Best High School Football Programs by State

Tales of gridiron greatness are meant to be told on an epic scale. And it starts in local communities.

Best High School Football Programs by State

Tales of gridiron greatness are meant to be told on an epic scale. And it starts in local communities with high school football.

In some places, high school teams have traditions and legacies that stretch back to the beginnings of the sport. In others, dynasties didn’t take hold until the last few decades. A few programs are filled with NFL legends. Other great players are lost to time, only remembered by a photo in a trophy case or a name etched onto a wall.

The line between the all-time best sometimes is barely discernible. Or it can be a canyon between the best and the next best thing. These are the greatest high school football programs in the history of all 50 United States, plus Washington, D.C., ranked.

51. Maine — Marshwood High School

City: South Berwick

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 94-32 (.723 winning percentage)

State championships: 21 (1966, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019)

Note: All stats and records are through 2019 seasons. The number in parentheses for notable players is their graduation year.

Stars: Maine — Marshwood High School

Notable players: RB Steve Knight (1990), OL/DL Drew Gregor (2019)

Notable coaches: Rod Wotton (1966-92), Alex Rotsko (2012-present)

Bottom Line: Maine — Marshwood High School

Former Marshwood High head coach Rod Wotton led the team to six consecutive state titles from 1974 to 1979 as Marshwood won eight state titles in the 1970s.

The 1980s were almost as good — seven state titles and a streak of four straight from 1983 to 1986.

Current coach Alex Rotsko has brought back the glory years, with four state titles in nine seasons.

50. Vermont — Hartford High School

City: White River Junction

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 79-32 (.711 winning percentage)

State championships: 12 (1972, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016)

Stars: Vermont — Hartford High School

Notable players: RB/LB Randy St. Peter (1996), RB/SS Teddy Mock (2003), RB/LB Mick Wong (2009), OL/DL Michael Dulac (2013), QB/S Tyler Hamilton (2018)

Notable coaches: Mike Stone (1986-2013), Matt Trombly (2014-present)

Bottom Line: Vermont — Hartford High School

Former coach Mike Stone built a dynasty coming from one of the smaller schools in Vermont’s Division I, including back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2011 and 2012.

Stone won a state title in his first season in 1986, then won four straight from 1990 to 1993.

Hartford has been home to five Gatorade Player of the Year winners, including three in the last decade.

49. Wyoming — Sheridan High School

City: Sheridan

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 114-20 (.850 winning percentage)

State championships: 27 (1921, 1922, 1923, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1946, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1958, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)

Stars: Wyoming — Sheridan High School

Notable players (graduation year): RB Homer Scott (1952), QB Blake Phillips (1992), QB/S Jeff Martini (2000), QB/LB Austin Woodward (2010), WR/DB Coy Steel (2017)

Notable coaches: Bruce Keith (1978-93), Don Julian (2007-2017), Jeff Mowry (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Wyoming — Sheridan High School

One historical piece of context for Sheridan High’s amazing football program — they like to pick up state titles in bunches.

Of Sheridan’s 26 state titles, 16 have come in a streak of two, three or four consecutive titles. And they won five in the 2010s.

One player in the history of Sheridan has made it to the NFL — 5-foot-6, 148-pound tailback/defensive back Willis "Wee Willie" Smith played nine games for the New York Giants in 1934.

48. Massachusetts — Everett High School

City: Sheridan

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 110-21 (.839 winning percentage)

State championships: 28 (1896, 1897, 1903, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1927, 1940, 1945, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)

Stars: Massachusetts — Everett High School

Notable players: RB/K Charlie Brickley (1909), RB Bobby Leo (1963), OL/LB Dan Hughes (1966), TE Dan Ross (1975), WR/DB Mike Sainristil (2019)

Notable coaches: Dennis Gildea (1926-1963), John DiBiaso (1991-2016), Theluxon Pierre (2019-present)

Bottom Line: Massachusetts — Everett High School

Everett High dominated early on, as in early on after football was invented, winning nine state titles by 1915.

Everett won four state titles in the 1960s, then experienced a 32-year drought before winning another state title in 1997.

That recent success kicked off a run of 13 titles in 20 seasons, with all of those coming under legendary head coach John DiBiaso.

47. Montana — Butte High School

City: Butte

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 53-66 (.445 winning percentage)

State championships: 26 (1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1907, 1908, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1916, 1924, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1941, 1967, 1968, 1977, 1981, 1991, 2012)

Stars: Montana — Butte High School

Notable players: RB Milt Popovich (1934), OL Sonny Holland (1956), DT Pat Ogrin (1976), DB Colt Anderson (2004), Dallas Cook (2014)

Notable coaches: Harry "Swede" Gahlberg (1922-1955). Arie Gray (2008-present)

Bottom Line: Montana — Butte High

Butte won its first state title in 1900 and its last in 2012, and of its 26 state titles, the biggest gap between championships was 1941 to 1967.

Butte still has the most state titles in Montana history but hasn’t won back-to-back titles since 1967 to 1968.

The rivalry between Butte and Butte Central was the subject of a 1989 book, "Butte’s Big Game," by Patrick Kearney.

46. New Hampshire — Plymouth High School

City: Plymouth

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 101-19 (.841 winning percentage)

State championships: 24 (1951, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Stars: New Hampshire — Plymouth High School

Notable players: P/K Jeff Beckley (1988), QB/DB Michael Boyle (2004), RB/DB Garrett Macomber (2016)

Notable coaches: Chuck Lenahan (1971-2013), Christopher Sanborn (2014-present)

Bottom Line: New Hampshire — Plymouth High School

The argument for the greatest high school football coach in New Hampshire history begins and ends with legendary Plymouth High head coach Chuck Lenahan.

Hired in 1971, he didn’t win a game in his first season but went on to win 19 state championships in 39 years, including 13 unbeaten seasons and two separate win streaks of 47 and 46 games.

45. New York — Dobbs Ferry High School

City: Dobbs Ferry

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 69-30 (.696 winning percentage)

State championships: 10 (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2011)

Stars: New York — Dobbs Ferry High School

Notable players: RB Richard Burke (2004), WR Kadeem Scott (2007)

Notable coaches: Frank Violante (1974-2004), James Moran (2011-18), Joe Cox (2019-present)

Bottom Line: New York — Dobbs Ferry High School

Dobbs Ferry won four straight titles before New York began using a playoff system to determine its state champion in 1988, but the school has won six titles since then.

The team was also a co-op with local community Hastings until 2000, and they’ve won four titles since then.

Eight of the titles were won by head coach Frank Violante, who is among New York’s career wins leaders.

44. Iowa — Harlan High School

City: Harlan

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 92-31 (.747 winning percentage)

State championships: 12 (1972, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009)

Stars: Iowa — Harlan High School

Notable players: LB Perry Sibenaller (1984), TE Michael Burger (1994), K Billy Cundiff (1998), OL Todd Bladt (1999), TE Greg Applegate (2005)

Notable coaches: Curt Bladt (1978-2018), Todd Bladt (2019-present)

Bottom Line: Iowa — Harlan High School

Longtime Harlan High head coach Curt Bladt has won 11 of the school’s record 12 state titles.

Bladt was an assistant coach at Harlan for 10 seasons before he became the head coach in 1978 and is one of the winningest coaches in the nation.

NFL All-Pro kicker Billy Cundiff was the quarterback on the 1997 state championship team and the only Harlan product to make an NFL roster.

43. Rhode Island — Bishop Hendricken High School

City: Warwick

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 113-13 (.896 winning percentage)

State championships: 11 (1968, 1981, 1982, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019)

Stars: Rhode Island — Bishop Hendricken High School

Notable players: DT Steve Furness (1969), DB Will Blackmon (2002), TE Matt Sherry (2003), DE Kwity Page (2017), OL Xavier Tress (2019)

Notable coaches: Ron Mosca (1990-2006), Keith Croft (2007-present)

Bottom Line: Rhode Island — Bishop Hendricken High School

Bishop Hendricken has found a way to consistently churn out NFL talent for decades, including four-time Super Bowl champ Steve Furness, a member of Pittsburgh’s famed "Steel Curtain" defense, and Will Blackmon, who won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2011.

Legendary coach Ron Mosca spent 12 years as an assistant coach at Hendricken before he was promoted in 1990, then won three state titles.

In 2019, Bishop Hendricken went 10-0 and won its first state title since 2014.

42. South Dakota — Washington High School

City: Sioux Falls

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 104-26 (.800 winning percentage)

State championships: 42 (1905, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1917, 1918, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1941, 1945, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1976, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Stars: South Dakota — Washington High School

Notable players: RB Scott Boyens (1986), WR JaRon Harris (2004), LB Nate Gerry (2013), OT Matt Farniok (2016), LB Seth Benson (2018)

Notable coaches: Howard Wood (1910-45), Brian Hermanson (2005-12), Chad Stadem (2013-present)

Bottom Line: South Dakota — Washington High School

Washington High School’s 42 football state championships are the most of any school in the United States, with the first 14 under head coach Howard Wood.

Included in Washington’s run was an unbelievable streak of 14 straight state titles from 1952 to 1965, which is also a national record.

Washington’s record title haul includes a 33-year stretch from 1976 to 2009 without any championships.

41. Connecticut — New Canaan High School

City: New Canaan

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 118-20 (.855 winning percentage)

State championships: 22 (1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1960, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1982, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

Stars: Connecticut — New Canaan High School

Notable players: WR Peter Demmerle (1972), TE/DE Jason Cooper (1984), RB Chris Silvestri (1994), DE Zach Allen (2015), OL Lucas Niang (2016)

Notable coaches: Joe Sikorski (1949-69), Robert Lynch (1970-1975), Lou Marinelli (1981-present)

Bottom Line: Connecticut — New Canaan High School

Current New Canaan High head coach Lou Marinelli is in his 39th season and has won 12 state titles. He’s also the career leader for wins amongst Connecticut coaches.

For as good as things have been for New Canaan, the school experienced a new first in 2019 when Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen became the first player in New Canaan history to make an NFL roster.

40. New Mexico — Artesia High School

City: Artesia

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 93-45 (.673 winning percentage)

State championships: 30 (1957, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017)

Stars: New Mexico — Artesia High School

Notable players: RB Michael McPherson (1988), DB JD Champion (1995), QB Paul Maupin (1997), QB Landry Jones (2008)

Notable coaches: L.G. Henderson (1964-69), Mike Phipps (1974-83), Cooper Henderson (1989-2015), Rex Henderson (2016-present)

Bottom Line: New Mexico - Artesia High School

Current Artesia High head coach Rex Henderson is the third member of his family to coach the Bulldogs, following his uncle, Cooper Henderson, and his grandfather, L.G. Henderson.

All three Hendersons have won state titles for Artesia. L.G. won five in six seasons, Cooper won 14 in 27 seasons and Rex, who took over in 2016, won a state title in 2017 after winning eight state titles as an assistant coach.

39. Delaware — Newark High School

City: Newark

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 45-70-1 (.387 winning percentage)

State championships: 10 (1976, 1984, 1985, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004)

Stars: Delaware — Newark High School

Notable players: OL Conway Hayman (1967), WR Gary Hayman (1969), WR Rich Parson (1999), OL Kwame Harris (2000), DT Orien Harris (2001)

Notable coaches: Butch Simpson (1977-2015), Jody Russell (2019-present)

Bottom Line: Delaware — Newark High School

Newark High hasn’t won a state championship since 2004 and hasn’t reached the state championship game since 2011, yet still holds the state record for most state titles.

Former coach Butch Simpson coached Newark for 39 years and won nine state titles, including five straight from 1997 to 2001.

The 1998 state title team featured three future NFL players — Rich Parson, Kwame Harris and Orien Harris.

38. Colorado — Cherry Creek High School

City: Greenwood Village

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 98-37 (.725 winning percentage)

State championships: 9 (1982, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2014)

Stars: Colorado — Cherry Creek High School

Notable players: DB Scott Burk (1974), TE Jon Embree (1983), OT Tom Ashworth (1996), LB Sean Tufts (2000), OT Tyler Polumbus (2003)

Notable coaches: Fred Tesone (1962-80, 1982-89), Mike Woolford (1990-99), Dave Logan (2012-present)

Bottom Line: Colorado — Cherry Creek High School

Cherry Creek High holds this spot with a fairly tenuous grasp. Valor Christian, which produced NFL star Christian McCaffrey, is hot on Cherry Creek’s heels with eight state titles.

Cherry Creek won its first three state titles in coach Fred Tesone’s second stint before he gave way to Mike Woolford, who won five state titles in 10 years, including three straight from 1994 to 1996.

37. Alaska — Robert Service High School

City: Anchorage

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 67-41-1 (.614 winning percentage)

State championships: 6 (1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2011)

Stars: Alaska — Robert Service High School

Notable players: OL Mark Schlereth (1984), RB Mike Connaker (1994), LB Nik Healy (1996), FB Brandon Drumm (1997), DB Leo Aukusitino (2008), QB Amu Aukusitino (2011)

Notable coaches: Byron Wilson (1993-99), Jason Caldarera (2000-11, 2016-17), Khalil Bolling 2017-present)

Bottom Line: Alaska — Robert Service High School

Alaska high school football starts and finishes its season one month earlier than the rest of the nation and didn’t get an official state championship game until 1990.

Since then, the Cougars have played for the title 10 times and won six. They’ve also produced two NFL Draft picks — two-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth and former University of Colorado standout Brandon Drumm.

In just seven seasons, former head coach Byron Wilson won four state titles, including three straight from 1997 to 1999.

36. North Dakota — Bismarck High School

City: Bismarck

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 109-22 (.832 winning percentage)

State championships: 13 (1928, 1929, 1943, 1949, 1962, 1984, 1985, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018)

Stars: North Dakota — Bismarck High School

Notable players: QB Steve Feeney (1986), OL Greg Eslinger (2001), ATH Weston Dressler (2003), RB Layne Johs (2013), QB Will Madler (2019)

Notable coaches: Bob Feeney (1973-98), Mark Gibson (1998-present)

Bottom Line: North Dakota — Bismarck High School

Consistency has been key for Bismarck High, with just two coaches since 1973.

Current coach Mark Gibson has led Bismarck since 1998, and he’s won six of the school’s 13 state titles in that time. Bismarck has won back-to-back titles four times but never won three straight titles.

The school’s greatest player is former NFL offensive lineman Greg Eslinger, a four-year starter for the University of Minnesota, three-time All-American and 2005 Outland Trophy winner.

35. Utah — Skyline High School

City: Mill Creek

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 60-63 (.487 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1967, 1969, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005)

Stars: Utah — Skyline High School

Notable players: OL/DL Steve Clark (1979), QB Brandon Doman (1995), OL Tony Bergstrom (2005), DT Tenny Palepoi (2009), RB Algie Brown (2010)

Notable coaches: Ken Schmidt (1967-79), Roger Dupaix (1986-2011), Mike Carlson (2019-present)

Bottom Line: Utah — Skyline High School

Skyline High leads all Utah schools with 14 state titles and has played in the state championship game 20 times, including four straight losses in the title game from 2000 to 2003.

The school's stadium is named after legendary coach Roger Dupaix, the all-time winningest coach in Utah history.

Skyline’s top recruits usually end up going to in-state power BUY, including former NFL quarterback Brandon Doman, who went on to become BYU’s offensive coordinator.

34. Idaho — Highland High School

City: Pocatello

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 96-29 (.768 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1972, 1973, 1976, 1984, 1987, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2008, 2014, 2017)

Stars: Idaho — Highland High School

Notable players: QB Dirk Koetter (1977), QB Steve Kragthorpe (1983), RB Merril Hoge (1983), RB Bryan Johnson (1996), QB Taysom Hill (2009)

Notable coaches: Dirk Koetter (1983-84), Randy Rehrer (1985-94), Brent Koetter (1995-2000), Gino Mariani (2001-present)

Bottom Line: Idaho — Highland High School

Highland High School has been producing elite players for over 40 years.

It’s an NFL legacy that goes all the way back to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Merril Hoge and continues today with New Orleans Saints quarterback/playmaker Taysom Hill.

Highland also has an elite coaching legacy. Future NFL and FBS head coach Dirk Koetter played and coached there, and future FBS head coach Steve Kragthorpe played there as well.

33. Oregon — Jesuit High School

City: Portland

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 119-25 (.826 winning percentage)

State championships: 6 (1967, 1968, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2015)

Stars: Oregon — Jesuit High School

Notable players: OL Pete Brock (1973), QB Preston Parsons (1997), WR Mike Hass (2001), RB Owen Marecic (2006), DB Xavier Coleman (2013)

Notable coaches: John Allen (1959-78), Ken Potter (1986-present)

Bottom Line: Oregon — Jesuit High School

It would be tough to match the consistency in Jesuit High football’s coaching ranks. They’ve had the same two coaches for 53 of the last 60 years.

The 2006 team that went 13-0 is considered one of the greatest in state history.

Another interesting fact about Jesuit? They have perhaps the most lucrative apparel contract of any high school in the nation — Nike outfits them at no charge to the school.

32. Minnesota — Eden Prairie High School

City: Eden Prairie

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 122-14 (.897 winning percentage)

State championships: 11 (1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017)

Stars: Minnesota — Eden Prairie High School

Notable players: LB Jay Foreman (1994), OL Carter Bykowski (2008), LB Ryan Connelly (2013), LB Blake Cashman (2014), RB JD Spielman (2016)

Notable coaches: Mike Grant (1992-present)

Bottom Line: Minnesota — Eden Prairie High School

Eden Prairie’s dynasty has been built under the guidance of Mike Grant, the son of legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant.

The younger Grant won back-to-back titles twice (1996-97 and 2006-07), then reeled off four straight state titles from 2011 to 2014.

That stretch was brutal for opposing offenses with a pair of future NFL linebackers, Blake Cashman and Ryan Connelly, on the opposite side.

31. Wisconsin — Arrowhead High School

City: Hartland

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 102-33 (.755 winning percentage)

State championships: 6 (1993, 1994, 1996, 2007, 2012, 2013)

Stars: Wisconsin — Arrowhead High School

Notable players: DE Jim Herrmann (1981), LB John Kaiser (1981), TE/LS Mike Sowold (1996), DT Nick Hayden (2003), OL Ben Bredesen (2016)

Notable coaches: Tom Taraska (1983-2010), Greg Malling (2011-15), Fritz Rauch (2016-present)

Bottom Line: Wisconsin — Arrowhead High School

Legendary head coach Tom Taraska guided Arrowhead High to the state championship game nine times in 29 seasons, winning four state titles.

To the surprise of no one, Arrowhead’s stable of future NFL players is mainly made up of offensive and defensive lineman — and the latest might be the greatest.

University of Michigan junior offensive guard Ben Bredeson is in his third year as a starter and is already a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

30. Kansas — Smith Center High School

City: Smith Center

Type of school: Public

Record since 2010: 102-25 (.803 winning percentage)

State championships: 10 (1982, 1986, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2017. 2018)

Stars: Kansas — Smith Center High School

Notable players: RB Mike Rogers (1983), RB Jeff Simoneau (1988), LB Mark Simoneau (1995), RB Braden Wilson (2008), DL Dalton Kuhn (2018)

Notable coaches: Roger Barta (1978-2012), Darren Sasse (2013-present)

Bottom Line: Kansas — Smith Center High School

The epic story of the Smith Center High School football program was chronicled in the book, "Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains" by Joe Drape, which ended up on The New York Times bestseller list.

The street where high school stands today is Roger Barta Way, named after its famous head coach, who was named national coach of the year in 2007.

Smith Center’s 79-game win streak from 2004 to 2009 is one of the longest in national history.

29. West Virginia — Wheeling Central Catholic High School

City: Wheeling

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 96-35 (.732 winning percentage)

State championships: 16 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1979, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2018)

Stars: West Virginia — Wheeling Central Catholic High School

Notable players: RB Bill Gompers (1946), RB/DB Eric McGhee (1990), LB Andy Murray (2020)

Notable coaches: Andy Urbanic (1964-67), Jim Thomas (1971-80, 1987-2004), Mike Young (2005-present)

Bottom Line: West Virginia — Wheeling Central Catholic High School

Wheeling Central Catholic High is one state title away from tying Parkersburg High atop the state’s all-time list with 17, although Parkersburg won its first eight state titles by either "popular acclaim" or a vote of the state’s sportswriters.

In 2018, junior linebacker Andy Murray became the first two-time winner of the Huff Award as the state’s top defensive player.

Current coach Mike Young has won seven state titles since taking over in 2005.

28. Nebraska — Creighton Preparatory School

City: Omaha

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 79-41 (.658 winning percentage)

State championships: 27 (1932, 1933, 1934, 1939, 1940, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1999, 2004)

Stars: Nebraska — Creighton Preparatory School

Notable players: OL Gene Williams (1987), DL Junior Bryant (1989), DT Titus Adams (2001), TE Zach Potter (2005)

Notable coaches: Don Leahy (1952-72), Tom Jaworski (1972-2010)

Bottom Line: Nebraska — Creighton Preparatory School

Legendary Creighton Prep head coach Tom Jaworski didn’t have a losing record in 39 seasons.

Jaworski won nine state titles in that time, all while pumping out a steady stream of NFL players and retiring as the winningest coach in Nebraska history.

Creighton Prep hasn’t won a state title since 2004. In 2014, just hours after winning in the state semifinals, head coach Chris Nizzi was arrested for striking a 17-year-old girl and fired the next day.

27. Arkansas — Little Rock Central High School

City: Little Rock

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 40-68-1 (.366 winning percentage)

State championships: 32 (1907, 1908, 1909, 1914, 1915, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1938, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1975, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1986, 2003, 2004)

Stars: Arkansas — Little Rock Central High School

Notable players: RB John Hoffman (1945), DT Fred Williams (1947), WR Khalil Carter (1994), WR Reggie Swinton (1994), TE Charles Clay (2007)

Notable coaches: Earl Quigley (1914-35), Wilson Matthews (1947-57), Bernie Cox (1975-2012) , Kent Laster (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Arkansas — Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock Central’s 1957 team won its sixth straight state title, went on to win the first of two national championships and is considered perhaps the greatest high school football team in Arkansas history.

Central’s 32 state titles are the most in Arkansas history by a long shot. Even with all that, Central’s greatest athlete of all time isn’t even a football player.

That honor belongs to Hall of Fame third baseman and 18-time MLB All-Star Brooks Robinson.

26. North Carolina — Reidsville High School

City: Reidsville

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 141-23 (.859 winning percentage)

State championships: 21 (1930, 1931, 1932, 1937, 1939, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1950, 1954, 1963, 1969, 1970, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2019)

Stars: North Carolina — Reidsville High School

Notable players: DE Jim Duncan (1943), QB Nick Sacrinty (1944), WR Na Brown (1995), WR Jerome Simpson (2004)

Notable coaches: Doug Robertson (2009-11), Jimmy Teague (1991-2008, 2012-present)

Bottom Line: North Carolina — Reidsville High School

Reidsville High head coach Jimmy Teague is on his second stint at Reidsville. After winning four state titles in his first run, he’s already won another one in his second stint.

Teague put together a 55-game winning streak from 2007 to 2009 and has produced two NFL players in his time there — electric wide receivers Na Brown and Jerome Simpson.

Reidsville’s 19 state titles are a North Carolina record.

25. Missouri — Webb City High School

City: Webb City

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 152-9 (.944 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1989, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016)

Stars: Missouri — Webb City High School

Notable players: OL Hugh Sprinkle (1914), DE Grant Wistrom (1994), QB Collin Howard (2007), QB John Roderique (2013)

Notable coaches: Jerry Kill (1988-90), Kurt Thompson (1990-96), John Roderique (1997-present)

Bottom Line: Missouri — Webb City High School

Bottom line: Webb City High’s head coach the last 23 years, John Roderique, has won 10 of the school’s 14 state titles.

Roderique starred at linebacker for Webb City in the early 1980s, then played college football at NCAA Division II power Pittsburg State for future University of Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill, who led Webb City to a state title as head coach in 1989.

Roderique’s son, John, quarterbacked Webb City to state titles in 2011 and 2012.

24. Virginia — Hampton High School

City: Hampton

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 98-37 (.725 winning percentage)

State championships: 17 (1936, 1942, 1948, 1950, 1969, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005)

Stars: Virginia — Hampton High School

Notable players: LB Chris Hanburger (1960), OL Dwight Stephenson (1975), K Michael Husted (1989), QB/WR Ronald Curry (1998), QB Tyrod Taylor (2007)

Notable coaches: Mike Smith (1964-present)

Bottom Line: Virginia — Hampton High School

Longtime Hampton High coach Mike Smith is No. 3 on the career wins charts in U.S. history, and the Crabbers are one of the winningest programs in the nation.

To put that in perspective, Smith is on his 10th presidency as coach, starting with the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.

Quarterback Ronald Curry’s college recruitment in the late 1990s was as heated as they come. The two-sport star was committed to in-state Virginia before flipping to North Carolina at the last second.

23. Michigan — Detroit Catholic Central High School

City: Novi

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 101-36 (.737 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1936, 1937, 1939. 1942, 1979, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009)

Stars: Detroit Catholic Central High School

Notable players: OL/DL Vince Banonis (1938), DT Mark Messner (1984), OL Doug Brzezinski (1994), DE Mike Martin (2008)

Notable coaches: Tom Mach (1976-2016), Daniel Anderson (2017-present)

Bottom Line: Michigan — Detroit Catholic High School

Michigan was one of the tougher states to pick, with almost a half-dozen teams making a good case for being the state’s all-time greatest football program.

Catholic Central High gets the nod for winning 10 state championships in the playoff era (all under legendary coach Tom Mach) and making it to the title game six more times in that span.

22. New Jersey — Montclair High School

City: Montclair

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 92-35 (.671 winning percentage)

State championships: 26 (1941, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1983, 1994, 1996, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017)

Stars: New Jersey — Montclair High School

Notable players: RB Aubrey Lewis (1954), QB Ron Burton (1965), WR David Tyree (1999), LB Allen Bowen (2004), DE Josh Allen (2015)

Notable coaches: Clary Anderson (1946-68), Butch Fortunato (1969-83), John Fiore (2010-present)

Bottom Line: New Jersey — Montclair High School

Montclair High has the most state titles in New Jersey history and has been producing NFL players since the 1950s.

Montclair’s amazing tradition started in the 1940s, with seven titles in that decade.

The unbeaten 1946 team featured a future American hero as its starting center — astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who became the second human being to ever step foot on the moon in 1969.

21. Mississippi — South Panola High School

City: Batesville

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 125-28 (.816 winning percentage)

State championships: 11 (1993, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014)

Stars: Mississippi — South Panola High School

Notable players: LB Dwyane Rudd (1994), DB Deshea Townsend (1994), DT Peria Jerry (2004), S Antonio Conner (2013)

Notable coaches: Willis Wright (1991-2001), Lance Pogue (2007-16), Ricky Woods (2002-06, 2017-present)

Bottom Line: Mississippi — Panola High School

How good is the talent being funneled into South Panola High? Three different coaches have won state titles.

Even though South Panola won a national title in 2010, it would be hard to take top billing away from the 1993 team as the greatest in school history.

That squad, coached by Willis Wright, went 15-0 for the first state title in school history behind future NFL players Dwyane Rudd and Deshea Townsend.

20. Louisiana — John Curtis Christan High School

City: River Ridge

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 130-15 (.896 winning percentage)

State championships: 25 (1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012)

Stars: Louisiana — John Curtis Christan High School

Notable players: RB Reggie Dupard (1982), LB Mike Stonebreaker (1986), RB Chris Howard (1994), RB Jonathan Wells (1998), RB Joe McKnight (2007), LB Duke Riley (2013)

Notable coaches: J.T. Curtis (1969-present)

Bottom Line: Louisiana — John Curtis Christian High School

Only one coach in John Curtis Christian High School history has won a state championship, and he’s got all 25 of them.

J.T. Curtis, the son of the school’s founder, entered his 51st season in 2019. He would have 26, but the 2013 title was stripped after John Curtis used an ineligible player.

Perhaps the greatest player in school history was the late Joe McKnight, a running back who led John Curtis to three consecutive state titles from 2004 to 2006.

19. Kentucky — Louisville Trinity High School

City: Louisville

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 124-29 (.800 winning percentage)

State championships: 25 (1968, 1972, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017)

Stars: Kentucky — Louisville Trinity High School

Notable players: RB/DB Keith Calvin (1973), QB Jeff Brohm (1989), QB Brian Brohm (2003), WR James Quick (2012). WR Rondale Moore (2018)

Notable coaches: Dave Moore (1973-1977), Dennis Lampley (1985-2000), Bob Beatty (2001-present)

Bottom Line: Kentucky — Louisville Trinity High School

Longtime Trinity High School coach Bob Beatty was named the USA Today Coach of the Year in 2011 and has won 13 state titles in 18 seasons through 2018.

The Shamrocks' 50-game win streak from 1988 to 1991 is the longest in Kentucky history.

Since Louisville Trinity won its first state championship in 1967, not a decade has gone by without adding another state title to the total with the longest gap being seven seasons.

18. Pennsylvania — Central Catholic High School

City: Pittsburgh

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 122-23 (.841 winning percentage)

State championships: 4 (1988, 2004, 2007, 2015)

Stars: Pennsylvania — Central Catholic High School

Notable players: LB Sal Sunseri (1978), QB Dan Marino (1979), QB Marc Bulger (1997)

Notable coaches: Terry Totten (2004-present)

Bottom Line: Pennsylvania — Central Catholic High School

For all of its football traditions, Pennsylvania didn’t move to a true playoff system until 1988.

So true state championships before then are hard to quantify. They either came from a general consensus, vote or rating system.

But trying to take the mantle of Central Catholic High’s greatest player might be an impossible task — Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino is a 1979 grad.

17. Arizona — Saguaro High School

City: Chaparral

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 132-18 (.888 winning percentage)

State championships: 12 (1995, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Stars: Arizona — Saguaro High School

Notable players: OL Dale Hellestrae (1980), S Mike Brown (1996), RB DJ Foster (2011), WR Christian Kirk (2015), CB Byron Murphy (2016)

Notable coaches: John Sanders (2007-11), Jason Mohns (2011-present)

Bottom Line: Arizona — Saguaro High School

Saguaro won its sixth straight state championship in 2018, and that title might have been its most remarkable.

The team won everything after its best player and the nation’s No. 1 defensive back, Kelee Ringo, was kicked off the team midseason.

Still, despite all of its recent glory, Saguaro won its first state title on the back of its greatest player of all time and one of the greatest college safeties ever — future NFL All-Pro Mike Brown.

16. Indiana — Cathedral High School

City: Indianapolis

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 105-48 (.682 winning percentage)

State championships: 13 (1931, 1986, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)

Stars: Indiana — Cathedral High School

Notable players: WR Mark Clayton (1979), S Blaine Bishop (1988), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (2001), RB Otis Shannon (2001), OL Ted Karras (2012)

Notable coaches: Joe Dienhart (1929-37), Rick Streiff (1989-2017), William Peebles (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Indiana — Cathedral High School

Cathedral High trails Bishop Chatard in state titles by one, but Cathedral’s success has consistently come in larger divisions.

Under former head coach Rick Streiff, the Fighting Irish won four state titles in the decade, but the 2006 state title kicked off a run of dominance unrivaled in state history.

Cathedral won seven state titles from 2006 to 2016, including five straight from 2010 to 2014.

15. Illinois — Joliet Catholic High School

City: Joliet

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 92-42 (.686 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1987, 1990, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2018)

Stars: Illinois — Joliet Catholic High School

Notable players: DL Rudy Ruettiger (1967), OL Tom Thayer (1979), RB Mike Alstott (1992), TE Coby Fleener (2007), RB Josh Ferguson (2011)

Notable coaches: Gordon Gillespie (1959-85), Dan Sharp (1997-2016), Jake Jaworski (2017-20)

Bottom Line: Illinois — Joliet Catholic High School

Joliet Catholic High owns the Illinois record with 14 state titles, but none were more surprising than the 2018 championship, which came after four regular-season losses.

For a program that has produced multiple Super Bowl winners, the most well-known football player of all time from Joliet Catholic barely stepped foot on the field in college.

That would be Daniel Eugene "Rudy" Ruettiger, the Notre Dame walk-on whose life story inspired the 1993 movie "Rudy" starring Sean Astin.

14. South Carolina — James F. Byrnes High School

City: Duncan

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 118-32 (.786 winning percentage)

State championships: 11 (1976, 1982, 1986, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011)

Stars: South Carolina — James F. Byrnes High School

Notable players: QB Trey Elder (2004), DT Everett Dawkins (2008), RB Marcus Lattimore (2010), CB Prince Miller (2006)

Notable coaches: Bo Corne (1977-86), Bobby Bentley (1995-2006, 2013), Chris Miller (2007-12), Reggie Shaw (2017-present)

Bottom Line: South Carolina — James F. Byrnes High School

Byrnes High was open for 20 years before it won its first state championship in 1976 — the first of three over the next decade.

After a 16-year wait for its next title, Byrnes won eight state championships from 2002 to 2011. The first four came under Bobby Bentley and the last four under Chris Miller, who only coached from 2007 to 2012.

In 2009, Byrnes opened the season as the No. 1 team in the nation.

13. District of Columbia — H.D. Woodson High School

City: Washington D.C.

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 96-43 (.690 winning percentage)

DCIAA championships: 15 (1975, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2002, 2008, 2009. 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018)

Stars: District of Columbia — H.D. Woodson High School

Notable players: OL Orlando Brown (1989), DL Austin Robbins (1990), QB Byron Leftwich (1998), DB Dominique Harris (2005), S Tavon Wilson (2008)

Notable coaches: Bob Headen (1972-99), Greg Fuller (2001-2012, 2016-present)

Bottom Line: District of Columbia — H.D. Woodson High School

State championships really don’t apply to D.C. schools because of their location, but the football being played there can match up to anywhere in the country. And H.D. Woodson does it the best.

Legendary coach and athletic director Bob Headen led the team for 28 years, mentoring such future NFL players as Orlando Brown and Byron Leftwich, the former Marshall quarterback and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator who likely will be an NFL head coach soon.

12. Tennessee — Brentwood Academy

City: Brentwood

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 107-29 (.786 winning percentage)

State championships: 14 (1974, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Stars: Tennessee — Brentwood Academy

Notable players: QB Kent Austin (1982), OL Scott Wells (1999), OL King Dunlap (2003), DB Jalen Ramsey (2013), DE Derek Barnett (2014)

Notable coaches: Carlton Flatt (1971-98, 2002-06), Cody White (2012-present)

Bottom Line: Tennessee — Brentwood Academy

Brentwood Academy turned itself into a football powerhouse over the years, pumping out a steady stream of NFL talent, including recent first-round draft picks Derek Barnett and Jalen Ramsey.

Brentwood players also seem to be at their best in the biggest game. Center Scott Wells dominated up front for the Packers in a 2011 Super Bowl win, and defensive end Derek Barnett recovered the fumble to seal the Eagles' Super Bowl win over the Patriots in 2018.

11. Washington — Bellevue High School

City: Bellevue

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 129-12 (.914 winning percentage)

State championships: 12 (1983, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

Stars: Washington — Bellevue High School

Notable players: DB Bill Cahill (1969), OL Stephen Schilling (2006), OL David DeCastro (2008), LB Myles Jack (2013)

Notable coaches: Dwaine Hatch (1977-94), Butch Goncharoff (2001-16), Michael Kneip (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Washington — Bellevue High School

Bellevue High famously ended De La Salle (California) High’s 151-game win streak in 2004.

In 16 seasons, former head coach Butch Goncharoff won 11 state titles but was forced to step down in shame in 2017, when Bellevue was stripped of state titles in 2012 and 2013 and given an unprecedented, four-year postseason ban for rules violations mainly centered around recruiting and violating transfer policies.

The 2004 and 2005 teams featured two future NFL offensive linemen in four-time Pro Bowler David DeCastro and Stephen Schilling.

10. Hawaii — St. Louis School

City: Honolulu

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 93-25 (.726 winning percentage)

State championships: 20 (1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019)

Stars: Hawaii — St. Louis School

Notable players: OL Olin Kreutz (1995), OL Dominic Raiola (1996), QB Timmy Chang (2000), QB Marcus Mariota (2011), QB Tua Tagovailoa (2016)

Notable coaches: Cal Lee (1982-2001, 2014-present)

Bottom Line Hawaii — St. Louis School

The most dominant program in Hawaii high school football history, St. Louis School already has a Heisman Trophy winner with University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and will certainly have another first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft with University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The 1995 state championship team featured a pair of future NFL offensive linemen, Olin Kreutz and Dominic Raiola, blocking for a future NFL running back, Chris Faumatu-Ma’afala.

9. Alabama — Hoover High School

City: Hoover

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 139-23 (.858 winning percentage)

State championships: 13 (1977, 1982, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)

Stars: Alabama — Hoover High School

Notable players: LB Mike Kolen (1966), QB Stan White (1990), WR Chad Jackson (2003), QB John Parker Wilson (2004), CB Marlon Humphrey (2014)

Notable coaches: Bob Finley (1968-93), Rush Propst (1999-2007), Josh Niblett (2009-17, 2019-present)

Bottom Line: Alabama — Hoover High School

The old Berry High became Hoover High in 1994, winning two state titles under coach Bob Finley before the switch.

Finley tragically died in the summer before Hoover opened. The school gained national attention in the early 2000s with an MTV reality show, "Two-A-Day," and won five state titles in nine seasons under Rich Propst.

The team has won six state titles under current coach Josh Niblett.

8. Maryland — DeMatha Catholic High School

City: Hyattsville

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 99-39 (.717 winning percentage)

WCAC championships: 24 (1966, 1967, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2014, 2015 2016)

Stars: Maryland — DeMatha Catholic High School

Notable players: LB Mike Johnson (1980), DB JB Brown (1985) RB Brian Westbrook (1997), DE Cameron Wake (2000), DE Chase Young (2017)

Notable coaches: Elijah Brooks (2012-18), BIll McGregor (1971-2011, 2019-present)

Bottom Line: Maryland — DeMatha Catholic High School

DeMatha Catholic High is located in Maryland, but it doesn’t compete for Maryland state championships, though its players are eligible for postseason awards. And the state’s Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year lists are littered with DeMatha standouts.

What DeMatha does compete for is the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship, which it has won a record 24 times.

Former DeMatha star and current Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

7. Oklahoma — Jenks High School

City: Jenks

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 121-24 (.834 winning percentage)

State championships: 16 (1979, 1982, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Stars: Oklahoma — Jenks High School

Notable players: LB Rocky Calmus (1998), OL Sean Mahan (1998), TE Garrett Mills (2003), LB Phillip Dillard (2004), OL Chase Beeler (2006)

Notable coaches: R. Perry Beaver (1977-91), Allan Trimble (1996-2017), Keith Riggs (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Oklahoma — Jenks High School

Former head coach Allan Trimble is considered the greatest high school football coach in state history.

Jenks High plays its home games at 10,000-seat Allan Trimble Stadium, and the school itself sits on Allan Trimble Way.

Trimble spent six seasons as an assistant coach before taking over in 1996 and winning six state titles in his first six seasons.

6. Georgia — Valdosta High School

City: Valdosta

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 92-39 (.702 winning percentage)

State championships: 24 (1940, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2016)

Stars: Georgia — Valdosta High School

Notable players: RB Henry Bell (1954), WR Dana Brinson (1983), LB Dexter Daniels (1991), QB Dusty Bonner (1997), DB Willie Gary (1997)

Notable coaches: Wright Bazemore (1946-71), Nick Hyder (1981-95), Adam Rodemaker (2016-present)

Bottom Line: Georgia — Valdosta High School

Six of Valdosta High’s state championship teams also have earned national titles — in 1962, 1969, 1971, 1984, 1988 and 1992 — and the school claims to be the winningest high school football program in U.S. history.

Valdosta famously won ESPN’s "Titletown USA" contest in 2008 as the city in the U.S. that had the best relationship with its title-winning team.

5. Ohio — Saint Ignatius High School

City: Cleveland

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 96-37 (.721 winning percentage)

State championships: 11 (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2011)

Stars: Ohio — Saint Ignatius High School

Notable players: QB Brian Dowling (1965), QB Oliver Luck (1976), DT Chris Hovan (1996), OL LeCharles Bentley (1998), QB Brian Hoyer (2004)

Notable coaches: Chuck Kyle (1983-present)

Bottom Line: Ohio — Saint Ignatius High School

Saint Ignatius High School grad Chuck Kyle has been the team’s head football coach for all 11 of its state titles, which is still 13 behind Ohio leader Massillon High.

The rub is that Massillon hasn’t won a state title since 1972 — the first year that Ohio went to a playoff instead of a vote for the state champion.

Saint Ignatius has won all of its titles in the playoff era.

4. Nevada — Bishop Gorman High School

City: Las Vegas

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 151-12 (.926 winning percentage)

State championships: 19 (1970, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Stars: Nevada — Bishop Gorman High School

Notable players: RB Blake Ezor (1986), OL Grey Ruegamer (1995), LB Ryan Reynolds (2005), RB Demarco Murray (2006), QB Tate Martell (2017)

Notable coaches: Chuck Gerber (1980-87), Tony Sanchez (2009-14), Kenny Sanchez (2015-present)

Bottom Line: Nevada — Bishop Gorman High School

Bishop Gorman High was a state power first, then a national power later.

The Gaels won three straight national titles from 2014 to 2016 under brothers Tony Sanchez and Kenny Sanchez, with Tony Sanchez leaving after the 2014 season to become the head coach at UNLV.

For the 2019 season, 32 former Bishop Gorman players were on FBS rosters.

3. Florida — St. Thomas Aquinas High School

City: Fort Lauderdale

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 132-18 (.880 winning percentage)

State championships: 10 (1992, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016)

Stars: Florida — St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Notable players: WR Michael Irvin (1984), DT Geno Atkins (2006), RB Giovani Bernard (2010), DE Joey Bosa (2012), DE Nick Bosa (2016)

Notable coaches: George Smith (1975-2010), Rocky Casullo (2011-14), Roger Harriott (2015-present)

Bottom Line: Florida — St. Thomas Aquinas High School

St. Thomas Aquinas High’s talent and tradition gave them the edge in perhaps the most difficult state on this list to pick.

The school's tradition comes from former head coach George Smith, the 2008 USA Today Coach of the Year who won six state titles and dropped the mic with his 2010 retirement after a second national title.

The talent goes as far back as Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin in the early 1980s through 2019 NFL draft No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa.

2. Texas — Southlake Carroll High School

City: Southlake

Type of school: Public

Record since 2009: 131-22 (.856 winning percentage)

State championships: 8 (1988, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011)

Stars: Texas — Southlake Carroll High School

Notable players: TE Max Boydston (1951), TE Scott Chandler (2004), K Garrett Hartley (2004), QB Chase Daniel (2005), QB Greg McElroy (2006), QB Riley Dodge (2008)

Notable coaches: Bob Ledbetter (1979-96), Todd Dodge (2000-2006), Hal Wasson (2007-17), Riley Dodge (2018-present)

Bottom Line: Texas Southlake Carroll High School

Southlake Carroll High plays home games in 11,000-seat Dragon Stadium and won three consecutive national titles under former coach Todd Dodge from 2003 to 2005.

The level of high school football that’s been played in this program over the last 30 years is as good as anywhere you’ll find in the country, even if the last decade hasn’t been up to former standards.

The 2004 team that went 16-0 featured a half-dozen future NFL players.

1. California — De La Salle High School

City: Concord

Type of school: Private

Record since 2009: 143-11 (.928 winning percentage)

State championships: 7 (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)

Stars: California — De La Salle High School

Notable players: OL Aaron Taylor (1990), WR Amani Toomer (1992), LB DJ Williams (2000), QB Matt Gutierrez (2003), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (2003)

Notable coaches: Bob Ladouceur (1979-2012), Justin Alumbaugh (2013-present)

Bottom Line: California — De La Salle High School

De La Salle owns the longest high school football winning streak in national history — 151 games from 1992 to 2005.

For De La Salle, state championships take a backseat to national championships, of which they have seven, including winning six straight from 1998 to 2003.

The team’s exploits have been written about in two books and were turned into a 2014 movie, "When the Game Stands Tall" starring Jim Caviezel.