Image Source: MaxPreps
maxpreps delivered another action-packed night of high school football on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, as nationally ranked programs battled in important early-season matchups. Several games featured dramatic comebacks, explosive individual performances and results that could influence the next national rankings.
The biggest upset came in California, where Orange Lutheran defeated No. 12 Basha 23-17. The Lancers took control late in the game after King Rich Johnson returned an interception for a touchdown, giving Orange Lutheran its first lead of the night.
MaxPreps Top 25 Scores Bring Explosive Friday Drama
Orange Lutheran built a 23-10 advantage in the fourth quarter before Basha mounted a late push. Noah Roberts caught a touchdown pass from Jake Rogers to cut the deficit to six points, but the Bears could not complete the comeback. Chauncey Washington II intercepted Basha’s final pass to seal the victory.
Ryan Christianson helped Orange Lutheran close out the win with a touchdown run and several difficult carries. Quarterback Ezrah Brown also connected with Raiden Velasquez for a score as the Lancers secured one of the night’s most impressive victories.
Another stunning finish took place in Georgia. No. 25 Lee County trailed Sequoyah 32-21 with just 2:04 remaining, yet the Trojans scored three touchdowns in approximately one minute to win 43-32. Senior Jaden Upshaw delivered the decisive play, returning a punt 50 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
Lee County improved to 3-0 after already earning a notable 23-20 victory over then-No. 11 Carol City the previous week. The Trojans are quickly becoming one of the most dangerous teams outside the highest levels of the national rankings.
Powerful Performances From National Contenders
No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas survived a competitive battle with No. 6 Columbus, winning 31-24. Senior running back Tyler Reid powered the Raiders with more than 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Columbus quarterback Kai Moore threw two touchdown passes, including one to five-star receiver Amir Sears, but St. Thomas Aquinas held on.
No. 11 Baylor also produced a high-scoring victory, defeating Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 51-33. Five-star Tennessee commit David Gabriel Georges ran for three touchdowns, while Ole Miss quarterback commit Keegan Croucher threw three scoring passes to three different receivers.
No. 5 Buford overwhelmed Mallard Creek 41-7, with the defense accounting for four touchdowns. Ryan Tharpe, Ethan Hauser, Jewlyan Dillard and Jameer Cantrell each turned turnovers into points during the dominant performance.
In Georgia, No. 14 Carrollton rolled past Catholic of Baton Rouge 61-27. Quarterback C.J. Cypher threw five touchdown passes, while Nick Archer and Zachary Watts combined for more than 300 rushing yards.
- St. Frances Academy 38, Vero Beach 6: The No. 2 Panthers scored 31 first-half points after a lengthy lightning delay.
- Santa Margarita 55, Highland 7: Fletch Palmer threw two touchdown passes, while Adrian Petero and Noah Grande each rushed for two scores.
- Allen 50, DeSoto 6: Ty Snell threw four touchdown passes, including three to Zach Williams.
- Hamilton 44, Arbor View 0: The No. 16 Huskies delivered a shutout victory.
- Thompson 49, Vestavia Hills 0: The Alabama powerhouse also recorded a decisive shutout.
St. Joseph’s Prep Wins MaxPreps Game of the Week
The MaxPreps Game of the Week produced another memorable result as St. Joseph’s Prep defeated No. 22 Brentwood Academy 31-23. Jett Harrison was the difference-maker for the Philadelphia program, catching five passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
No. 18 Hough added a convincing 30-3 win over Providence Day. Davion Jones made an impact on defense with two interceptions and two sacks, while quarterback Ethan Royal threw and ran for a touchdown.
Elsewhere, No. 8 Bishop Gorman beat Lone Peak 38-14, No. 9 St. John Bosco rallied past Pittsburg 26-14 and No. 15 Mater Dei remained undefeated with a 38-22 victory over Valor Christian. Mater Dei receiver Gavin Honore caught two touchdowns from Cameron Pooley.
What Comes Next in the National Football Picture?
No. 3 IMG Academy was the only Top 25 team scheduled to play Saturday. The Ascenders entered the matchup against Saint Louis having outscored their first two opponents 118-13. DeMatha and Imhotep Charter were also set for a Saturday meeting.
Friday’s results could produce movement in the next MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Orange Lutheran’s upset, Lee County’s remarkable comeback and St. Joseph’s Prep’s road victory all provided strong evidence that the national high school football landscape remains wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest upset in the MaxPreps scores?
Orange Lutheran defeated No. 12 Basha 23-17 in a nationally significant matchup. The Lancers sealed the win with a late interception.
Which team completed the biggest comeback?
No. 25 Lee County overcame an 11-point deficit with just over two minutes remaining to defeat Sequoyah 43-32.
Who led St. Thomas Aquinas to victory?
Senior running back Tyler Reid led the Raiders with more than 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the 31-24 win over Columbus.
Who won the MaxPreps Game of the Week?
St. Joseph’s Prep defeated No. 22 Brentwood Academy 31-23. Jett Harrison recorded five receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
