Preseason Poll Ranks Crespi No. 1 in Nation

Crespi High is the No. 1 team in the nation, according to a preseason poll conducted by a high school football expert based in West Virginia.

Doug Huff, who also selects a high school All-American team for Street & Smith magazine, solicited a 35-member panel of sportswriters nationwide to rate the top teams.

Crespi, coached by Bill Redell, was Big 5 Conference champion last season with a 13-1 record. Returning starters include Russell White, a junior running back who gained 2,354 yards last season. Other key players include quarterback Rick O’Byrne and running back J.J. Lasley.

The team avenged its only defeat last season, a 32-27 loss to St. John Bosco, with a 49-14 victory over the Braves in the conference final.

Crespi led Valley-area Southern Section teams in total offense and defense last season, averaging 376.5 yards a game while allowing 159.3.

Fontana (No. 7) is the only other Southern California team in the top 20. Valdosta, Ga., is ranked second.