2012 High School Football Preview: The Post Top 25

Saturday, August 25, 2012
by Jeff Greer Matt Porter

1. Dwyer

Swarming defense with a penetrating D-line, quick linebackers and versatile secondary labeled the best in program history by coach Jack Daniels. Major state-title contenders.

2. American Heritage

Bullying RBs Greg Bryant and Tyler Provo plus shifty QB Marcus Davis give the Stallions one of the nation's top backfields and a great shot at a repeat state title.

3. Seminole Ridge

Stacked defense and triple-headed, grind-it-out rushing attack will pound teams into submission. Bet on third consecutive district title and more.

4. Glades Central

Same old Raiders: Lightning-fast, skilled players everywhere with minor questions about the offensive line and an inexperienced defense.

5. Fort Pierce Central

Don't let that spring game loss to Dwyer fool you: The Cobras are one of the state's best in Class 7A, with Division I prospects all over the field and great coaching.

6. Royal Palm Beach

A deeper cast of rushers and receivers, paired with a vastly improved quarterback and ability to protect the pocket will score more points. Defense will be stout, too.

7. Palm Beach Central

Huge line will pave way for speedy, powerful backs. There are questions about the passing game and defense, but the Broncos have much more talent than most.

8. Palm Beach Gardens

Gators saw a return to prominence last fall but lost two big-time BCS prospects. With 14 returning starters, first-year coach Rob Freeman should be OK.

9. Park Vista

First undefeated season in program history will be tough to follow, but returnees like QB Qwad Martin should help the Cobras produce another playoff run.

10. Atlantic

Hurt by several transfers, the Eagles still possess size, speed and talent on both sides of the ball. As always, expectations are high in Delray Beach.

11. Cardinal Newman

Speed abounds at Newman, with Travis Rudolph and partner-in-crime Devonte Brown doing a bit of everything and TE Matt Burke emerging as a pass catcher.

12. Glades Day

A reloaded squad should be improved on defense and on the lines. That, plus record-breaking RB Kelvin Taylor, could bring Gators third state title in five years.

13. Boca Raton

A fresh start under coach Lewis Burnham has Bobcats thinking big, especially with DB/WRs Ced Bryant and Tard McCoy and star QB Kevin Anderson all coming back.

14. Centennial

Can push around opponents up front with Jay-nard Bostwick, one of the nation's top defensive tackles, and a deep cast of linemen.

15. Treasure Coast

The Titans always produce athletes, but need to be more consistent after a down year in 2011.

16. John I. Leonard

Small, speedy group of athletes on offense and decent defensive players will help Lancers challenge for a playoff spot.

17. Jupiter

It's all about depth and new faces under first-year coach Doug Uccellini, who takes over a team that lost 27 seniors to graduation.

18. King's Academy

New coach, new offense: The Lions plan to run a Wing-T and build around RBs James Holland and Garrett Larson.

19. Village Academy

Depth will always be a problem, but can score with most anyone. If healthy, Tigers should earn first playoff berth.

20. West Boca Raton

Bulls feature senior RBs Eugene Bethea and David Tanis and a hard-hitting defense. Need to stay healthy to compete.

21. Pahokee

Far from days of national prominence, the Blue Devils are on the way up. Good young core and more talent in the wings.

22. Lake Worth

Big, experienced line should be able to protect young, rapidly improving QB Luis Peguero. Good size overall, especially at receiver.

23. Santaluces

Senior linebacker Artez Fulton and new quarterback Sean Steele give Chiefs hope of improving on 2-8 season.

24. Boynton Beach

Lots of speed, experience at quarterback. Tigers will challenge for a playoff spot in Glades Central's district.

25. Suncoast

Massive DT Ke'Tyrus Marks anchors the Chargers' D, while offense hopes to build momentum from spring win.