Go read the article on rivals.com "Five Schools that have a case for national #1". Dallas Jackson lists 5 schools and discusses both the cases for and against a national #1 rating. Very interesting stuff.
1. DeLaSalle, CA (Impressive blowout against a top 25 Servite team) 2. St. Edwards, OH (more wins in more convincing fashion vs more top quality opponents than everyone else) 3. Don Bosco, NJ (noticed a common opponent: Both St. Eds and DBP played St. Ignatius. St Eds won 33-10, DBP won 33-6, but Eds gets the nod because of all the other games) 4. Pearland, TX (lots of close games vs most grueling playoff schedule) 5. South Panola, MS (congrats for stepping out of MS this year. Was really hoping Colquit and MUS were better teams than they were, giving them a better schedule to prove themselves) 6. Trinity, TX (lots of close games vs most grueling playoff schedule this year, but just didn't come out on top) 7. Aquinas, FL (solid wins vs Manatee and Plant, but I think the schools above could've done the same or better) 8. Servite, CA (good wins vs some very good teams, but blowout by DLS hurts) 9. Palo Alto, CA (marque win shutting down Centennial) 10. Tampa Jefferson, FL (solid wins vs Norland and St. Augustine)
I went with Pearland. I admit I'm a Texas homer but beating an undefeated Katy team and an undefeated Trinity which had defeated some really strong undefeated team can't be ignored. Pearland had such a diverse offense and great coaching and their defense seemed good enough. Trinity has the most physical high school running game I can remember seeing and if they would have just stayed with a straightup power game the full 48 minutes they would have beaten Pearland but they didn't and the rest is history.
Very tough to say. STA, DLS, South Panola, and DBP appeared the most dominate in their respective states, with opponents rarely scoring more than two touchdowns while they seemingly score at will. Meanwhile, St. Edward and Pearland had more close matchups, but managed to come out unscathed in what were undoubtedly the toughest playoff routes in the country. I'd probably give a slight edge to Aquinas overall. They play very good defense, and have a myriad of explosive athletes on offense.
I think STA is a very worthy pick but in looking at some comparative scores I'd have to go with the Texas Champ- and yeah I know you can't always do that but it make s for interesting conversation. STA beat Dallas Skyline 35-7. Desoto beat SKyline 38-0 in the second round of the Texas playoffs. Stoney point smoked Desoto by 24 points. An undefeated Stoney point was then beaten by Trinity in a hard fought battle and of course Trinity lost to Pearland.
Just some food for thought since comparative scores are rare for interstate opponents.
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