The third week of the high school football season delivered a cascade of surprises that rippled through the Super 25 poll. Traditional powerhouses faced unexpected challenges, and several unheralded programs seized the moment to break into the national conversation.
Upsets Propel New Entrants
In Florida, Columbus (Miami) moved into the top ten after a decisive win over Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), while St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) surged to No. 1 with a dominant performance against DeSoto (Texas). The victories underscored the depth of talent in the Sunshine State and set a new tone for the season.
Out West, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, California) knocked off the previously fourth‑ranked Centennial (Corona) to climb into the top five, while IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) continued its unbeaten streak with wins over Cornerstone Christian (Texas) and Lone Peak (Utah).
Texas teams dominated the narrative, with Waxahachie (Texas) establishing a new scoring record in its opening matchup and Allen (Texas) returning to the rankings after a semifinal loss the previous year.
The movement was not limited to climbers; St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California) slipped after a loss to Bishop Gorman the prior week, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change.
Even as offenses reshaped the standings, the Raiders’ defense has remained immaculate, posting shutouts in their first two contests despite facing competitive opponents.