The Gut Rating
Each team summary is followed by a "Gut Rating" which is simply how I feel as far as the teams' ability to live up to their hype. Here's a quick summary of what the ratings mean:
	Not much standing in their way. They are as good as advertised
	Will have a fantastic season, but a tough schedule or question at a key position/coaching may slow them down
	Have the talent, but an undefeated season or state championship are not a given
	A team that has the talent, but hasn't proven to be a top 25 team in recent history. Likely has gaps on defense/offense and opponents that have a 50-50 chance of beating them.
	Looks great on paper, but the question marks are everywhere.

1. Jenks, Jenks, Okla. (14-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 2

After finishing second last year, Jenks gets the preseason No. 1 ranking. The Trojans are going for their sixth straight 6A title and appear to have all of the tools to complete the task.
??Jenks should have no problem stopping teams from scoring. The defense is led by two Rivals100 players in CB/WR Jason Carter, and DE Bryan Pickryl while Rivals250 LB Lawrence Pinson hopes to continue the tradition of solid linebacker play at Jenks.
??The offense is lacking the huge name "go to" player, but have the size and speed to become an impressive group. It will be an experienced group as the Trojans have seven returning starters. Last year's back-up quarterback, Jeff Hirshburg, takes over the offense that will feature RB Aaron Brewer and Carter. The offensive line is as big as ever and led by Kurt Seifried.
??The big test will be traveling to Tulsa Union to take on the Redskins. In the past, the only blemish on the Trojans' record has been the losses to Union in Tulsa. If this season's game is anything like the regular season battle of 2000, it will be quite a game.

I would hate to look past other teams, but the only real test that jumps out at me is the game at Tulsa Union. Jenks has the tools to run the table to another state title. My only question mark is whether or not QB Hirshburg has strengthened up and recovered from his knee injury.

2. West Monroe, West Monroe, La. (15-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 1

West Monroe LB Lucas Jackson

The defending national champion, is it possible be better than a team that beat three state champions in a single season? That's the feeling in the Rebel camp this season. The offense is huge and the defense is stacked as the Rebels look to make it five Class 5A titles in six years.
??The offense will be led by Justin Fowlkes who is already being mentioned among the top option quarterbacks. The Rebels will run the option behind one of their largest lines ever; a line that on paper averages around 270 but looks more like 300-plus. Opponents will have a tough time getting a hand on Fowlkes, who has been running the option since 5th grade football, and standout running back Demario Taylor.
??West Monroe has the potential to be the best defensive team in the nation. The Rebels return six players from last year's team that allowed a total of 14 points during the playoffs. The linebacking crew is the obvious strength of the defense. Coach Don Shows will look for returning linebackers Lucas Jackson and Mims Boyce to lead the defense behind a defensive line that features DE Case Sanders. Their pass coverage will be led by the young but experienced DB Jarred Frost.
?? Folks are already talking about the September 28 game with Evangel Christian, but the key to the Rebels season may be how they do the first three weeks. Having Ruston at home is always nice, but guarantee to be tough.

If the Rebels can gel together quickly, they should finish with another 5A title ... The preseason game of the year for Louisiana is West Monroe's match-up against Evangel Christian at Independence Stadium. West Monroe's experienced defense, size and option attack could make for the best team in West Monroe's history.

3. Lincoln, Tallahassee, Fla. (13-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

Lincoln Players in the Rivals250

QB Gavin Dickey 6-1, 190, 4.5

WR Antonio Cromartie 6-3, 200, 4.43

LB Rona Hawkins 6-2, 215, 4.47

Safety Pat Watkins 6-4, 190, 4.4

Safety Greg Threat 6-1, 171, 4.5

When you're talking talent, you have to mention Lincoln. The Trojans feature five Rivals250 players and can boast as being loaded on both sides of the ball. After an early exit in last year's 4A playoffs look for Lincoln to take care of business in 2001.
?? Lincoln has experience on both sides of the ball. The defense is highlighted by LB Rona Hawkins, safety Greg Threat (also plays receiver)?and DB Pat Watkins. On offense, QB Gavin Dickey was already fortunate in having the luxury of throwing to three-year starters Threat and James White, add in transfer Antonio Cromartie and the Trojans have a group of receivers top colleges would die for. The experience continues in the backfield as FB James Jackson will leads the way for two-way star RB/DB Terry Arnold. ??To bring it all together, up front the Trojans have decent size in linemen Pat Edwards (6-3, 240), Brandon McCray (6-1, 275), Carlin Hester (6-1, 280) and junior Gary McDuffie (5-10, 250).
??If you're anywhere near Valdosta, Georgia on Sept. 14 get to the Lincoln vs. Valdosta. This will feature an early meeting between to of the top teams in Georgia and Florida.

The Trojans have the talent, but can they stay focused throughout the season? The early game between Valdosta (Ga.) will give everyone an idea of how good both teams will be ... If Lincoln gets past Valdosta, they have a good chance of going undefeated into the playoffs ... In the playoffs, there are several 4A teams with the discipline and talent to knockoff the Trojans ... Palm Bay, St. Thomas Aquinas come to mind.

4. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (13-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 3

De La Salle QB Matt Gutierrez

The 113-game win streak gets what many perceive to be its greatest challenge to date in 2001, an October 6 meeting with Long Beach Poly at Veterans Stadium. However, how good De La Salle is this season will be answered well before the Poly match-up. A season opener against Clovis Buchanan (2000 CIF Central Section champs) should provide the type of test Coach Bob Ladouceur will need to find any weaknesses in the Spartans armor. Sept. 22 De La Salle plays Mater Dei, who took the Spartans to the limit last season.
??The big name on offense is Rivals250 quarterback Matt Gutierrez (6-5, 200, 4.8) who returns after throwing for 1650 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2000. Fellow Rivals250 member OL/DL Derek Landri (6-3, 280, 4.85) leads an offensive line which will have the familiarity of getting RB/DB Nate Kenion into the end zone. Kenion scored 19 touchdowns in 2000 despite limited playing time.
??It seems like every season you mention the defense of De La Salle you include the name of one of the top linebackers in the nation. Not the case in 2001, Brendan Ottoboni will be the featured backer with big shoes to fill. Passing on the Spartans may be difficult. With Landri rushing and junior CB Damon Jenkins leading a solid group of DBs, De La Salle has the tools to shut down passing offenses.

A tough schedule, questions at wide receiver and the lines make it tough to gauge the Spartans in 2001 ... De La Salle prides itself on being a team, they'll have to come together like never before to keep the streak alive in 2001.

5. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (14-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 4

Poly Players in the Rivals250

RB Hershel Dennis 5-11, 190, 4.4

TE Marcedes Lewis 6-7, 235, 4.7

OL Winston Justice 6-6, 277, 4.9

DT Manual Wright 6-6, 285, 5.0

Safety Darnell Bing 6-2, 205, 4.5

Will a coaching change derail the train known as Poly football? The D-1 CIF Southern Section champs saw Coach Jerry Jasco move on, but replaced him with a familiar face in Raul Lara. The Jackrabbits may have what it takes to finally be the best in California and no it's not another stable of impressive talent ... It comes in the form of playing De La Salle on October 6.
??Talented as usual, Poly features five Rivals250 players.

Poly RB Hershel Dennis

The biggest name on the list is RB Hershel Dennis. With Dennis running and a huge offensive line led by Winston Justice the pressure will be eased off of QB Brandon Brooks. When passing, Brooks will have TE Marcedes Lewis at his disposal.
??Poly will score and that will present a huge problem to opponents. Scoring on the Jackrabbits will more difficult than ever. DT Manual Wright is light enough on his feet to rush the pass and a mountain to move when trying to rush against. The defense also features one of the top safeties in the nation in Darnell Bing who is always around the ball.

As always Poly has the talent and this season they have teams on their schedule to prove that they are the top team in California ... A coaching change and discipline are the questions for the Jackrabbits in 2001.

6. Joliet Catholic, Joliet, Ill. (14-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 15

J.C.A. is on a 28-game win streak with two straight Class 4A State titles to its credit and 43-9 under Coach Dan Sharp. The Hilltoppers return a team full of size and star power. RB JR Zweirzynski (2000 yards, 30 TDs in 2000) will be the featured back on offense, but on the other wing RB Chris Gruber looks to improve upon a 2000 season in which he rushed for over 1100 yards and scored 13 times. QB Craig Tomasino will have plenty of talent to throw to once opponents fill the box to stop the run. TE/DE Mike Kolodziej and WR/DB Jake Jaworski headline the receivers and will see a lot of single coverage in 2001.
??The Hilltoppers will fill the middle of the defense with two juniors. LBs Ross Crampton and Ryan Lincoln will stop the opposing rushers if ever the defensive line, led by Kolodziej, doesn't.
??Size, experience, talent, JCA looks to make a huge impression in 2001. In their way will be their football rival, Chicago Mount Carmel on September 1. EdgyTim.com points out that the mid-season stretch at Marian Catholic, at home versus Bishop McNamara and at Niles Notre Dame will be a solid test for J.C.A.

Size, consistency, speed, there's everything to love about this team.

7. Lufkin, Lufkin, Texas (9-3)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

Lufkin QB and Texas A&M commit Reggie McNeal

The team to beat in Texas has their hands full. Coming off of a 9-3 2000 season, the 2001 season rides on the very big and capable shoulders of Rivals100 quarterback and Texas A&M commit Reggie McNeal who joins 42 other returners. McNeal threw for over 2000 yards last season and is a huge threat to take off and run.
??McNeal will have WRs Jeremy Berry, Quinten Holeman, and TE Terrence Mott to throw to this season. RB Terry Williams returns to rush behind a huge offensive line led by 315-pounder Julius Parks. The defense will be led by LB Drefus Thompson who totalled over 100 tackles in 200.
??Lufkin will have its fill of tough teams to play. Add in Evangel Christian (La.) to a schedule already stocked with Aldine Eisenhower, John Tyler and Tyler Lee and it's clear that Lufkin has a long way to go to hold onto the No. 1 ranking in Texas.

Talent will be no problem for Lufkin, they'll match-up up physically with anyone in the nation ... All the key ingredients are here for Lufkin in 2001, the challenge will be getting past teams that traditionally beat them.

8. Glades Central, Belle Glades, Fla. (15-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 12

The Raiders will be the top 3A team in Florida again this season. The only question is will they be the best team on any level in Florida. Glades Central will be looking for their fourth straight 3A title and extending their 35-game winning streak.
??QB Chris Holley (30-0 career record) runs the spread offense and has Rivals250 receiver Santonio Holmes (5-11, 190, 4.5) as his first option. RB Mario Fraser will be the featured back.
?? The Raiders defense is led by all-state LB William Beckford.
??The 2001 schedule for the Raiders is filled with talented teams. They begin the season with Pompano Beach Ely in the Kickoff Classic and meet up with Dillard on October 19.

The Raiders have been beating teams from 4A, 5A and 6A for a long time and don't expect them to stop in 2001.

9. Greenwood, Greenwood, S.C. (14-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: 10

Lexington RB Demetris Summers poses with Greenwood LB Ricardo Hurley

SCVarsity's preseason favorite to three-peat as AAAA State Champs. Greenwood sports a tough schedule that includes Big 16 Champion Dorman, and Big 16 power Spartanburg. They return 23 seniors and 13 juniors from last year's championship team.
??The offense is led by SCVarsity All-State QB Sam Williams (over 1800 yards passing in 2000) who will have the experienced 6-4 frame Dvon Hill to throw to again. Hill has started both ways in both of Greenwood's State Title Victories and is the only player that has scored a touchdown in each of those games -- one on an interception in 1999 and one on a reception from Williams in 2000.
??The defense is headlined by Rivals100 LB Ricardo Hurley (6-3, 230, 4.6). DB Jeremy Blocker will help?shut down the tough passing attacks Greenwood will see.

Will experience and the hard-hitting of Ricardo Hurley be enough to get Greenwood through the season? On paper, the best team in S.C. in 2001, but the schedule is rough.

10. Westlake, Austin, Texas (14-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: 19

The Austin area isn't known as the toughest place to win football games, but when you meet up with Westlake you're in for a battle. The passing attack will be back as QB Chad Schroeder returns after being injured in 2000. In the backfield RB Scott Ballew should improve upon his 1,238 yards rushing last season behind a line that got used to rushing last season. LBs Mark Fisher and Tyler Gatewood (both recorded over 100 tackles in 2000) lead the defense.

Westlake will be in the playoffs and that's where things will get tough for the Chaps. With possible playoff competition being the likes of San Antonio Marshall, Katy and Midland Lee 5A , Westlake could prove to the rest of the nation they are one of the top programs in the nation.

11. Independence, Charlotte, N.C. (15-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: 22

The Class 4A state champs return with their main gun junior QB Chris Leak (4,529 yards and a state record 51 touchdowns) and his favorite target Rivals250 WR Mario Raley (state record 107 receptions, 1,644 yards and 20 touchdowns). RB Mario Crow is a capable back who will get the running game going when the ball isn't in the air. Key game will be October 6 against a solid West Charlotte squad.

It will be hard to match the impressive numbers Independence put up in 2000, but with the key ingredients back Independence should have a relatively easy run until the playoffs.

12. Parkview, Lilburn, Ga. (15-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 21

Rivals250 safety, Jeff Francouer (6-4, 200, 4.4) will again use his skills on both sides of the ball to lead the Panthers in 2001. As a safety he Francouer recorded 15 interceptions last season.

The question in 2001 will be who's going to throw the ball to Francouer? Winning state in Georgia is never an easy task. Doing it with an inexperienced quarterback is even tougher.

13. Washington, Massillon, Ohio (8-3)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

Massillon QB Justin Zwick

Led by Mr. Football candidate QB Justin Zwick the Tigers are very optimistic. Zwick, who is within reach of several state passing records, has a talented group of receivers to go to. Devon Jordan leads the receivers that will also feature Marquis Williams, Stephon Ashcraft, and Joe Jovinga. RB Robert Oliver will get most of the hand-offs in 2001.
??The defense is led by LB Shawn Crable (57 tackles, 7 sacks) and features a huge line with DE Andy Alleman, DT Dan Speicher (6-4, 300) and DE Matt Webb. The question on defense will be the inexperience of the defensive backs. Oliver is the lone experienced returner in the secondary.
??Massillon plays a solid schedule throughout the season and gets an early test on September 15 when they travel to Cleveland St. Ignatius.

The big question will be "Can the Tigers get past St. Ignatius?" In 2000, the Tigers were close ... They have the talent, but winning state in Ohio will take a special effort.

14. Harrison, Farmington Hills, Mich. (14-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 18

Harrison will be going for their fifth straight D-III title in 2001 and it may just be easier than the last four. With QB Drew Stanton (1,991 yards and 25 TDs) throwing to WR Agim Shabaj and handing off to RB Marcus Woods the Hawks will break some scoreboards in 2001.

Harrison should and will cruise through the season. Will need to stay as impressive as they have to move up in the rankings.

15. Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh, Pa. (12-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

A 2000 WPIAL finalist, Woodland Hills looks to get back the title they won in 1999. The Wolverines are led by QB Steve Breaston, who may be the No. 2 quarterback in the state behind West Allegheny's Tyler Palko. OL Brian Borgoyn (6-6, 295) will lead the protection. With RB Kareem Dutrieuille running the ball again the Wolverines will be touch in 2001.

Still plenty of questions in Pennsylvania before anyone concedes the title to Woodland Hills. CB West, Bethlehem Catholic and North Penn will all be early contenders for the No. 1 spot in Pa.

16. St. Ignatius, Cleveland, Ohio (12-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

After a disappointing 2000 season by Wildcats standards, St. Ignatius looks to highly touted QB Nate Szep to get them back to the championship. Szep will have John van der Oord in the backfield and arguably the best group of receivers in Ohio to throw to. WRs Matt Miller, Cameron Wick and TE Tom Christy will keep opposing DBs in a back peddle and help keep teams from flooding the box against the Wildcats inexperienced O-line. Three-year starter John Kerr leads the defense that will need to find some DBs before their September 15 match-up with Massillon Washington.

Should be an interesting year in Ohio. The top teams feature potentially potent passing offenses while pass coverage seems to be their weakness.

17. Evangel Christian, Shreveport, La. (10-3)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

Evangel Christian hopes sophomore QB John David Booty can lead them back to the national ranks, but will rely heavily on its experienced defense. The Eagles may have put together the toughest schedule in the nation with a game at Lufkin (Texas) and a battle against traditional powerhouse and defending Rivals25 champion West Monroe.
??Booty will have an experienced, but small group of receivers to throw to in Thomas Bachman, Kenneth Brantley and Quentin Bell.
??The defense will be solid and led by DE Chase Pittman. The Eagles pass coverage should be solid with Jonathon Wade roaming the secondary.

A hellish schedule make the?Eagles an easy team to cheer for, but defeating the likes of Lufkin and West Monroe in the same season will be no easy task.

18. Rockhurst, Kansas City, Mo. (14-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 16

Things sound sketchy when you mention the Hawklets will be led by a sophomore running back as they look to defend their 2000 title. The catch is that it's the same running back that led Rockhurst to the 5A title in 2000, Tony Temple. Temple racked up 1,105 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshmen and will have a huge target on his back in 2001.

Rockhurst is the clear-cut favorite to repeat, but the September 15 game against DeMatha (Md.) may present some trouble.

19. Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (8-3)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

The Eagles return twelve players and have a crop of very talented underclassmen to fill in the holes. RB Ashton White is the big game back that could start on any team while QB Marshall Tharpe, WRs Curtis Cooper and Jonnie Walker fill out the skill positions for Santa Margarita.

Still a ton of proving to do before they become a legitimate contender for the Southern Section title, but the talent and experience is there.

20. Lexington, Lexington, S.C. (13-3)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

Lexington RB Demetris Summers

The best Big 16 Team in the state, Lexington returns 22 seniors to a team that played for the state title last season. They open the season up with a rematch of the Big 16 title game at Dorman, but if they get through that, it could be a flawless regular season record, as no one in their region will challenge.
??QB Kris Clark (6-0, 185 and over 1000 yards passing and rushing in 2000) is as tough as they come and considered the best option quarterback in the state. He played the second half of the state title game with a broken thumb on his throwing hand that required surgery after the game. Clark will run along side SCVarsity.com's all-state junior RB Demetris Summers (6-1, 200). Summers has over 4500 yards rushing in two seasons, and has two more seasons to go.
??On defense, hard-hitting DE Chris Knoepfel: (6-4, 220) will lead the way along with a much improved secondary.

Lexington came close to a state title in 2000 falling seven points short to Dorman in a game that Lexington controlled early on. They get Dorman in the first week of the season and can go to cruise control for the rest of the regular season.

21. Katy, Katy, Texas (16-0)
Final 2000 Ranking: 5

Katy Coach Mike Johnson raises the 2000 championship trophy

Coach Mike Johnson will once again have his coaching skills tested. The Tigers will continue to rely upon playing as unit as there are no clear cut stars on the team. Opening the season with Tyler John Tyler will be difficult, but a win will show the rest of Texas that Katy is back again in 2001. The offense will rely upon RB Jerrold Jones (5-7, 165) who is small, but gets the job done. The Tigers would have a no-name defense if it weren't for the presence of LB Jeff Gotte (6-0, 190).

It's the system that counts at Katy and it's going to have to be solid this season. John Tyler and rival Hastings will give them a run for their money in 2001 while the playoffs will not be any easier.

22. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (14-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

St. Thomas Aquinas faces steep competition in the regular season with opponents Dillard and Ely. The road gets rougher in the playoffs where S.T.A. may face the likes of Palm Bay or Tallahassee Lincoln for the 4A title. With teams like this on S.T.A.'s schedule, their rank will improve immensely if victorious.
??The Raiders feature QB Daniel Shula and RB Justin Montgomery behind a big offensive line led by Will Vogt and OT/DT Anthony Wollschlager.
??On defense three-year starter LB Mike Gulla will stop anything Wollschlager doesn't get to first.

4A football in Florida is stacked making it tough for anyone to go undefeated. Other teams in 5A and 6A may end up with a better record in 2001, but the Raiders can play with all of them.

23. Hoover, Hoover, Ala. (14-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: 13

The Class 6A champions return 30 players from the 2000 No. 13 team in the nation. Unfortunately, many of the keys to last year's success have moved on. Hoover will once again have the services of WR Chad Jackson which will take some pressure off of QB Blake Davidson who's in his first year as a starter. The defense will be led by LB Bryce Ethridge.

Hoover has enough experience at key positions to win 6A again.

24. Colerain, Cincinnati, Ohio (13-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

The questions are all on defense for Colerain in 2001. The offense is stacked with returners. QB Sean Jones and the "Double-J backfield", RBs Maurice Johnson and Jermaine Johnson (not related) will run wild behind an experienced and solid offensive line.
?? The Cardinals will score, but will they stop anyone (is this a trend in Ohio or what?)? DT Tony Thompson will clog up the run, but Colerain has some big gaps to fill at linebacker and within the secondary.
??

The Cardinals have a favorable schedule that does not included one of the traditional top teams in Cincinnati during the regular season. This scheduling can be good or bad. They may enter the playoffs undefeated, but not prepared to face the elite teams in Ohio.

25. Lakeland, Lakeland, Fla. (11-1)
Final 2000 Ranking: NR

RB Gavin Smart will lead the way for the Dreadnaughts who try to extend their state record 56-game regular season win streak and redeem themselves after falling short in 2000. Smart will have experience alongside him in the backfield with QB Prince Hixon.
??The defense may be the best in Florida.


Lakeland has the easiest regular season schedule of the four Florida teams in the rankings. Playoffs may be interesting with the likes of Venice, Jacksonville Ed White and Pompano Beach Ely as potential opponents for Lakeland.