Key Rematches to Watch
Week 2 of the high school football season brings a slate of games that blend interstate travel with classic in‑state rivalries, many of which pit teams that met in last year’s championship contests against one another.
The most anticipated of those rematches pits DeSoto, Texas, against St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The contest will feature running back prospect SaRod Baker, who is expected to headline a Florida program loaded with future Power Four talent.
In California, Santa Margarita will host a rematch of the 2024 CIF‑SS Division I championship against Centennial. The game reunites Fletch Palmer with USC commit Quentin Hale, both of whom are expected to drive their teams toward another title run.
Arizona’s Chandler will travel to face Basha in a rematch of the state’s Open Division championship. Both programs boast a pipeline of Division I prospects, promising a high‑octane clash.
Meanwhile, Maryland private schools Archbishop Spalding and DeMatha Catholic will meet again, this time with future NFL talent on display for the defending private‑school champions.
Other notable matchups include Duncanville’s pursuit of revenge against Allen in Texas, an Oklahoma‑Texas rivalry between Jenks and Southlake Carroll, and an East Coast‑West Coast showdown between Sierra Canyon and Chaminade‑Madonna.
Predictions from staff writers favor St. Thomas Aquinas, Centennial and DeMatha Catholic, with projected scores ranging from 24‑20 to 41‑24 for St. Thomas Aquinas, 31‑27 to 28‑24 for Centennial, and 28‑20 to 35‑24 for DeMatha Catholic.
Standout Players to Watch
Running back SaRod Baker, quarterback Drew Frankenfield and All‑America third‑team running back Myson Johnson‑Cook headline a list of prospects who could reshape their teams’ fortunes.
The upcoming nationally televised game between St. Joseph Regional in New Jersey and Mount Carmel in Illinois will also be remembered for the role East St. Louis played in ending Mount Carmel’s 19‑game winning streak last season.