High school football is a beloved American tradition, with thousands of teams competing across the country each year. But just how many high school football teams are there in the US? In this article, we will explore the vast landscape of high school football, diving into the numbers, top-ranked teams, and the states that dominate the sport.
The Landscape of High School Football
With nearly 16,000 high school football teams spread throughout the United States, ranking these teams has become an American phenomenon. Various media outlets, such as RivalsHigh, ESPNHigh, CNNSI, PrepNation, USA Today, Scout, MaxPreps, and High School Football America, have dedicated themselves to ranking and analyzing these teams.
Top-Ranked Teams
Every year, several high school football teams emerge as the cream of the crop. These teams showcase exceptional talent, coaching, and dedication to the sport. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top-ranked teams according to MaxPreps’ Xcellent 25 and High School Football America.
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco are two powerhouse teams from the Trinity League, known for their dominance in recent years. They have collectively won five out of the last six High School Football America national championships. Unsurprisingly, these two teams find themselves at the top of preseason rankings.
Last year, Mater Dei held the preseason No. 1 spot but eventually lost to St. John Bosco in the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship. St. John Bosco went on to win the national title by defeating Serra in the CIF Open Division championship. This year, Mater Dei starts at No. 1, while St. John Bosco begins at No. 2.
Circle October 13 on your calendar, as it marks the first of two highly anticipated matchups between these national powerhouses. This Trinity League showdown, held in Bellflower, will give St. John Bosco a home field advantage.
Other Top Teams
While Mater Dei and St. John Bosco claim the top spots, there are several other high-caliber teams to watch out for. Florida, Texas, and California consistently produce strong teams, and they dominate the preseason rankings.
Florida boasts 43 teams in the top 300, with seven of them ranking in the top 25. IMG Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Central, Columbus, Chaminade-Madonna, American Heritage, and Cardinal Gibbons showcase the state’s football prowess.
Texas follows closely with a strong showing of 32 teams in the top 300. Duncanville leads the pack as the defending 6A Division I champion. Georgia also exhibits its football talent with 32 teams in the top 300, spearheaded by Buford.
The Landscape Across the States
While Florida, Texas, and California may dominate the rankings, high school football is a nationwide phenomenon. The High School Football America rankings cover teams from 29 states and the District of Columbia.
California, in addition to Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, has 29 other teams in the HSFA 300. Ohio, New Jersey, and Georgia each have two teams represented in the top 25.
To explore the full list of 300 teams ranked by High School Football America, you can visit their website.
Conclusion
High school football in the US is a thriving and competitive sport, with thousands of teams vying for recognition each year. Mater Dei and St. John Bosco have established themselves as powerhouses in recent years, but there are many other talented teams across the country. Whether it’s in Florida, Texas, California, or any other state, high school football continues to captivate fans and produce future stars of the sport.