Central-Phenix City Secures No. 22 Spot in National High School Football Rankings

Central-Phenix City High School's football team has been ranked No. 22 in the nation, according to the latest media composite top 25 rankings released by MaxPreps this week.

The composite rankings are a blend of computer algorithms and assessments from national media outlets, creating a comprehensive list of the top high school football teams across the country. To qualify for this list, a team must appear in the top 25 rankings from at least two national outlets.

The Red Devils, who also hold the No. 22 spot in MaxPreps' own rankings, stand out as the only team from Alabama to make the top 25.

Leading the rankings is Mater Dei from Santa Ana, California, followed by Bishop Gorman from Nevada, IMG Academy from Florida, St. John Bosco from California, and DeSoto from Texas rounding out the top five.

Central-Phenix City brings back a strong core of players, including quarterback Andrew Alford, offensive lineman Mal Waldrep, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, and defensive lineman Tristan Lyles. All four players earned spots on the Alabama Sports Writers Association's all-state team last season.

As the reigning Class 7A champions, the Red Devils also top the Class 7A preseason football poll by the ASWA, securing 12 out of 19 first-place votes.

The team is set to kick off their season at home against Pinson Valley on August 23, followed by a game against Missouri's Lutheran North the next week. A highly anticipated matchup with IMG Academy is scheduled for September 27, adding a significant challenge to their non-region schedule.