Best High School Football Programs by State

Tales of gridiron greatness start with high school football. These are the greatest programs in the history of all 50 United States.

In some parts of the country, high school football teams have traditions and legacies that stretch back to the beginnings of the sport. In other parts, high school football dynasties have just sprung up in the last decade or two.

Some programs are filled with college footballs stars and NFL legends. Others have players who have been lost to time — remembered only by a fading photo in a trophy case.

These are the greatest high school football dynasties in all 50 states.

Alabama: Hoover High School

Hoover Bucs Football / Facebook

City: Hoover, Alabama

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

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, 2019-21)

Bottom Line: Hoover High School

aldotcom / Twitter

Berry High became Hoover High in 1994 — the school won two state titles under coach Bob Finley before the switch. Tragically, Finley 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, then six state titles under coach Josh Niblett before he resigned in 2021.

Alaska: Service High School

Service High School Football / Facebook

City: Anchorage

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

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)

Bottom Line: Robert Service High School

Service High School Football / Facebook

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

Since then, Service High has played for the title 10 times and won six state championships. 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.

Arizona: Saguaro High School

Saguaro High School SUSD / Facebook

City: Chaparral

State championships: 13 (1995, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021)

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 (2011-22)

Bottom Line: Saguaro High School

Recruiting Nut / YouTube

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

Arkansas: Little Rock Central High School

Tommy Walker / YouTube

City: Little Rock

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)

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: Little Rock Central High School

Tommy Walker / YouTube

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.

California: De La Salle High School

jcfphotog / Twitter

City: Concord

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

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: De La Salle High School

DLSspartans.com

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.

Colorado: Cherry Creek High School

Cherry Creek High School / Facebook

City: Greenwood Village

State championships: 13 (1982, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2014, 2019-22)

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: Cherry Creek High School

Colorado High School Activities Association / YouTube

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. Cherry Creek’s current dynasty might be its greatest — head coach and former NFL wide receiver Dave Logan has led his team to four consecutive state titles from 2019 to 2022.

Connecticut: New Canaan High School

NewCanaanFB / Twitter

City: New Canaan

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)

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 (1981-2019)

Bottom Line: New Canaan High School

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New Canaan High head coach Lou Marinelli won 12 state titles in 39 seasons, making him the career leader for wins amongst Connecticut high school football 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.

Delaware: Newark High School

Newark High School / Facebook

City: Newark

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

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)

Bottom Line: Newark High School

Newark High School Sports Photos / Facebook

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.

Florida: St. Thomas Aquinas High School

St. Thomas Aquinas High School / Facebook

City: Fort Lauderdale

State championships: 14 (1992, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019-22)

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: St. Thomas Aquinas High School

STA_Football / Twitter

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

A lot of 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. It’s continued through the present day under head coach Roger Harriott, who has won five state championships in the last seven years, including four straight from 2019 to 2022.

Aquinas’ legacy of talent goes as far back as Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin in the early 1980s through 2019 No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa.

Georgia: Valdosta High School

BestHsUniforms / Twitter

City: Valdosta

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)

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)

Bottom Line: Valdosta High School

NFL / YouTube

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.

Hawaii: Saint Louis School

StLouisHawaii / Twitter

City: Honolulu

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

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, 2014-22)

Bottom Line: Saint Louis School

HawaiiPrepWorld / Twitter

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.

Idaho: Highland High School

Highland High School

City: Pocatello

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

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 (2001-22)

Bottom Line: Highland High School

Highland RamTV / YouTube

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.

Illinois: Joliet Catholic High School

HilltoppersFB / Twitter

City: Joliet

State championships: 16 (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1987, 1990, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2018, 2019, 2022)

Notable players: 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: Joliet Catholic High School

Bradley Leeb / AP Photo

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 “Rudy” Ruettiger, the Notre Dame walk-on whose life story inspired the 1993 movie “Rudy” starring Sean Astin, Charles Dutton, Jon Favreau, and Vince Vaughn.

Indiana: Cathedral High School

Cathedral Football / Facebook

City: Indianapolis

State championships: 15 (1931, 1986, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2021)

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: Cathedral High School

Doug McSchooler / AP Photo

Under former head coach Rick Streiff, Cathedral’s 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, and has won 14 state championships overall.

Iowa: Harlan High School

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City: Harlan

State championships: 14 (1972, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2021, 2022)

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: Harlan High School

Mary Hoch / YouTube

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.The 2022 team orchestrated perhaps the greatest win in program histroy when it rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half to defeat Mount Vernon, 30-23, in the Class 3A state championship game.

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.

Kansas: Smith Center High School

Smith Center High School

City: Smith Center

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

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: Smith Center High School

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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.

Kentucky: Louisville Trinity High School

Trinity High School / Facebook

City: Louisville

State championships: 27 (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, 2019, 2020)

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: Louisville Trinity High School

trinityrocks / Twitter

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.

Louisiana: John Curtis Christan School

John Curtis Christan High School

City: River Ridge

State championships: 27 (1975, 1977, 1979-81, 1983-85, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996-99, 2001, 2002, 2004-08, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022)

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: John Curtis Christian High School

Curtis_Patriots / Twitter

J.T. Curtis, the son of the school’s founder, has been the school’s head coach since 1969 and has won 26 state championships. 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 then starred at USC and in the NFL.

Maine: Marshwood High School

Jill Brady via Marshwood Schools / Facebook

City: South Berwick

State championships: 23 (1966, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019-22)

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

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

Bottom Line: Marshwood High School

mhshawks / Twitter

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 head coach Alex Rotsko has brought back the glory years, with six state titles in the last 12 seasons, including four consecutive championships from 2019 to 2022.

Maryland/D.C.: DeMatha Catholic High School

BrandonKoretz / Twitter

City: Hyattsville

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)

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: DeMatha Catholic High School

FQSouthCarolina / Twitter

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.

Massachusetts: Everett High School

everett_schools / Instagram

City: Everett

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)

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)

Bottom Line: Everett High School

EHSAthletics15 / Twitter

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

Michigan: Detroit Catholic Central High School

Detroit Catholic Central High School / Facebook

City: Novi

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

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),

Bottom Line: Detroit Catholic High School

statechampsnet / YouTube

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.

Minnesota: Eden Prairie High School

Eden Prairie High School Football / Facebook

City: Eden Prairie

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

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: Eden Prairie High School

footballephs / Twitter

Eden Prairie’s dynasty has been built under the guidance of Mike Grant, the son of legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant. Grant won back-to-back titles twice (1996-97 and 2006-07), then reeled off four straight state titles from 2011 to 2014.

That last stretch was brutal for opposing offenses with a pair of future NFL linebackers playing for Eden Prairie in Blake Cashman and Ryan Connelly.

Mississippi: South Panola High School

South Panola School District / Facebook

City: Batesville

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

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: South Panola High School

misshsaa / Twitter

Three different coaches have won state titles at South Panola High, which is a testament to the football talent in the community. And 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.

Missouri: Webb City High School

j_lenard / Twitter

City: Webb City

State championships: 16 (1989, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021)

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 (1997-2022)

Bottom Line: Webb City High School

koamnewsnow.com

Former Webb City head coach John Roderique led his team to 13 state championships from 1997 to 2022.

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.

Montana: Butte High School

Butte High School Football / Facebook

City: Butte

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)

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: Butte High

Butte High School Football Class of 2018 / Facebook

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.

Nebraska: Creighton Preparatory School

NEBHSRecruits / Twitter

City: Omaha

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)

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: Creighton Preparatory School

CreightonPrep / Twitter

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.

Nevada: Bishop Gorman High School

Bishop Gorman High School / Facebook

City: Las Vegas

State championships: 21 (1970, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)

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 (2015-19) Brent Browner (2020-present)

Bottom Line: Bishop Gorman High School

usatodayhss / Twitter

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. There were a staggering 32 former Bishop Gorman players on FBS rosters in 2019.

Under current head coach Brent Browner, the Gaels won back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022.

New Hampshire: Plymouth High School

Nichole MacDonald / Facebook

City: Plymouth

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)

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: Plymouth High School

Plymouth Athletics

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.

New Jersey: Montclair High School

Montclair Mounties Football / Facebook

City: Montclair

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)

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 (2010-21)

Bottom Line: Montclair High School

NJSIAA / Twitter

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 became the second person to step foot on the moon in 1969.

New Mexico: Artesia High School

cerritosnews / Twitter

City: Artesia

State championships: 31 (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, 2022)

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: Artesia High School

Artesia Bulldog Football / Facebook

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, has won state titles in 2017 and 2022.

New York: Dobbs Ferry High School

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City: Dobbs Ferry

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

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: Dobbs Ferry High School

Thomas Palicz / The Hudson Independent

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.

North Carolina: Reidsville High School

Shea Widerman via Reidsville Football / Facebook

City: Reidsville

State championships: 22 (1930, 1931, 1932, 1937, 1939, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1950, 1954, 1963, 1969, 1970, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)

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: Reidsville High School

rockinrams / Twitter

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 — wide receivers Na Brown and Jerome Simpson.

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

North Dakota: Bismarck High School

Bismarck High School / Facebook

City: Bismarck

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

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: Bismarck High School

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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.

Ohio: Saint Ignatius High School

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City: Cleveland

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

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: Saint Ignatius High School

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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.

Oklahoma: Jenks High School

Jenks High School

City: Jenks

State championships: 18 (1979, 1982, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021)

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: Jenks High School

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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.

Oregon: Jesuit High School

Jesuit High School Portland / Facebook

City: Portland

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

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: Jesuit High School

JCTV Jesuit High School Television / YouTube

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.

Pennsylvania: Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School

City: Pittsburgh

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

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

Notable coaches: Terry Totten (2004-present)

Bottom Line: Central Catholic High School

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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. Central Catholic’s greatest player? Quarterback and 1979 grad Dan Marino.

Rhode Island: Bishop Hendricken High School

Bishop Hendricken High School / Facebook

City: Warwick

State championships: 17 (1968, 1981, 1982, 1994-96, 2010-16, 2018-21)

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: Bishop Hendricken High School

BHS Athletics

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, kicking off a run of three consecutive titles.

South Carolina: James F. Byrnes High School

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City: Duncan

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

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: James F. Byrnes High School

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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.

South Dakota: Sioux Falls Washington High School

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City: Sioux Falls

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)

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: Sioux Falls Washington High School

Washington High School / Facebook

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.

Tennessee: Brentwood Academy

Williamson Herald / YouTube

City: Brentwood

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

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: Brentwood Academy

Brandon Patrick/Brentwood Academy (TN) Football / Facebook

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 games. 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.

Texas: Southlake Carroll High School

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City: Southlake

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

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

Carrollisd / Twitter

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, and the 2004 team that went 16-0 featured a half-dozen future NFL players.

Utah: Skyline High School

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City: Mill Creek

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

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: Skyline High School

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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.

Vermont: Hartford High School

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City: White River Junction

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

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: Hartford High School

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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.

Virginia: Hampton High School

Hampton City Schools Media / YouTube

City: Hampton

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

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: Hampton High School

HRVarsity / Twitter

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.

Washington: Bellevue High School

Bellevue Wolverines / Facebook

City: Bellevue

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

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: Bellevue High School

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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 2017 after 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.

West Virginia: Wheeling Central Catholic High School

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City: Wheeling

State championships: 16 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1979, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2017-19)

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: Wheeling Central Catholic High School

MetroNewsPrep / Twitter

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 head coach Mike Young has won eight state titles since taking over in 2005.

Wisconsin: Arrowhead High School

ArrowheadFB / Twitter

City: Hartland

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

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: Arrowhead High School

arrowheadfb / Twitter

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.

Offensive guard Ben Bredeson was a three-time All-Big Ten pick and all-American at Michigan and is in his fourth year in the nFL in 2023.

Wyoming: Sheridan High School

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City: Sheridan

State championships: 279 (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, 2021, 2022)

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: Sheridan High School

broncgridiron / Twitter

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, 18 have come in a streak of two, three or four consecutive titles, including five titles 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.