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Michigan Top 5

High school football is in full swing on both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Who will be the best of the best? Football.com ranks the top five teams from shore to shore.

By Luke Ellis

Updated: September 10, 2009

As the third week of high school football rolls in, the Friday night lights are blazing in the wolverine state. So far, most of the contenders have stepped up and showed their potential, while others, specifically Inkster, have faltered after receiving a good deal of preseason hype.

Who will step up now that we're in conference play? Can Stevenson hold on to that number one spot? Stay tuned to find out.

1. Sterling Heights Stevenson

This year's common favorite to win it all, Stevenson is already off to a 2-0 start with wins against Warren Cousino and Utica Eisenhower. Led by the Jason Fracassa, grandson of legendary coach Al Fracassa, Stevenson has put up 70 points in their first 2 games. With skill players like WR DJ Mershman and speedy back Justice Wright, Stevenson is sure to be a favorite to contend for the state championship. They returned 12 juniors from last year's team, including big linebacker Charlie Walker who racked up 95 tackles last year and monster defensive tackle Carl Davis at 6'6", 305.

2. Rockford

A football powerhouse, Rockford hasn't had a losing record in 15 years. Rockford got off to a nice start, beating two good programs in Davison and Holt by 25 and 24 points, respectively. Rockford owns a power running attack led by running backs Zack Schmuck (5'9", 160), Ryan Darby (6'1", 180), Joe Johnson (5'11", 190), and quarterback Taylor Masiewicz (6'4", 175). The Rams are also known for their defense, headed by 6'3", 225 linebacker Joe Stefanski. Stefanski has 10 tackles already, including two for loss. Also, be sure to keep an eye on rising sophomore defensive lineman Ben Braden who already stands at 6'6" and 250 lbs. He racked up 6 tackles and a sack in his first game against Davison.

3. Detroit Catholic Central

How can a team that finished 6-4 last year become a top 3 team in the state so quickly? Well their quarterback, leading rushers, and some defensive stalwarts return. The running backs are of two totally different styles. Anthony Capatina at 5'9", 180 is a speedy back, while Niko Palazeti is a bruiser at 6'2", 240 lbs. Palazeti is also receiving recruiting interest from colleges like Northwestern, Michigan State, and Central Michigan. Quarterback Sam Landry has led the team to 84 points already in the first two games. Even more impressive, however, is the fact that the defense has yet to let any team score a point so far. Michael Kinville is the leader of the D, along with DE Joe Snyder and linebacker Butch Herzog. Kinville (6'3", 215) tallied 76 tackles last year.

4. Warren De La Salle

So far this season, De La Salle has outscored opponents 79-7. Thanks, in large part, to contributions by De'Angelo Parris and Tim Zabawa. Parris is a quick running back who runs a 4.4 forty and Zabawa is also a safety, where he snared four interceptions last year. Matt Pivett (6'0", 260) and Steve O'Shell (6'1", 250) are the two key linemen who lead the dynamic rushing attack.

5. East Grand Rapids

There are very few teams that have been as successful as the Pioneers have been this decade. Since 2001, they have a record of 98-7. If that's not qualification enough, how about this? EGR has beaten two very good teams in Orchard Lake St. Mary's and in Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills to start out the season. Grand Rapids features dual sport athlete Colin Voss who stands at 6'7", 240 lbs. Voss has football offers from Indiana, Western Michigan, and Illinois State and basketball offers from Central Michigan, UW Green Bay, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, and Detroit Mercy. He is undecided on which sport he'll play in college. Grand Rapids also features Defensive Back AJ McEwan, the leader of a talented secondary.