The 2023 highschool soccer season has arrived, with groups kicking off throughout the nation in August.
Meaning the primary USA TODAY Sports activities Tremendous 25 is nearing, which marks one other begin to an iconic franchise that started again in 1982.
Final yr’s Tremendous 25 was one of many tightest races of all time, as St. John Bosco (Calif.) narrowly received out over Mater Dei (Calif.) and Bishop Gorman (Nev.), in addition to Texas energy Duncanville and Miami Central (Fla.).
How will issues stack up this season? Forward of the opening Tremendous 25, USA TODAY HSS is trying across the nation on the 5 areas we use to create the nationwide rankings:
East
Southeast
Midwest
Southwest
West
Subsequent up is the Southeast area, which incorporates colleges from the next states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Central (Miami, Fla.)
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Central began final season with a win over fellow Florida powerhouse IMG Academy and by no means regarded again. Ultimately, the undefeated Rockets secured their fourth consecutive state championship with a 38-31 win over American Heritage. Their dominance throughout the state is now a long-running custom. 2022 was the college’s ninth state title within the final 12 years.
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)
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Additionally undefeated in 2022 (14-0), the Raiders shall be lacking just a few key items from final season, specifically quarterback Hezekiah Harris and go rusher Keyshawn Johnson. Nevertheless, they’ll nonetheless have four-star vast receiver Likelihood Robinson. Final season he averaged 45 yards per recreation and scored 13 touchdowns. Coming into his senior yr, Robinson is dedicated to Miami.
IMG Academy (Fla.)
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Final yr the Ascenders went 8-1, with their solely loss coming towards Central Miami of their first recreation of the season. Their ultimate recreation was a 27-16 victory over Baltimore heavyweight St. Frances Academy (Md.). This yr IMG has one other loaded roster, particularly on the defensive facet of the ball. They’re headlined by five-star DT David Stone and blue chip cornerbacks Jordon Johnson-Rubell and Ellis Robinson IV, the highest-ranked nook within the class of 2024.
Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.)
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The Lions additionally solely managed to lose one recreation final season, ending 13-1 with the lone L coming towards perennial contender Bishop Gorman (Nev.). Whereas they’re gifted throughout, this yr Chaminade-Madonna is especially blessed on the vast receiver place. Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Dealer are each five-star wideouts who’re each ranked among the many high 5 ranked recruits at their place within the nation.
Lipscomb Academy (Tenn.)
Gary Cosby-Tuscaloosa Information
The Mustangs pulled off an ideal 13-0 season in 2022, ending with a 42-0 shutout victory over Christ Presbyterian Academy (Tenn.). Now coached by Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and former Tennessee Titans heart Kevin Mawae, this yr Lipscomb has loads of expertise. That features the top-ranked general recruit within the state of Tennessee, cornerback Kaleb Beasley.
Lakeland (Fla.)
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Final season Lake went 14-0, which included shutout wins over Bartow, George Jenkins, Kathleen and Lakewood. The Dreadnaughts did lose loads of starpower within the offseason although, together with cornerback Cormani McClain shifting on to the College of Colorado after a chaotic recruitment. Prime go rushers Larry King III and Idris King have additionally graduated. Their largest loss was on the sidelines, although. Eight-time state champion Invoice Fort has retired after serving as Lakeland’s head coach for the final 52 years.
Langston Hughes (Ga.)
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The Panthers pulled off an ideal 15-0 season in 2022, culminating within the college’s first state championship with a 35-28 win over Gainesville. Langston will start their title protection with out beginning quarterback Air Noland – who’s on his option to Ohio State. Their first recreation of the season will come towards Carrollton (Ga.) on August 18.
Mill Creek (Ga.)
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The Hawks posted an almost-perfect 14-1 report final yr, with their solely lack of the season coming towards the formidable Buford (Ga.) in Week 9. Mill Creek shall be returning a number of promising prospects, together with linebacker Josh Anglin, who totaled 13 tackles for a loss final season. Mill Creek visits North Gwinnett on Saturday, August 19 for his or her season opener.
American Heritage (Fla.)
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Final season the Patriots went 13-2, with their two losses coming towards Florida superpowers Chaminade-Madonna and Miami Central, and solely by a landing. Prime receiver Brandon Inniss has moved on to Ohio State. Nevertheless, they could have one other stud wideout in Malachi Toney, who posted 35 catches, 621 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman.
Buford (Ga.)
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Already one of many high highschool soccer groups within the area, Buford will be the largest draw within the nation this yr. The nation’s No. 1 ranked quarterback and high general prospect within the class of 2024 is Dylan Raiola, who has transferred from Arizona to Buford for his Senior season as he prepares to play for Georgia on the subsequent stage. Buford went 11-1 in 2022 and opens the brand new season at house towards St. Frances Academy (Md.) on the 18th.
Others: Edgewater (Fla.), Carrollton (Ga.)
Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
(Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser)
Thompson took care of enterprise within the AHSAA Class 7A State Championship final season for the Warriors’ fourth straight title. And whenever you take a look at the recaps from the 49-24 win over Auburn, one factor stands out: the underclassmen who starred within the recreation, together with quarterback Trent Seaborn, who was solely in eighth grade — yep: EIGHTH. The QB already has a suggestion from Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, so relaxation assured, the Warriors may discover simply themselves again within the Tremendous 25 once more after lacking out in 2023.