Power Ranking Nation's 10 Best High School Football Teams

High School football season is rapidly approaching, and the nation's top teams will be eyeing various district, regional and state championships.

While it's a bit daunting to rank the top high school teams in the nation, this list will do exactly that. Some of these dominant squads feature a stud recruit or two, while others are well coached. A combination of talent, returning starters, past performance, coaching and competition quality all served as the main factors in determining this list.

A few programs in California figure to have nationally ranked teams, while a pair of powerful Texas squads are also ranked high. The state of Florida is represented well on this list.

All recruiting ratings and rankings are from 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

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

10. St. Edward (OH)

Credit: 247Sports

The Eagles return a slew of studs on offense and defense, and a state title may not be the only thing they're looking for.

The offense figures to be potent, as 4-star running back Andrew Dowell will be joined by his brother and 4-star receiver David Dowell. The Northwestern pledges will also play with 4-star receiver and Kentucky commit Alex Stump. South Florida has a commitment from 3-star quarterback Brett Kean.

Defensively, the unit will be led by 4-star cover-corner Shaun Crawford. The Notre Dame pledge will be joined by 3-star linebacker Troy Henderson Jr., who is committed to Syracuse, and Troy Dipre, a 2-star 'backer headed to Kent State. 

9. Serra (CA)

Credit: 247Sports

Located in Los Angeles, Serra isn't a stranger when it comes to housing elite talent. Players such as Robert Woods, Marqise Lee and Adoree' Jackson have all been Cavaliers.

This year, the squad features 5-star defensive lineman Rasheem Green and 5-star linebacker John Houston. Stanley Norman, a versatile 4-star athlete, will fill the "do-it-all" role Jackson played for the team last season on offense, defense and special teams.

Receiver Deontay Burnett and running back Malik Roberson are 3-star recruits who will be the main offensive catalysts for Serra. Burnett is headed to Washington State.

It's scary to think that with all of the underclassmen on Serra's roster, the Cavs actually may be better in 2015.

8. Booker T. Washington (FL)

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Booker T. Washington has consistently been one of the top high school programs in the country. This figures to be another great year for the Tornadoes, who are led by 4-star running back Mark Walton.

The shifty runner will be joined on offense by big pass-catcher Devonaire Clarington, who could very well choose to join Walton at Miami. However, don't sleep on 3-star receiver Antonio Callaway. 

Defensively, it starts with 3-star cornerback Davante Davis, who is 6'3" and 200 pounds. James King, a 3-star linebacker who is committed to FAU, will help make sure the front seven is in order.

If this team can find a quarterback, it could be in serious business again.

7. St. John Bosco (CA)

Credit: 247Sports

For St. John Bosco, everything starts with 5-star quarterback Josh Rosen. The UCLA commit is the nation's best quarterback prospect, and he knows this is his football team.

Located in the Bellflower section of Los Angeles, Bosco will have to replace several starters from last year's squad. However, returning is stud 4-star offensive lineman Zach Robertson and 3-star guard Matthew Katnik.

Underclassmen Sean McGrew and Jared Harrell will be Rosen's top skill-position weapons. The defense will have to come together quickly, but as long as the Braves have Rosen, they should be fine.

6. American Heritage (FL)

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Life after all-world running back Sony Michel begins for American Heritage, but the Patriots still are one of Florida's top teams.

Torrance Gibson is the leader of the team, as the 5-star athlete will pilot the Pats' offensive attack at quarterback. He's not the only 5-star recruit on the team, as defensive back Tarvarus McFadden will also make his presence felt as a return man.

Gibson will be joined in the secondary by 2-star safety Deonta Fair. Also, keep an eye on sophomore running back Kyshaun Bryan. 

5. Hoover (AL)

Credit: 247Sports

Hoover High School in Alabama is always in the national rankings. The Buccaneers will field yet another talented squad this season, led by a quartet of stud prospects.

Offensively, underrated 4-star running back Bradrick Shaw will be toting the rock with purpose this fall. Mississippi State commitment and 3-star receiver Justin Johnson will be the focal point of the Bucs' passing game.

The cornerstones of the defense are 4-star linebacker Darrell Williams and 3-star defensive end Christian Bell. This will mark the end of the road for the two defensive studs as teammates, as Williams is committed to Auburn, while Bell is scheduled to attend Alabama.

A state title may not be enough for Hoover.

4. Cedar Hill (TX)

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Cedar Hill won the Texas 5A-II title last year, but the Longhorns want more in 2015. The top player on the team is high-end 4-star receiver Damarkus Lodge, who is committed to Texas A&M. 

Staying on offense, Aca'Cedric Ware is a 3-star running back who will carry the rushing attack, while 3-star receiver D'Aundrey Bradley is no slouch.

Lodge will be joined in College Station by 3-star linebacker Richard Moore, who is the top defensive player for Cedar Hill. Darrell Miller is a talented 3-star cornerback, plus the versatility of 3-star athlete Denvre Daniels will help on both sides of the ball. 

However, the key to the team will be 3-star quarterback and LSU commit Justin McMillan. 

3. De La Salle (CA)

Now led by head coach Justin Alumbaugh, De La Salle still remains one of the country's elite high school football programs. Based in California, the Spartans will be eyeing a state title and national championship in 2014.

The offense will be spearheaded by a trio of underclassmen in quarterback Anthony Sweeney, running back Antoine Custer and receiver Devin Asiasi. This program has never about stars and stud recruits, as it is a group that prides itself on disciplined play and execution.

More of the same will be displayed this fall. 

2. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL)

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Another national powerhouse based in Florida is St. Thomas Aquinas. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, the Raiders got a huge transfer in the offseason when 4-star running back Jordan Scarlett came aboard.

The Miami commitment will join an offense that also features 4-star receiver Devante Peete, 2-star receiver Jawuan Harris, 3-star running back Deltron Sands and 3-star guards Samuel Clausman and Colin Byrne. Sands is committed to Maryland, while Clausman and Byrne will block in college at Syracuse.

The defense at St. Thomas Aquinas is once again loaded with college prospects. 

Rashard Causey and Damon Arnette are 3-star cornerbacks committed to FAU and South Carolina, respectively, while defensive end Chris Hart, safety Tyson Cisrow, defensive tackle Brandon Boyce (Duke commit), defensive end Wyatt Ray (Boston College commit) and defensive tackle Richerd Desir-Jones all are notable recruits.

1. Allen (TX)

Credit: 247Sports

The top team in the country is Allen High School in Texas. The Eagles have won the 5A-I state title the past two seasons, but 5-star quarterback Kyler Murray wants more.

He will be protected by a few studs in the offensive trenches, notably 2016 5-star offensive tackle Gregory Little. Oklahoma has a pledge from 4-star offensive tackle Bobby Evans, 2-star guard Cody Wheeler is headed to North Texas and 2-star center Jake Baumert will be at Army next season.

Murray will throw to 3-star receiver and Notre Dame pledge Jalen Guyton. Defensively, 2016 4-star cornerback Jaylon Jones is the top player.

Murray took it upon himself to improve in the offseason, as he told Fletcher Whiteley of AggieYell.com (subscription required) on June 30:

"I've really worked on getting stronger this offseason. I've also worked on being a better leader for this team and building a good bond with them."

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.