The Nation's Top 50 Teams

The Scouts of FoxSports/Scout.com see more high school football than any organization in the country and have compiled a list of the Top 50 high school teams for the 2011 season.

There are some key matchups early and often this season as teams are no longer content to simply play a region schedule. They travel across state lines and from coast to coast including this week's huge game between #1 Prattville of Alabama against #14 St. Thomas Aquinas of Florida.

Here is a look at the top teams in the nation and the players that help make them so.

Rank	Team
1)	Prattville (0-0) Prattville, AL Prattville had an uncharacteristic five loss season in 2010, but the Lions were rebuilding for a run at a State and National Championship in 2011 with no less than 12 seniors with D1 scholarship offers including Alabama commits quarterback Justin Thomas and defensive lineman Caleb Gulledge and Florida State commit defensive lineman Justin Shanks.  Next: 8/27 #14 St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
2)	Don Bosco Prep (0-0) Ramsey, NJ Rutgers commit Leonte Carroo is the big play threat on offense, but defense is the key for the Ironmen with playmakers on all three levels including defensive end Darius Hamilton, Elijah Shumate who lines up at outside linebacker and strong safety, and cornerback Yuri Wright.  Next: 8/26 North Penn (Lansdale, PA)
3)	St. Edward (0-0)Lakewood, OH St. Edward is coming off a 2010 perfect season and State Championship and should be powerful up front with two D1 offensive line prospects in Kyle Kalis (Michigan) and Tyler Orlosky (West Virginia). The Eagles face an early test with Glenville who St. Edward sent packing last November in the Ohio playoffs.  Next: 8/27 Glenville (Cleveland , OH)
4)	Katy (0-0) Katy, TX Quarterback Brooks Haack returns after passing for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior while leading the Tigers to the State Semi-Finals and a loss to eventual champion Pearland .  Next: 8/26 North Shore (Houston, TX)
5)	Good Counsel (0-0) Olney, MD In 2010, Good Counsel avenged an early season loss to DeMatha (28-31) with a 42-3 DC Championship thrashing of the same Stags team to close out the year. Good Counsel brings back a host of weapons including arguably the nation's most exciting player in Stefon Diggs, running back Wes Brown, and powerful offensive lineman Ryan Watson.   Next: 9/2 Manatee (Bradenton, FL)
6)	De La Salle (0-0) Concord, CA It was diabolical what De La Salle did to a previously undefeated, powerful Servite team in the California Open Championship last year by defeating the Friars 48-8. De La Salle loses a lot off of the 2010 team, but the Spartans will reload with Scout 300 quarterback Bart Houston (Wisconsin). The Spartans will try not to look ahead, but a 9/23 matchup with Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale looms large.  Next: 9/2 Bellarmine (San Jose, CA)
7)	Cocoa (0-0) Cocoa, FL All the Cocoa Tigers do is win. Cocoa is 42-1 over the course of the last three seasons including 2010 wins over out of state teams like Olive Branch (MS), Thomas Jefferson (PA), and Abilene (TX). Junior running back Tarean Folston rushed for almost 1,300 yards in 2010 and should blow past that number in 2011. Cocoa's opening three game gauntlet is even more daunting than last year's with trips to Cincinnati, Ohio to play Colerain, Dallas, Texas to take on Skyline, before returning home to take on 6A defending champ Miami Central.  Next: 8/28 @ #48 Colerain (Cincinnati, OH)
8)	Bishop Gorman (1-0) Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman shook off a couple of first half mistakes and running back Shaquille Powell ran wild in the second half with five of his six touchdowns to beat Chaparral of Arizona. Chaparral was the first of three out of state contests for the Gaels this year.   Last: Def Chaparral (Ariz.) 42-22 (Watch Game) Next: 8/26 #16 Armwood (Seffner, FL)
9)	Aledo (0-0) Aledo, TX Johnathan Gray laughs at Al Bundy's four touchdowns in one game for Polk High; Gray had eight touchdowns in the 2010 State Championship Game against La Marque. Gray is headed to Texas after his senior season and Texas A&M commit Michael Wilson is a powerful offensive lineman who will continue to open holes for him.  Next: 8/26 @ Stephenville (Stephenville, TX)
10)	Trinity (1-0) Louisville, KY Trinity got off to a fast start on the 2011 season with a 45-7 beat down over perennial Tennessee power Brentwood Academy. Trinity lost an early out of state matchup to St. Xavier last year before rolling to the State Championship including a 38-0 blowout of rival Male. Last: Def Brentwood Academy (TN) 45-7 Next: 8/26 Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville,TN)
11)	Lincoln (0-0) Tallahassee, FL Coming off of a 2010 State Championship, Lincoln returns a lot of talent including starting quarterback Ronald Butler. In addition to Butler, Lincoln will feature three of the top juniors in the nation in receivers Reggie Davis and Taj Williams and defensive end James Hearns.  Next: 9/2 @ Pensacola (Pensacola, FL)
12)	Warren Central (0-0) Indianapolis, IN There are 50 players in the state of Indiana who claim D1 scholarship offers, 11 of them play for Warren Central including Scout 300 member Sheldon Day (Notre Dame) as well as a whopping four players committed to Cincinnati. Warren Central won a State Championship in2009, and they're primed for another run in 2011.  Next: 8/27 Cathedral (Indianapolis, IN)
13)	Allen (0-0)Allen, TX Allen should be explosive on offense following a 10-2 campaign in 2010. Allen returns quarterback Alec Morris (Alabama) and Scout 300 running back Jonathan Williams (Missouri). Allen opens with Cedar Hill who the Eagles beat in last year's season opener 33-27. Next: 8/27 Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, TX)
14)	St. Thomas Aquinas (0-0) Ft. Lauderdale, FL Aquinas begins a new era under new coach Rocco Casullo after the legendary George Smith retired last year. Casullo will be thrown to the Lions so to speak right away as Aquinas' first game is against Alabama powerhouse Prattville (Lions).  Next : 8/27 @ #1 Prattville (Prattville, AL)
15)	Servite (0-0) Anaheim, CA Servite knew it would have its hands full in the 2010 final with De La Salle, but no one expected the 48-8 thrashing that took place on that rainy day in Los Angeles. The Friars will look to bounce back in 2011 led by a pair of BYU commits Butch Pauu andJherremya Leuta-Douyere. Both players see time on offense and defense. Early season tests include Oceanside and Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, NV.  Next: 9/1 @ Oceanside (Oceanside, CA)
16)	Armwood (0-0) Seffner, FL Armwood rode on the back of Scout 300 running back Matt Jones (Florida) to a 2010 State Championship appearance, and with Jones back along with another dozen college prospects, Armwood looks ready for another run at the title. To move up the national list though, a cross country visit this week will go a long way to deciding how far Armwood will climb.  Next: 8/26 @ #8 Bishop Gorman (LasVegas, NV)
17)	Mission Viejo (0-0) Mission Viejo, CA The Diablos are bringing back a lot of fire power from 2010's 13-1 team including big running back Jahleel Pinner (USC) and quarterback Alex Bridgford. They travel to New Jersey to take on #2 Don Bosco in a key Week 2 matchup.  Next: 9/2 Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA)
18)	South Panola (0-0) Batesville, MS Another year, another State Championship for the University of South Panola. Some in Mississippi called the 2010 team the best South Panola team ever. While the 2011 Tigers might not meet that lofty claim, they'll still be a force led by Ole Miss commits Issac Gross and Temario Strong on defense. Junior Tony Conner is one of the top players in Mississippi of any age. Next: 8/27 @ Hoover (Hoover, AL)
19)	Oaks Christian (0-0) Westlake Village, CA The Lions will be breaking in a new quarterback but he should find a friendly target in Scout 300 receiver Jordan Payton who posted over 60 catches in 2010. Payton will team with fellow Scout 300 member Ishmael Adams. Adams rushed for over 1000 yards last year and also doubles as a lockdown cornerback. Oaks' toughest test may be its first game of the season.  Next: 9/3 #24 Bellevue (Bellevue, WA)
20)	Buford (1-0) Buford, GA Buford plays in Georgia's second smallest classification, but there's nothing small about a Wolves team that regularly dresses over 100 players and has won four straight State Championships. Buford is led on defense by Alabama commit Dillon Lee at linebacker and Scout 300 member Vadal Alex ander anchors the offensive line.  Last: Def Blessed Trinity 42-0 Next: 8/26 Gainesville (Gainesville, GA)
21)	Gilman (0-0) Baltimore, MD Gilman waltzed through the 2010 season relatively unchallenged with only one game being decided by less than 21points. The Greyhounds return some big time players including athlete Cyrus Jones, running back Kenneth Goins, linebacker Devon Porchia (Pittsburgh), and offensive lineman Brian Gaia (Penn State). A visit from Oscar Smith of Virginia before the showdown with Good Counsel will be must see football in Maryland .  Next: 8/26 Maryland Christian (Bel Air, MD)
22)	Trinity (0-0) Euless, TX It's an odd numbered year, so it must be time for Trinity to win a State Championship. The Trojans won it all in 2005, 2007, and 2009 and are led by three members of the Scout 300 including offensive lineman Hiva Lutui (UCLA), defensive lineman Polo Manukainiu, and linebacker Brian Nance.  Next: 8/26 Lee (Tyler, TX)
23)	Byrnes (0-0) Duncan, SC Byrnes isn't loaded with its typical crop of D1 senior prospects, but the Trojans will lean hard on top returning rusher Shakeem Wharton as they break in a new starter at quarterback. A visit from Kentucky power Louisville Ballard will be an early litmus test.  Next: 8/27 Ballard (Louisville, KY)
24)	Bellevue (0-0) Bellevue, WA A perennial power in the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue has a 63-6 record over the course of the last five years incorporating a systematic running game. In 2010 Bellevue had seven players rush for over 100 yards on the season without one of them running for more than 700. A pair of offensive linemen are D1 prospects in Jake Eldrenkamp and Michael Kneip. A big test in week one.  Next: 9/3 @ #19 Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, CA)
25)	Lake Travis (0-0) Austin, TX Lake Travis rode the strong arm and legs of Texas Tech signee Michael Brewer to a 2010 State Championship. Brewer led the Cavaliers in passing and rushing in 2010, but Lake Travis returns big play receiver Griffin Gilbert (TCU) and athlete Collin LaGasse (SMU) who led the team in touchdown runs last year while seeing significant action at quarterback.  Next: 8/27 Westlake (Austin, TX)
26)	Daphne (0-0) Daphne, AL Daphne is coming off of a perfect 15-0 season in Alabama's largest classification, and are led on offense by running back and Scout 300 member T. J. Yeldon and end Ryan Anderson (Alabama) on defense.   Next: 8/26 Bryant (Irvington, AL)
27)	Central Catholic (0-0) Pittsburgh, PA Three year starter Perry Hills (Maryland ) leads the top team in Pennsylvania. He plans to take his favorite target Anthony Nixon with him to Maryland as both players are committed to the Terps. The opening game features Pennsylvania's top ranked teams.  Next: 9/3 #33 Archbishop Wood (Warminster, PA)
28)	Brenham (0-0) Brenham, TX Brenham had been 10-0 before being upset in the 1st round of the playoffs by Kingwood Park in 2010. An older, wiser Cubs team returns a pair of Longhorn commits on defense in defensive tackle Malcom Brown and linebacker Timothy Cole, while a pair of Aggies will carry the load on offense in running back Troy Green and offensive lineman Adrian Bellard.      Next: 8/26 Huntsville (Huntsville, TX)
29)	Mullen (0-0) Denver, CO Mullen rolled through the 2010 season with its closest game being a 41-24 playoff win over Cherry Creek. The Mustangs are led by Washington commit Cyler Miles who is a run/pass threat.  Next: 9/2 Chaparral (Parker, CO)
30)	DeSoto (0-0) De Soto, TX DeSoto won the Texas State 7on7 tournament this summer and the Eagles are hoping to duplicate the act with the pads on this fall. There will be no shortage of talent on the field including Texas commits Bryson Echols and Curtis Riser, Texas A&M commit Michael Richardson, and LSU commit Jalen Mills.  Next: 8/26 Leander (Leander, TX)
31)	Pleasant Grove (0-0) Elk Grove, CA Pleasant Grove is home to the nation's No. 1 prospect in Arik Armstead (USC). There may be some question on which side of the ball he plays in college, but there's no question in high school; he dominates at offensive tackle and defensive end. Running back Mark Jenkins rushed for nearly 280 yards per game in 2010 and returns for 2011.  Next: 8/27 @ Monterey Trail (Elk Grove, CA)
32)	Camden County (0-0) Kingsland , GA Camden County historically plays in the weakest region in Georgia's largest classification and should have no trouble running the table until the playoffs. An out of state matchup with Glenville of Clevel and, Ohio should be the Wildcats' only test before the playoffs. New junior quarterback Brice Ramsey has already committed to Georgia. Next: 8/26 Savannah (Savannah, GA)
33)	Archbishop Wood (0-0) Warminster, PA Archbishop Wood rode a 12-0 record into the Semi-Finals before being defeated by eventual champion Allentown Central Catholic. The Vikings are one of the most talent-laden teams in the state including the nation's No. 3 tight end in Colin Thompson (Florida). Thompson lines up alongside two powerful offensive linemen in Brandon Arcidiacono (Rutgers) and Frank Taylor (BostonCollege). They open holes for the Peoples: running backs Brandon Peoples (Temple) and Desmon Peoples (Rutgers) Next: 9/3 @ #27 Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)
34)	Harrison (0-0) Farmington Hills, MI Harrison is coming off of a perfect season that included a State Championship and the Hawks are bringing back a load of talent including three members of the Scout 300, receiver Aaron Burbridge (Michigan State), athlete Devin Funchess (Michigan), and linebacker Mario Ojemudia (Michigan). The opener with Cass Tech is a biggie.  Next: 8/27 @ Cass Tech (Detroit, MI)
35)	West Monroe (0-0) West Monroe, LA West Monroe is coming off of a 14-1 season with a loss in the State Championship to Acadiana. The Rebels have a pair of D1 athletes at defensive end including James McFarl and (TCU) and Terrell Lathan.  Next: 9/1 @ Byrd (Shreveport, LA)
36)	Centennial (0-0) Corona, CA Centennial loses man-child quarterback Michael Eubanks to Arizona State, but the Huskies are once again strong in the trenches led by Milo Jordan (Arizona State) and Lio Lafaele. Early matchups vs. St. Bonaventure and at Mater Dei key a tough regular season slate.  Next: 9/9 St. Bonaventure (Ventura, CA)
37)	Dwyer (0-0) Palm Beach, FL Dwyer fell to Armwood in the playoffs last year, but has a lot of talent back for 2011 including massive offensive tackle Patrick Miller and productive quarterback FatonBauta. Dwyer's first game may be the toughest of its regular season opponents.  Next: 9/2 @ Glades Central (BelleGlade, FL)
38)	Hamilton (0-0) Chandler, AZ Hamilton, a model of consistency, has only lost one game in the last three years and five total games in the last seven. Hamilton is led by Scout 300 member Reggie Daniels on defense and Washington commit receiver Kendyl Taylor on offense.  Next: 8/26 Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, AZ)
39)	Poly (0-0) Long Beach, CA Most teams don't have five D1 prospects; Poly has five committed to Arizona State including two way athletes R and all Goforth and Richard Smith, receiver Josiah Bl andin, and linebackers Matthew Rowe and Salamo Fiso. Poly's opening trip to Grant (Sacramento, CA) will test the Jackrabbits right away.  Next: 9/3 @ Grant (Sacramento, CA)
40)	Mallard Creek (1-0) Charlotte, NC Mallard Creek is powerful on offense with 5-Star offensive tackle D. J. Humphries (Florida) clearing the way for running back Jela Duncan. A dramatic fourth quarter victory over Butler to start the season could springboard the Mavericks to a big year.  Last: Def Butler 28-20 Next: 8/26 @ Sun Valley (Monroe, NC)
41)	Norland (0-0) Miami, FL The Vikings are coming off of a 13-2 season and State Championship game appearance in 2010. 5-Star running back Duke Johnson leads a trio of talented players from Norland who are committed to Miami. Next: 9/1 @ American (Hialeah, FL)
42)	Phoebus (0-0) Hampton, VA Phoebus holds the nation's longest winning streak at 45 games including three straight 15-0 seasons. Receiver Romond Deloatch had a monster State Championship game cracking the 100 yard mark and is back to put up bigger numbers as a senior.  Next: 8/26 @ Southampton (Courtl and , VA)
43)	Chaparral (0-1) Scottsdale, AZ Arizona State Champion Chaparral ran into a buzz saw in the form of Nevada State Champion Bishop Gorman. Chaparral is led by quarterback Connor Brewer (Texas) and athlete Davonte' Neal, but the Firebirds must get stronger up front as they were victimized by running back Shaquille Powell and his six touchdowns in the opener.  Last: Lost to #8 Bishop Gorman (NV) 22-42 (Watch Game) Next: 8/26 @ Salpointe Catholic
44)	Cypress Bay (0-0) Weston, FL Cypress Bay had a heartbreaking 30-27 loss to eventual State Champion Miami Central in the 2010 playoffs and will look to get over the hump in 2011 led by big offensive lineman Danny Isidora and athletic linebacker Josh Witt (Miami). Cypress Bay was shellacked 60-14 by Aquinas last year, but will get another crack at the Raiders on 9/9.  Next: 9/2 Deerfield Beach (Deerfield Beach, FL)
45)	Friendswood (0-0) Friendswood, TX The Mustangs 2010 run to the State Championship was halted in the Semi-Finals by eventual champion Lake Travis, but running back Johnathan Johnson (Air Force) keys a return run for 2011.  Next: 8/26 Angleton (Angleton, TX)
46)	Goose Creek (0-0) Goose Creek, SC Goose Creek fell in the Semi-Finals in 2010, but running back Virgil Smalls is back. Don't let the name fool you; Smalls tips the scales at 250 pounds and rushed for almost 1,000 yards last year while splitting time with departed senior Jerome Jordan. Linebacker T.J. Burrell (Clemson) leads the defense.  Next: 8/26 @ Irmo (Columbia, SC)
47)	Oscar Smith (0-0) Chesapeake, VA The Tigers had an uncharacteristic three loss season in 2010, more losses than the previous three years combined. J.C. Coleman (Virginia Tech) rushed for almost 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior and will be running wild again as a senior. A season opening game with Gilman (MD) will test the mettle of the Tigers.  Next: 9/2 @ Gilman (Baltimore, MD)
48)	Colerain (0-0) Cincinnati, OH An undefeated 2010 campaign came to an end with a tough playoff loss to St. Xavier. Colerain returns a punishing trio on defense including linebacker Joe Bolden (Michigan), defensive back Andre Jones (Cincinnati), and defensive tackle Trae Clark. An early tests against #7 Cocoa will give Colerain a chance for a rapid rise. Next : 8/28 Cocoa (Cocoa, FL)
49)	Middletown (0-0) Middletown, OH Middletown has improved each of the last four seasons culminating with a 10-1 record in 2010. Is 2011 the season in which the Middies take it to the next level? Middletown has a pair of speedy athletes in Cody Quinn (Illinois) and Zach Edwards, and the return of quarterback Geovonie McKnight should pay dividends.  Next: 8/26 @ Wayne (Huber, OH)
50)	Union (0-0) Tulsa, OK With four consecutive 13-1 seasons, Union has quietly become one of the most powerful programs in the country. Union runs a sophisticated passing offense and lost leading passer Kale Pearson to graduation, but Hunter Atyia saw significant time as a sophomore in 2010 throwing for more than 1,000 yards. Union's opener features one of the top programs in Louisiana, and if Evangel Christian wins, they could find themselves on this list in a couple of weeks. Next: 9/2 Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, LA)

Week 0 of The Scout.com Top 50 was compiled by FOXSports/Scout.com Senior Director of Scouting, Scott Kennedy with the assistance of National Experts Chad Simmons, Bob Lichtenfels, Allen Trieu, Greg Powers, Brandon Huffman, and contributing writers Ahmard Vital, Jason Jewell and Mike Bakas. The Scout.com Top 50 will be updated every Monday throughout the football season.