OldSchoolLion

What is even more amazing is that all 8 of those GA teams(plus some other very good ones) are all on the northern side of Atlanta and all within 50 miles of each other in a line going east to west. And go a little further outside Atlanta and you pick up #31 Rome GA.

South Florida and Atlanta were both highly represented in the Maxpreps Preseason 100. Gainesville is about equidistant between Miami and Atlanta. Imagine these 8 matchups at the Swamp to start the season..nice to dream Grayson vs St Thomas Aquinas 5. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)Georgia AAAAAAA football is one of the best in the business this season. The Rams bring in a loaded team with over 20 future Division I players led by 5-star linebacker and 2019 Auburn commit Owen Pappoe. 2019 Nebraska commit Ronald Thompkins is one of the best playmakers in high school football and watch for 2020 quarterback CJ Dixon to have a big junior campaign. The 6-foot, 5-inch, 210-pound gunslinger already has offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Florida and a few others. 8. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)The Florida power has won seven state titles since 2007 and has a good chance to make it eight in the last 11 years. They have more than 20 future college players on the roster led by 2019 Ohio State commit Jordan Battle, 2019 Oklahoma commit Jaden Davis, 2019 Miami commit Anthony Solomon and 4-star linebacker Derek Wingo. Marietta vs Miami Central 13. Central (Miami)Miami Central is always one of the most talented teams in the country and that will be the case again in 2018. They added a couple of big-time transfers in 2020 defensive end/linebacker Jesus Machado and 2020 Miami commit Henry Gray. Even with the departure of James Cook and Amari Daniels expect the backfield to still be one of the best in the state with Lexington Joseph and Kejon Owens 15. Marietta (Ga.) AAAAAAAMarietta is the second of three teams from Georgia in the Top 25 and one of the 10 included in the Top 100. This team is as talented as anyone in the country led by 4-star quarterback Harrison Bailey, 5-star athlete Arik Gilbert, 2019 Tennessee commit Ramel Keyton, 2020 Ohio State commit Jake Wray and 4-star defensive end BJ Ojulari. Archer vs Cardinal Gibbons 20. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)Cardinal Gibbons was close to beating the eventual 5A state champs American Heritage twice last year. They lost by a combined five points, including a one-point, triple-overtime loss in the quarterfinals. The Chiefs return a ton of talent, while American Heritage lost a ton of big-time players. Matt DuBuc has done an amazing job since being named head coach before the 2016 season. They have gone 20-4 over that span and he led them to their first playoff win since 2011 in his first season. 25. Archer (Lawrenceville, Ga.)Archer put itself back on the map last year, cruising to a 12-1 record. Expect them to be among the best in AAAAAAA again this season. The Tigers return 2020 quarterback Carter Peevy and 3-star wide receiver Braylen Weems on offense. Defensively, they are one of the best in the country led by 5-star cornerback Andrew Booth, 3-star safety Jalyn Phillips and 3-star defensive end Colby Wooden. North Gwinnett vs Carol City 38. North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.)North Gwinnett won its first state title last year ,beating Colquitt County on a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired in the AAAAAAA state championship. It will be tough to repeat as state champs, but a lot of people counted them out in 2017 so expect that to fuel Bill Stewart and his team as he enters his second season as head coach. They have to replace some key positions, but leading rusher Tyler Goodson, a 2019 Iowa commit, and 4-star wide receiver Josh Downs are both back. 39. Carol City (Miami)Carol City is one of three teams selected in the Top 100 that balls in the 6A-District 16. Benedict Hyppolite is building something special down in Miami. Expect the Chiefs to be among the best in Florida. The defense is going to be lights out led by 2019 Miami commit Jarvis Brownlee. On offense, former Booker T. Washington (Miami) quarterback Daniel Richardson takes over under center and expect a huge senior season from their 4-star running back Nay'Quan Wright. McEachern vs American Heritage 43. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)The back-to-back 5A state champs enter this year having to replace a lot. The Class of 2018 American Heritage was one of the best classes in school history. Patrick Surtain is back for his third season as head coach and still hasn't lost a game. 72. McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)Kyle Hockman had a very young team that won 10 games last season and made it all the way to the AAAAAAA semifinals. 2021 quarterback Carlos Del Rio is a name to keep tabs on, already landing offers from Florida, Miami, Michigan and N.C. State. Expect Del Rio and 3-star wide receiver Lawrence Shadd III to be a nice combination in 2018. After a 1,000 yard-plus rushing junior season 3-star Paris Brown will again be a factor for the Indians. 4-star defensive tackle Jamil Burroughs is one of the top players overall from the Class of 2020 and will lead a very talented defense in 2018 for Hockman. Blessed Trinity vs Deerfield Beach 52. Deerfield Beach (Fla.)The Bucks have been one of Broward County's best teams over the past few years. The 2018 team has some of the flashiest players in all of Florida. 2020 Oklahoma commit Jaylan Knighton is one of the top running backs in the country, 4-star linebacker Ge'mon Eaford is a beast, Deajaun McDougle is a big-time playmaker and Marcus Lafrance is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the state. 73. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.)The Titans put themselves on the map after snapping Trevor Lawrence and Cartersville's 41-game winning streak en route to the 4A state championship. It was the school's first state title. They bring back a ton of key players led by 2019 Ohio State commit Steele Chambers, 2019 Georgia commit JD Bertrand, starting quarterback Jake Smith, 3-star running back Elijah Green, JR Bivens and Ryan Davis. Walton vs Southridge (or Northwestern) 74. Walton (Marietta, Ga.)Walton is the seventh and final team representing the AAAAAAA region from Georgia. They went 11-1 last year, with the only loss coming to No. 27 Colquitt County in the second round of the playoffs. The Raiders were the only team to beat the eventual 7A state champs, North Gwinnett, in 2017. They bring back the teams leading passer, rusher, and receiver this year led by 5-star 2019 Georgia commit Dominick Blaylock. 81. Southridge (Miami)Despite going 6-4 last year expect the Spartans to be one of the favorites in the 8A region this season. 4-star cornerback Tyrique Stevenson transferred from South Dade (Homestead) and gives Southridge one of the top players in high school football right away. 2019 linebacker Diamante Howard, 2020 Miami commit Marcus Fleming and Roscoe Parrish III all will be impact players for the Spartans this year. Buford vs Chaminade-Madonna 80. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)The Lions won their first state title since 2005 last season and even though they lost a lot of talent they bring back a very good team in 2018. They added 2019 Penn State commit John Dunmore, who transferred from American Heritage (Delray Beach, Fla.). They also have a trio of 2019 Miami commits Te'cory Couch, Keontra Smith and Cameron Williams coming back. 89. Buford (Ga.)The Wolves have won 10 state titles since 2001, but haven't had that taste since 2014. They have a lot of talented players returning in 2018 and a name to keep an eye out for is their 6-5, 225-pound sophomore quarterback Aaron McLaughlin. He has a chance to be one of the most special players in the country over the next three years. Some other notable players include 5-star offensive lineman and 2019 Ohio State commit Harry Miller, 3-star cornerback Jalen Huff, 3-star athlete T Lee and 3-star athlete Elijah Turner.

Unfortunately, there is a reason the expression "No good deed goes unpunished." exists. So, one takes the high road and when things don't work out as hoped, instead of being recognized for taking the high road, one gets rebuked or even loses a job over it. Been there, done that. Sure it is the right thing to play a tougher team. But maybe this coach also knows that certain parents will make a huge deal that they spent $5000 to bring the family to FL and he did not win. We know there are parents like that. For him, the safe bet may be to get out of Florida with a sure-fire win rather than take the chance of losing. I was always a hard charger and encouraged to be that way. But on more than one occasion I had bosses throw me under the bus for not hitting certain goals because I pushed the envelope. So, it taught me to be more conservative. I am not one for second-guessing coaches. Don't judge a man until you have walked in his shoes. Coaches are generally very competitive types who would function differently if they did not have to walk the fine line between trying to keep players, fans, boosters, and Administration happy.

As we all know, college powerhouses routinely play totally outmatched teams who they could beat blindfolded and from the outside it can appear ridiculous. But no college schedule is set without careful consideration of numerous variables, some of which we may not have knowledge. It's been a part of our game for years and absolutely everyone is guilty of it at one time or another. There is so much important to stuff worry about than this.

One immature, 17 year-old player talks trash and that justifies a generalization that OOS teams don't respect Florida football and play politics? Really? There are thousands of good people spread across this land who are involved in high school football for all the right reasons, including the fellowship. Don't disrespect them by putting the words of a few immature posters in their mouths. Act as an ambassador for your sport and welcome others. If they come and have a good experience, maybe they will come back and play a tougher team next time. Have some faith in people.

So a few immature folks on a forum somewhere acted in a boastful manner after beating a Florida team. So let's assume every player/fan associated with an OOS team has the same motivation as those immature fools. How about assuming the best in people and welcome them instead of the close-minded, territorial bs that we already have too much of in our country.

Who cares what their motivation is for coming to Florida. Some folks from Colorado want to come to Florida and inject money into the Florida economy. Folks should welcome that instead of ridiculing them and putting words in the mouth of some people who could probably care less about rankings status.

The same question has probably been asked of many underdogs over the years who shocked the world with upsets, ie Centennial beating STA.

Who from Colorado has been saying they compare to Florida? Or do we just assume "they" do? I bet there are many family members from those teams who are much more excited about seeing Mickey than comparing football prowess.

There's an old southern saying..."If momma ain't happy, no one's gonna be happy." If seeing her little man just beat that big bad FL team makes momma happy...I'm all for it as a husband!

Have mentioned elsewhere...I think it is clear that their objective is to have a fun experience at Disney, and oh, by the way, we will play a little football while we are there. No different than scheduling a cupcake for homecoming. Imagine the cost if a Colorado player's entirely family is coming there. As a father, when you are spending thousands of dollars on your family, you want to get mileage out of your investment and come home from vacation and see a smile on on everyone's face...not bitching about how junior's team got the snot beat out of them. It's not your money guys.

In the past 15 seasons, how many victories does Columbia have over teams that were ranked in the top 25 in Florida in one of the polls?

Hi Gatorman...it's not fair that I mentor an intern in the business world...spend tons of time and money on him, and then he leaves. But that's business. As you know, college football has been a big business for ages and hs football is now. The people making money off the athletes and the highly recruited athletes are in this for business reasons...money and scholarships. Coaches getting bonuses from booster clubs for winning or being threatened with losing their income for not winning... yep, coaches are acting like businessmen now, too. I'm afraid the innocence of hs football is over and there are some who could really care less what fans think is "fair." Usually the case when that much money is at stake.

7 of their 12 "4-star" or "5-star" players are from Florida. Offense Davin Baldwin(QB) 3-star transferred from California Trey Sanders(RB) 5-star transferred from Port St Joe Noah Cain(RB) 4-star transferred from Texas Josh Delgado(WR) 4-star transferred from California Shamar Nash(WR) 4-star transferred from Tennessee Cameron Phillips(WR) 3-star transferred from Ohio Montavious Brini(TE) 3-star transferred from Mater Academy Evan Neal(OL) 4-star transferred from Okeechobee Dontae Lucas(OL) 4-star transferred from Miami High Charles Turner(OL) 3-star transferred from Ohio Justin Osborne(OL) 3-star transferred from Texas Chris Akporoghene(OL) 3-star transferred from Texas Antoine Whitner(OL) 3-star transferred from Virginia Aidan Swanson(P) 2-star transferred from Tampa Jesuit Defense Nolan Smith(DE) 5-star transferred from Georgia Trevon Riggins(DE) 4-star transferred from St Pete Lakewood Eric Gregory(DE) 3-star from Georgia Josh Griffis(DE) 3-star transferred from Clay Jordan Butler(DT) 3-star from Nevada Jaleel McRae(LB) 4-star transferred from New Smyrna Beach Mikel Jones(LB) 4-star transferred from Mater Academy Charles Thomas(LB) 3-star transferred from Georgia Jayden Curry(CB) 3-star transferred from Virginia Chris Shearin(CB) 3-star transferred from Virginia DJ Turner(CB) 3-star from Georgia Briton Allen(S) 4-star transferred from Lake Highland Prep Lejond Cavazos(S) 4-star transferred from Texas

The only higher-tier recruit I found from Apopka was 4-star, senior offensive lineman William Barnes. Here are the higher-tier players from Wekiva. Their defense will be lights out. They have a qb with upside potential. Any other playmakers on offense? Malik Tolbert(Sr) 3-star WR Rian Davis(Sr) 4-star LB Tyler Davis(Sr) 4-star DT Norell Pollard(Sr) 3-star DT Renardo Green(Sr) 3-star CB Jarvis Ware(Sr) 3-star CB Cayvian Holmes(Sr) 2-star CB Brandon Hill(Sr) 3-star S

Life is all about the journey. Like the kids today, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off chasing "success" and happiness, until I finally figured out that the rings, wealth and titles meant nothing to me later in life. The kids will figure it out as they get older, like most of us do. What concerns me most is the older folks playing upon their insecurities for their gain, and it is happening at a younger and younger age now.

Largo/St Pete NE, Pasco/Zephyrhills, Venice/Braden River...sounds like there is some bad blood in those parts

Bryan Robinson?

Atlantic Christian Nelloms(Sr) 3-star WR Mac'Allen Derac(Sr) 3-star S Henry Bryant(Jr) 3-star DT Palm Beach Central Akeem Dent(Sr) 5-star CB Bryan Robinson(Jr) 4-star WR Renato Brown(Sr) 3-star OL Gio Richardson(Sr) 3-star QB Deerfield Beach Jaylan Knighton(Jr) 4-star RB Aydin Henningham(Jr) 4-star WR Bryce Gowdy(Jr) 3-star WR Deajaun McDougle(Jr) 3-star WR Donte Banton(Sr) 3-star WR Robert Boyd(Sr) 3-star OL Brandon Dorlus(Sr) 3-star DE Miles Dickens(Sr) 3-star DE Ge’mon Eaford(Sr) 4-star LB Marcus Lafrance(Sr) 3-star CB Miami Southridge Tyrique Stevenson(Sr) 4-star CB Diamante Howard(Sr) 3-star LB Macus Fleming(Jr) 3-star WR Roscoe Parrish(Jr) 2-star WR South Dade Frank Ladson(Sr) 5-star WR Joe Smith(Sr) 3-star LB Jonathan Denis(Jr) 3-star OL Jose Mirabal(Jr) 3-star OL Najeh Baker(Sr) 2-star WR Columbus Kalani Norris(Sr) 3-star WR Xzavier Henderson(Jr) 3-star WR Gary Cooper(Sr) 3-star TE Elijah Roberts(Jr) 3-star DE Demetries Ford(Sr) 3-star CB Luis Cristobal(Sr) 3-star OL Tried to capture the higher-tier talent on each team. Please let me know if I left anyone out and/or if anything is wrong. Thanks.

Marcus Paschal coming into his 5th season as head coach. Offense Jayvion McCluster(Jr) 4-star RB (Power 5 offers) Calvin Lockett(Sr) 3-star WR Iowa commit Isaiah Bellamy(Sr) 3-star TE UCF and USF offers Raymond Collins 3-star(Sr) OL (Power 5 offers) Khaishef Edwards(Jr) 6A 1st team all-state last season Defense Solomon Brown 3-star(Sr) CB Minnesota commit Logan Doublin 2-star LB Appalachian St commit

It's easy for us adults to say the kids are immature and selfish. And no doubt some are...they are kids. What we do not always know is what is driving a kid to win that ring. I know a young athlete who was driven to extremes that many attributed to vainglory. In reality, he was driven by great anger due to a lack of a sense of family and absence of his father. He was never on a "winning team" at home, so being on one on the field was incredibly important for him. Winning the ring was an obsession and the only thing he thought he had going for him at the time. Was his view skewed? Sure it was, but life looks very different through the eyes of a teen, as many of us know.

Zoe Boy asks an interesting question. Years ago expectations of hs athletes were nothing like today. Now football is like having a full-time job...very time-consuming and very expensive. I can understand parents and kids wanting to get something in return for their investment and that being a major focus.

Jones had a lot of talent last year...maybe as much as any team in Orlando, at least on paper. Did they lose that much?

Name a player from each of the following counties, where he played high school ball, and for what NFL team(s) he played. Lake Orange Osceola Seminole

The challenge coaches face today is really no different than that faced by hiring managers. Companies are bitching about not being able to retain talent and complain that millenials are self-centered, have unrealistic expectations, etc. The smart managers are looking themselves in the mirror and challenging themselves to figure out ways to better engage their talent so that it sticks around. No doubt there are kids out there that are going to leave regardless of one's efforts, and those are the ones we might not want on our teams anyway. I have to think there are also some kids who leave because they and/or their parents do not feel as invested in the program/school as they could be. The job of the coach is changing, just like a lot of other jobs today. They need to deal with it or leave the profession. There are a number of high-tier players in Florida who stuck it out at lower-profile programs. No doubt they would have been welcome elsewhere with open arms. Something kept them there, and my guess is that those players felt ownership in their schools.