutive Top 25 victories, Chaminade-Madonna of Hollywood, Florida, powered its way to the top five of this week’s SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 national high school football rankings.

The Lions’ ascent nudged Texas’ top team, Duncanville, down one spot to No. 6 — although it’s not a knock on the Panthers, who have dominated their Longhorn State competition. It’s more a recognition that Chaminade has successfully navigated a challenging schedule and proven worthy of top-five status.

A trio of Georgia teams also are on the move this week. Mill Creek jumped two spots to No. 12 after defeating Parkview in a matchup of unbeatens, while Walton entered the rankings at No. 23 at the expense of Langston Hughes, which lost to Douglas County in a regional matchup. 

Here’s the complete breakdown of our Week 7 SBLive/SI Power 25 national high school football rankings. 

SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 (9/25/2023)

1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 1. Last week: Def. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 20-7.

St. Frances started the season ranked No. 4 in the Power 25, but the Panthers have struggled with their national schedule to a 1-5 mark. They showed why they garnered preseason attention against the Monarchs, holding their high-powered offense to 166 yards. Mater Dei scored twice on defense, with junior cornerback Chuck McDonald’s 24-yard interception return for a touchdown breaking a 7-7 deadlock late in the third quarter.

Next game: vs. Servite (Anaheim, Calif.), Sept. 29

2. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) (6-0)

Previous rank: 2. Last week: Def. Silverado (Las Vegas) 55-0.

The Gaels celebrated surviving their nonconference gauntlet by romping past crosstown rival Silverado, which is the reigning two-time Nevada 4A champion but moved up to 5A this year. Micah Alejado went 8 of 9 for 180 yards and four touchdowns.

Next game: vs. Arbor View (Las Vegas), Sept. 29

3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (4-0)

Previous rank: 3. Last week: Idle.

The Ascenders also get the next week off before resuming their national schedule against the first of three in-state opponents.

Next game: at Bartram Trail (St. Johns, Fla.), Oct. 6

4. Buford (Ga.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: Def. Marietta (Ga.) 30-3.

The biggest intrigue from the Wolves’ final nonleague test related to Florida State commit KJ Bolden wearing Georgia Bulldogs gloves ahead of the game. As for the game itself, they built a 23-0 lead late in the second quarter behind Bryson Banks’ 48-yard scoop-and-score and two touchdown passes from Dylan Raiola to Bolden.

Next game: vs. Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.), Sept. 29

5. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 6. Last week: Def. No. 11 Miami (Fla.) Central 31-28.

The Lions move up a spot after winning a third consecutive game against a Power 25 opponent — this time knocking off previous No. 8 Central in a raucous back-and-forth game that didn’t end until just after midnight following a 90-minute delay because of stormy weather. North Carolina State commit Cedrick Bailey threw for 259 yards and four touchdowns in the first half as the Lions built a 31-21 lead before the defenses took over after halftime.

Next game: vs. Coconut Creek (Fla.), Sept. 29

6. Duncanville (Texas) (4-0)

Previous rank: 5. Last week: Def. Cedar Hill (Texas) 56-0.

The Panthers continued taking care of business against another overmatched opponent, leading 49-0 at halftime en route to an easy victory. They held Cedar Hill to 55 yards of total offense and two first downs, and Keelon Russell was 9 of 9 for 156 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score. Caden Durham added 90 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Next game: at Waxahachie (Texas), Oct. 6

7. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) (4-1)

Previous rank: 7. Last week: Idle.

The Braves got the week off following their loss at No. 25 Kahuku to reflect on how they still have all their season goals within reach — Trinity League, Southern Section and CIF State Open Division championships.

Next game: at Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Sept. 29 

8. DeSoto (Texas) (4-0)

Previous rank: 10. Last week: Def. Waxahachie (Texas) 56-35.

The Eagles survived an upset bid by previously undefeated Waxahachie, finding an answer every time the Indians threatened. Deondrae Riden’s 16-yard run with 6:05 left in the third broke a 28-28 tie, and then special teams woes cost Waxahachie late — it muffed a punt to set up Kingston McAdams’ 16-yard touchdown run, and Camrien Washington returned a shanked punt four yards for the final margin of victory.

Next game: at Mansfield Legacy (Texas), Oct. 6

9. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) (3-1)

Previous rank: 9. Last week: Idle.

The Eagles had the week off, allowing them to watch former quarterback Kyle McCord lead a game-winning drive for Ohio State on Saturday against Notre Dame.

Next game: at Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.), Sept. 29 

10. North Shore (Galena Park, Texas) (4-0)

Previous rank: 11. Last week: Def. Beaumont United 49-7.

The Mustangs led 42-0 at halftime against the outclassed Timberwolves, who became North Shore’s 38th consecutive victim in District 21-6A play. Christopher Barnes got the party started with a 68-yard punt return for a score, and Kaleb Bailey had three touchdown passes — the last one to D’Andre Hardeman Jr., who also ran for two scores.

Next game: at King (Houston), Sept. 29

11. Miami (Fla.) Central (1-2)

Previous rank: 8. Last week: Lost 31-28 to No. 5 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.).

The Rockets’ two losses are against top-five teams, having earlier lost 39-35 at No. 2 Bishop Gorman. This latest setback won’t hurt their chances of winning a record fifth consecutive Class 2M state championship — especially if dynamic sophomore Jayden Ford (178 rushing yards and a touchdown) keeps developing as expected.

Next game: vs. North Miami Beach (Fla.), Sept. 29

12. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 14. Last week: Def. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) 30-20.

The Hawks jump two spots following a victory over previously undefeated Parkview, which was ranked No. 7 in the SBLive Georgia Power 25. Running back Cam Robinson continued his rampage through opposing defenses with 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, and senior Jaiden Patterson had two big kickoff returns to set up short scoring drives.

Next game: at Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Sept. 29

13. Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 12. Last week: Def. Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.) 50-42.

Don’t let Cedar Grove’s 2-4 record fool you — the Saints, ranked No. 16 in last week’s SBLive Georgia Power 25, played Mill Creek a week ago before throwing a scare into the Packers. Colquitt County built a 29-0 lead, then had to stave off a rally that saw Cedar Grove score on each of its three fourth-quarter possessions. Four-star Georgia commit Ny Carr caught four passes for 100 yards and his 33rd career touchdown reception, moving him within one of the school’s all-time record.

Next game: vs. Lincoln (Tallahassee, Fla.), Sept. 29

14. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) (5-1)

Previous rank: 13. Last week: Def. River Rouge (Mich.) 42-6.

The Eagles have a big rivalry game with St. Ignatius this week, but they didn’t overlook one-win River Rouge in a bounce-back victory following their first loss of the season to Washington Massillon. Junior Thomas Csanyi, starting for the second week in a row for injured senior Casey Bullock, was 8 of 13 for 103 yards and a touchdown, and the Eagles held Michigan State commit Nick Marsh to 19 yards on five carries.

Next game: vs. St. Ignatius (Cleveland), Sept. 30

15. Saraland (Ala.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 15. Last week: Def. Robertsdale (Ala.) 66-0.

The Spartans led 24-0 after one quarter and 45-0 at halftime en route to moving to 4-0 in 6A Region 1 play. Junior JJ Lacey was 11 of 15 for 179 yards and five touchdowns, and senior Camron Laffitte and Jermaine Paramore each had three tackles for loss. The Spartans recorded three turnovers.

Next game: vs. Foley (Ala.), Sept. 29

16. Columbus (Miami, Fla.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 16. Last week: Def. Northwestern (Miami, Fla.) 24-7.

Northwestern has won only one game this season, but rivalry games are never easy, as the Explorers learned. They trailed 7-3 at halftime before finally taking the lead on their opening drive of the second half, when Alberto Mendoza (19 of 34, 235 yards) led them 76 yards before capping the drive with a 9-yard scoring pass to Jose Leon. Edward Bandy ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the victory.

Next game: vs. Miami (Fla.), Sept. 28

17. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (4-1)

Previous rank: 17. Last week: Def. Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) 42-6.

The Raiders put away the previously undefeated Titans early, building a 17-0 first-quarter lead and expanding it to 35-0 by halftime. Andrew Indorf threw two touchdown passes, Justin Montgomery and Stacy Gage each ran for scores, and Nicholas Romero kicked two field goals for St. Thomas Aquinas.

Next game: vs. Miramar (Fla.), Sept. 29

18. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) (2-1)

Previous rank: 19. Last week: Idle.

It’s been a start-stop season for the Patriots, who had one game postponed because of a weather delay and a scheduled week off last week. They’ll return to action this week against Cardinal Gibbons, which was ranked No. 22 in last week’s SBLive Florida Power 25.

Next game: vs. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Sept. 29

19. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) (4-1)

Previous rank: 20. Last week: Def. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) 38-15.

The Crusaders took control of the 79th edition of this Garden State rivalry early, jumping out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead as Dominic Campanile threw for two touchdowns and set up Mujahid Russell’s 10-yard touchdown run with a long completion to junior Luca Cuttita. Don Bosco Prep scored twice to cut the deficit to 21-9 before Campanile closed the first half with his third scoring pass — a 31-yarder to Cuttita with 1:06 before halftime.

Next game: vs. DePaul Catholic (Wayne, N.J.), Sept. 30

20. Chandler (Ariz.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 22. Last week: Def. Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.) 24-22.

Highland pulled one Power 25 upset when the Hawks knocked off defending Open state champion Basha, and they had the Wolves on the ropes early until Blake Heffron hit Justice Spann on a 37-yard touchdown pass with 2:12 remaining to give Chandler a 24-15 lead.

Next game: vs. Casteel (Queen Creek, Ariz.), Sept. 29

21. Belleville (Mich.) (5-0)

Previous rank: 21. Last week: Def. Franklin (Livonia, Mich.) 42-3.

The Tigers extended their win streak to 30 with a dominant second-half performance against the Patriots after leading just 14-3 at halftime. Junior quarterback Bryce Underwood connected with Adrian Walker Jr. on touchdown passes of 63 and 75 yards and finished 12 of 20 for 330 yards and five touchdowns.

Next game: vs. Glenn (Westland, Mich.), Sept. 29

22. Westlake (Austin, Texas) (4-0)

Previous rank: 23. Last week: Def. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas) 20-14.

Lake Travis has bounced back after an off year for the program, and the Cavaliers pushed the Chaparrals throughout but couldn’t stop Westlake senior Jack Kayser, an Army commit who ran for a season-high 162 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries — including a 40-yard burst on fourth-and-2 in the third quarter that put Westlake up 17-7.

Next game: vs. Del Valle (Texas), Sept. 29

23. Walton (Marietta, Ga.) (4-0)

Previous rank: NR. Last week: Idle.

The Raiders enter the rankings after dominating their first four opponents by a combined 231-57 score. Three-star linebacker Ashton Woods, who committed to North Carolina before the season, has a team-high 38 tackles (seven for loss), two forced fumbles and an interception through four games, and four-star South Carolina commit Wendell Gregory has seven tackles for loss and five sacks.

Next game: vs. North Paulding (Dallas, Ga.), Sept. 29

24. Serra (San Mateo, Calif.) (4-0)

Previous rank: 24. Last week: Def. Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep (San Francisco) 61-0.

The Padres defense pitched their second shutout of the season and posted their 16th consecutive victory over their West Catholic Athletic League rivals. Nano Latu ran for two touchdowns, and Maealiuaki Smith threw for one touchdown and ran for another as the Padres led 35-0 at halftime.

Next game: vs. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.), Sept. 30

25. Kahuku (Hawaii) (6-1)

Previous rank: 25. Last week: Def. Nanakuli (Waianae, Hawaii) 56-7.

There was no hangover for the Red Raiders following their historic 30-23 win against No. 7 St. John Bosco a week ago as they cruised past the Golden Hawks. Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa and Sitani Suguturaga split quarterbacking duties for Kahuku, with Suguturaga going 3 of 5 for 161 yards, with all three completions for touchdowns. Tagovailoa-Amosa threw for one score and ran for another, and the Red Raiders held Nanakuli to 93 yards of total offense.

Next game: at Moanalua (Honolulu), Sept. 30 

Dropped out

18. Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Ga.)

Honorable mention

Aledo (Texas)

Basha (Chandler, Ariz.)

Bixby (Okla.)

Carrollton (Ga.)

Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)

Long Beach Poly (Calif.)

Norland (Miami, Fla.)

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)

Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)

Washington (Massillon, Ohio)

-- René Ferrán | rferran.scorebooklive@gmail.com | @sblivesports