What If High School Football Followed College Football Playoff's 12-Team Format?

College Football Playoff will introduce a 12-team playoff format this season, expanding the postseason scene threefold. This structure gives more teams a shot at the CFP National Championship and provides more opportunities for exciting playoff action.

As college football adjusts to this format, what if high school football follows suit? If the Football Bowl Subdivision determines the 12 participants based on their rankings in the Associated Press poll, we can formulate a high school bracket based on the On3 Composite Rankings.

The On3 Composite High School Football Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

Based on the composite results, here’s how high school football’s 12-team playoff would unfold. It’s also an excellent way to crown a national champion.

High School Football Teams Getting First Round Byes

If the CFP gives first-round byes to the top four teams in the AP Top 25 poll, the top four teams in the On3 Composite Rankings could also enjoy an extra week of rest. Here are the teams that will wait for their quarterfinal opponents.

1^st Seed – Mater Dei

The Monarchs are the consensus top team in the composite ranking across all platforms. It isn’t hard to see how they have dominated their way to a 12-0 record. After winning nine regular-season games by an average of 22.8 points, they coasted through Sierra Canyon and Centennial before beating St. John Bosco in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 1 Championship. That victory earned them a shot at the state championship against De La Salle on Dec. 14.

The Monarchs have an enviable assembly of talent committed to top college football programs. On offense, they have quarterback Dash Beierly (Washington), wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State), offensive tackle Kodi Greene (Oregon), wide receiver Marcus Harris (Oklahoma), interior offensive lineman Sione Tohi (Arizona), and running back Jordon Davison (Oregon).

They have cornerbacks Chuck McDonald (Alabama) and Daryus Dixson (Penn State) on the other side of the ball. They also have linebacker Nasir Wyatt (Oregon), defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui (Oregon), linebacker Abduall Sanders (Alabama), and defensive lineman Semi Taulanga (Utah).

2^nd seed – Duncanville

The Panthers are the best team in Texas high school football, an esteemed distinction given the state’s talent level. They are still in the running for the University Interscholastic League Conference 6A Division 1 State Championship, facing North Crowley in the semifinals.

Before the state tournament, Duncanville allowed only two teams to score at least 20 points twice. They also had a six-game winning streak during which their opponents scored single digits.

The Panthers have a talent-laden roster, starting with quarterback Keelon Russell (Alabama) and wide receiver Dakorien Moore (Oregon). On offense, offensive linemen Desean Bryant (Arizona State) and Ameer Ross (Texas State) block for Russell and Moore.

Meanwhile, Duncanville can shut down opponents thanks to cornerback Javion Holiday, safety Tyren Polley, defensive lineman Antwon Brown (North Texas), and linebacker Nehemiah Borner (Lamar).

3^rd Seed – Bishop Gorman

After losing to Mater Dei on Sept. 6, the Gaels have won nine consecutive games. That streak includes their 49-3 victory over Arbor View to win the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Class 5A Division 1 state championship.

The Gaels limited Arbor View to seven points and their semifinal opponents, Liberty, to three points. They have two more shutout victories and limited Kahuku, Hawaii’s top team, to seven points. The Gaels have dominated the opponents because of offensive standouts Brandon Gaea (Hawaii), Derek Meadows (LSU), SJ Alofaituli (Miami), Douglas Utu (Oregon), Alai Kalaniuvalu (BYU), and Alema Iosua (Arizona State).

Meanwhile, Bishop Gorman has defensive stalwarts Jett Washington, James Carrington, Landon McComber (Stanford), and Sione Motuapuaka (Utah).

4^th Seed – North Crowley

North Crowley remains undefeated after 14 games and has scored at least 56 points in 10 victories. Duncanville will have a handful in stopping the backfield tandem of Cornelius Warren (UNLV) and Daniel Bray (SMU). The combination of quarterback Chris Jimerson (North Texas) and Quentin Gibson can light up the scoreboard. Likewise, linebacker Jonathan Cunningham (Texas) and safety Gaylon McNeal (Washington State) are their anchors on defense.

High School Football Playoff First-Round Matchups

While the top four teams enjoy the bye, those ranked 5^th to 12^th will fight for the right to enter the quarterfinals.

#12 Corner Canyon @ #5 Milton

The Chargers, Utah’s top team, are on a 12-game winning streak after avenging their earlier loss against Lone Peak. That streak includes avenging their loss to the Knights and claiming the Class 6A State Championship. Corner Canyon can upset the Eagles if wide receiver Jerome Myles (USC) and tight end Jordan Vyborny (Oklahoma State) dominate their matchups. Edge rusher Paxton Naegle must also dictate the tempo on defense.

Meanwhile, Milton is 14-0 and will face Langston Hughes for the state championship. They owe that success to a solid offensive unit featuring quarterback Luke Nickel (Miami), wide receiver CJ Wiley (Georgia), and tight ends Ethan Barbour (Georgia) and Ryan Ghea (Auburn). Cornerbacks Tyler Redmond and Dylan Lewis (Tennessee) and defensive lineman Caleb Bell (Arkansas) must slow down Archbishop Spalding’s offense.

#11 Archbishop Spalding @ #6 St. John Bosco

The Cavaliers are Maryland’s top high school football team after winning 12 straight games, including eight shutout victories. Against the Braves, quarterback Malik Washington (Maryland) must efficiently run Archbishop Spalding’s offense. Meanwhile, Jayden Shipps (Maryland), Alijah Jones (Northwestern), Trent Gillis (Navy), and Delmar White (Maryland) must dictate the tempo on defense.

Meanwhile, the Braves lost to Mater Dei in the state title game, giving them two losses against the Monarchs this season. Other than those defeats, St. John Bosco has been excellent throughout the season at 11-2. The Braves offense benefits from having wide receivers Daniel Odom and Christian Davis. Meanwhile, edge rushers Epi Sitanilei (UCLA) and Dutch Horisk (Oregon) dictate the defensive tenacity.

#10 Bergen Catholic @ #7 Carrollton

The Crusaders are New Jersey high school football’s top team, winning 12 consecutive games and the state championship after their season-opening loss to IMG Academy. They can win against the Trojans if quarterback Dominic Campanile (Holy Cross) and wide receiver Quincy Porter (Ohio State) connect throughout the game. Likewise, cornerback Naiim Parrish (Minnesota) must neutralize the Panthers’ top wideout.

Meanwhile, Carrollton hasn’t had any scoring problems because they are tallying 42 points or more in ten of their last 11 games. That streak includes two instances of the Trojans scoring 63 points. Quarterback Julian Lewis (Colorado) is a massive reason for their success in keeping drives going. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Dorian Barney and safety Zelus Hicks (Texas) have been exceptional on defense.

#9 Buford @ #8 North Shore

Buford tallied 12 consecutive victories before losing to Carrollton in the state championship semifinals. Wide receiver Jordan Allen (Georgia Tech) and running back Justin Baker (Tennessee) should be their main guys on offense. At the same time, Bryce Perry-Wright and Jadon Perlotte (USC) are their anchors on defense.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs offense will depend on quarterback Kaleb Bailey, running back D’Andre Hardeman (Rice), and wide receiver Quanell Farrakhan Jr. (Colorado). Meanwhile, North Shore’s pass defense is elite, with cornerbacks Devin Sanchez (Ohio State), defensive back Nigel Pringle (Arkansas), and safety Chace Calicut. Linebacker Charles Ross (LSU) can also be a menace against the Chargers.

High School Football Teams Left Out In the 12-Team Playoff

Some teams won’t make the cut once the 12-team college football playoffs start. It’s not that they’re not good teams, but the rankings established in the AP poll deemed them unworthy of the expanded postseason.

In that case, based on the On3 Composite Rankings top 25, these teams might fall short in the high school football playoffs.

13. Lakeland
14. Atascocita
15. Chaminade-Madonna Prep
16. De La Salle
17. East St. Louis
18. St. Frances Academy
19. Centennial
20. IMG Academy
21. Lee County
22. Orange Lutheran
23. Liberty
24. DeSoto
25. Mission Viejo

Make the High School Football 12-Team Playoff Happen!

While having another playoff series after the state championships will add more games to a team’s schedule, it’s an exciting way to know the nation’s best high school football team. A unified ranking system should be a problem because the On3 Composite Rankings consider the ratings of the top and established sources. Therefore, why not give this a shot and see what happens?