Best High School Football Team in Every State

The goal of high school football teams is the same every fall — win a state title. These are the reigning champions for every state.

How we view sports and their importance may have changed in recent years. But the fervor for high school football in the United States has not changed one bit. Neither has the ultimate goal — win a state championship.

From the largest to the smallest schools, there’s history ready to be made when the fall rolls around. These are the best high school football teams in America today, based on who’s the reigning state champion in the largest class/division in every state and the District of Columbia.

Alabama: Thompson High School

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Location: Alabaster, Alabama

Class/division: Class 7A

2020 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (1982, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Mark Freeman

Key players: DE Jeremiah Alexander, QB Connor Harrell, WR J.B. Mitchell III, ATH Ryan Peppins, CB Tony Mitchell, OL Anthony Kilburn

Other reigning state champions: Pinson Valley (6A), St. Paul’s Episcopal (5A), Handley (4A), Fyffe (3A), Mars Hill (2A), Linden (1A), Crenshaw Christian Academy (AISA A), Chambers Academy (AISA AA), Pike Liberal Arts (AISA AAA), Russell Christian Academy (Christian 8-man), Clay County Christian Academy (Christian 6-man)

Bottom line: Thompson High won its second consecutive state title in one of the wildest finishes you will ever see. They scored 10 points in the final 30 seconds of the state championship game for a 29-28 win over Auburn High.

Alabama, with 12 different state champions, is teetering on the edge of absurdity with that high of a number. Expect Thompson to be in that group once again in 2021 with four All-State players returning, including quarterback Connor Harrell, a North Carolina commit.

Alaska: South Anchorage High School

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Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Class/division: Division I

2019 record: 7-4

State championships: 4 (2006, 2012, 2014, 2019)

Head coach: Walter Harrison

Key players: QB Jackson Harmon, RB Carter Weber-Thomas, WR/FS Jayden Heartwell-McKoy, WR Quincy Heartwell, LB Wyatt Rowlan, LB Carson Jungwirth, OL/DL Jack Moore

Other reigning state champions: Soldotna (Division II), Houston (Division III)

Bottom line: It’s a shame South Anchorage didn’t get a chance to defend its state title in 2020. Even after losing a tremendous amount of talent, they still would have had a pair of all-state players back in quarterback Jackson Harmon and lineman Jack Moore.

It will be a sweet relief for high school football fans in Alaska when teams get back onto the field. The South Anchorage program is extra hungry. The school opened in 2004 and already has four state championships in football.

Arizona: Chandler High School

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Location: Chandler, Arizona

Class/division: Open Division

2020 record: 10-0

State championships: 5 (2014, 2016-20)

Head coach: Rick Garretson

Key players: RB Eli Sanders, WR Kyion Graves, WR Jalen Richmond, OL Sione Hingano, K Crew Peterman, DL Brandon Buckner, LB Hank Pepper, DB Kentrell Williams, QB Mikey Keene

Other reigning state champions: Chaparral (6A), Sunrise Mountain (5A), Mesquite (4A), Snowflake (3A), Santa Cruz Valley (2A), Mogolion (1A), Skyline Prep (CAA I), Heritage Academy (CAA II)

Bottom line: Chandler High has now won five consecutive state titles, including the first two years of Arizona’s Open Division in 2019 and 2020.

Chandler loses a ton of Division I talent on both sides of the ball but will probably feel the biggest pinch up front with offensive lineman Sione Hingano (BYU) and defensive lineman Brandon Buckner (Oregon) both graduated.

Arizona’s success with the Open Division leads to two questions: Will more states attempt the same thing, and will it cheapen the state championships for schools that win the 6A, 5A and 4A titles now?

Arkansas: Bryant High School

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Location: Bryant, Arkansas

Class/division: Class 7A

2020 record: 13-0

State championships: 3 (2018, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Buck James

Key players: QB Austin Ledbetter, WR/TE Hayden Schrader, RB Tanner Anderson, RB Jamarien Bracy

Other reigning state champions: Greenwood (6A), Pulaski Academy (5A), Shiloh Christian (4A), Harding Academy (3A), Fordyce (2A)

Bottom line: Bryant High School opened in 1916 but didn’t win its first state championship in football until 2018. That was the first of three consecutive state championships for Bryant and actually the first three times the school even played in the state title game.

Quarterback Austin Ledbetter threw for 6,052 yards and 82 touchdowns and will be hard to replace but not hard to find. He’s a talented third baseman/right-handed pitcher signed to play for the University of Arkansas.

California: St. John Bosco High School

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Location: Bellflower, California

Class/division: Open Division

2019 record: 13-1

State championships: 3 (2013, 2016, 2019)

Head coach: Jason Negro

Key players: QB D.J. Uiagalelei, WR Kris Hutson, OL Drake Metcalf, OL Che Womack, DL Kobe Pepe, LB Kourt Williams, DB JonJon Vaughns, WR Logan Loya, OL Edward Riley, DB Josh Alford

Other reigning state champions: Fresno Central (1AA), Corona del Mar (1A), Clayton Valley Charter (2AA), Pacifica (2A), Bakersfield Christian (3AA), Cardinal Newman (3A), Ripon (4AA), Escalon (4A), El Monte (5AA), Milpitas (5A), St. Bernard’s (6AA), Salesian College Prep (6A), San Francisco Lincoln (7AA)

Bottom line: No less than seven starters off St. John Bosco’s 2019 team are currently playing for schools in Power Five conferences and two more all-staters play for Division I schools in offensive lineman Che Womack (Air Force Academy) and all-purpose athlete Shamar Garrett (San Jose State).

It doesn’t seem like that long ago, but 2019 starting quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is already poised to take over for Trevor Lawrence as Clemson’s starting quarterback in 2021 and is already being projected as a possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Colorado: Cherry Creek High School

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Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado

Class/division: Class 5A

2020 record: 9-0

State championships: 11 (1982, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2014, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Dave Logan

Key players: CB/RB Myles Purchase, DB/WR Al Ashford III, QB Juliam Hammond, TE Gunnar Helm, WR Chase Penry, P Bolden Page, WR Chase Penry, OL Domingo Prince, DL/FB Gus Zilinskas

Other reigning state champions: Loveland (4A), Durango (3A), Eaton (2A), Limon (1A), Sedgwick County (Class A 8-man), Fleming (Class A 6-man)

Bottom line: Cherry Creek won its second consecutive state title in an abbreviated season, going 9-0 in 2020. Head coach Dave Logan now has won three state championships since he was hired in 2012.

In two years as the starting quarterback for Cherry Creek, Julian Hammond went 24-0 and won two state championships. Hammond, who is 6-foot-2, will play basketball in college for the University of Colorado. He was the Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021 in basketball.

Connecticut: Newtown High School – Class LL

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Location: Newtown, Connecticut

Class/division: Class LL

2019 record: 13-0

State championships: 4 (1981, 1990, 1992, 2019)

Head coach: Bobby Pattison

Key players: DL James Knox, OL Kyle Good, LB Jared Dunn

Other reigning state champions: St. Joseph (Class L), Weston (Class M), Sheehan (Class S)

Bottom line: The Newtown Nighthawks won their first state championship since 1992 in 2019, when they beat Darien High on a touchdown pass as time expired, with the video going viral after it went online.

The irony of winning the state championship game on such an exciting offensive play is that Newtown won the state championship with defense. In their last seven games, the Nighthawks gave up just 19 points, total, and had four of six shutouts for the season during that stretch.

Delaware: Sussex Central High School

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Location: Georgetown, Delaware

Class/division: Division I

Head coach: John Wells

2020 record: 7-2

State championships: 2 (2018, 2020)

Key players: LB Alton Dennis, RB Phillip Stratton, FB Dion Stephens, OL Caden Collins, DE Jacob Dempsey, DB Sean McGee, K Juan Amezcua-Justiniani

Other reigning state champions: Howard (Division II)

Bottom line: Sussex Central won the 2020 state championship behind a big dose of senior leadership. All seven all-state selections were seniors, led by Delaware Defensive Player of the Year Alton Dennis.

Dennis, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, finished the season with 91 tackles and had his one interception of the season in the Division I state championship game win over Middletown. Dennis’ interception set up a go-ahead touchdown for Sussex Central in the third quarter.

District of Columbia: Friendship Collegiate Academy

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Location: Washington, D.C.

Class/division: Class AA

2019 record: 10-3

State championships: 4 (2012, 2016, 2018, 2019)

Head coach: Mike Hunter

Key players: RB/DB Kevon Campbell, WR Dyson Smith, OL/DL Keevon Lawrence, QB Brandon Chase-Murphy, DE/LB Ahmed Bailey, DB Jordan Anderson

Other reigning state champions: Maret (DCSAA A)

Bottom line: High school football insiders know Friendship Collegiate Academy as a school that sends crazy amounts of players to the college football ranks. What comes with that is state championships.

Friendship opened in 2000 and has won all four of its state championships since 2012, including three in the last four seasons.

The District of Columbia had its fall season canceled in 2020 but will be back in 2021.

Florida: Seminole High School

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Location: Sanford, Florida

Class/division: Class 8A

2020 record: 13-0

State championships: 1 (2020)

Head coach: Eric Lodge

Key players: QB Timmy McClain,

Other reigning state champions: St. Thomas Aquinas (7A), Miami Central (6A), American Heritage (5A), Cardinal Gibbons (4A), Trinity Christian Academy (3A), Champagnat Catholic (2A), Baker (1A), Riverside Christian (FCSA 6-Man), Bell Creek Academy (Sunshine State 8-Man), All Saints Academy (Sunshine State 8-Man AA), Bishop Snyder (Sunshine State A), Master’s Academy (Sunshine State AA), Orlando Christian Prep (Sunshine State AAA)

Bottom line: We will start by stating the obvious — Florida needs to go to an “Open Division” state championship like Arizona has done the last two years.

That being said, the state with arguably the best high school football in American played pretty close to a full season in 2020 and came away with some amazing champions, including Class 8A champ Seminole High, which didn’t even put a player on the MaxPreps All-State team.

Georgia: Grayson High School

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Location: Loganville, Georgia

Class/division: Class AAAAAAA

2020 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (2011, 2016, 2020)

Head coach: Adam Carter

Key players: RB Phil Mafah, WR Jamal Haynes, DL Victoine Brown, DB Jayvian Allen, OL Griffin Scroggs, DB Mumu Bin-Wahad,

Other reigning state champions: Buford (AAAAAAA), Warner Robins (AAAAA), Marist (AAAA), Pierce County (AAA), Callaway (AA), Irwin County (Public A), Prince Avenue Christian (Private A), Lafayette Christian (GAPPS 11-Man A), Central Fellowship Christian Academy (GAPPS 11-Man AA), Calvary Christian (GAPPS 11-Man AAA), Horizon Christian Academy (GAPPS 8-Man A), Unity Christian (GAPPS 8-Man AA), Pinecrest Academy (GAPPS 8-Man Division II), Westwood (GISA 8-Man), Thomas Jefferson Academy (GISA A), Gatewood (GISA AA), John Milledge Academy (GISA AAA)

Bottom line: Grayson High won its third state title in 2020 behind six all-state selections and by going 14-0 and bringing home Georgia’s large-school state title.

And on that note, let’s talk about Georgia’s situation with its football state championships, because it’s ridiculous. In no state, no matter how football crazy, should almost 20 schools be able to end the year and say they’re state champions.

That being said, this is another state that should probably give the “Open Division” championship a shot and consolidate some of their public school divisions.

Hawaii: Saint Louis High School

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Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Class/division: Division I Open

2019 record: 12-1

State championships: 19 (1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019)

Head coach: Cal Lee

Key players: QB Jayden de Laura, LB Nick Herbig, OL Rod Dupont, WR Koali Nishigaya, WR Roman Wilson, DT Stanley McKenzie,

Other reigning state champions: Hilo (Division I), Lahainaluna (Division II)

Bottom line: Another state that wasn’t able to have a high school football season in 2020 because of the pandemic, Hawaii saw its greatest high school football program win it all in 2019 with a blowout victory by St. Louis High over Kahuku in the state championship game.

In 2019, quarterback Jayden de Laura and linebacker Nick Herbig swept the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year awards on both sides of the ball.

De Laura started four games as a true freshman for Washington State in 2020, but his offseason DUI has put his status somewhat in doubt. Herbig could end up being a star in the Big Ten for Wisconsin.

Idaho: Rocky Mountain High School

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Location: Meridian, Idaho

Class/division: Class 5A

2020 record: 9-0

State championships: 3 (2015, 2018, 2020)

Head coach: Chris Culig

Key players: LB Landon Albert, QB Kobe Warr, ATH Jordan Erickson, DL Zack Black, LB Ty Tanner

Other reigning state champions: Skyline (4A), Sugar-Salem (3A), West Side (2A), Oakley (1A 8-Man I), Dietrich (1A 8-Man II)

Bottom line: Rocky Mountain won its third state championship in school history and third in the last six years behind a stout defense.

Senior linebacker Landon Albert was named Idaho Defensive Player of the Year, and Rocky Mountain never gave up more than 21 points in a game after winning 39-36 over Mountain View High in the season opener.

Albert was one of three Rocky Mountain defensive players to earn all-state honors alongside defensive lineman Zack Black and linebacker Ty Tanner.

Illinois: Lincoln-Way East High School

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Location: Frankfort, Illinois

Class/division: Class 8A

2019 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (2005, 2017, 2019)

Head coach: Rob Zvonar

Key players: WR/RB A.J. Henning, K/P Dominic Dzioban, DL Sean McLaughlin, DL Adrian Wilson

Other reigning state champions: Mount Carmel (7A), East St. Louis (6A), Rochester (5A), Richmond-Burton (4A), Williamsville (3A), Newman Central Catholic (2A), Lena-WInslow (1A), Polo (I8FA)

Bottom line: Lincoln-Way East missed out on the chance for establishing a true dynasty in 2020 when the season was canceled but has still won two out of its total three state titles in the last three full seasons in Illinois.

Lincoln-East Way won its state championship in 2019 with a stifling defense. Their scoring defense averaged a stifling 6.2 points per game, pitched three shutouts and gave up seven points or less 10 times, including a 12-0 win over Warren Township in the Class 8A state championship game.

Indiana: Center Grove High School

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Location: Greenwood, Indiana

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (2008, 2015, 2020)

Head coach: Eric Moore

Key players: RB Carson Steele, DL Caden Curry, DL Austin Booker, LB Jackson Schott, K Austin Watson

Other reigning state champions: Indianapolis Cathedral (5A), Indianapolis Roncalli (4A), Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (3A), Western Boone (2A), Indianapolis Covenant Christian (1A)

Bottom line: Center Grove went 14-0, avenged its loss in the 2019 Class 6A championship game and can truly say it was the best team in Indiana. The only loss suffered by Class 5A champion Indianapolis Cathedral came at the hands of Center Grove.

Running back Carson Steele ended his career as one of the most prolific rushers in state history with 1,688 yards and 31 touchdowns to up his career totals to 5,936 yards and 82 touchdowns.

The team’s real star might be defensive lineman Caden Curry. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound junior is one of the nation’s top prospects and has offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, Indiana and Oregon, among others.

Iowa: Ankeny High School

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Location: Ankeny, Iowa

Class/division: Class 4A

2020 record: 12-1

State championships: 3 (1997, 2012, 2020)

Head coach: Rick Nelson

Key players: QB Jase Bauer, RB Arland Bruce IV, WR Brody Brecht, LB Brecken Manus,

Other reigning state champions: North Scott (3A), Waukon (2A), Odebolt Arthur Battle Creek (1A), Regina (A), St. Mary’s (8-Man)

Bottom line: Two-time All-State quarterback Jase Bauer led Ankeny to its first state title since 2012 by throwing for 2,041 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for another 852 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Teamed with star running back Arland Bruce IV, who signed with Iowa, Ankeny was almost unstoppable. Ankeny was never better than in the state championship game — a 42-14 blowout win over Southeast Polk High.

Kansas: Derby High School

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Location: Derby, Kansas

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 9-2

State championships: 7 (1994, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018-20)

Head coach: Brandon Clark

Key players: QB Lem Wash, RB Dylan Edwards, OL Alex Key, LB Jack Hileman, DB Tanner Knox, WR Reid Liston, WR Drake Thatcher, OL Dylan Conn, DL Quentin Dorsey, LB Luke Stewart, LB Coleson Syring, DB Corey Akins, OL Mitchell Johnson, OL Jonas Vickers

Other reigning state champions: Mill Valley (5A), St. James Academy (4A), Andale (3A), Rossville (2A), Olpe (1A), Little River (8-Man I), Hanover (8-Man II), Cheylin (6-Man), St. Mary’s Academy (KCAA)

Bottom line: Derby High rolled the dice when it hired Brandon Clark, a former Kansas State football player, as its head coach in 2006, when he was just 26 years old.

What Clark has done since has put him among the greatest coaches not just in Kansas history but in the history of high school football in the Midwest. He’s won six state championships after winning his first in 2013, and the 2020 state title was Derby’s third in a row.

Derby has a good shot at winning a fourth state title in a row in 2021. They return one of the state’s best players in running back Dylan Edwards and four offensive linemen who earned all-state honors, led by 6-foot-4, 270-pound Alex Key.

Kentucky: Louisville Trinity High School

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Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 10-0

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)

Head coach: Bob Beatty

Key players: OL Alex Moore, OL Gavin Malott, DL DeAnthony Perry, DL Jack Dingle, DL Charlie Ely, DB Roman White, DL Alton Jefferson, DL Blake Ruffin

Other reigning state champions: Bowling Green (5A), Boyle County (4A), Blazer (3A), Beachwood (2A), Paintsville (1A)

Bottom line: Louisville Trinity is the greatest high school football program in Kentucky history and capped off its unbeaten 2020 season with a 28-0 win over Louisville Male High in the Class 6A state championship game.

It was the 27th state title in school history and 15th state title in 21 seasons for head coach Bob Beatty, who retired in January 2021.

Louisiana: Acadiana High School

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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana

Class/division: Class 5A

2020 record: 11-1

State championships: 6 (2006, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Matt McCullough

Key players: DL Cameron George, OL Justin Babineaux, OL Dylan Dauzart, RB Tyvin Zeno, LB Derreck Bercier, DB Ian Montz

Other reigning state champions: Lafayette Carnecro (4A), Madison Prep Academy (3A), Many (2A), Oak Grove (1A), Catholic-B.R. (Private Division I), St. Thomas More (Private Division II), Lafayette Christian Academy (Private Division III), Calvary Baptist Academy (Private Division IV)

Bottom line: Acadiana capped off back-to-back state titles with a thrilling 35-34 win over Alexandria in the Class 5A state championship game.

Acadiana’s leader the last two seasons was 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive lineman Cameron George, the Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year.

George, who is now a freshman at the University of Louisiana, went 26-1 over his final two seasons at Acadiana.

Maine: Bonny Eagle High School

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Location: Standish, Maine

Class/division: Class A

2019 record: 11-1

State championships: 7 (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2016, 2019)

Head coach: Kevin Cooper

Key players: RB Zach Maturo, OL/DL Will Horton, LB Nate Ferris, QB Keegan Meredith

Other reigning state champions: Marshwood (B), Leavitt (C), Lisbon/St. Dominic (D), Mt. Ararat (8-Man)

Bottom line: Maine wasn’t able to crown state champions in 2020, but in 2019, Bonny Eagle High won it all behind a big year from do-it-all senior running back Zach Maturo, who racked up 1,981 all-purpose yards and scored 25 touchdowns on the way to Varsity Maine Player of the Year honors.

Maturo was one of three all-state picks for Bonny Eagle alongside offensive lineman Will Horton and linebacker Nate Ferris.

Ferris had one of the all-time greatest single-game performances in Maine history in the Class A state championship game win over Thornton Academy with four sacks, seven pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Maryland: Wise High School

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Location: Marlboro, Maryland

Class/division: Class 4A

2019 record: 15-0

State championships: 5 (2012, 2015-17, 2019)

Head coach: DaLawn Parrish

Key players: ATH Jaliil Farooq, OL Kamrin Porter, QB Jayden Sauray, OL Rashard Jackson, LB Tracey White, DB Dorian Strong, LB Rodney Gainous III, DL Amar Thomas, DB Kaden Jernigan

Other reigning state champions: Damascus (3A), Middletown (2A), Catoctin (1A), Mount St. Joseph (MIAA-A), Pallotti (MIAA-B), Our Lady of Good Counsel (WCAC Capital), St. Mary’s Ryken (WCAC Metro)

Bottom line: Wise High did more than just win a state championship in 2019. They established themselves as one of the greatest teams in Maryland high school football history.

On the way to the Class 4A state title, Wise never even played a close game. Its defense had five shutouts in the first six games, only giving up six points in a 51-6 win over Bowie High.

While the 2020 season was a wash, Wise will have two all-state players back in 2021 with quarterback Jayden Sauray and defensive end Amar Thomas, who had 64 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2019.

Massachusetts: St. John’s Prep

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Location: Danvers, Massachusetts

Class/division: Division 1

2019 record: 11-1

State championships: 14 (1977, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2019)

Head coach: Brian St. Pierre

Key players: QB Matt Crowley, DB Matt Duchemin

Other reigning state champions: Mansfield (Division 2), Springfield Central (Division 3), Melrose (Division 4), Swampscot (Division 5), Ashland (Division 6), Abington (Division 7), St. Bernard’s Central Catholic (Division 8)

Bottom line: Former Boston College star and NFL quarterback Brian St. Pierre returned to coach at his alma mater in 2014 and has won two state championships since, with the last one coming after his team went 11-1 in 2019.

St. John’s Prep all-state quarterback Matt Crowley is now the quarterback at Tufts University, which means he’s pretty smart.

Michigan: West Bloomfield High School

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Location: West Bloomfield, Michigan

Class/division: Division 1

2020 record: 11-1

State championships: 1 (2020)

Head coach: Ronald Bellamy

Key players: DB Maxwell Hairston, OL Jaden Green, LB Jordan Hoskins, K/P Sammy Lafata

Other reigning state champions: Mona Shores (Division 2), DeWitt (Division 3), Detroit Country Day (Division 4), Catholic Central (Division 5), Montague (Division 6), New Lothrop (Division 7), Centreville (Division 8), Lenawee Christian (8-Man 1), North Central (8-Man 2)

Bottom line: West Bloomfield High made history in 2020 when it won the first state championship in school history. To put that in perspective, West Bloomfield opened in 1955 and didn’t even play in a state championship game until 2017.

West Bloomfield didn’t leave any doubt in 2020, including a 41-0 win over Davison in the Division 1 state championship game.

Minnesota: Wayzata High School

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Location: Plymouth, Minnesota

Class/division: Class AAAAAA

2019 record: 13-0

State championships: 4 (2005, 2008, 2010, 2019)

Head coach: Lambert Brown

Key players: RB Christian Vasser, DL Joe Demro, LB Loshiaka Roques, DB Sam Robertson, OL Joe Salonek, DB Anthony Ukofia

Other reigning state champions: Chaska (AAAAA), Rocori (AAAA), Pierz (AAA), Caledonia (AA), Blooming Prairie (A), Mountain Lake/Mountain Lake Christian (9-Man)

Bottom line: No one was better in Minnesota under pressure than Wayzata High running back Christian Vasser, who set the Class 6A state championship game record with 49 carries for 285 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-20 win over Champlin Park.

That followed Vasser’s performance in the state semifinal, when he rushed for 269 yards and three touchdowns.

Vasser, who’s 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, could end up being a star for Minnesota State, where he had to sit out the 2020 season due to the pandemic.

Mississippi: Oak Grove High School

Oak Grove High School Athletics

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 13-0

State championships: 2 (2013, 2020)

Head coach: Drew Casey

Key players:QB Kabe Barnett, WR Tyrell Pollard, OL Donovan Allen, LB Zach Little, OL Taurese Sibley, DB Dontavious Howard

Other reigning state champions: West Jones (5A), Louisville (4A), Magee (3A), Taylorsville (2A), Lumberton (1A), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MAIS 6A), Leake Academy (MAIS 5A), Riverfield Academy (MAIS 4A), Greenville Christian (MAIS 3A), Manchester Academy (MAIS 8-Man 2A), Briarfield Academy (MAIS 8-Man 1A)

Bottom line: Oak Grove High went unbeaten and won the Class 6A state championship with a thrilling, 29-28 win over Oxford in the title game.

Oak Grove got that far behind a shooting star in 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior dual-threat quarterback Kabe Barnett, who racked up 2,827 yards of total offense and 44 touchdowns — 36 passing and eight rushing.

Missouri: Raymore-Peculiar High School

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Location: Peculiar, Missouri

Class/division: Division 6

2020 record: 12-2

State championships: 4 (2004-06, 2020)

Head coach: Sean Martin

Key players: QB Conrad Hawley, WR Jaidyn Doss, DL Ethan George, LB Parker Bowen, LB Ben Einess, DB Gunnar Griffin, RB Phillip Fager, TE Tucker Miller,

Other reigning state champions: Jackson (Class 5), Jefferson City Helias (Class 4), Jefferson City Blair Oaks (Class 3), Lamar (Class 2), Windsor (Class 1), Southwest/Hale/Tina-Avalon (8-Man)

Bottom line: Raymore-Peculiar left little doubt who the best team in Missouri was following a 23-0 win over De Smet Jesuit in the Division 6 state championship game for the school’s first state title since they won three in a row from 2004 to 2006.

It was a rookie head coach, Sean Martin, that led Ray-Pec to the state title. Martin was the defensive coordinator on the three state championship teams in the mid-2000s.

Quarterback Conrad Hawley, 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, was named the Missouri Offensive Player of the Year and signed with Big 12 doormat Kansas.

Montana: Sentinel High School

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Location: Missoula, Montana

Class/division: Class AA

2020 record: 10-0

State championships: 2 (1972, 2020)

Head coach: Dane Oliver

Key players: QB Camden Sirmon, LB Geno Leonard, P/FB Charlie Kirgan, WR/DB TJ Rausch, TE/DE Zac Crews, OL Zach Hangas, OL Dylan Rolins, OL Ramsey Knowles, ATH Jace Klucewich, LB/OL Geno Leonard, LB Soren Syvrud,

Other reigning state champions: Laurel (A), Manhattan/Manhattan Christian (B), Flint Creek Co-Op (C 8-Man), Froid/Medicine Lake (C 6-Man)

Bottom line: Quarterback Camden Sirmon transferred to Missoula Sentinel High from Wenatchee (Washington) High after his home state’s season was canceled in 2020, and the move paid off in a big way.

He was named the Class AA Offensive Most Valuable Player and led Sentinel to an undefeated season and a state championship.

It was Sentinel’s first state title in 48 years, and Sirmon is now a freshman quarterback at the University of Washington where his cousin, Jackson Sirmon, is a linebacker.

Nebraska: Omaha Westside High School

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Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Class/division: Class A

2020 record: 12-0

State championships: 3 (1981, 1982, 2020)

Head coach: Brett Froendt

Key players: QB Cole Payton, OL Cade Haberman, LB Ben Radicia, DB Koby Bretz

Other reigning state champions: Elkhorn (B), Pierce (C1), Ord (C2), Dundy County-Stratton (D1), Bruning-Davenport/Shickley (D2), McCool Junction (D6)

Bottom line: Omaha Westside won its first state championship since 1982 behind a monster year from all-state quarterback Cole Payton, who threw for over 1,000 yards and ran for over 1,000 yards.

Payton was one of four all-state picks for Westside, along with offensive lineman Cade Haberman, linebacker Ben Radicia and defensive back Koby Bretz, who signed with the University of Nebraska.

Haberman signed with Northern Illinois.

Nevada: Liberty High School

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Location: Henderson, Nevada

Class/division: Class 4A

2019 record: 10-5

State championships: 1 (2019)

Head coach: Richard Muraco

Key players: QB Daniel Britt, TE Moliki Matavao, K Dillon Fedor, TE Moliki Matavao, OL Alofaletauia Maluia, LB Zephaniah Maea, DB Lehi Taia Ausage, ATH Zurus Fiaseu, WR Germie Bernard, OL Garrett Vea, DB Donte Bowers Jr.

Other reigning state champions: Fernley (3A), Yerington (2A), Pahrangat Valley (1A)

Bottom line: Liberty finally toppled national power Bishop Gorman on the way to the first state championship in school history, ending the Gaels’ streak of 10 consecutive state titles.

How Liberty did it is pretty amazing and something you don’t often, if ever, hear about. They started the season 0-5 before reeling off 10 straight victories for the state title. You can point to a switch at quarterback as the moment the season turned the corner for Liberty.

Daniel Britt became the starter halfway through the season and completed a stunning 78 percent of his passes for 1,954 yards, 23 touchdowns and one interception, along with rushing for 681 yards and 10 touchdowns.

New Hampshire: Nashua North High School

NHSNTitans / Twitter

Location: Nashua, New Hampshire

Class/division: Division I

2020 record: 6-0

State championships: 1 (2020)

Head coach: Daunte Laurendi

Key players: DL Max Ackerman, LB Spencer Whiting, DB Jayden Espinal, QB Curtis Harris-Lopez, OL Liam Novak, Ol Zach Maszczak, RB Anthony Greene, WR Lucas Cunningham

Other reigning state champions: Souhegan (Division II), Pelham (Division III), Newport (Division IV)

Bottom line: Nashua North only played six games in 2020 but won all six on the way to winning the first state title in school history.

North had to take down No. 1 Goffstown in the state championship game for the win after finishing as state runner-up in 2009 and 2010.

Senior quarterback Curtis-Harris Lopez was at his best in the championship game. He opened the scoring with a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was the first of three touchdowns for Harris-Lopez, who had 118 rushing yards on 13 carries.

New Jersey: Park Ridge High School

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Location: Park Ridge, New Jersey

Class/division: North Division I

2019 record: 11-1

State championships: 2 (1995, 2019)

Head coach: Thomas Curry

Key players: QB Vincent Pinto, WR Justin Wagner, WR Brendan Hughes, LB Daniel Gutin, LB Brendan Hughes

Other reigning state champions: Verona (North II), Ramapo (North III), Wayne Valley (North IV), Ridgewood (North V), Penns Grove (South I), Hillside (South II), Woodrow Wilson (South III), Medford Shawnee (South IV), Williamstown (South V), Holy Spirit (Non-Public II), DePaul Catholic (Non-Public III), St. Peter’s Prep (Non-Public IV)

Bottom line: Few states are as confusing when it comes to state championships as New Jersey, where they don’t play a legitimate state championship game. If California could find a way to figure it out, New Jersey should as well.

That being said, Park Ridge quarterback Vincent Pinto was an absolute problem for teams in 2019, when he threw for over 1,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in leading his team to the North Division I state title.

Even if they didn’t really play the state’s other best team.

New Mexico: Cleveland High School

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Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Class/division: Class 6A

2019 record: 11-2

State championships: 3 (2014, 2016, 2019)

Head coach: Heath Ridenour

Key players: RB Dorian Lewis, QB Isaiah Chavez, LB Tres Villalpando, DB Lucas Lucero, DB Trey Ortega, TE Tre Watson

Other reigning state champions: Roswell (5A), Portales (4A), Albuquerque Hope Christian (3A), Eunice (2A), Melrose (8-Man), Springer/Maxwell (6-Man)

Bottom line: Rio Rancho Cleveland has won all three of its state championships in the last decade, including its 2019 title that came with a thrilling 48-40 win over rival Rio Rancho High in the Class 6A state championship game.

No one was better in the clutch than Cleveland running back Dorian Lewis, who ran for over 200 yards in both the state semifinals and finals.

New York: New Rochelle High School

NYSPHSAA / Twitter

Location: New Rochelle, New York

Class/division: Class AA

2019 record: 13-0

State championships: 3 (2003, 2012, 2019)

Head coach: Lou Dirienzo

Key players: RB Jessie Parson, DL Calvin Jackson, DL Darren Kabba, LB Kayshaun Thomas

Other reigning state champions: Cornwall Central (A), Bishop Timon-St. Jude (B), Susquehanna Valley (C), Clymer Central/Sherman/Panama (D), Cardinal Hayes (CHSFL AAA), Chaminade (CHSFL AA-1), Moore Catholic (CHSFL AA-2), Kennedy Catholic (CHSFL A), Freeport (Long Island I), Lindenhurst (Long Island II), Plainedge (Long Island III), Shoreham-Wading River (Long Island IV), Canisius (Monsignor Martin A), Bishop Timon-St. Jude (Monsignor Martin B), Brooklyn Madison (PSAL Bowl), Brooklyn Erasmus Hall (PSAL City), Staten Island Petrides (PSAL Cup)

Bottom line: You need an advanced degree to decipher New York’s state championship structure — please reach out if you can explain it to us.

Either way, New Rochelle dominated McQuaid Jesuit in the 2019 Class AA state championship game, 28-0, and with the 2020 season canceled are still the reigning champs.

It was the third state championship in New Rochelle history. The Huguenots went 13-0, and running back Jessie Parson was named Class AA Offensive Player of the Year.

North Carolina: Grimsley High School

GCSchoolsNC / Twitter

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

Class/division: Class 4A

2019 record: 10-0

State championships: 1 (2020)

Head coach: Darryl Brown

Key players: QB Alonza Barnett III, RB Jeiel Melton, LB Quentin Williamson, DE Tamorye Thompson

Other reigning state champions: Zebulon B. Vance (Class 4AA), Charlotte Catholic (Class 3A), Mount Tabor (Class 3AA), Reidsvile (Class 2A), Salisbury (Class 2AA), Murphy Class (1A), Tarboro (Class 1AA), Charlotte Christian (NCISAA II), Christ School (NCISAA I), Arendell Parrott Academy (NCISAA 8-Man I), Bethel Christian Academy (NCISAA 8-Man II)

Bottom line: Props to North Carolina for making it clear that schools that played in the winter or spring of the 2020-21 school year were still legitimate state champions. That wasn’t the case for the majority of states who tried to pull off a delayed season.

Grimsley High won its first state title in the delayed season and was led on defense by junior defensive end Tamorye Thompson, who had 13 sacks.

North Dakota: Century High School

NDHSAA / Twitter

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Class/division: Class AAA

2020 record: 9-0

State championships: 4 (2015, 2016, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Ron Wingenbach

Key players: RB Cade Garcia, OL Andrew Leingang, DL Lucas Schweigert, LB Maguire Martin, DB Brock Johnsen

Other reigning state champions: St. Mary’s Central (AA), Langdon/Edmore/Munich (A), Linton/Hazelton-Moffitt-Braddock (9-Man), Drake/Anamoose (6-Man)

Bottom line: Bismarck Century won its second consecutive state championship in 2020 and fourth state title since 2015 by going 9-0 in a shortened season.

Century went off in the Class AAA state championship game with a 34-0 win over West Fargo Sheyenne, which was the third shutout of the season for Century’s defense.

Ohio: St. Xavier High School

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Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Class/division: Division I

2020 record: 10-2

State championships: 4 (2005, 2007, 2016, 2020) ???

Head coach: Steve Specht

Key players: WR Liam Clifford, OL Brian Parker II, DL Giovanni Albanese, LB Matthew Devine

Other reigning state champions: Archbishop Hoban (Division II), Chardon (Division III), Van Wert (Division IV), Kirtland (Division V), Coldwater (Division VI), New Bremen (Division VII)

Bottom line: St. Xavier won its first state title since 2016 behind four All-State selections led by Air Force Academy-bound linebacker Matthew Devine, who had 109 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Wide receiver Liam Clifford (Penn State), defensive lineman Giovanni Albanese and offensive lineman Brian Parker were also named all-state.

Oklahoma: Jenks High School

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Location: Jenks, Oklahoma

Class/division: Class 6A Division I

2020 record: 12-1

State championships: 17 (1979, 1982, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020)

Head coach: Keith Riggs

Key players: RB Grant Lohr, OL Logan Nobles, WR Jayden Patrick

Other reigning state champions: Bixby (6A II), Carl Albert (5A), Wagoner (4A), Tulsa Holland Hall (3A), Tulsa Metro Christian (2A), Cashion (A), Dewar (B), Tyrone (C), Destiny Christian (HCAA 3A), Arkansas Christian Academy (HCAA 2A)

Bottom line: Jenks High won its first state title since 2015 and kept its name among the greatest high school football programs in the nation in 2020 — capped off by a 41-14 win over Edmond Santa Fe in the Class 6A Division I state championship game.

No one in the state was better than 6-foot, 190-pound Jenks running back/defensive back Grant Lohr, who finished with 1,349 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns to go with 21 receptions for 262 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Lohr had 45 tackles, three interceptions and five sacks.

Oregon: Central Catholic High School

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Location: Portland, Oregon

Class/division: Class 6A

2019 record: 12-2

State championships: 4 (1953, 2013, 2014, 2019)

Head coach: Steve Pyne

Key players: QB Cade Knighton, WR Silas Starr, OL Andrew Gross,

Other reigning state champions: Thurston (5A), La Grande (4A), Santiam Christian (3A), Heppner (2A), Adrian/Jordan Valley (1A 8-Man),

Bottom line: Oregon didn’t play a recognized football season in 2020 and had an abbreviated season in the spring of 2021, so Central Catholic is still the reigning large-school state champion after winning the Class 6A title in 2019.

Senior quarterback Cade Knighton had one of the best seasons in Oregon history on the way to the state title — 3,296 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Pennsylvania: St. Joseph’s Prep

theScore / Twitter

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Class/division: Class AAAAAA

2020 record: 6-0

State championships: 4 (2016, 2018-20)

Head coach: Tim Roken

Key players: QB Kyle McCord, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Sahmir Hagans, OL Brad Harris, ATH Malik Cooper, DL NIck Yagodich, LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., DB Keenan Nelson

Other reigning state champions: Pine-Richland (AAAAA), Thomas Jefferson (AAAA), Central Valley (AAA), Southern Columbia Area (AA), Steelton-Highspire (A)

Bottom line: St. Joseph’s Prep won its third consecutive state championship behind a couple of names you might recognize — linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

The two sons of former NFL standouts were all-state selections and showed they can dominate just like their dads did. Harrison Jr., who enrolled early at Ohio State, finished his career with Philadelphia Catholic League career records of 144 receptions, 2,625 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Rhode Island: Bishop Hendricken High School

BreakthroughFBA / Twitter

Location: Warwick, Rhode Island

Class/division: Division I

2019 record: 10-0

State championships: 11 (1968, 1981, 1982, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019)

Head coach: Keith Croft

Key players: QB Thomas Comella, WR Andres Andujar, OL Jake Picard, RS Angel Sanchez, DL Brandyn Duran, DL Jason Onye, LB Nic Comella,

Other reigning state champions: Woonsocket (Division II), Warwick Pilgrim (Division III), North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles Academy (Division IV)

Bottom line: The greatest high school football program in Rhode Island history was back on top the last time the state played a high school football season, going unbeaten and winning its first championship since 2014.

AllsState wide receiver Andres Andujar, denied a chance at playing his senior season, ended up signing with NCAA Division II Bentley University.

South Carolina: Dutch Fork High School

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Location: Irmo, South Carolina

Class/division: Class AAAAA

2020 record: 10-0

State championships: 6 (2013, 2016-20)

Head coach: Tom Knotts

Key players: QB Will Taylor, WR Antonio WIlliams, WR Elijah Spence, TE Griffin Reid, DB Trace Danley

Other reigning state champions: Columbia Flora (AAAA), Daniel (AAA), Abbeville (AA), Southside Christian (A), Columbia Hammond (SCISA AAA), Hilton Head Christian Academy (SCISA AA), Thomas Heyward Academy (SCISA A), Holly HIll Academy (SCISA 8-Man)

Bottom line: Senior quarterback Will Taylor capped off his career for Dutch Fork High with an unbeaten season and state championship, throwing for 2,237 yards and 21 touchdowns to go with 448 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Dutch Fork also set the state record with its fifth consecutive state championship and ended the season on a 50-game winning streak.

South Dakota: Brandon Valley High School

KELOBower / Twitter

Location: Brandon, South Dakota

Class/division: 11-Man AAA

2020 record: 9-1

State championships: 10 (1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1998, 2018, 2020)

Head coach: Chad Garrow

Key players: H-Back Austin Vigants, RB Tate Johnson, OL Jaxen Mullett, ATH Joe Kolbeck, DL Parker Reed, LB Damion Schunke, DB Noah Thompson

Other reigning state champions: Pierre Riggs (11-Man AA), Tea (11-Man A), Winner (11-Man B), Platte/Geddes (9-Man AA), Canistota/Freeman (9A), Wolsey-Wessington (9B)

Bottom line: Tied at halftime of the Class AAA state championship game against Harrisburg, Brandon Valley reeled off 21 unanswered points for a 35-14 win and second state title in three years.

Running back Tate Johnson was at his best in the title game, rushing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Valley rushed for a staggering 371 yards in the championship game.

Tennessee: Oakland High School

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Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 15-0

State championships: 5 (1984, 1998, 2008, 2018, 2020)

Head coach: Kevin Creasy

Key players: RB Jordan James, OL Graham Keating, DL Ethan McLaurin, ATH Isaiah Horton, K Trey Turk

Other reigning state champions: Summit (5A), Elizabethton (4A), Alcoa (3A), Peabody (2A), Fayetteville (1A), Chattanooga McCallie (Division II AAA), Christ Presbyterian (Division II AA), Davidson Academy (Division II A), Franklin Christian Academy (TSIAA)

Bottom line: Oakland High capped off a 15-0 season with a 56-33 win over powerhouse Brentwood in the state championship game — the first unbeaten season in school history.

Junior running back Jordan James showed why he’s one of the best players in the Class of 2022. He ran for 1,752 yards and 26 touchdowns, with 10 games where he rushed for over 1,000 yards.

James, who is committed to Georgia, ran for 266 yards and six touchdowns in the championship game.

Texas: Westlake High School

FlxAtx / Twitter

Location: Austin, Texas

Class/division: Class 6A Division I

2020 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (1996, 2019, 2020)

Head coach: Todd Dodge

Key players: LB Nick Morris, QB Cade Klubnik, WR Jaden Greathouse, DB Michael Taaffe,

Other reigning state champions: Katy (6A Division II), Denton Ryan (5A Division I), Aledo (5A Division II), Argyle (4A Division I), Carthage (4A Division II), Jim Ned (3A Division I), Canadian (3A Division II), Shiner (2A Division I), Windthorst (2A Division II), Sterling City (1A 6-Man Division I), Balmorhea (1A 6-Man Division II), Dallas Parish Episcopal (TAPPS I), Austin Regents (TAPPS II), Covenant Chritian (TAPPS III), Shiner St. Paul (TAPPS IV), Texas School for the Deaf (TAPPS 6-Man I), Dallas Lakehill Prep (TAPPS 6-Man II), Summit Christian Academy (TAPPS 6-Man III)

Bottom line: Texas is the one state we’re going to let off the hook for having an excessive amount of state championships and just leave it at that.

In 2020, it was Austin Westlake High winning its second straight state title behind head coach Todd Dodge, who led his team to a win over his alma mater, Southlake Carroll, in the Class 6A Division I state championship game.

Rice signee and all-state defensive back Michael Taaffe was at his best in the state championship game, picking off Class of 2022 No. 1 overall pick Quinn Ewers twice.

Utah: Corner Canyon High School

Sports Illustrated

Location: Draper, Utah

Class/division: Class 6A

2020 record: 14-0

State championships: 3 (2018-20)

Head coach: Eric Kjar

Key players: WR Noah Kjar, QB Jaxson Dart, WR Cody Hagan, OL Luke Sampson, OL Brennon Mangum, OL Jackson Light, LB Harrison Taggart,

Other reigning state champions: Orem (5A), Sky View (4A), Juab (3A), Beaver (2A)

Bottom line: Corner Canyon High didn’t open until 2013, but the school already has three state championships. It has won the last three in a row, with the first one coming on the Class 5A level in 2018 and the last two in Class 6A.

Corner Canyon smoked Lone Peak in the 2020 Class 6A state championship game, 45-7, which was par for the course after Corner Canyon scored over 45 points in 10 games on the way to a 14-0 record.

Cornery Canyon senior wide receiver Noah Kjar, the 6A Player of the Year, had one of the most amazing statistical seasons for a wide receiver, ever, with 97 catches for 1,918 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also went 51-1 in four years as a starter.

Vermont: Burr and Burton Academy

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Location: Manchester, Vermont

Class/division: Division I

2019 record: 11-1

State championships: 1 (2019)

Head coach: Thomas McCoy

Key players: QB/DB Joey McCoy, WR John Morgantini, OL Ethan Simonds

Other reigning state champions: Brattleboro (Division II), Poultney (Division III)

Bottom line: Few players in the country dominated both sides of the ball like Burr and Burton quarterback/defensive back Joey McCoy did in leading his school to its first state championship.

McCoy racked up 3,930 yards of total offense and 56 touchdowns along with 100 tackles, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions. McCoy’s favorite target was wide receiver John Morgantini, who put up his own eye-popping numbers with 76 receptions for 1,493 yards and 24 touchdowns despite only playing 10 games.

Virginia: South County High School

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Location: Lorton, Virginia

Class/division: Class 6A

2019 record: 15-0

State championships: 1 (2019)

Head coach: Gerry Pannoni

Key players: DE Haris Khan, QB Matt Dzierski, WR Brock Spalding, OL Jarrod Baier, DL Zion Dayne, LB Nico Asmar, DB Sam Dankah, ATH Kyle Medlock

Other reigning state champions: Norfolk Maury (5A), Norfolk Lake Taylor (4A), Hopewell (3A), Appomattox County (2A), Riverheads (1A), Benedictine (VISAA Division 1), North Cross (VISAA Division 2), St. Michael the Archangel (VISAA Division 3)

Bottom line: South County went 15-0 on the way to winning the Class 6A state title in 2019 — the first football state championship in school history.

South County did it with defense, especially in the state championship game, when they beat Oscar Smith High 14-13, with neither team scoring in the second half.

Defensive end Haris Khan was named Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year and chose to play for NCAA Division II Slippery Rock after originally committing to FCS school Towson.

Washington: Camas High School

col_mrice / Twitter

Location: Camas, Washington

Class/division: Class 4A

2019 record: 14-0

State championships: 2 (2016, 2019)

Head coach: Jon Eagle

Key players: RB Jacques Badolato-Birdsell, OL Rush Reimer, DL Tristan Souza, LB Tyler Forner, P Bryce Leighton, WR Jackson Clemmer, DL Robert Silva, DB Kolby Broadbent

Other reigning state champions: Eastside Catholic (3A), Turnwater (2A), Onalaska (2B), Royal (1A), Odessa (1B)

Bottom line: Camas capped off a perfect 14-0 season with a 35-14 win over Bothell in the 2019 Class 4A state championship game. Camas also has one of the best mascots we’ve ever encountered — they’re the Papermakers.

In the state championship game, junior Jacques Badolato-Birdsell had a career-high 34 carries for 206 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Despite not having a senior season, Badolato-Birdsell still went Division I, signing with the University of Nevada.

West Virginia: Martinsburg High School

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Location: Martinsburg, West Virginia

Class/division: Class AAA

2019 record: 14-0

State championships: 8 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

Head coach: Dave Walker

Key players: WR Jarod Bowie, OL Ty Lucas, DL Matthew Bednarski, LB Trey Sine, QB Elijah Banks, DB Teddy Marshall

Other reigning state champions: Bridgeport (AA), Wheeling Central Catholic (A)

Bottom line: We’re not sure what to make of West Virginia’s 2020 high school football season. If you figure it out, please feel free to fill us in. It’s not totally clear if the state championships from the winter are being fully recognized.

In our minds, Martinsburg High is still the reigning large-school champion after winning a fourth consecutive state title in 2019. Martinsburg has won all eight of its state championships since 2010, and head coach Dave Walker has the most wins of any head coach in state history.

He’s now the coach at Concord University.

Wisconsin: Muskego High School

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Location: Muskego, Wisconsin

Class/division: Division 1

2019 record: 14-0

State championships: 2 (2018, 2019)

Head coach: Ken Krause

Key players: OL Jacob Leszczynski, RB Alex Current, DB Hunter Wohler

Other reigning state champions: Brookfield East (Division 2), DeForest (Division 3), Waukesha Catholic Memorial (Division 4), Lake County Lutheran (Division 5), St. Mary’s Springs (Division 6), Black Hawk/Warren (Division 7), Luck (8-Man)

Bottom line: Muskego won back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019, which were also the first two state titles in school history, and it wouldn’t have been hard to see them winning another state title in 2020 if the season wasn’t canceled.

That’s because of 6-foot-1, 200-pound free safety Hunter Wohler, who was named the Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 as a junior. Wohler eventually signed with the University of Wisconsin.

Wyoming: Cheyenne East High School

WTEnews / Twitter

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Class/division: Class 4A

2020 record: 11-1

State championships: 5 (1970, 1974, 2007, 2013, 2020)

Head coach: Chad Goff

Key players: QB Graedyn Buell, WR Jackson Hesford, WR Jake Rail, WR Gavin Goff, OL Dakota Heckman, OL Nathan Lamm, RB Cade Pugh, DL Julian Vigil, DL Bradley Whitright, LB Trey Bower, LB Adrian Hernandez

Other reigning state champions: Cody (3A), Lyman (2A), Yoder Southeast (9-Man), Farson-Eden (1A 6-Man)

Bottom line: What an amazing season for Cheyenne East. The Thunderbirds suffered their only loss in 2020 to Thunder Basin, 34-28 in the season opener. It was the same team they faced in the Class 4A state championship game, with East coming out on top 29-15.

East’s path to revenge couldn’t have happened without 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior quarterback Graedyn Buell, a three-time all-state selection and the 2020 Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year.

Buell threw for 3,065 yards and 38 touchdowns along with 968 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.