Early Power Rankings for Top 10 High School Football Teams

Many people forget the recruits they follow are on teams that they take a lot of pride in. High school football is a big deal in a lot of states, and so are national polls and rankings.

It's early, but it's time for a sneak peek at the top 10 high school football teams for the 2014 season. Some teams feature several well-known recruits, while others are led by great coaches.

A 5-star quarterback in California is on an elite team, while several high-end recruits play for a powerhouse in Florida. Plus, a juggernaut in Las Vegas figures to have another big year.

10. Miami Central (Florida)

Credit: 247Sports

Miami Central is one of the best programs in Florida and in the country. Last year's squad featured several elite prospects, and it finished 13-1.

This year, the Rockets return studs such as 4-star receiver Da'Vante Phillips and 4-star safety Calvin Brewton. Fermin Silva, a 3-star outside linebacker, figures to become a key leader this season.

Another state title is in the Rockets' sights. 

9. Cedar Hill (Texas)

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Cedar Hill High School in Texas is among the top teams in the Lone Star State each season. The Longhorns' best player this year will be 5-star receiver Damarkus Lodge.

Justin McMillan, a 3-star quarterback, will be responsible for getting Lodge the football. McMillan will be handing the ball off on running plays to talented 3-star running back Aca'Cedric Ware.

Defensively, 3-star prospects such as defensive back Darrell Miller and linebacker Richard Moore will lead the way for the Longhorns.

8. Punahou (Hawaii)

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Located in Hawaii, Punahou School is home to one of the nation's best athletic programs. The football team is phenomenal, and it won 11 games in 2013.

The team is set to be exceptional once again in 2014, as it will return dominant 4-star defensive lineman Canton Kaumatule. Offensively, 4-star receiver Kanawai Noa will be Punahou's main threat to score points.

It'll enter the season as the overwhelming favorite to win another state title.

7. American Heritage (Florida)

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After winning 15 games in 2013, American Heritage will be back for more success in 2014. The Patriots are a rare high school football team that boasts a 5-star recruit on offense and defense.

At quarterback will be 5-star prospect Torrance Gibson. The dual-threat passer will be the undisputed key and leader to American Heritage's offensive attack. On defense, 5-star defensive back Tarvarus McFadden will be the focus.

The 6'3" defensive back weighs close to 200 pounds, plus he can help as a receiver for Gibson on offense.

6. Bishop Gorman (Nevada)

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Many people overlook Las Vegas as a football hotbed, but Sin City actually has a lot of talent. Year in and year out, the team to beat is Bishop Gorman.

The team is so consistently good that 4-star receiver Cordell Broadus transferred to Bishop Gorman instead of choosing to play at several available powerhouse programs in Los Angeles. Broadus figures to be half of an exceptional pass-catching duo with 4-star tight end Aliz'e Jones, who is committed to UCLA.

Notre Dame pledge and 3-star safety Nicco Fertitta will be the leader of the Gaels' defense.

5. Hoover (Alabama)

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Football is huge in Alabama, and that includes competition within the high school ranks. Hoover is one of the state's flagship programs, and the Buccaneers figure to be great again in 2014.

After winning 15 games in 2013, the Bucs return several studs. Back on offense is 4-star running back Bradrick Shaw, who will see 3-star receiver Justin Johnson in the huddle with him.

It's going to be hard for opposing teams to score on Hoover, as 4-star linebacker Darrell Williams will be all over the field. Yet Williams isn't the only 4-star defender for the Bucs, as defensive end Christian Bell also figures to do a lot of damage.

4. St. John Bosco (California)

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Whether or not St. John Bosco has as much talent as it did last year is for another debate. However, what is known is the Braves return a downright superstar in 5-star quarterback Josh Rosen.

The UCLA commitment has a gifted right arm, and it alone is capable of beating opposing teams. Rosen will be protected by a strong offensive line unit anchored by 4-star guard Zach Robertson and 3-star blocker Matthew Katnik.

If Bosco can stay disciplined defensively, it should be in the hunt for a state and national title.

3. Trinity Christian Academy (Florida)

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Again, it's early, but a team to watch closely is Trinity Christian Academy in Florida. The Jacksonville-based school features a ton of talent, and the Conquerors will be looking to, well, conquer a lot of things in 2014.

The star of the team is 5-star cornerback Kevin Toliver II, who is committed to LSU. However, 5-star linebacker Jeffery Holland is a future star in college. 

Florida State has a commitment from 4-star guard Kendrick Norton, while 3-star safety Ben Edwards is committed to Ohio State. 

2. Junipero Serra (California)

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Serra puts out a lot of talent, and this year's squad may be its best ever. The defense alone has two 5-star recruits in linebacker John Houston and defensive tackle Rasheem Green.

Athlete Stanley Norman, a 4-star prospect, has transferred into Serra. Playing receiver, running back, cornerback and safety for the Cavaliers is not out of the question. At 5'7" and 170 pounds, 3-star running back Malik Roberson isn't very big, but he's very good.

Also keep an eye on 3-star receiver Deontay Burnett. 

1. Allen (Texas)

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After finishing No. 2 in the country in the MaxPreps Composite Top 25 Rankings in 2013, Allen will be looking for a higher ranking in 2014.

Starting quarterback Kyler Murray is back this year, and the 4-star passer will definitely be public enemy No. 1 for opposing teams. Oklahoma commit and 4-star offensive lineman Bobby Evans will help protect Murray, who'll be throwing to 3-star receiver and Notre Dame commit Jalen Guyton.

This could be another big year for the Eagles. 

Greg Tepper of TexasFootball.com wrote about Murray and Allen's upcoming season on Jan. 13, noting, "Texas’ best player and unmatched depth make the Eagles a prime three-peat candidate."

All recruiting ratings and rankings are from 247Sports.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.                                   

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.