Early Contenders: Top high school football team in each state

Video: Top team from each state
Football Editor Zack Poff dissects the cream of the crop across the nation.

The back-to-back defending 7A state champs won their fifth state title since 2012 last season and enter the 2018 season with a good chance at a three-peat. They're led by 4-star Auburn commit George Pickens, 3-star running back Larry McCammon III and 2020 quarterback Robby Ashford. The Alabama power begins the year ranked at No. 21 in our Top 25.

Alaska — Soldotna
The Stars enter the 2018 season with the second-longest active winning streak in the country, winners of 59 straight. Soldotna is going for its seventh consecutive state title.

Arizona — Chandler
Chandler has won back-to-back 6A state titles and enters the 2018 season ranked at No. 10 in our preseason Top 25. They are loaded with playmakers and have Jacob Conover back under center. They open up the season at No. 17 Centennial (Corona), one of our Top 10 Games of 2018.

Arkansas — Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
The Bruins enter this season winners of four consecutive 5A state titles, having won at least 10 games every year since 2010. Expect them to have one of the most explosive offenses in the country led by 4-star tight end Hudson Henry. The younger brother of the San Diego Charger Hunter Henry checks in as the No. 1 tight end from the Class of 2019.

California — St. John Bosco
The Braves begin the year as the No. 1 team in high school football. They have the top-rated quarterback from the Class of 2020 — DJ Uiagalelei — one of the best players overall regardless of class. St. John Bosco is loaded everywhere and looks to win its third state title since 2013. Mater Dei was also in the mix as they begin the season as the No. 2 team in the country.

Colorado — Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
Valor Christian was upset in the second round of the 5A state playoffs last year but still enter the 2018 season as the top team from Colorado. They have won six of the last eight state titles and former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey takes over as head coach. His youngest son, Luke McCaffrey, enters his senior season as the top rated player in Colorado and the 4-star athlete is a 2019 Nebraska commit.

Connecticut — St. Joseph (Trumbull)
The Cadets bring back a lot of players who helped lead them to the Class S state championship last year. David Summers, a 2019 Maryland commit, is back under center along with the team's leading rusher from 2017, Jaden Shirden.

Delaware — Smyrna
Smyrna enters the 2018 season winners of three consecutive Division 1 state titles and will have a chance at four straight this year.

Florida — IMG Academy (Bradenton)
The Ascenders begin the year as the No. 3 team in our preseason Top 25 and match up with anyone when it comes to talent. 2019 Georgia commit Nolan Smith checks in as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2019 and 5-star running back Trey Sanders is No. 1 at his position.

Georgia — Grayson (Loganville)
The Georgia power has over 20 Division I players and the talent to win its third state title since 2013. They begin the season at No. 5 in our preseason Top 25.
Hawaii — St. Louis (Honolulu)
St. Louis has won back-to-back state titles in Hawaii's largest classification and there's a good chance they make it a three-peat. The Crusaders begin the season as the No. 12 team in our Top 25 and will have one of the top defenses in the country led by 4-star defensive tackle Faatui Tuitele, 4-star linebacker Jordan Botelho and 2019 USC commit Gino Quinones.

Idaho — Highland (Pocatello)
The defending 5A state champs are where they were at the end of last season — the No. 1 squad in the state.

Illinois — Phillips (Chicago)
Phillips finished last year 14-0 and capped its undefeated season beating Dunlap in the 5A state championship game. They have two of the best playmakers in the state returning in 2019 Alabama commit Jahleel Billingsley and 2019 Illinois commit Fabian McCray.

Indiana — Warren Central (Indianapolis)
The Indiana power begins the year as the first team out of the preseason Top 25. They will be the favorites to win their ninth state title school history and a name to keep tabs on in 2018 is 4-star wide receiver David Bell. He is one of the best playmakers in high school football.

Iowa — Xavier (Cedar Rapids)
The defending 3A state champs rolled through the 2017 season finishing 13-0 and the Saints have won 24 of their last 25 games entering this year. Expect them to be one of the best teams in the trenches again led by 3-star offensive guard Josh Volk.

Kansas — Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)
Winners of four consecutive state championships, the Stags and have proven themselves as the best team in the state. Last season , they won every game by double-digits and outscored the opposition by nearly 40 points per game.

Kentucky — Trinity (Louisville)
The Kentucky power has won 30 consecutive games entering the 2018 season and back-to-back 6A state titles. They have to replace some key pieces on offense, but bring back one of the top defenses in the state led by 2019 Michigan commit Stephen Herron Jr. The Shamrocks have one of the top high school football coaches in the country in Bob Beatty. He has led Trinity to 13 state titles since he took over before the 2000 season.

Louisiana — University Lab (Baton Rouge)
The defending Division II state champs were 13-0 and won every game by double digits last season. They bring back a lot of big-time players from the 2017 team led by 4-star wide receiver Christian Harris, 4-star athlete Makiya Tongue, 2019 Clemson commit Bryton Constantin and 3-star cornerback Jordan Clark.

Maine — Wells
The back-to-back state champs have gone 23-1 over the last two seasons and enter this year riding a 16-game winning streak.

Maryland — St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
The Baltimore power begins the year as the No. 7 team in our preseason Top 25 and have done nothing but win since Henry Russell and Biff Poggi came over from Gilman (Baltimore). They have gone 23-2 over the last two years and finished last season 13-0 and ranked in the Top 5. The Panthers are loaded with talent again this season led by 4-star linebacker Shane Lee, 5-star defensive end Chris Braswell and 4-star defensive end Demon Clowney.

Massachusetts — Everett
The Crimson Tide enter 2018 looking to win their third consecutive Division One state championship. They've won 22 straight heading into the season. Isaac Seide will be a major factor on offense after transferring over from Melrose (Mass.) and Mike Sainristil will be the leader on defense.

Michigan — Muskegon
The Big Reds into this year as the defending Division III state champs after a 14-0 2017 campaign. They lost a couple of key pieces but return a lot of talent led by 2019 LSU commit Anthony Bradford, 3-star defensive end Billie Roberts, 3-star athlete Cameron Martinez and 3-star linebacker Ali'Vonta Wallace.

Minnesota — Eden Prairie
The Eagles won their fifth state title since 2011 last season and begin this year with 2019 Minnesota commit Cole Kramer back under center.

Mississippi — Starkville
Starkville enters this season with a bad taste in its mouth after losing to Pearl 21-17 in the 6A state championship game. The Yellowjackets return a lot of key players led by 2019 Tennessee commit Jalil Clemons, 3-star linebacker Zach Edwards, 2019 Memphis commit Rodrigues Clark, 2020 defensive tackle Jaylan Ware and Malik Brown under center.

Missouri — Trinity Catholic (St. Louis)
This was one of the toughest states to decide because it came down to Trinity Catholic and Christian Brothers. The Titans barely got the edge and are one of the most talented teams entering the 2018 season. 2019 Illinois commit Isaiah Williams, 4-star wide receiver Marcus Washington, 4-star linebacker Shammond Cooper, 4-star wide receiver James Frenchie and 3-star running back Reggie Love are just some of their notable players entering this season.

Montana — Lincoln County (Eureka)
The Lions have won back-to-back Class B state titles entering this year and are 22-1 since 2016. They enter this season riding a 20-game winning streak.

Nebraska — Norfolk Catholic (Norfolk)
The Knights rolled through the 2017 season with a 13-0 mark and C1 state title. A name to keep tabs on this year is Dylan Kautz, the underrated running back is one of the fastest dudes in high school football. He rushed for nearly 2,500 yards during his junior year and expect the same type of numbers in 2018.

Nevada — Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
The Las Vegas power has been king of Nevada for quite some time. They have won nine consecutive state titles and begin the season at No. 11 in our preseason Top 25.

New Hampshire — Winnacunnet (Hampton)
The defending Division I state champs begin the season as the No. 1 team from the Granite State. Joe LaRosa takes over under center but don't expect the Warriors to miss a beat with their new quarterback in 2018.

New Jersey — Bergen Catholic (Oradell)
Bergen Catholic won its first state title since 2004 last season and will be in contention again this year. Vito Campanile takes over for his brother (Nunzio) as head coach and luckily for him they are loaded with talent. 2019 Nebraska commit Rahmir Johnson and 3-star athlete Josh McKenzie give Campanile two of the best playmakers in the state and the Crusaders aren't running from smoke in 2018. They have one of the toughest schedules in the country including a showdown with No. 5 Grayson on Aug. 31.
New Mexico — Manzano (Albuquerque)
Manzano won its first state title in school history last year, beating La Cueva (Albuquerque) 14-7 in the 6A state championship game. The top spot came down to both these schools, but Manzano gets the nod because they were 2-0 against La Cueva in 2017. They lose one of their key players in Jordan Byrd, now at San Diego State, but they return some studs led by Xavier Ivey-Saud, Jack Blankenship and Austin Walker.

New York — Cardinal Hayes (Bronx)
The Cardinals take home the No. 1 spot in New York because of its talented 2020 prospect Sofian Massoud. The 4-star athlete checks in as the No. 2 player overall in the state from the Class of 2020 and expect him to be a major playmaker in 2018. Expect them and Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains) to battle it out again this year for the top spot in New York.

North Carolina — Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
The Mavericks enter the 2018 season a few spots out of the Top 25 and will be in the hunt to be ranked during next year. They return some key players from a team that made it to the 4AA state championship game. Jadyn Washington is back under center and expect to him a monster senior season.

North Dakota — West Fargo
The defending 3A state champs finished 2017 a perfect 12-0 and begin the year as the No. 1 team from North Dakota.

Ohio — Pickerington Central (Pickerington)
The Tigers claimed their first state title in school history last year and look to become the first team since 1998 to win back-to-back Division 1 state championships. They lost a couple of key players, but bring back 2020 quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw, who broke the DI state title game record scoring six touchdowns in a 56-28 win over Mentor. He is one of the most special players in high school football and they check in as the No. 22 in our Top 25.

Oklahoma — Owasso
The Rams did something they haven't done since 1974 — win a state title. It was also the first time in 22 years a team other than Jenks or Union (Tulsa) won the state championship in the largest classification. 2019 North Texas commit Will Kuehne is back at quarterback as Owasso tried to repeat as state champs during his senior season.

Oregon — Clackamas
The defending 6A state champs finished the 2017 season unscathed, going 14-0 to bring home the school's first football state title. One of the best quarterbacks in the state, Caleb Jordan, takes over under center and they also have 2019 Oregon State commit Kelsen Hennessy, 3-star linebacker Justice Pagan and Nehemiah Dedmon.

Pennsylvania — St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
The Philadelphia power saw its 27-game winning streak come to an end against Phil Jurkovec and No. 10 Pine-Richland (Gibsonia) in the 6A state championship game last year. St. Joseph's Prep will be in the mix again among the states best in 2018 led by 2020 running back Kolbe Burrell and 2021 linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.

Rhode Island — Bishop Hendricken (Warwick, R.I.)
Despite losing in the Division I state championship game to La Salle Academy (Providence) by one point they begin the 2018 season as the No. 1 team in Rhode Island. They had their streak of seven straight state title runs come to an end last year but expect Keith Croft to have the Hawks in contention to win the school's 15th state championship.

South Carolina — South Pointe (Rock Hill)
The Stallions have had an amazing run over the last four years, entering 2018 with four-straight state titles. They have to replace one of the best players in the country in Derion Kendrick, now at Clemson, but expect Strait Herron to have his Stallions ready to roll this year.

South Dakota — Washington (Sioux Falls)
The Warriors have gone 35-1 over the last three seasons and have won a state title every year during that span.

Tennessee — Brentwood Academy (Brentwood)
The Eagles have won three consecutive state titles heading into this year and there's a good chance for a four-peat in 2018. Devyn Curtis, Nate Clifton, Thomas Gore, Mario Pleasant and Tahir Annoor are all back as Brentwood tried to extend its 17-game winning streak.

Texas — Allen
The Eagles, defending UIL Texas 6A-Division I state champs, begin the season as the No. 4 team in our Top 25. Allen brings back a ton of talent led by 5-star wide receiver Theo Wease, 2019 Ole Miss commit Grant Tisdale, 2019 Oklahoma commit EJ Ndoma-Ogar and 2019 Oklahoma State commit Jayden Jernigan.

Utah — Bingham (South Jordan)
The Miners rolled through Utah competition over the last two seasons in route to winning back-to-back state championships. They have won 26 straight games against in-state opponents and have won all but one game by double-digits. They will be the favorites to win the 6A state championship with Braedon Wissler back on offense and a strong defense led by Lolani Langi and Simote Pepa.

Vermont — St. Johnsbury Academy
The defending Division I state champs ended last year as the top team in the state and begin the 2018 season at the same spot. Jake Cady, Lamin Latikka and Nick Guckin are all back for the Hilltoppers this year.

Virginia — Bishop Sullivan Catholic (Virginia Beach)
It was a toss-up but Bishop Sullivan Catholic takes home the No. 1 spot for the Commonwealth of Virgina. The Crusaders are loaded with talent led by 2019 Texas A&M commit Adarious Jones, 4-star safety Nehki Meredith, 3-star offensive tackle Altrique Barlow, Valerian Johnson and Noah Anderson.

Washington — Eastside Catholic (Sammamish)
Just like Virginia, Washington was close. There are a lot of good teams at the top but Eastside Catholic's talent reigns. Gee Scott Jr. is one of the best wide receivers in the country regardless of class and he is joined by 4-star running back Sam Adams, 4-star cornerback Ayden Hector, 4-star tight end D.J. Rogers and a handful of other D-I prospects.

West Virginia — Martinsburg
The Bulldogs have finished as the top team from West Virginia both of the last two seasons and begin this year as the top team in the state. They have won back-to-back state championships and are riding a 28-game winning streak.

Wisconsin — Kimberly
No one in high school football has a longer active winning streak than Kimberly. The Papermakers have won 70 games in a row, haven't lost since Nov. 2, 2012, and have won five consecutive state titles heading into the 2018 season.

Wyoming — Sheridan
Sheridan has huge shoes to fill at head coach with the legendary Don Julian stepping down but he will still be around to help. Julian won five state titles as the head coach, including three straight heading into the 2018 season. Expect them to still be one of the top teams in the state with 2019 Wyoming commit Parker Christensen back leading the way.