If you like high school football on the national level, get excited for the 2024 season.

Although it wasn’t the Cory Kell Classic, it happened in Georgia, where two state and national powers collided Friday evening. Georgia, which shares similarities with California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, has a wealth of talented players and teams.

No.1 Milton hosted No.2 Buford in an intense, nail-biting affair that fans eagerly anticipated since the matchup was confirmed over the summer. The only thing that dragged was the nearly two-hour lightning delay, which saw the contest end at 12:09 am Saturday.

However, the energy swelled between the two powers, including a packed house of screaming fans, who watched Milton defeat the Wolves 13-10 while holding off Buford’s late comeback attempt.

The Eagles led 7-0 at intermission and extended its lead 13-0 in the second half. You were right if you thought four-star Florida State commit receiver CJ Wiley would have anything to do with the victory. Wiley showed his ability by creating space to pick up additional yards, including 84 yards on seven receptions and a touchdown. Wiley grabbed a 17-yard scoring strike from quarterback Luke Nickel, which built a 13-point lead following a failed extra point attempt.

TJ Leaster scored from 21 yards out with 3:16 left in the first quarter to give Milton the early lead.

Still, the Wolves held its composure and got on the scoreboard when Bryce Perry-White tackled Lester in the end zone for a safety with 2:35 left in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 13-2.

Buford would add two more big plays to help trim the deficit to three points, 13-10 when it pinned the Eagles deep in its territory at the four-yard line. Shortly after, Chris Garland intercepted Nickel’s pass. Two plays later, tailback Ethan Ervin found paydirt, and Dayon Raiolo’s pass to AJ Benson concluded a two-point conversion.

That would cap the scoring as the Wolves came up empty on its final two drives.

The two well-coached two teams showed why they are highly regarded by kicking off the national high school football season with a bang.

Top-ranked Bishop Gorman had its way with Kahuku, 33-7, on Friday at Fertitta Field in Las Vegas. Defense led the charge. A heavy pass rush forced the Red Riders into several challenging passing situations, which led to multiple interceptions by the Gael’s secondary- Brayton Correa, Isaiah Nickels, and Jeff Washington.

Look for more exciting national high school football games this week as the ESPN High School Football Kickoff Classic continues. View the site for more information. (https://espnpressroom.com)

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With the aid of five-star Meadows, Gaels start on top in the Ossports Preseason High School Football National Top 25

Can Bishop Gorman be dethrone its recent-standing rival, No. 2 Mater Dei? The answer will be revealed on the evening of September 6th when the Gaels journey to Santa Ana, California. But before Bishop Gorman sets its sights on the monarchs, it will face a formidable challenge in No. 21 St. Thomas Aquinas on the road in Fort Lauderdale. This test may set the stage for the Gael’s next challenge, which lies ahead in Mater Dei. The anticipation for these matches is reaching a fever pitch.  

One key reason we’ve identified the Gaels as our top team is their standout player, 6’6″ five-star receiver Derek Meadows. Meadows’s towering size and exceptional ability make him a formidable threat, often causing headaches for opposing secondaries and defensive coordinators. His impressive average of 26 yards per catch last season is a testament to his skills. With Meadows in the fold, Bishop Gorman is seeking its 21st Nevada state title. 

No. 2 Mater Dei welcomes new coach Raul Lara, who brings experience and big-game knowledge. Most notably, Lara spent 13 seasons at Long Beach Poly, his alma mater, leading the Jack Rabbits to five CIF Championships.

Lara expects nothing less than leading the Monarchs back to the top. Expectations are not just high at mater Dei; they are typical: win the national championship with character. 

Expect much from the nation’s top ten teams. They all boast significant experience in key positions. The talent is staggering, and the competitive matchups between these teams will be a sight to behold. 

Top 10 matchups of interest: Bishop Gorman vs. St. Thomas Aquinas on 8/24 and Mater Dei on 9/6. No.2 Mater Dei vs. Centennial on 8/22, St. Frances Academy on 9/20, and John Bosco on 10/25. No. 3 IMG Academy vs. Corner Canyon on 8/22, Bergen Catholic on 8/29, and St. Frances Academy on 11/1. No.4 John Bosco vs. Chaminade-Madonna on 8/24. No.5 DeSoto vs. Creekside on 8/31, North Crowley on 9/6, and Duncanville on 10/11. No.6 Milton vs. Buford on 8/16 and American Heritage on 8/23. No.7 vs. St. John Bosco on 8/24, American Heritage on 9/6, and St. Thomas Aquinas on 10/11. No.8 Centennial vs. Lone Peak on 9/14 and Liberty on 9/21. No.9 Duncanville vs. St. Frances on 9/14. No.10 North Shore vs. South Oak Cliff on 8/30 and Atascocita on 10/25. 

View a list of the top 25 below. 

1. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
4. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
5. DeSoto (Texas)
6. Milton (Ga.)
7. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)
8. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
9. Duncanville (Texas)
10. North Shore (Houston)
11. St. Joseph Prep (Philadelphia)
12. Buford (Ga.)
13. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ.)
14. Washinton Massillon (Massillon, Ohio)
15. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
16. Coca (Fla.)
17. St. Edwards ( Lakewood, Ohio)
18. Carrollton (Ga.)
19. Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
20. Central (Miami, Fla.)
21. St. Thomas Aquinas ( Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
22. Mission Viejo (Calif.)
23. Central (Phoenix City, Ala.)
24. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.)
25. Berkley Prep (Tampa, Fla.)

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No. 1 St. John Bosco dominates St. Frances Academy

Early on, the contest shaped into a defensive battle. Both teams suffered an interception before 3-star quarterback Caleb Sanchez, who passed for 265 yards on 24-of-31 attempts and four touchdowns, utilized quick passes to progress top-ranked St. John Bosco’s offense downfield, where UCLA running back commit Cameron Jones concluded the drive on a two-yard scoring run, and the Braves (4-0) defeated St. Frances Academy in dominating fashion, 37-14. Defensive linemen sophomore Dutch Horisk, junior Max Amasio, and junior Epi Sitanilel Usumalii aided in forcing three turnovers.

Trailing 14-0, St. Frances got on the board when it drove 69 yards as Oregon recruit quarterback Michael Van Buren, who was sacked eight times, spotted receiver Mason Beale in the end zone with 2:42 left in the second quarter. Buren threw a final touchdown to Beale to close out the score.

Monarchs stay undefeated

Ignited by four first-half turnovers, No. 2 Mater Dei slammed Hawaii Kahuku 55-8. The defense played inspiring, forcing two fumbles and a pair of interceptions before halftime as it led 41-8. Mater Dei (4-0) recorded six turnovers, including two for touchdowns.

Quarterback Elijah Brown led the Monarchs offense, passing for 223 yards on 16-of-23 attempts and four touchdowns. Speedy tailback Nathanial Frazier picked up 102 on seven carries.

Outmatched on both sides of the ball, the Red Raiders moved the ball, but nothing materialized outside of its touchdown.

IMG explodes turnovers and exposes Ben Davis

No 3. IMG (3-0) used a balanced effort to dispose of Indiana’s top team and perennial power, Ben Davis, 34-14. The Ascenders’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage and stopped the run with the help of Jayden Jackson, TJ Lindsey, and David Stone. The most significant moment of the day was when Stone, 6”4′, weighing 270 pounds, intercepted Thomas Gotkowski’s pass and ran 92 yards for a touchdown in the second half.

Liberty commit quarterback Jayden Bradford wasted little time sparking the fireworks by tossing a quick pass to speedy receiver Jarrae Hawkins, who made a defender miss as he sprinted 67 yards down the right sideline to the end zone, giving the Ascenders a 7-0 lead. After, it was all downhill. Defensive back Alton Marks added a 54-yard pick-six later in the second half.

The loss brought a positive outlook for Ben Davis. Minus the two pick-sixes, including a turnover in the red zone, the Giants feel it can compete with the best nations.

Bishop Gorman is still in the national championship hunt

No. 4 Bishop Gorman (3-0) had a bye week but kept its hopes alive for a national champion bid as it edged previous No. 6 Miami Central in a thriller, 39-35, in Nevada Las Vegas. The Gaels watched tight end Elija Lofton run into the end zone with 24 seconds remaining to cap the madness.

No. 5 Buford enjoyed a bye week.

Here is a look at the national rankings for the fourth week of the season.

1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Ca) 4-0 —

2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana,CA) 4-0

3. IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) 3-0

4. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 4-0

5. Buford (GA) 3-0

6. Duncanville (TX) 2-0

7. Chaminade-Madona (Hollywood, FL) 3-0

8. Central (Miami, FL) 1-1

9. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) 4-0

10. North Shore (Houston, TX) 4-0

11. DeSoto (Texas) 2-0

12. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) 2-1

13. Colquitt County (Moultrie, GA) 4-0

14. American Heritage (Plantation, FL) 2-0

15. Mill Creek (Hoschton, GA) 3-0

16. Saraland (Ala) 3-0

17. Columbus (Miami, FL) 3-0

18. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) 2-1

19. Langston Hughes (Fairburn, GA) 2-1

20. Berge Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 2-1

21. Chandler (Ariz) 3-0

22. Centennial (Corona, CA) 2-2

23. Serra (San Mateo, CA) 3-0

24. Belleville (Mich.) 3-0

25. Westlake (Austin) 3-0

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