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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.
- Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
- Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
- IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
- St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
- DeSoto (Texas)
- Milton (Ga.)
- Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)
- Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
- Duncanville (Texas)
- North Shore (Houston)
- St. Joseph Prep (Philadelphia)
- Buford (Ga.)
- Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ.)
- Washinton Massillon (Massillon, Ohio)
- St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
- Coca (Fla.)
- St. Edwards ( Lakewood, Ohio)
- Carrollton (Ga.)
- Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
- Central (Miami, Fla.)
- St. Thomas Aquinas ( Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
- Mission Viejo (Calif.)
- Central (Phoenix City, Ala.)
- Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.)
- Berkley Prep (Tampa, Fla.)