High School Notes
by: Jamie DeMoney©
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Pre-Season Top 15
De La Salle of Concord, Calif., has won 113 consecutive games and three mythical national championships since "the streak" began in 1992.
You've heard it before, the chitchat from those who insist that De La Salle is simply too good to be true. Each year, they hold the Spartans up to the light and hope to discover the demise of "the streak"
It was all supposed to end, you'll remember, when DLS faced Southern California power Mater Dei for the first time in 1998. The previous 78 wins were the product of beating up on a bunch of patsies, the nonbelievers said. But Mater Dei did not end De La Salle's streak that year, nor did the Monarchs end it in '99 or 2000. In fact, the Spartans have clobbered Mater Dei by a combined score of 101-49 in the three meetings.
But what about this year? Not only is Mater Dei on the schedule again, so is talent-laden Long Beach Poly. That gives DLS a crack at proving itself against the two top teams in the Southern Section — and its best shot of a streak-ending loss.
The smart money says eventually the streak will end. But with a nucleus of three-year starting quarterback Matt Gutierrez, two-time all-state offensive guard Derek Landri and speedsters Nathan Kenion and Damon Jenkins back on the roster to build around, it probably won't happen this year.
(last year's record)
1. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) , 13-0
Coach Bob Ladouceur
The winning streak is now at 113 and counting. Three-year starter Matt Gutierrez is back at QB. In order to be the man, you must beat the man. No. 3 Long Beach Poly gets its chance on Oct. 6.
2. Jenks (Okla.) , 14-0
Coach Allan Trimble
The Trojans won their unprecedented fifth straight 6A title last season and ride a 25-game winning streak. Athletic DE Bryan Pickryl and transfer LB Lawrence Pinson will lead an impenetrable defense.
3. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) , 14-0
Coach Raul Lara
Jerry Jaso sent shockwaves up and down the West Coast when he left the Jackrabbits in May for a faculty and linebackers coach position at Long Beach CC. Six-year DC Raul Lara takes the reins of what could be the most talented Poly team in history.
4. Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) , 15-0
Coach Willie Bueno
The Raiders have done nothing but win state championships and produce college players the past decade. Top recruits Santonio Holmes and Garland Heath will lead the drive for a fourth straight 3A crown.
5. Joliet Catholic (Ill.), 14-0
Coach Dan Sharp
Illinois will crown state champions in eight classifications next season, and the Hilltoppers figure to be one of them. JCA has won 28 straight games and two consecutive 4A titles. Six-foot-three, 235-pound running back J.R. Zwierzynski is one of 14 returning starters.
6. Independence (Charlotte, N.C.) , 15-1
Coach Tommy Knotts
The Patriots won their final 15 games last season and a 4A state title. Junior QB Chris Leak returns after setting state records for yards and touchdowns.
7. Harrison (Farmington Hills, Mich.) , 14-0
Coach John Herrington
The heart of the Hawks' offensive machine returns as Harrison seeks its fifth straight Division 3 state title.
8. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.), 15-0
Coach Cecil Flowe
Georgia Tech early verbal Jeff Francoeur had 15 INTs to lead the Panthers to the state's first-ever AAAAA state title last season.
9. Lincoln (Tallahassee, Fla.), 13-1
Coach David Wilson
The Trojans drop down in classification from 6A to 4A this season as they seek a second state crown in three years, but they may have to beat No. 12 St. Thomas Aquinas to do it. More than a dozen Division One prospects dot the roster.
10. Washington (Massillon, Ohio), 8-3
Coach Rick Shepas
The second-winningest program in the nation will ride the arm of Ohio State verbal QB Justin Zwick in search of the Tigers' first state championship since 1970.
11. The Woodlands (Texas), 11-3
Coach Weldon Willig
The Highlanders return a wealth of talent from their 2000 5A/I state semifinalist team. DE Travis Lietko (6-6, 255) anchors the defense.
12. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 14-1
Coach George Smith
The Raiders return leaders QB Dan Shula and RB Justin Montgomery on offense and S Nate Salley on defense from a team that lost last year's 4A state title game in triple overtime.
13. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) , 9-3
Coach Bruce Rollinson
After suffering through a miserable season by Mater Dei standards, the Monarchs should have renewed drive and commitment. Their annual showdown with No. 1 De La Salle takes place Sept. 22.
14. Rutherford (Springfield, Fla.), 10-1
Coach Steve Hardin
As they move up to 6A this season, the Rams are still stinging from a first-round exit from last year's 5A playoffs that followed an undefeated regular season. Hardin, who this summer turned down a lucrative offer to coach at Enterprise (Ala.), has won 96 games in 10 years at Rutherford.
15. West Monroe (Monroe, La.) , 15-0
Coach Don Shows
Defense has always been the name of the game for the Rebels, and it will have to be that way again this year if they hope to capture their fifth 5A state title in six years. The entire offensive backfield from last year has graduated.
Jamie DeMoney, former managing editor of American Football Monthly, is editorial director at Prep Recruiting Network in Overland Park, Kansas.