MaxPreps has released its initial Top 25 preaseason rankings for the 2013 season and five Florida teams have made the cut with a couple of them possibly in line right now that could take a stab of winning a mythical national title.
Here is who checks in and where:
#2 – MIAMI CENTRAL ROCKETS
The Rockets are ranked pretty high to start the season and could likely make a run for another state title and a possible mythical national title under new head coach Roland Smith. MaxPreps National Football Editor Steve Spiewak says “Miami Central can only stop Miami Central.” Can they do it. Read the Rockets short profile here.
#9 – BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES
After tearing through Bolles to win the Class 4A state championship the Tornadoes are back with a lot of the same talent, yet again and are highly picked to make another run for another title again this season. As Spiewak has pointed out, the Tornadoes already have a tough schedule set ahead them and will need to win early to escape undefeated and claim a national mythical title. Read the Tornadoes short profile here.
#16 – ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS
After a 2011 season that saw the Raiders exit out earlier than usual in the playoffs, the Raiders of St. Thomas Aquinas bounced back in 2012 and made an impressive run to the Class 7A state title and in turn taking out then-national number 1 team, Manatee. Aquinas has another tough schedule set up again and is looking to go back-to-back this season. The Raiders open the season against the Miami Northwestern Bulls, a game that will set the tone for the season. Read the Raiders short profile here.
#17 – APOPKA BLUE DARTERS
After rolling through the 2012 season and clamining their second state title in school history, the Apopka Blue Darters are back hungry for more in the 2012 season. While Class 8A got a bit more loaded with Manatee and First Coast entering the picture, it is believe that the Blue Darters will have a strong chance to play at the Citrus Bowl come December. The challenge will start August 24th as the Blue Darters will travel to Byrnes, SC for a national televised matchup. Read the Blue Darters short profile here.
#24 – UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SUNS
After coming so close in 2010 to winning the first state title, the University School Suns finally achieved their goal with a win in the 2012 Class 3A state final in what was mostly a close game against Madison County. While the Suns will have a ton of talent once again, they face a really tough schedule that features Manatee and Miami Central just to name a couple of teams that will challenge them. And, the Suns move up to Class 4A this season, one of the most loaded classifications in the state. Read the Suns short profile here.
We plan on having a podcast interview with Spiewak later today on FloridaHSFootball.com to discuss the national rankings and discuss more on how tough it really is to rank the National Top 25.
To check out the full set of national rankings, click here.
