National Prep Poll
August 2, 2010
Preseason National Prep Football Poll
By Jamie DeMoney

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URBANDALE, Iowa -- Trinity (Euless, Texas) will begin the 2010 season in a familiar position. The Trojans are ranked No. 1 in the preseason National Prep Football Poll for the second time in three years. They return 15 starters from last year's Class 5A/I championship team and will be seeking its fourth state title in six seasons.

Starting at the top of the poll, there is a distinct Texas flavor throughout the rankings. Defending 5A/II titlist Abilene checks in at No. 3 and three-time defending 4A champion Lake Travis (Austin) -- with its three consecutive 4A titles -- is right behind at No. 4. Stony Point (Round Rock), a 5A semifinalist the last two seasons, begins the season at No. 19.

Texas isn't the only state with four teams in the initial rankings. The No. 2 team in the poll is Plant (Tampa), winner of three Florida state titles in four years. State bragging rights will be on the line Sept. 16 when the Panthers will travel to Texas to face No. 2 Abilene. There are two more Sunshine State squads in the top 10 with defending 4A champion Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens) at No. 6 and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) checking in at No. 7. A fourth Florida team in the poll is No. 21 Manatee (Bradenton)

California is also represented with four teams in the preseason rankings. No. 9 Grant (Sacramento) leads the Golden State's contingent followed by fellow Northern Cal power De La Salle (Concord) at No. 14. The top teams from Southern California to the start the season figure to be No. 15 Servite (Anaheim) and No. 24 Mission Viejo.

In all, there are teams from 14 different states in the preseason rankings. After the season begins, that number figures to fluctuate from week-to-week. The first regular season poll of the year will be released August 23.

As always, the National Prep Poll ranks teams both nationally and regionally according to four criteria including strength of schedule, a team's success in accomplishing the ultimate goal on its schedule (i.e. winning a championship), the emergence and measurement of impact players, as well the quality of coaching and the team's recent tradition.

The National Prep Football Poll is compiled by high school sports journalist Jamie DeMoney with input from sportswriters, experts, and coaches. The national Top 25 (plus web-only Top 101) and regional Top 10's (plus web-only regional Top 25's) follow with 2009 won-loss records:

# School Record Note LW
1. Euless, Texas, Trinity 14-2 seeks fourth 5A title in six years   
2. Tampa, Fla., Plant 14-1 plays at No. 3 Abilene Sept. 16   
3. Abilene, Texas 15-0 won 5A/II crown last season   
4. Austin, Texas, Lake Travis 16-0 winning streak at 46   
5. Batesville, Miss., South Panola 14-1 record eight-time state champ   
6. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dwyer 14-1 defending 4A titlist   
7. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., St. Thomas Aquinas 13-1 17 FBS signees last two years   
8. Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville 13-2 faces No. 6 Dwyer Sept. 6   
9. Sacramento, Calif., Grant 12-1 aims for 2nd state title in three years   
10. Hoover, Ala. 14-1 six state titles since 2000   
11. Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton 14-0 owns three 5A crowns in four years   
12. Olney, Md., Good Counsel 11-1 opens Aug. 29 at No. 13 St. Xavier   
13. Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Xavier 9-3 first four games vs. out-of-state foes   
14. Concord, Calif., De La Salle 12-2 Prep Poll champ six times   
15. Anaheim, Calif., Servite 14-1 reigning Division II state champ   
16. West Monroe, La. 15-0 owns seven 5A titles   
17. Hampton, Va., Phoebus 15-0 has 30-game winning streak   
18. Kingsland, Ga., Camden County 13-2 seeks third consecutive 5A title   
19. Round Rock, Texas, Stony Point 13-2 DT Jordan Wade headed to Oklahoma   
20. Roebuck, S.C., Dorman 14-1 defending 4A/I titlist   
21. Bradenton, Fla., Manatee 13-2 5A runner-up in '09   
22. Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco Prep 12-0 reigning Prep Poll champ graduated six FBS recruits   
23. Wyndmoor, Pa., La Salle 14-1 4A champ last season   
24. Mission Viejo, Calif. 12-1 led by Southern Cal-bound LB Tre Madden   
25. Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton-Warrenville South 13-1 six state crowns under coach Ron Muhitch   
26. Westlake Village, Calif., Westlake 14-0 offense triggered by returning all-state QB Nick Isham   
27. Matthews, N.C., Butler 15-0 QB Christian LeMay a Georgia recruit   
28. Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes 10-2 three 5A titles in the 2000s   
29. Miami, Fla., Central 12-2 RB Devonta Freeman committed to Florida St.   
30. Cincinnati, Ohio, Colerain 8-2 six of 14 returning starters have BCS scholarship offers   
31. South Jordan, Utah, Bingham 13-1 four seniors are BYU recruits   
32. Las Vegas, Nev., Bishop Gorman 15-0 eight offensive starters back from team that won by average margin of 44 points   
33. Lansdale, Pa., North Penn 13-1 opens Sept. 3 against No. 23 La Salle   
34. Miami, Fla., Northwestern 10-2 led by Miami-bound QB Teddy Bridgewater   
35. The Woodlands, Texas 11-1 three starting offensive linemen and blue chip RB Daniel Lasco return   
36. Seffner, Fla., Armwood 12-2 seeks first state crown since 2004   
37. Dublin, Ohio, Coffman 12-1 DE Brad Carrico headed to Notre Dame   
38. Katy, Texas 14-2 coach Gary Joseph is 82-9 in six seasons   
39. Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian 13-1 led by Auburn-bound QB Kiehl Frazier   
40. Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County 11-3 hosts No. 5 South Panola on Aug. 27   
41. Tampa, Fla., Jefferson 11-2 returning all-state QB Quentin Williams runs the show   
42. Tulsa, Okla., Union 13-1 combined with No. 43 Jenks to win every 6A title since 1996   
43. Jenks, Okla. 13-1 won six Class 6A crowns in the 2000s   
44. Cocoa, Fla. 14-0 plays at No. 3 Abilene on Sept. 10   
45. Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central 13-2 five Class 5A crowns since 2003   
46. DeSoto, Texas 9-3 six starters back from offense that averaged 43 points   
47. Austin, Texas, Westlake 13-3 lost in OT to No. 1 Trinity in last year's 5A/I final   
48. Katy, Texas, Cinco Ranch 13-2 features hard-charging RB K.C. Nlemchi   
49. Lakewood, Calif. 11-2 led by blue chip DE Todd Barr   
50. Corona, Calif., Centennial 10-3 offense that averaged 41 points returns seven starters   
51. Temecula, Calif., Chaparral 11-3 CIF-SS Inland titlist returns 15 starters   
52. Denver, Colo., Mullen 14-0 coach Dave Logan has five state titles at three schools   
53. Kansas City, Mo., Rockhurst 9-3 seven starters return on both sides of the ball   
54. Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep 9-3 plays No. 55 St. Peter's on Sept. 11   
55. Jersey City, N.J., St. Peter's 9-3 led by blue chip RB Savon Huggins   
56. Park Ridge, Ill., Maine South 14-0 back-to-back 8A champion   
57. Cedar Hill, Texas 12-1 graduated seven FBS signees   
58. Denton, Texas, Guyer 13-2 Oklahoma St.-bound QB J.W. Walsh one of six returning offensive starters   
59. Franklinton, La. 14-1 returns nine offensive starters   
60. Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge 13-2 Virginia-bound DE Rob Burns one of 15 returning starters   
61. Duncan, S.C., Byrnes 13-2 six-time state champ in the 2000s   
62. Louisville, Ky., St. Xavier 14-1 coach Mike Glaser has 310 wins   
63. Portland, Ore., Jesuit 12-2 led by all-state RB Jordan Talley   
64. Murrieta, Calif., Vista Murrieta 13-1 Utah-bound QB Derrick Brown one of six returning offensive starters   
65. Chesapeake, Va., Oscar Smith 13-1 plays No. 75 Pickerington Central on Sept. 6   
66. Long Beach, Calif., Poly 7-5 nine starters back on both sides of the ball   
67. Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West 13-1 leading rusher and three starting offensive linemen return   
68. Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips 11-1 DB Ha'sean Clinton-Dix an Alabama recruit   
69. Sandy, Utah, Alta 10-3 three offensive linemen are Division I prospects   
70. Gardena, Calif., Serra 15-0 led by blue chip WR George Farmer   
71. Mechanicsburg, Pa., Cumberland Valley 12-3 LB Kevin Snyder headed to Rutgers   
72. La Puente, Calif., Bishop Amat 10-2 QB Rio Ruiz a two-sport star (baseball)   
73. Suwanee, Ga., North Gwinnett 13-1 plays No. 77 Crenshaw on Sept. 3   
74. East Grand Rapids, Mich. 14-0 only 13 losses last decade   
75. Pickerington, Ohio, Central 10-2 nine starters back on both sides of the ball   
76. Huber Heights, Ohio, Wayne 7-4 powered by Ohio St.-bound QB Braxton Miller   
77. Los Angeles, Calif., Crenshaw 14-1 Open Division state runner-up in '09   
78. Fayetteville, N.C., Britt 14-2 4AA runner-up back-to-back years   
79. Centerville, Ohio 8-3 DT Michael Bennett headed to Ohio St.   
80. Rock Hill, S.C., Northwestern 9-6 won eight of last nine to reach 4A/II title game last year   
81. Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha 11-1 eight Washington Catholic titles in the 2000s   
82. Rockford, Mich. 11-1 three state titles last six years   
83. Westlake Village, Calif., Oaks Christian 13-1 jr. WR Jordan Payton committed to USC   
84. Canton, Ohio, McKinley 8-5 DE Steve Miller an Ohio St. recruit   
85. Warner Robins, Ga., Northside 13-2 Kevin Kinsler takes over for 300-win coach Conrad Nix   
86. Coppell, Texas 11-2 returns eight offensive starters   
87. Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber 13-1 defending 7A state champ   
88. Scottsdale, Ariz., Chaparral 13-1 5A/II champion returns 15 starters   
89. Cincinnati, Ohio, Moeller 9-2 seeks first state title since 1985   
90. Eden Prairie, Minn. 12-1 won four state titles in the 200s   
91. Pittsburgh, Pa., Woodland Hills 12-2 plays No. 21 Manatee on Sept. 4   
92. Blue Springs, Mo. 12-2 Class 6 runner-up last year   
93. Baltimore, Md., Gilman 7-3 has 15 returning starters   
94. River Ridge, La., John Curtis 13-1 coach J.T. Curtis second-winningest coach in history   
95. Belle Glade, Fla., Glades Central 13-2 third-most playoff wins in state history   
96. Harrisburg, Pa., Bishop McDevitt 13-1 features Pittsburgh-bound RB Jameel Poteat   
97. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic 8-3 seven returning starters on both sides of the ball   
98. Charlotte, N.C., Independence 13-2 seven state titles in the 2000s   
99. Burke, Va., Lake Braddock 12-3 led by Connecticut-bound QB Michael Nebrich   
100. Webster Groves, Mo. 13-0 reigning Class 5 titlist   
101. Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek 14-1 defending 4A champion   

Northeast Region
1. Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco Prep (12-0)  
2. Wyndmoor, Pa., La Salle (14-1)  
3. Lansdale, Pa., North Penn (13-1)  
4. Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep (9-3)  
5. Jersey City, N.J., St. Peter's (9-3)  
6. Mechanicsburg, Pa., Cumberland Valley (12-3)  
7. Pittsburgh, Pa., Woodland Hills (12-2)  
8. Harrisburg, Pa., Bishop McDevitt (13-1)  
9. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic (8-3)  
10. Brockton, Mass. (9-2)  
11. Amherst, N.Y., Sweet Home (13-0)  
12. Monroeville, Pa., Gateway (12-1)  
13. Langhorne, Pa., Neshaminy (9-3)  
14. Marlton, N.J., Cherokee (11-1)  
15. Easton, Pa. (13-2)  
16. Westwood, Mass., Xaverian (13-0)  
17. North Tonawanda, N.Y. (13-0)  
18. Aberdeen, N.J., Matawan (11-1)  
19. Bethel Park, Pa. (10-2)  
20. Wexford, Pa., North Allegheny (9-2)  
21. Allentown, Pa., Central Catholic (12-2)  
22. Selinsgrove, Pa. (16-0)  
23. Melville, N.Y., St. Anthony's (10-1)  
24. Rochester, N.Y., Aquinas (10-1)  
25. West Haven, Conn., Notre Dame (11-1)  

East Coast Region
1. Olney, Md., Good Counsel (11-1)  
2. Hampton, Va., Phoebus (15-0)  
3. Roebuck, S.C., Dorman (14-1)  
4. Matthews, N.C., Butler (15-0)  
5. Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge (13-2)  
6. Duncan, S.C., Byrnes (13-2)  
7. Chesapeake, Va., Oscar Smith (13-1)  
8. Fayetteville, N.C., Britt (14-2)  
9. Rock Hill, S.C., Northwestern (9-6)  
10. Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha (11-1)  
11. Baltimore, Md., Gilman (7-3)  
12. Charlotte, N.C., Independence (13-2)  
13. Burke, Va., Lake Braddock (12-3)  
14. Charlotte, N.C., Mallard Creek (11-2)  
15. Richmond, Va., Hermitage (10-2)  
16. Frederick, Md., Linganore (14-0)  
17. Rockingham, N.C., Richmond (12-2)  
18. Charleston, W.Va., South Charleston (13-1)  
19. Gaffney, S.C. (10-4)  
20. Rock Hill, S.C., South Pointe (10-4)  
21. Chantilly, Va., Westfield (6-5)  
22. Virginia Beach, Va., Ocean Lakes (4-6-x)  
23. Stafford, Va., Colonial Forge (9-2)  
24. Hampton, Va. (8-4)  
25. Fairfax, Va., Robinson (10-2)  

Southeast Region
1. Tampa, Fla., Plant (14-1)  
2. Batesville, Miss., South Panola (14-1)  
3. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dwyer (14-1)  
4. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., St. Thomas Aquinas (13-1)  
5. Hoover, Ala. (14-1)  
6. West Monroe, La. (15-0)  
7. Kingsland, Ga., Camden County (13-2)  
8. Bradenton, Fla., Manatee (13-2)  
9. Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes (10-2)  
10. Miami, Fla., Central (12-2)  
11. Miami, Fla., Northwestern (10-2)  
12. Seffner, Fla., Armwood (12-2)  
13. Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County (11-3)  
14. Tampa, Fla., Jefferson (11-2)  
15. Cocoa, Fla. (14-0)  
16. Franklinton, La. (14-1)  
17. Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips (11-1)  
18. Suwanee, Ga., North Gwinnett (13-1)  
19. Warner Robins, Ga., Northside (13-2)  
20. River Ridge, La., John Curtis (13-1)  
21. Belle Glade, Fla., Glades Central (13-2)  
22. Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek (14-1)  
23. Tucker, Ga. (9-3)  
24. Prattville, Ala. (12-3)  
25. Brentwood, Tenn., Brentwood Academy (8-4)  

Midwest Region
1. Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville (13-2)  
2. Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Xavier (9-3)  
3. Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton-Warrenville South (13-1)  
4. Cincinnati, Ohio, Colerain (8-2)  
5. Dublin, Ohio, Coffman (12-1)  
6. Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central (13-2)  
7. Park Ridge, Ill., Maine South (14-0)  
8. Louisville, Ky., St. Xavier (14-1)  
9. Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West (13-1)  
10. Grand Rapids, Mich., East Grand Rapids (14-0)  
11. Pickerington, Ohio, Central (10-2)  
12. Huber Heights, Ohio, Wayne (7-4)  
13. Centerville, Ohio (8-3)  
14. Rockford, Mich. (11-1)  
15. Canton, Ohio, McKinley (8-5)  
16. Cincinnati, Ohio, Moeller (9-2)  
17. Kenosha, Wis., Bradford (11-1)  
18. Hilliard, Ohio, Davidson (13-1)  
19. Fort Thomas, Ky., Highlands (15-0)  
20. Cleveland, Ohio, St. Ignatius (11-1)  
21. Macomb, Mich., Dakota (9-3)  
22. New Lenox, Ill., Providence (12-2)  
23. Chicago, Ill., St. Rita (11-3)  
24. Greenwood, Ind., Center Grove (10-4)  
25. Novi, Mich., Detroit Catholic Central (14-0)  

Midlands Region
1. South Jordan, Utah, Bingham (13-1)  
2. Denver, Colo., Mullen (14-0)  
3. Kansas City, Mo., Rockhurst (9-3)  
4. Sandy, Utah, Alta (10-3)  
5. Eden Prairie, Minn. (12-1)  
6. Blue Springs, Mo. (12-2)  
7. Webster Groves, Mo. (13-0)  
8. Hutchinson, Kan. (13-0)  
9. Omaha, Neb., Millard South (13-0)  
10. Iowa City, Iowa, City High (14-0)  
11. Florissant, Mo., Hazelwood Central (13-1)  
12. Provo, Utah, Timpview (11-2)  
13. Gardner, Kan., Gardner-Edgerton (12-1)  
14. Plymouth, Minn., Wayzata (9-2)  
15. Kaysville, Utah, Davis (10-3)  
16. Parker, Colo., Chaparral (8-3)  
17. Minnetonka, Minn. (8-3)  
18. Arvada, Colo., West (11-2)  
19. Creve Coeur, Mo., DeSmet (12-1)  
20. West Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling (12-1)  
21. Aurora, Colo., Grandview (6-5)  
22. Littleton, Colo., Columbine (8-4)  
23. Eagle, Idaho (11-1)  
24. Murray, Utah, Cottonwood (8-4)  
25. Olathe, Kan., North (13-0)  

Southwest Region
1. Euless, Texas, Trinity (14-2)  
2. Abilene, Texas (15-0)  
3. Austin, Texas, Lake Travis (16-0)  
4. Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton (14-0)  
5. Round Rock, Texas, Stony Point (13-2)  
6. Las Vegas, Nev., Bishop Gorman (15-0)  
7. The Woodlands, Texas (11-1)  
8. Katy, Texas (14-2)  
9. Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian (13-1)  
10. Tulsa, Okla., Union (13-1)  
11. Jenks, Okla. (13-1)  
12. DeSoto, Texas (9-3)  
13. Austin, Texas, Westlake (13-3)  
14. Katy, Texas, Cinco Ranch (13-2)  
15. Cedar Hill, Texas (12-1)  
16. Denton, Texas, Guyer (13-2)  
17. Coppell, Texas (11-2)  
18. Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber (13-1)  
19. Scottsdale, Ariz., Chaparral (13-1)  
20. Lufkin, Texas (8-3)  
21. Cibolo, Texas, Steele (9-3)  
22. Beaumont, Texas, West Brook (9-4)  
23. Chandler, Ariz. (9-4)  
24. Houston, Texas, North Shore (8-4)  
25. Arlington, Texas, Martin (8-5)  

West Coast Region
1. Sacramento, Calif., Grant (12-1)  
2. Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-2)  
3. Anaheim, Calif., Servite (14-1)  
4. Mission Viejo, Calif. (12-1)  
5. Westlake Village, Calif., Westlake (14-0)  
6. Lakewood, Calif. (11-2)  
7. Corona, Calif., Centennial (10-3)  
8. Temecula, Calif., Chaparral (11-3)  
9. Portland, Ore., Jesuit (12-2)  
10. Murrieta, Calif., Vista Murrieta (13-1)  
11. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (7-5)  
12. Gardena, Calif., Serra (15-0)  
13. La Puente, Calif., Bishop Amat (10-2)  
14. Los Angeles, Calif., Crenshaw (14-1)  
15. Westlake Village, Calif., Oaks Christian (13-1)  
16. Bothell, Wash. (12-1)  
17. Loomis, Calif., Del Oro (11-3)  
18. Oceanside, Calif. (14-0)  
19. Honolulu, Hawaii, St. Louis (7-4)  
20. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (6-5)  
21. Ventura, Calif., St. Bonaventure (0-13-xx)  
22. Huntington Beach, Calif., Edison (13-1)  
23. Bellevue, Wash. (12-2)  
24. Folsom, Calif. (11-2)  
25. Sammamish, Wash., Skyline (12-2)  

x- All losses by forfeit
xx-Eleven losses by forfeit

FEATS OF THE WEEK: For the second time in three seasons, Euless, Texas, Trinity will begin the season as the top-ranked team in the National Prep Poll. The Trojans captured last year's Class 5A/I championship and will be seeking their fourth state title in six seasons. Coach Steve Lineweaver, who is 116-19 in 10 years at Trinity, returns 16 starters including at least seven Division I prospects in his senior class. The offense features a pair of electrifying runners in senior backs Tevin Williams and Terrence Tusan. Oklahoma recruit Brandon Carter, a decorated receiver as a junior, is expected to be the team's starting quarterback. Trinity's defense should be stout with the return of five all-district players, including three committed to Division I colleges. In addition to a rigorous schedule against in-state competition, the Trojans will face regionally ranked Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Labor Day. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.

Past National Prep Poll champs, with records and coaches:
1987--Fontana, Calif. (14-0-0), Dick Bruich
1988--Prichard, Ala., Vigor (13-0-0), Harold Clark
1989--Odessa, Texas, Permian (16-0-0), Gary Gaines
1990--Aldine, Texas (15-0-0), Bill Smith
1991--Indianapolis, Ben Davis (14-0-0), Dick Dullaghan
1992--Valdosta, Ga. (14-0-0), Nick Hyder
1993--Cleveland, St. Ignatius (14-0-0), Chuck Kyle
1994--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
1995--Cleveland, St. Ignatius (14-0-0), Chuck Kyle
1996--Hampton, Va. (14-0-0), Mike Smith
1997--Hampton, Va. (13-0-0), Mike Smith
1998--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
1999--Shreveport, La., Evangel (15-0-0), Dennis Dunn
2000--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2001--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2002--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2003--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2004--Southlake, Texas, Carroll (16-0-0), Todd Dodge
2005--Southlake, Texas, Carroll (16-0-0), Todd Dodge
2006--Lakeland, Fla. (15-0-0), Bill Castle
2007--Cincinnati, St. Xavier (15-0-0), Steve Spech
2008--Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Aquinas (15-0-0), George Smith
2009--Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco (12-0-0), Greg Toal

Copyright 2010 World Features Syndicate, Inc. and PrepNation.com

Jamie DeMoney begins his second decade compiling the World Features Syndicate/Associated Press National Prep Poll. He has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years and compiled the National Prep Poll since 1999. DeMoney has also compiled high school football and basketball rankings for Sporting News, School Sports, and RISE. DeMoney was managing editor of American Football Monthly and assistant national editor of All-Stater Sports/Highwired Sports. DeMoney is a recruiting analyst and video coordinator for XOS Digital's Forbes Digital Scouting Report and is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Journalism, and a member of the Football Writers Association of America and the United States Basketball Writers Association.

About the National Prep Poll: Compiled weekly weekly since 1987 and distributed by World Features Syndicate and the Associated Press, the National Prep Poll is the nation's second oldest weekly high school sports rankings. The National Prep Poll is the only high school poll distributed to newspapers and Web sites around the United States by the Associated Press national wire service. The National Prep Poll is the first high school football and boys basketball poll to released in the preseason and during each week of the regular season. Criteria considered for the National Prep Poll rankings are strength of schedule, the ability to accomplish the ultimate goal on a team's schedule (i.e. winning a championship), impact players and performers, a team's coaching and recent tradition.

Have something to say about the first National Prep Poll of the football season? Leave your comments and interact with poll editor Jamie DeMoney and other readers by clicking here.

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