While their location is known as the ‘Old Line State,’ Maryland high school football is embarking on a new season starting in late August. Leading the way are the state’s top 25 teams, which include some defending state champions. As the last days of preseason unfold, here’s how Massey ranked Maryland’s best programs.

The Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

1. St. Frances Academy Panthers

The Panthers finished the season with an 8-3 record, with their losses coming against elite squads like Mater Dei, Duncanville, and Orange Lutheran. Despite those defeats, their finish is an improvement from their 5-6 record in 2023-24.

Maryland high school football’s best team will begin the 2025-26 season on August 15, and they will face other top teams like Chaminade-Madonna, St. John Bosco, St. Joseph’s Prep, and IMG Academy.

St. Frances Academy has an elite defense, led by five-star edge rusher Zion Elee (Maryland), the top-ranked player from the Class of 2026 prospects. He will line up with five-star safety Jireh Edwards (Alabama), linebacker Maurice Medley, edge rusher Alexander Taylor, and defensive lineman Jayden Travers. Defensive backs Raylaun Henry, Amauri Polydor (Penn State), Hakim Satterwhite (Maryland), Khmari Bing (Maryland), and Wayne Henry (Auburn) fortify the Panthers’ secondary.

Meanwhile, St. Frances’ offense will heavily rely on tight end Damon Hall (Maryland), interior lineman Edward Baker (Tennessee), tight end Destin Mitchell, running back Jae’Oyn Williams (Virginia), and offensive tackle John Watkins (Temple).

2. Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers

In addition to completing a perfect 12-0 record, the Cavaliers won their third consecutive Maryland high school football Class A state championship. Likewise, going undefeated extends their winning streak to 16 games dating back to the previous season.

Archbishop Spalding will begin its quest for a four-peat against Indiana’s Brownsburg Bulldogs on August 22. Meanwhile, McDonogh is the first Maryland-based team they’ll face this season. Keep an eye on four-star prospect wide receiver Myles McAfee on offense and three-star cornerback Sean Johnson (Florida State) on defense.

After losing their 2024 season opener to Archbishop Spalding, the Stags embarked on a ten-game winning streak. That stretch includes their victory over Good Counsel to claim the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Capital Division championship.

DeMatha Catholic will start its 2025-26 schedule against Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep on August 30. Meanwhile, Mt. Zion Prep will be the first Maryland high school football team they’ll face this season (September 19).

Three-star prospects Zion Smith (North Carolina), Lavar Keys (Penn State, and Elijah Lee will lead the Stags offense. Likewise, four-star edge rusher James Pace and three-star Darrell Carey (Penn State) will anchor their defense.

4. Good Counsel Falcons

While the Falcons lost three of their first four games, they still managed to reach the WCAC Capital Division championship game, which they lost to DeMatha Catholic. Good Counsel will try to regroup as they begin the 2025-26 season against Florida’s Columbus Explorers on August 29.

Four-star edge rusher Anthony Sweeney, four-star offensive lineman Jaiden Lindsay, and three-star defensive lineman David Jackson (North Carolina) will be the difference-makers for the fourth-best Maryland high school football team.

5. McDonogh School Eagles

The Eagles reached the Maryland high school football Class A state championship game but lost to Archbishop Spalding. It marked the second time last season that the Cavaliers dealt them a loss. Despite the defeat, the Eagles improved from their 7-3 mark in 2023.

McDonogh will regroup as they begin the upcoming season against Riverdale Baptist on August 22. Four-star lineman Joseph Buchanan and four-star linebacker Nick Abrams (Georgia) will anchor their defense.

6. Quince Orchard
7. Calvert Hall College
8. Dr. Henry Wise
9. Bishop McNamara
10. Riverdale Baptist

11. Mount Saint Joseph
12. Loyola Blakefield
13. Patuxent
14. North Point
15. Huntingtown

16. Rock Creek Christian Academy
17. Georgetown Preparatory School
18. Arundel Senior
19. St. Mary’s Ryken
20. Dunbar

21. Concordia Prep
22. Broadneck Senior
23. Gilman
24. Fort Hill
25. Milford Mill Academy