The 2023 Preseason Top 25 for Small Town high school football kicks off just like it ended in 2022 – with Carthage (Texas) holding the top position.
Last year, the Bulldogs wrapped up with a perfect 16-0 record and secured the No. 1 spot in the Small Town Top 25 rankings. Carthage managed to outpace Pierce (Neb.) and China Spring (Texas) to claim the leading spot.
This year, Carthage begins the season with a slight edge over China Spring, while two Ohio schools – Marion Local (Maria Stein) and South Range (Ohio) – grab the No. 3 and 4 spots respectively. Pierce starts off the year at No. 5.
The Small Town Top 25 includes schools with fewer than 1,000 students and located in towns with populations under 10,000.The rankings come from their preseason computer score, which you can find next to how they did last year.
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Preseason Small Town Top 25 Football Rankings
1.Carthage Bulldogs from Texas
Last year’s record: 16 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 48.9
How they did: They became the champs in Texas Class 4A-II
What to expect: The Bulldogs, led by Coach Scott Surratt, have been super successful, grabbing nine state titles since 2008. Surratt, who won a big award in 2022, has a crazy good record of 205 wins and 29 losses in 16 seasons. They’ll miss star player Connor Cuff, but lots of strong players are back – six on offense and five on defense.
2.China Spring Cougars from Texas
Last year’s record: 15 wins and only 1 loss
This year’s expected rating: 45.8
How they did: They took the Texas Class 4A-I state title
What to look for: These Cougars are aiming for their third state championship in a row. They’ve got a bunch of starters returning – five on offense and five on defense. Keep an eye on Cash McCollum, a star player at quarterback. And they’ve got a big dude, Greydon Grimes, heading to Baylor, who’s killer on defense. He’s 6-5 and 235 pounds, a real force on the field.
3.Marion Local (Maria Stein, Ohio)
Last year’s record: 16 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 42.2
How they did: They snagged the Ohio Division VI championship
What’s up ahead: The Flyers are on fire, winning 32 games in a row. Coach Tim Goodwin is about to hit his 300th win this season (he’s won 293 out of 48 games so far!). Marion Local is moving down to Division VII this year. They’ve grabbed nine state titles since 2011 and a total of 13. Keep an eye out for Drew Lause, a star running back.
4.South Range (Canfield, Ohio)
Last year’s record: 16 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 41.9
How they did: They clinched the Ohio Division V championship
What to look forward to: The Raiders rocked it last year, taking their first state championship. They had a streak of three league titles too. Gus Valentine, a solid offensive lineman, is their key player coming back. He got an honorable mention for all-state last year. But, they’ll need to fill the shoes of quarterback Billy Skripac, who got a nod for all-state and was named the conference’s top player.
5.Pierce (Neb.)
Last year’s record: 13 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 40.4
How they did: They nabbed the Nebraska Class C-1 state championship
What’s coming up: Pierce has been doing great, snatching state titles twice in the last three years. They’ll have to find someone new to step into the shoes of Ben Brahmer, who was the defensive star last year. But don’t worry, they’ve got Keenan Valverde, a top-notch running back, back in action. He ran for a whopping 1,900 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. And watch out for Korvin Fritz – he led the team with a massive 141 tackles.
6.Gunter (Texas)
Last year’s record: 16 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 38.4
How they did: They took the crown in Class 3A-II
What’s on the horizon: The Tigers are on fire, bagging three state championships since 2016. And guess what, eight of last year’s starters are back in action. Coach Jake Fieszel rocked it last year and was named the state’s top coach in Class 3A. But Ashton Bennett, last year’s star defender, has moved on after being named the state’s defensive player of the year. But fear not, Gunter has a pair of all-star players returning – Colin Peacock, a junior defensive back, and Preston Tarpley, a junior kicker.
7.Timpson (Texas)
Last year’s record: 14 wins and 1 loss
This year’s expected rating: 38.0
How they did: They made it to the semifinals in Class 2A-I
What’s ahead: The Bears came super close last year, but lost in the state semifinals to Refugio, 24-21. But hey, they’re back with a vengeance, bringing 19 starters from last year. Check out Terry Bussey, the quarterback – he’s a five-star player according to 247Sports. Terry rocked it last year, earning the state player of the year title by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. He ran like crazy, getting 2,596 yards and 46 touchdowns, and also threw for 2,177 yards and 26 touchdowns. They’ve also got Vosky Howard and Tyler Lane, both all-state picks, returning to the field.
8.Franklin (Texas)
Last year’s record: 16 wins and 0 losses
This year’s expected rating: 37.5
How they did: They ruled Class 3A-I
What’s in store: Even though Bryson Washington, last year’s Class 3A state player of the year, is gone, the Lions are still a force. They’ve got six starters back on both offense and defense from last year’s back-to-back champs. These guys are on fire, winning 32 games straight. Keep an eye on Jayden Jackson, a junior fullback, and defensive all-stars Colby Smith, Devyn Hidrogo, and Major Kimbrough.
9.Brock (Texas)
Last year’s record: 11 wins and 5 losses
This year’s expected rating: 37.1
How they did: They made it to the finals in Class 3A-I
What’s up: The Eagles had a rough start last year, losing their first four games. But then, they went on a crazy winning streak of 11 games to reach the Class 3A-I championship game. They’ve got a bunch of starters coming back – seven on both offense and defense. Watch out for all-star defensive players like Cam Harris, Cooper Massey, Carson Finney, and Reid Watkins.
10.Morgan (Utah)
Last year’s record: They won 13 games and didn’t lose any
This year’s expected rating: Around 36.5
What happened: They became the champs in Class 3A
What’s ahead: The Trojans have been rocking it, grabbing two state titles in the last four years and owning six region championships out of seven. But, Nick Despain, who was the star last year, has graduated. But don’t worry, they’ve got some great players coming back – Jett Salmon, a top-notch running back, and Cooper McGiven, an offensive tackle. Tate Nelson, a cornerback, and Beau Johnson, the kicker, are back too.
11.Silsbee (Texas)
Last year’s record: They won 13 games and lost just one
This year’s expected rating: About 36.3
How things went: They did super well, except for one game where they scored and allowed a ton of points. They lost 58-56 against Cuero in the Class 4A-II quarterfinals. Now, they’ve got a bunch of players returning – 15 starters from that team. Keep an eye out for Drelon Miller, a receiver, who’s ranked 13th in Texas by 247Sports.
12.Swainsboro (Georgia)
Last year’s record: They won 13 games and lost one
This year’s expected rating: Around 35.5
What happened: They came close, but were the runners-up in Class A Division 1
What’s the deal: Swainsboro was second to state champ Prince Avenue Christian. These guys have been strong, taking three region championships in the last five years. They’ve got a real star, Demello Jones, an all-state safety who’s a top prospect in the state. He ran for a bunch of yards and touchdowns. Plus, watch out for Qindaruis Brown, a junior who also did great last year.
13.Hawley (Texas)
Last year’s record: They won all 16 games they played
This year’s expected rating: About 32.7
How they did: They became the champs in Class 2A-I
What’s coming: The Bearcats are on fire, grabbing five district championships in a row. They’re bringing back nine starters from a team that won the state championship. Chandlin Myers is back in action – he’s heading to Texas Tech. Last year, he caught lots of passes and scored touchdowns. And don’t forget about Diontay Ramon, an all-state receiver who caught even more passes and touchdowns.
14.Harlan (Iowa)
Last year’s record: They won 12 games and lost one
This year’s expected rating: Around 32.5
How they did: They took the crown in Class 3A
What’s next: The Cyclones are on fire, grabbing two state championships in a row. They’ve also scored seven district titles in the last 10 seasons. Teagon Kasperbauer, who was the all-state quarterback, is done, but don’t worry – all-state receiver Cade Sears is coming back.
15.Boone Central (Albion, Neb.)
Last year’s record: They won 9 games and lost 3
This year’s expected rating: About 32.4
What happened: They made it to the semifinals in Class C-1
What to expect: Boone Central had a solid run last year, with their only losses to the finalists Pierce and Aurora in Class C-1. The defense is looking strong, with all-state picks like Hank Hudson at linebacker and Parker Borer at defensive back.
16.Irwin County (Ocilla, Ga.)
Last year’s record: They won 11 games and lost 2
This year’s expected rating: Around 32.2
What went down: They made it to the semifinals in Class A Division 1
What’s up: The Indians rocked it in 2019 and 2020 as state champs, but they stumbled last year in the Class A Division 1 semifinals against Swainsboro, losing 22-21. Keep an eye on Michael Joiner, a defensive lineman who got an honorable mention for all-state – he’s the key returning player.
17.Central Lyon/George-Little Rock (Rock Rapids, Iowa)
Last year’s record: They won all 13 games they played
This year’s expected rating: About 32.0
How they did: They took the title in Class 2A
What’s in store: The Lions are back and strong, aiming for another title in Class 2A after their win last season. They’ve got some top players – Graham Eben, an all-state running back, and Reece Vander Zee, a receiver. Plus, the offensive and defensive lines are looking solid with all-state picks Trevor Dieren and Drew Denekas returning.
18.Aurora (Neb.)
Last year’s record: They won 12 games and lost one
This year’s expected rating: Around 31.7
How they did: They came in second place in Class C-1
What to watch for: The Huskies had a strong season last year, nabbing second place in Class C-1. They were champs in 2018 too. Damian Stanley, who was their top tackler, is back, and so is Kellen Peterson, an all-state player on both offense and defense.
19.Kirtland (Ohio)
Last year’s record: They won 15 games and lost one
This year’s expected rating: About 31.4
How things went: They were the runner-up in Division VI
What’s on the horizon: Kirtland had an impressive run, taking three Division V titles in a row from 2018 to 2020. They moved down to Division VI and came in second to Marion Local. Despite losing some key players, they’re starting this year as the top team in Division VI. Will Sayle, an all-state defensive back, is back, along with other strong players like Gino Blasini and Rocco Alfieri.
20.Andale (Kan.)
Last year’s record: They won all 13 games they played
This year’s expected rating: Around 30.9
What happened: They became the champs in Class 3A
What’s the deal: Andale is on fire, with an impressive win streak of 51 games in a row. They’ve been champs for four years straight. These guys had an amazing offense last year, scoring around 53 points per game while giving up just 5.2 points on defense. They even had a huge win with a score of 108-0 against Nickerson.
21.Whitesboro (Texas)
Last year’s record: They won 11 games and lost two
This year’s expected rating: About 30.7
What went down: They made it to the quarterfinals in Class 3A-I
What’s coming: The Bearcats had a strong run last year, with their only losses against Brock, including the playoff quarterfinals. They’re bringing back their top receivers from last year – Karter Sluder and Brett Donaldson.
22.Columbus (Wis.)
Last year’s record: They won all 14 games they played
This year’s expected rating: About 30.5
What happened: They became the champs in Division 4
What’s up ahead: Coach Andrew Selgrad did an awesome job last year and was named the state’s top coach. They’re bringing back Colton Brunell, an all-state running back who dominated with 2,897 rushing yards and a whopping 43 touchdowns.
23.Van Meter (Iowa)
Last year’s record: They won 12 games and lost one
This year’s expected rating: Around 30.4
What happened: They were champs in Class 1A
What to look forward to: The Bulldogs were on fire, taking the Class 1A state championship for two years straight. Now they’re moving up to Class 2A. They’ve got some top players returning – Ben Gordon, a running back, and Porter Doggett, a versatile defensive player. Ben Gordon ran for an impressive 1,734 yards and scored 28 touchdowns as a junior.
24.Belle Vernon (Pa.)
Last year’s record: They won 12 games and lost two
This year’s expected rating: About 30.0
What they did: They became the champs in Class 3A
What’s coming: Coach Matt Humbert rocked it last year and got named the state’s top coach. The team has four all-state players returning – Adam LaCarte, a safety, Quinton Martin, a running back, Dane Levi, a guard, and Jake Gedekoh, a linebacker.
25.Columbus (Texas)
Last year’s record: They won 12 games and lost two
This year’s expected rating: Around 30.0
What went down: They made it to the quarterfinals in Class 3A-I
What’s on the horizon: The Cardinals are back and strong, with 10 starters returning from last year’s team. Adam Schobel, a junior quarterback, is coming back after earning an honorable mention for all-state honors as a sophomore. He threw for an impressive 2,800 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. Keep an eye on John Schobel too, he’s an all-state linebacker. And here’s a cool fact: Coach Matt Schobel is part of an NFL family, with his brother Aaron and cousin Bo also playing in the league.
