The debate is ongoing. For eternity, there will be no right or wrong answer.
Which state is the best for high school football?
The opinion of a few self-proclaimed “experts” generates the national rankings. The USA Today started the madness in the 1980’s and from there due to technology and information overload via the World Wide Web, rankings are everywhere.
Are these publications right, or are they wrong? How can we prove if they are spot on, or way off base?
MaxPreps, the company that pays me, has elected to go to a BCS computer system in order to determine the top teams in the nation. Even a computer spits out rankings that are filled with flaws.
For example in Texas, national No. 9 Longview lost to No. 10 Allen earlier in the season, 21-7. Allen’s only loss was to No. 6 Euless Trinity, 24-14. So how could Longview be ranked ahead of Allen after a two touchdown loss?
Somebody has to put the data into the computer for the rankings to come out. Californian Ned Freeman has the daunting task of making the MaxPreps rankings make some sort of sense. It’s a job I would never want in a million years, so give the guy credit for trying.
However, Mr. Freeman happens to be from California. In his Top 25, five teams hail from California. Seven more are ranked between 26 and 50. Is California really that much better? Or is there at least some bias towards the non-biased system?
Staying in Texas, Euless Trinity is ranked No. 1 according to ESPN Rise and Rivals.com. Trinity – the defending 5A-Division I state champions in Texas – are loaded with Division I talent on both sides of the football. Dontrayevous Robinson, committed to Nebraska, shares carries with sophomore Tevin Williams. Talk about depth.
USA Today has Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) at No. 1. Another computer generated product called the Massey Ratings has Trinity at No. 1, with Byrnes checking in at No. 5. On Friday, Byrnes lost to Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) 35-28. Dorman was ranked No. 13 according to the MaxPreps computer entering the game.
Which state is best?
Since nobody is right, I will weigh in. In my non-expert opinion, Texas is the ‘lone star’ when it comes to high school football.
In college football, fanatics are inundated with SEC overload. Most fans get their information from ESPN – who doesn’t? ESPN and the SEC have a long-term contract together, high rankings for SEC teams mean high ratings for ESPN, so obviously ESPN will make darn sure they talk about SEC football and hype it to death if given the chance to do so.
What bothers me is the speed argument out of the SEC. Are kids that play in the SEC really that much faster than everywhere else? There are fast players everywhere you look. You could find athletes in almost every state in the union.
In Texas, honestly, you probably have more speed, strength, and athleticism than in Florida and California only because Texas has the most high school football programs in the country. A prospect that runs a 4.4 in Texas runs a 4.4 in Florida.
States like Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are loaded with athletes in every corner of the state and in between. The southern speed argument is bunk.
High school games in Texas, at times, have 15,000 fans in the stadium. The commitment high school football in Texas is second to none.
The Texas state record for single-game attendance is 49,95, set in the 1977 Texas 4A State Championship game between Plano and Port Neches-Groves at Texas Stadium. That number would have ranked 41st in NCAA Division I attendance in 2006, ahead of both Baylor and TCU. It is over 10,000 more fans than Houston and North Texas averaged combined in 2006.
I realize 11 games in state history have had more than 36,000 fans in attendance, so comparing these numbers to NCAA average attendance can be misleading. I used those numbers simply to make a point.
Atmosphere is what separates high school football from college football and the National Football League, in my opinion. There is something special about the crisp autumn air under the lights with the sound of marching bands warming up two hours before kickoff. Have fun finding a better atmosphere outside of the Lone Star State.
Gridiron legends in Texas are treated like royalty. Names like Earl Campbell, Doak Walker, Billy Sims, Kenneth “The Sugar Land Express” Hall, Adrian Peterson, and Sammy Baugh, just to name a few.
Other states have had comparable names that have stepped foot on football fields across its state. Some of the all-time legends have hailed from Texas.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes high school football. As they say, don’t mess with Texas.
Showing posts with label MaxPreps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MaxPreps. Show all posts
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hansen's National High School Football Top 10
One of the questions I am asked most as a freelance writer for MaxPreps.com is about the national and state rankings.
These rankings, which are done by a computer, have been under intense scrutiny. Last year while on a radio show in Tulsa, it was the main subject of discussion and I received heavy criticism for the rankings.
The rankings are what they are. MaxPreps has decided to stick to the computer. At last check, pretty much everybody gets to play for a state championship of some sort, so I'm not quite sure what the controversy is about.
Having learned a lot about some of the teams nationally while compiling the National Top 25 Scoreboard every week, I have decided it was time to make some rankings of my own.
Hansen's National High School Football Top 10
1. Phoebus (Hampton, Va.) - In one of the upper echelon states for high school football, Phoebus is taking care of business with ease. Defensively, it would be difficult to find somebody else nationally that has been as impressive. In eight games (8-0) the Phantoms have given up 26 points, including five shutouts. Two weeks back against rival Hampton, Phoebus handed Hampton coach Mike Smith his worst loss during his tenure with a 42-6 thumping. Offensively, QB Tahj Boyd and RB Shawne Alston have Phoebus averaging 49.5 points per game. And it doesn't appear Phoebus will let up any time soon, which is why I feel they are the best in the country at this time.
2. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) - If you haven't heard of junior RB Marcus Lattimore, now is the time to make a mental note. Lattimore - regarded as one of the top junior running backs in the country - already has set the school-record for career rushing yards. This season Lattimore has rushed for 1,289 yards and 14 touchdowns and has eclipsed the 200-yard barrier twice this season. QB Chas Dodd is a solid prep signal caller and has thrown for at least 3 TDs three times this season.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) - On Friday in what was slated to be a huge game against Deerfield Beach on national television, the Raiders rolled 65-10. After losing to Deerfield Beach by two points last season, revenge was sweet for St. Thomas Aquinas. QB Ryan Becker is not a major Division I prospect, but he's a heckuva high school quarterback. WR Duron Carter, son of former NFL receiver and St. Thomas Aquinas assistant Cris Carter, is a legit playmaker. LB Connor O'Neill and TE Gabrison Holmes are bona fide Division I prospects.
4. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) - Lowndes has stormed out to a 7-0 start, including hard-fought victories over cross-town rival Valdosta and Northside (Warner Robins). Lowndes is another program posting unbelievable defensive numbers, allowing 36 points in seven games this season. The Vikings love to run the football, led by Greg Reid. Reid has rushed for 610 yards and 10 touchdowns this season and averages over 10 yards per carry. Reid is also the leading receiver for the Vikings.
5. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) – The Hawks have been salty on defense, giving up just 18 points in seven victories including four shutouts. QB Mywan Jackson does a solid job in running the Armwood offense and is considered a Division I prospect as a safety. Jackson has thrown for 15 touchdowns and has added 591 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns to lead the Hawks.
6. Euless Trinity (Euless, Texas) – Trinity hasn’t always been dominating this season, but Trinity wins when it counts. The Trojans are led by QB Denarius McGhee. RB Dontrayevous Robinson was slated to be the go-to runner for the Trojans, but sophomore Tevin Williams has emerged as the team-leader in rushing. Earnest Norman, Prinz Kande, and Eryon Bennett are all DI talents and lead the defense.
7. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) – The Jackrabbits have played a brutal schedule this season, including a trip to Miami Northwestern to claim a 29-7 win. RB Melvin Richardson (644 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and Daveon Barner (572 rushing yards, 5 TDs) lead the offense. George Daily-Lyles leads the team in tackles while Eli Edwards leads the Jackrabbits in sacks.
8. Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) – Junior QB Jake Heaps already holds dozens of offers and is regarded as one of the best prospects in the Class of 2010. Heaps has 974 passing yards and 14 TDs this season, with WR Gino Simone (committed to Washington State) his top target with 359 yards and 7 TDs. The Spartans have allowed just eight points in seven games and have recorded five shutouts. As a team, Skyline has 10 interceptions this season.
9. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) – Oscar Smith has stormed to an 8-0 mark and outscored its opponents 363-41, to include four shutouts on defense. QB Philip Sims, RB Perry Jones, and WR Tim Smith are the leaders on offense for the Tigers. Last week in a 40-6 win over Nansemond River, Jones had four rushing TDs in the first half while Sims and Brown hooked up for TD passes of 53 and 73 yards as the Tigers took a 40-0 halftime lead.
10. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas) – Lake Travis gunslinger and Texas verbal Garrett Gilbert has been as good as possible for the Cavaliers. Gilbert has completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,466 yards and 30 TDs compared to just one interception. Cade McCrary has 903 receiving yards and 12 TDs. The Cavaliers don’t run it often, but Chris Aydam and Andy Erikson have combined for over 600 yards and 7 TDs. Quinton Crow has 95 tackles to lead the defense.
Give St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) Credit
St. Xavier has been one of the top programs in Ohio over the years. You have to give them credit for attempting to become a national power by scheduling any body, any where, at any time.
St. Xavier is 4-4 this year, but its losses have come to Colerain (Cincinnati), Trinity (Louisville, Ky.), Elder (Cincinnati), La Salle (Cincinnati), and St. Ignatius (Cleveland). The Bombers have a victory over Prattville (Ala.), Indianapolis Cathedral, and Don Bosco Prep (N.J.).
These rankings, which are done by a computer, have been under intense scrutiny. Last year while on a radio show in Tulsa, it was the main subject of discussion and I received heavy criticism for the rankings.
The rankings are what they are. MaxPreps has decided to stick to the computer. At last check, pretty much everybody gets to play for a state championship of some sort, so I'm not quite sure what the controversy is about.
Having learned a lot about some of the teams nationally while compiling the National Top 25 Scoreboard every week, I have decided it was time to make some rankings of my own.
Hansen's National High School Football Top 10
1. Phoebus (Hampton, Va.) - In one of the upper echelon states for high school football, Phoebus is taking care of business with ease. Defensively, it would be difficult to find somebody else nationally that has been as impressive. In eight games (8-0) the Phantoms have given up 26 points, including five shutouts. Two weeks back against rival Hampton, Phoebus handed Hampton coach Mike Smith his worst loss during his tenure with a 42-6 thumping. Offensively, QB Tahj Boyd and RB Shawne Alston have Phoebus averaging 49.5 points per game. And it doesn't appear Phoebus will let up any time soon, which is why I feel they are the best in the country at this time.
2. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) - If you haven't heard of junior RB Marcus Lattimore, now is the time to make a mental note. Lattimore - regarded as one of the top junior running backs in the country - already has set the school-record for career rushing yards. This season Lattimore has rushed for 1,289 yards and 14 touchdowns and has eclipsed the 200-yard barrier twice this season. QB Chas Dodd is a solid prep signal caller and has thrown for at least 3 TDs three times this season.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) - On Friday in what was slated to be a huge game against Deerfield Beach on national television, the Raiders rolled 65-10. After losing to Deerfield Beach by two points last season, revenge was sweet for St. Thomas Aquinas. QB Ryan Becker is not a major Division I prospect, but he's a heckuva high school quarterback. WR Duron Carter, son of former NFL receiver and St. Thomas Aquinas assistant Cris Carter, is a legit playmaker. LB Connor O'Neill and TE Gabrison Holmes are bona fide Division I prospects.
4. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) - Lowndes has stormed out to a 7-0 start, including hard-fought victories over cross-town rival Valdosta and Northside (Warner Robins). Lowndes is another program posting unbelievable defensive numbers, allowing 36 points in seven games this season. The Vikings love to run the football, led by Greg Reid. Reid has rushed for 610 yards and 10 touchdowns this season and averages over 10 yards per carry. Reid is also the leading receiver for the Vikings.
5. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) – The Hawks have been salty on defense, giving up just 18 points in seven victories including four shutouts. QB Mywan Jackson does a solid job in running the Armwood offense and is considered a Division I prospect as a safety. Jackson has thrown for 15 touchdowns and has added 591 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns to lead the Hawks.
6. Euless Trinity (Euless, Texas) – Trinity hasn’t always been dominating this season, but Trinity wins when it counts. The Trojans are led by QB Denarius McGhee. RB Dontrayevous Robinson was slated to be the go-to runner for the Trojans, but sophomore Tevin Williams has emerged as the team-leader in rushing. Earnest Norman, Prinz Kande, and Eryon Bennett are all DI talents and lead the defense.
7. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) – The Jackrabbits have played a brutal schedule this season, including a trip to Miami Northwestern to claim a 29-7 win. RB Melvin Richardson (644 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and Daveon Barner (572 rushing yards, 5 TDs) lead the offense. George Daily-Lyles leads the team in tackles while Eli Edwards leads the Jackrabbits in sacks.
8. Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) – Junior QB Jake Heaps already holds dozens of offers and is regarded as one of the best prospects in the Class of 2010. Heaps has 974 passing yards and 14 TDs this season, with WR Gino Simone (committed to Washington State) his top target with 359 yards and 7 TDs. The Spartans have allowed just eight points in seven games and have recorded five shutouts. As a team, Skyline has 10 interceptions this season.
9. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) – Oscar Smith has stormed to an 8-0 mark and outscored its opponents 363-41, to include four shutouts on defense. QB Philip Sims, RB Perry Jones, and WR Tim Smith are the leaders on offense for the Tigers. Last week in a 40-6 win over Nansemond River, Jones had four rushing TDs in the first half while Sims and Brown hooked up for TD passes of 53 and 73 yards as the Tigers took a 40-0 halftime lead.
10. Lake Travis (Austin, Texas) – Lake Travis gunslinger and Texas verbal Garrett Gilbert has been as good as possible for the Cavaliers. Gilbert has completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,466 yards and 30 TDs compared to just one interception. Cade McCrary has 903 receiving yards and 12 TDs. The Cavaliers don’t run it often, but Chris Aydam and Andy Erikson have combined for over 600 yards and 7 TDs. Quinton Crow has 95 tackles to lead the defense.
Give St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) Credit
St. Xavier has been one of the top programs in Ohio over the years. You have to give them credit for attempting to become a national power by scheduling any body, any where, at any time.
St. Xavier is 4-4 this year, but its losses have come to Colerain (Cincinnati), Trinity (Louisville, Ky.), Elder (Cincinnati), La Salle (Cincinnati), and St. Ignatius (Cleveland). The Bombers have a victory over Prattville (Ala.), Indianapolis Cathedral, and Don Bosco Prep (N.J.).
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