As the top teams continue to win, the quality of victories and strength of schedules have become increasingly telling.
Take No. 2 St. Xavier (Cincinnati), for instance. In surviving a triple-overtime thriller against St. Ignatius (Cleveland), the Bombers held on to their No. 2 ranking because their schedule throughout the season has been the nation's toughest. This week, St. Xavier takes on Moeller, another Cincinnati power.
On the other hand, Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.) dropped five spots after an unimpressive 31-26 victory over Upson-Lee (Thomaston, Ga.).
| High School Football Power Rankings |
| 1 |
1 |
Northwestern (Miami) (7-0) Last week: Junior Tyresse Jones rushed for 77 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion in a 36-12 win over Miami's American.
Next: Miami showdown pits unbeaten Central (Miami) against Bulls punchy defense Saturday. |
| 2 |
2 |
St. Xavier (Cincinnati) (9-0) Last week: Bombers needed triple overtime to beat St. Ignatius (Cleveland) without injured quarterback John Hurley, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Next: Regular season finale at Moeller (Cincinnati) Saturday. |
| 3 |
3 |
South Panola (Batesville, Miss.) (7-0) Last week: Darius Barksdale rushed for 286 yards in a 22-9 win over Tupelo (Miss.).
Next: At Southaven (Miss.) Friday night. |
| 4 |
4 |
Carroll (Southlake, Texas) (6-1) Last week: Offense exploded in 65-24 win over Northwest (Justin, Texas).
Next: Dragons' spread offense should shine against porous Keller (Texas) defense Friday night. |
| 5 |
5 |
Katy (Texas) (7-0) Last week: Cruised to a 52-12 victory over Morton Ranch (Katy, Texas).
Next: Cross-city rival Cinco Ranch (Katy, Texas) awaits Saturday. |
| 6 |
7 |
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) (7-0) Last week: Handed Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) a 34-7 loss.
Next: Underwhelming St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) looks to topple high-scoring Monarchs Friday night. |
| 7 |
8 |
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) (9-0) Last week: Bye.
Next: Huskies should cruise in visit to struggling Mesquite (Gilbert, Ariz.) Friday night. |
| 8 |
9 |
Maryville (Tenn.) (8-0) Last week: Quarterback Brent Burnette threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-21 win over South-Doyle (Knoxville, Tenn.).
Next: Rebels' offense is clicking, but Halls (Knoxville, Tenn.) firepower poses legit test Friday. |
| 9 |
10 |
Colerain (Cincinnati) (9-0) Last week: Beat Hamilton (Ohio) 35-7.
Next: Cardinals intend to overwhelm Oak Hills (Ohio) Friday in regular season finale. |
| 10 |
11 |
Booker T. Washington (Miami) (6-0) Last week: Tailback Eduardo Clements ran for two touchdowns in a 59-0 win.
Next: Tornadoes have collected five shutouts in six games. Hallandale (Fla.) could be bext victim. |
| 11 |
6 |
Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.) (8-0) Last week: Eagles fall five spots after struggling to 31-26 victory over Upson-Lee (Thomaston).
Next: Bye. |
| 12 |
12 |
Prattville (Ala.) (9-0) Last week: Tailback Justin Albert rushed 14 times for 256 yards and two touchdowns as the Lions won 24-0 over previously unbeaten Elmore (Millbrook, Ala.).
Next: At Selma (Ala.) Friday night. |
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