Major shakeups are the theme after things did not go well for several teams in the USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25 this past week. A total of 11 ranked teams lost, including three members of the most recent Top Five. Still, The Woodlands (Texas) keeps winning. Now at 38-0, the Highlanders are the nation’s No. 1 team for an eighth straight week, per this week’s rankings released Thursday by the Association.This past week, The Woodlands moved to 38-0 with a postseason sweep of Klein Collins. After that, things did no go as smoothly. Former No. 2 Alexander Central (North Carolina) lost 4-0 to Fred Foard in the Northwestern 3A-4A Conference championship game. Former No. 3 East Lake (Florida) was eliminated in the semifinal round of the Florida Class 5A playoffs by a loss to Bartow. Former No. 4 Plano (Texas) dropped a game but still moved on in postseason play, as the Wildcats lost to Hebron before winning twice in a three-game series to advance.
This means some big jumps by some winners. New No. 2 Canyon del Oro (Arizona) captured the Arizona Class 4A, Division I state championship this past weekend. No. 3 Gulliver Prep (Florida) moved up after capturing the Florida Class 3A state championship. The Top Five also includes No. 4 Riverdale (Tennessee) and Plano at fifth.
Elsewhere, No. 7 Niceville (Florida) makes its 2011 poll debut after winning the Florida Class 5A state championship – a first in school history. Other poll newcomers include No. 16 Chesapeake (Maryland), No. 17 Bonita Vista (California) and No. 18 Palm Beach Gardens (Florida).
The USA Today/NFCA Top 25 is compiled by state representatives from across the country. Records for this week’s poll include all games played through May 15, 2011.
For the complete poll, click here.
