PrepNation.com continues the most comprehensive package of preseason high school football rankings ever published. We are counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, from No. 101 to No. 26, leading up to the release of the official preseason National Prep Poll on August 3.
71. St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Last season: 4-6, did not qualify for the postseason
Coach: Steve Specht
Key players: QB Luke Massa (6-4, 195, Sr.), OT Matt James (6-7, 285, Sr.), LB Steven Daniels (6-1, 225, Jr.), OL Ryan Schneiber (6-4, 275, Jr.)
Outlook: One year after the Bombers went 15-0 and were rated best team in America by the National Prep Poll, the team buckled under a mountain of inexperience, key injuries, and a murderously tough schedule. The outcome was likely the best losing season in the history of prep football. Proof of that statement is revealed in the fact that half of St. Xavier’s four victories were against teams that finished in the Top 35 of the national rankings and three of its four wins were against teams that won their respective state championship. Of the six losses, only one was by more than five points and the cumulative won-loss record of the opponents was an impressive 62-17. This year, the Bombers’ schedule is less severe, but only by a little bit. A whopping eight of the 10 opponents are listed in the PrepNation 101 preseason rankings or the PrepNation 101 Teams to Watch. Massa, who became the starting QB midway through the ’07 season and led the team to a state championship, is committed to Cincinnati. He is a talented dropback passer with a strong arm. His junior season ended when he broke his collarbone in the fourth game. James, a highly rated Division I prospect, is back for this third year as starting left tackle. The defense is led by returning all-league LB Daniels, also a Division I prospect.
1 comment:
Go Bombers!
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