High School Notes

The 1999 season has taken its toll on some early national contenders in the ranks of high school football. Preseason top 5 picks—as rated in AFM's High School Power Rankings—No. 3 McKinley (Canton, Ohio), No. 4 Northwestern (Miami, Fla.) and No. 5 Jenks (Okla.) have all dropped games during the first half of the season.

Behind the record-setting passing of super QB prospect Brock Berlin, No. 1 Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, La.) remains the favorite to win its Class 5A state championship. It had won three straight state titles at the 3A level, but the Eagles' domination precipitated a move up in competition this season.

Here are the AFM High School Power Rankings through October 15:

1. Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.) Record: 6-0
Head Coach: Dennis Dunn
Looking back: Has breezed through the toughest part of its schedule, outscoring opponents a collective 256-77 . . . and ahead: Just nine wins away from making it four consecutive state championships in two different divisions.

2. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) Record: 5-0 Head Coach: Bob Ladouceur
Looking back: DLS has already survived its toughest test of the year, whipping So-Cal power Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 42-0 in September . . . and ahead: The Spartans are poised to make their national-record winning streak an even 100 games to close out the century.

3. Robert E. Lee (Midland, Texas) Record: 6-0 Head Coach: John Parchman
Looking back: The Generals have easily handled all comers thus far, with RB Cedric Benson establishing himself as one of the nation's top juniors . . . and ahead: Things will get a lot tougher, with rival Odessa Permian looming on the schedule along with a state title defense in the Texas UIL championships.

4. Hampton (Va.) Record: 6-0 Head Coach: Mike Smith
Looking back: The Crabs' voluminous winning streak ended last season, but they'restarted on a new one—19 straight, to this point. Coach Smith collected win No. 300 on Sept. 17.. . . and ahead: All-American LB Ray Mann leads a stifling defense towards a fifth straight state title.

5. Central Bucks West (Doylestown, Pa.) Record: 6-0 Head Coach: Mike Pettine
Looking back: The Bucks have knocked out 36 straight victories . . . and ahead: Superstar FB Dustin Picciotti will be called upon to carry CBW's hopes for a third consecutive state crown through one of Pennsylvania's deepest-ever field of challengers.

Pair of coaches reach 300th win milestone

It's taken Mike Smith just 29 years to post 300 career wins as head coach at Hampton (Va.) High School. That's an average of over 10 wins per season—if you need help with the math.

Win No. 300 came on Sept. 17 as Hampton crushed cross-town rival Bethel, 52-0.

During his tenure, Smith's teams have won 11 state titles - including four in a row - and have a streak of 22 consecutive playoff appearances. In the past five seasons, the Crabbers have lost only once.

You can add the name Marijon Ancich to the illustrious 300-high school coaching wins list, as well.

The 65-year-old coaching veteran became just the second man in California history to notch 300 high school victories as his Sante Fe Springs team defeated Alta Loma, 48-21, on Oct. 8. Ancich has a record of 300-97-7 and three CIF section championships in his 37 seasons.

Washington prep duo bolts for San Diego

As two-a-days were about to begin the top two recruits from the state of Washington - and among the top 25 nationally - transferred from Mariner High School, in suburban Seattle, Wash., to Mira Mesa High School, in San Diego, Calif., leaving behind a trail of questions and controversy.

Teyo Johnson, a TE-DE, and Amon Gordon, a LB-FB, informed Mariner coach John Ondriezek of their decision in early August. According to Ondriezek, the two football/basketball stars were moving because Johnson's mother had a new job in the San Diego area. Gordon, a close friend of Johnson, decided to move with the Johnson family.

Rumors persist that High Five America, a summer basketball organization with which the two players are involved, orchestrated the move.

Tennessee school looks to Supreme Court for ruling regarding alleged recruiting

After being barred from postseason play for two years and fined $3,000 for improperly contacting middle school athletes, Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy is looking to the Supreme Court in its case against the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.

Lawyers for Brentwood Academy plan to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in November.

The TSAA ruled the private school's coaches had improper contact with four middle-school athletes - in other words, recruiting. A fine and two years without postseason eligibility were Brentwood Academy's penalty, handed down by the state association.

Allegations of private high schools recruiting athletes are the source of a long and national debate. Brentwood contends the TSAA - as with other state athletic associations - is a government entity that must be compliant with the U.S. Constitution. Prohibiting coaches from talking with athletes unreasonably limits the private school's ability to athletes, the suit contends.

The association, comprised of about 375 affiliated schools, says it is an independent organization and therefore free to place limits and regulations upon its membership.