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The Sporting News Midwest high school football Top 25 for Week 5 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 17:07 GMT by Sporting News
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Midwest High‑School Football Rankings: Week 5 Review
By The Sporting News

In a highly anticipated mid‑season update, The Sporting News released its latest Midwest High‑School Football Top 25 for Week 5 of the 2024 season. The rankings, which are published weekly in the lead‑up to state playoffs, reflect a blend of on‑field performance, strength of schedule, margin of victory, and expert panel assessment. Week 5 has been a turning point for several programs that have either cemented their status at the top of the list or faced a sharp slide after a costly defeat.

The Top 3: A Roster of Dominance

At the summit of the list remains Maple Ridge Academy, which has posted an undefeated 5‑0 record and maintained a razor‑sharp defense that has allowed just 4.3 points per game over the first five weeks. Their quarterback, Jaxon “Jax” Thompson, has thrown for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him the Midwest Offensive Player of the Week honors earlier this week. The team’s high‑powered running game, led by senior tailback Eli Rivera, added 950 rushing yards, giving Maple Ridge a balanced attack that has overwhelmed every opponent.

No. 2, Riverton High, sits just a fraction behind Maple Ridge with a 4‑1 record, the loss coming in a 21‑17 loss to a lower‑ranked but fast‑gaining opponent in the neighboring state. Riverton’s offense is built around a dual‑back system that consistently forces opposing defenses into one‑on‑one situations, while the defensive line has posted an average of 5.7 tackles for loss per game. The team’s ranking is supported by the offensive coordinator’s willingness to mix up play‑calling and keep defenses off balance.

St. Mary’s Prep has captured the No. 3 spot, boasting a 4‑1 record as well. Their key to success has been a disciplined defensive strategy that prioritizes stopping the run, complemented by a passing attack that has never been a weakness. Their sophomore quarterback, Tyler "Ty" Collins, has thrown for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, while the backfield has consistently produced over 800 rushing yards per game. St. Mary’s Prep’s performance this week, including a 35‑7 victory over a regional rival, has secured their high ranking and set the stage for an aggressive push into the state playoffs.

Mid‑List Movements: A Tale of Two Trajectories

In the mid‑tier of the rankings, the Week 5 shift was dramatic. Cedar Valley High leaped up 10 spots to No. 9 after a dominant 48‑10 win over the previously top‑10 team in the conference. The Cedar Valley offense exploded for 500 yards on the ground, with running back Khalil “Khal” Johnson recording a career‑best 200 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. The defense, which had struggled with third‑down conversions the previous week, finally shut down the opponent’s short‑yardage attack.

Conversely, Eastside Academy saw a precipitous drop from No. 12 to No. 22 after a surprising 27‑24 loss to a lower‑ranked, conference‑rival team that had a defensive breakthrough, limiting Eastside’s leading rusher to just 45 yards. Eastside’s offense, which had been a mainstay of their early‑season climb, struggled to find its rhythm after a sudden change in coaching staff, leaving the team vulnerable to their opponents’ aggressive pass rush.

Spotlight on Standout Players

The Week 5 rankings highlighted several individual performers who could be future college prospects. Among them:

• Jaxon Thompson (Maple Ridge) – a dual‑threat quarterback with 1,200 passing yards, 12 passing TDs, and 400 rushing yards. His leadership and arm strength have drawn the attention of several Division I recruiters.

• Eli Rivera (Maple Ridge) – the primary ball carrier for the undefeated team, amassing 950 rushing yards with a 7.5 yards per carry average.

• Tyler Collins (St. Mary’s Prep) – a prolific passer who has thrown for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, making him one of the top prospects in the Midwest.

• Khalil Johnson (Cedar Valley) – a running back who posted 200 rushing yards in a single game, showcasing his ability to break through defenses consistently.

Each of these players received in‑game statistics, along with coach’s comments and potential recruitment interest, providing readers with a snapshot of the region’s brightest talents.

Upcoming Matchups and What They Mean for Rankings

With the top teams solidifying their spots, the Week 5 preview also provided a look ahead at key games that will shape the next ranking release. Among the most compelling matchups:

• Maple Ridge vs. Riverton – a potential showdown for the No. 1 ranking if Riverton can turn their recent loss into a rally.

• Cedar Valley vs. Eastside Academy – a battle to avoid the bottom end of the Top 25 as Cedar Valley seeks to consolidate their new position.

• St. Mary’s Prep vs. a rising program, which could see a shift for the 4th‑5th ranking places depending on the outcome.

The Sporting News panelists emphasized that these matchups will be “decisive” and noted that the rankings are not solely about winning games but also about demonstrating dominance, coaching stability, and player development.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The rankings are compiled by a panel that includes former high‑school coaches, regional sports journalists, and analysts. Their assessment incorporates:

1. Record and Win Margin – A 10‑point increase in ranking can result from a blowout victory that showcases both offensive and defensive prowess.

2. Strength of Schedule – Teams that schedule and defeat high‑ranked opponents receive a significant boost.

3. Consistency and Trend Analysis – Consistent performance over several weeks, as opposed to a single high‑point game, carries weight.

4. Player Development and Depth – Teams that showcase multiple game‑changing players receive extra consideration, especially when those players are key contributors.

The article also included a detailed breakdown of how each ranking position was determined, with comments from panelists that provide context to the changes.

Further Reading and Resources

• Full Top 25 List (Week 5) – The article links to a comprehensive table that details each team’s win–loss record, key statistics, and any rank changes from the previous week.

• Game Highlights – Embedded video clips of the most impressive plays, such as the 400‑yard passing game by Jaxon Thompson or the 200‑yard rushing effort by Khalil Johnson.

• Player Profiles – Individual pages that provide a deeper dive into player statistics, high‑school histories, and recruiting interest.

• Ranking Methodology Page – An explanatory page that elaborates on how the panel’s assessment is translated into the numerical rankings.

The Sporting News also encourages fans to submit their own game footage or player highlights for future consideration, indicating a community‑driven approach to the coverage.

Conclusion

Week 5 of the Midwest High‑School Football rankings has been a week of consolidation and surprise. Maple Ridge Academy maintains its unblemished record, while Riverton and St. Mary’s Prep fend off a few challengers to remain in the top three. Meanwhile, Cedar Valley’s meteoric rise and Eastside Academy’s tumble illustrate how a single game can have ripple effects throughout the ranking hierarchy. As the season progresses toward the playoffs, these rankings serve not only as a barometer of program excellence but also as a showcase of individual talent that may soon leap into college football’s bright lights. The Sporting News’ in‑depth coverage ensures that fans, coaches, and recruiters alike stay informed on the dynamics that define high‑school football in the Midwest.