Week after week, Edna Karr (New Orleans, La.) has proven that they’re not only the best team in Louisiana but one of the best teams in the country.
The Cougars jumped up the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 football rankings, landing at No. 10 in the latest edition, and, aside from an eye-catching seven-point win over previously ranked American Heritage (Fla.), haven’t faced much competition.
That could change this week, however, as they’ll host a 5-1 Brother Martin squad looking to make a statement.
The Louisiana clash is just one of the marquee matchups this week featuring national powers.
Here are the top USA TODAY Sports Super 25 games….
No. 4 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) vs. Vista Murrieta (Calif.)
When: The Broncos and Huskies kick off Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
Centennial vs. Vista Murrieta: What to know
Since losing to Santa Margarita back in late August, Centennial has been on a tear, scoring 40 or more in each of the last four games.
Vista Murrieta had seen nothing but wins up until last week. They suffered their first loss of the season at Chaparral by a score of 28-20.
This game features some of California’s top running back talents.Centennial’s two-headed monster of a backfield consists of Malaki Davis (481 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Zander Lewis (421, six touchdowns). Damarii Booth leads the Broncos’ ground game with 496 yards and six touchdowns.
No. 19 Allen (Texas) vs. Princeton (Texas)
When: The Eagles and Panthers kick off Friday at 7 p.m. CT.
Allen vs. Princeton: What to know
In a loaded Lone Star landscape, the Panthers are a program floating a bit under the radar. A five-point loss to Plano two weeks ago is their only result in the loss column.
Things don’t get easier this week as they take on one of the state’s traditional powerhouse programs and a team that has yet to face adversity this year.
Allen’s unbeaten and winning by an average of 49 points per game. The Eagles have only given up 27 points total this year and have scored 46 or more points in four of their five games.
A roster loaded with talent, they have the luxury of two legit starters at quarterback in senior Jeremiah Daoud (952 yards, 11 touchdowns) and rising freshman Ty Snell (613 yards, 5 touchdowns).
No. 20 Milton (Ga.) vs. Gainesville (Ga.)
When: The Eagles and Red Elephants kick off Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Milton vs. Gainesville: What to know
Aside from their season-opening loss to Buford, the Eagles have been on a roll. They’ve won their last six games by an average of 26.7 points.The Red Elephants have been equally impressive, with a 22-point loss to Carrollton being the only setback so far this season.
Milton may be the higher-ranked program in this game, but Gainesville is loaded with future Power Four talent. That group is headlined by the state’s top prospect and five-star Alabama linebacker pledge Xavier Griffin.
Their defense also includes another Alabama commitment in four-star EDGE Jamarion Matthews. They’ll be tasked with slowing down Milton’s backfield of Bentley Hickman, Sheldon Atchison and Walker Davis.
No. 23 Duncanville (Texas) vs. DeSoto (Texas)
When: The Eagles and Panthers kick off Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
Duncanville vs. DeSoto: What to know
Since starting the season with back-to-back losses, DeSoto has rattled off three straight wins in impressive fashion. They won those three games by an average of 53.3 points.
They’ll also enter this game fresh, as will Duncanville after both were off last week. The Panthers also got back on the winning track after losing their second game of the season to Waxahachie by a point.
This matchup features one of the state’s best quarterbacks going against one of the best running backs. DeSoto junior back Sarod Baker rushed for 742 yards and nine touchdowns, while Duncanville quarterback Maximus Denson threw for 528 yards and five touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Breaking down nation’s top high school football matchups in Week 8
