1965 National High School Football Playoff Preview
Miami Senior “Stingarees”
The clear #1 team entering the national playoffs, Miami High has no weakness. Their defense allowed only 51-points in 12-games, while QB Richard Hormel has a plethora of weapons to pass or handoff to. Their defensive line is unblockable.
Massillon (OH) Washington “Tigers”
Coach Earle Bruce’s Obiemen rely on defense and a balanced running attack that features “Sweet” Walter Lemon. Massillon is 56-7 in the ‘60s. including 10-0 in 1965
Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei “Monarchs”
The Monarchs have great balance on offense. QB Pete Sanchez is the leader, whether passing or handing to a great stable of backs in bruiser Joe Obbema, or speedsters Mike Morgan and Bruce Rollinson. Mater Dei played a brutal schedule against Southern California’s finest.
Uniontown (PA) “Red Raiders”
Emerging from Western Pennsylvania, the Red Raiders have a great defense (only 47-points allowed in ten-games) and breakaway threats Wilfred Minor and Ray Gillian.
Valdosta (GA) “Wildcats”
Suffered a week eight, 12-7 loss to Willingham, but rebounded to win the state title (their fourth of the 1960s). QB Glenn Davis and RB Kenny Bounds lead the offense. This is a typical Wright Bazemore Wildcat team: deep, disciplined and hard-hitting.
Odessa (TX) Permian “Panthers”
The newbie Panthers won their first title in 1965. Permian opened in 1959. Lost to Lubbock Monterey in the second week of the season, but avenged that with a 29-12, quarterfinal victory. OL/LB Glen Halsell is dominant. The running game features FB Billy Dale and fast Mike Jordan.
Wilmette (IL) Loyola Academy “Ramblers”
After a 20-18 loss to Chicago Saint Rita, the Ramblers won ten-straight against some of the toughest opposition in the country.They finished the season with third-string QB Ken Krajchovich at the helm. The one-two punch of Randy Marks and Paul Prikos lead the offense.
Baltimore (MD) City College “Collegians”
Led QB Kurt Schmoke, the Collegians beat every opponent by at least 14 points, including a 52-6 thrashing of previously undefeated arch-rival Baltimore Poly. BCC has superb balance on offense as 6’ 3 ends Ara Person and Henry Gareis can carve up opposing defenses.
Cedar Rapids (IA) Jefferson “J-Hawks”
A surprise selection to some, Jefferson outscored their nine foes, 338-42 in finishing undefeated. QB Larry Lawrence and HB Joe Meskimen are the sparkplugs of the J-Hawk attack.
Harvey (IL) Thornton “Wildcats”
Speedy LaMarr Thomas leads the Wildcats’ ground-assault, gaining 1431-yards on his own. Backfield mates Larry Snoddy and Mike Callahan contribute as well. Thornton’s closest contest was 27-6 in their 9-0 campaign.
Jefferson City (MO) “Jays”
The Jays of Coach Pete Adkins have not lost a game since 1958; 67- straight wins for the Show-Me State dynasty. JC outgained foes by more than 210-yards-per-game.
Sandusky (OH) “Blue Streaks”
Voted #1 in the UPI poll in Ohio, Coach Bob Seaman’s squad is out to prove that lofty ranking first versus Cedar Rapids (IA) Jefferson, then hopefully against in-state foe Massillon. Sandusky features a devastating rushing-game led by HB Arry Keys.