California Top 25 high school football rankings by SBLive/Sports Illustrated (9/11/2023)

Top ranked Mater Dei, No. 2 St. John Bosco continue to roll over out-of-state powers; San Diego Section powers Carlsbad, Lincoln continue to blow out local squads

The movement among California's elite high school football teams is small. Especially at the top. 

As has been the case for nearly a decade, No. 1 Mater Dei and No. 2 St. John Bosco continue to flex its proverbial muscle, last week scoring a pair of lopsided home victories against perennial national out-of-state opponents. 

With previous No. 3 Corona Centennial and No. 4 Orange Lutheran both losing lopsided games out of state, on the road, Central Coast Section power Serra of San Mateo jumped two spots, right behind the state and nation's top-two ranked teams. 

Serra's defense continues to impressed, allowing just seven points against the high-powered attack of Central Catholic of Modesto. 

1. Mater Dei (4-0)

Previous rank: 1, Last week: def. Kahuku (Hawaii), 55-8

Stanford-bound quarterback Elijah Brown completed 16 of 23 for 223 yards and four touchdowns and the Monarchs piled up 385 yards in a game played under a running clock on the fourth quarter. Standout running backs Nate Frizier and Jordon Davison combined for 173 yards on just 17 carries against the previously unbeaten Red Raiders (4-1). 

Next game: at St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.), Sept. 22

5-star running back, junior Jordon Davison rushed 10 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 55-8 home win over Kahuku. Photo: Heston Quan

2. St. John Bosco (4-0)

Previous rank: 2. Last week: def. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.), 37-14.

First-year starting QB Caleb Sanchez continues to shine, throwing for 265 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. UCLA-bound RB Cameron Jones opened the scoring with a 2-yard TD run. Sanchez has completed better than 75 percent of his basses for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Next game: at Kahuku (Hawaii), Sept. 16

The St. John Bosco defense enjoys the moment during the Braves' 37-14 home win over St. Frances Academy on Friday. Photo: Heston Quan

3. Serra-San Mateo (3-0)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: def. Central Catholic-Modesto, 38-7

The Padres' defense continues to shine, allowing just 179 total yards against a team which averaged more than 330 per game. Serra has given up 21 points all season. 

Next game: Sept. 22 vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral at Kezar Stadium

4. Corona Centennial (2-2)

Previous rank: 3. Last week: Lost to Bishop Gorman, 56-28

The Huskies were never really in Friday's game in Las Vegas, but never gave up either, piling up 461 yards of offense, including 28 carries for 234 yards and four touchdowns by Cornell Hatcher Jr. The Huskies can't get rid of the turnover bug with 12 in four games, three in Friday's loss.   

Next game: Sept. 22 vs. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.) 

5. Long Beach Poly (3-1)

Previous rank: 9. Last week: Def. Serra-Gardena, 28-14

Such an odd way to win a game as the Jackrabbits were awarded the win in a game that lasted only a half. It was halted due to concerns over crowd control. To that point, Colorado State-bound quarterback Darius Curry threw three touchdowns — all in the final three minutes of the second quarter. 

Next game: Friday at Lakewood

6. Sierra Canyon (3-0)

Previous rank: 6. Last week: Idle

Junior quarterback Wyatt Becker has been as good as projected, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes (40 of 58) for 658 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interceptions. The 6-3, 180-pounder has also rushed for 75 yards and two more scores, though most of the rushing damage should be unleashed by junior Dane Dunn who has rushed 33 times for 162 yards and three scores. He rushed for 1,925 and 24 as a sophomore. 

Next game: Friday vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College

7. Carlsbad (4-0)

Previous rank: 7. Last week: def. Casteel (Ariz.), 49-9

Carlsbad cruised past Casteel (AZ) as 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin tossed three touchdown passes and the defense held the Colts to 122 total yards.

Next game: Friday vs. Ramona

8. Lincoln-San Diego (4-0)

Previous rank: 8. Last week: def. Mater Dei Catholic, 54-19

Lincoln scored 40 points or more for the fourth straight game, beating Mater Dei Catholic. The Hornets rushed for 280 yards and scored four times on the ground, including two from junior running back Donald Reed III.

Next game: Friday vs. Cajon

9. Orange Lutheran (3-1)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: Lost to Chandler (Ariz.), 35-10

The Lancers couldn't get Steve Chavez or the running game going, averaging less than 3.0 yards per carry in the loss at Chandler. Chavez, who rushed for nearly 250 yards and six touchdowns in his team's first two wins, was held to 10 carries for 21 yards. Sophomore Alex Medyn (14 of 26, 106 yards) did most of the work under center after 4-star junior quarterback TJ Lateef was injured against Chandler. According to the Orange County Register, Lateef is questionable for Friday's big game with Sierra Canyon. 

Next game: Friday vs. Sierra Canyon at Orange Coast College

10. JSerra Catholic (3-1)

Previous rank: 11. Last week: def. Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks, 35-14

After a 9-7 season-opening loss at Sierra Canyon, JSerra has scored 45, 41 and 34 during its three-game win streak. Against Notre Dame, Kamar Garbourel rushed 11 times for 160 yards and a touchdowns and QB Michael Tollefson accounted for 144 yards and two scores. 

Next game: Friday vs. Clovis North

11. Mission Viejo (3-1)

Previous rank: 12. Last week: def. Highland, 58-0

The Diablos rebounded nicely from a tough loss at Long Beach Poly as three quarterbacks combined to complete 15 of 17 for 241 yards and four touchdowns, two to sophomore Vance Spafford (five catches, 120 yards). Mission Viejo piled up 453 yards almost evenly divided between the run (214 yards) and pass. 

Next game: Friday vs. Los Alamitos

12. Rancho Cucamonga (4-0)

Previous rank: 13. Last week: def. Valencia, 22-20

The Cougars pulled out their fourth narrow victory of the season as Nehemia Harrison caught four passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns, and Trey Wilson rushed 13 times for 100 yards against Valencia. Rancho Cucamonga had won previous games over Murrieta Valley (29-27), Servite (34-31) and Norco (21-14).

Next game: Saturday vs. Bishop Amat

13. Santa Margarita (2-1)

Previous rank: 15. Last week: def. Bishop Amat, 51-45

If Trent Mosely isn't an early candidate for Player of the Year, he's certainly one for Sophomore of the Year. The do-everything back and receiver has rushed 18 times for 118 yards and nine touchdowns, and hauled in 29 passes for 467 yards and five more scores. In the win over Amat, he rushed for three scores and caught three TD passes. 

Next game: Friday vs. Leuzinger at Saddleback College

14. San Clemente (4-0)

Previous rank: 16. Last week: def. Corona del Mar, 28-14

The Tritons haven't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, but with a defense like theirs, who needs to? They've allowed just 27 points all season. Senior running back Aiden Rubin has rushed for 495 yards and seven touchdowns and senior dual-threat quarterback Dylan Mills has accounted for 781 yards and six scores. 

Next game: Saturday vs. Edison at Huntington Beach

15. Folsom (3-1)

Previous rank: 17. Last week: def. Turlock, 49-7

Another elite California team that relies largely on its rugged defense. Folsom allowed just 176 total yards against Turlock, which averaged 3.7 yards per carry and completed just 6 of 19 passes. Sophomore QB Ryder Lyons continues to impress after completing 21 of 28 for 313 yards and four touchdowns. 

Next game: Sept. 22 vs. De La Salle

16. Serra-Gardena (2-2)

Previous rank: 14. Last week: lost to Long Beach Poly, 28-14

The Cavaliers figure to have lots of pent up energy heading into Saturday's game with Oaks Christian. 

Next game: Saturday vs. Oaks Christian

17. Los Alamitos (3-1)

Previous rank: 10. Last week: lost to Servite, 28-24

The Griffins fought back gamely from a 14-0 hole in the first quarter against Servite. Los Alamitos did a nice job of holding down Servite's rushing attack, give up only 94 yards on 3.9 yards per carry. 

Next game: Friday at Mission Viejo

18. St. Mary's-Stockton (3-0)

Previous rank: 18. Last week: idle

The Rams worked long and hard in the offseason to chore up their defense, and it sure paid off in its last game, a 44-7 win over high-powered Manteca. St. Mary's have a week off to prepare for a De La Salle team that no doubt wants to repay the Rams for a 45-35 loss in Stockton last season.  

Next game: Friday at De La Salle

St. Mary's quarterback Samson Hunkin hopes to lead the Rams to a win over De La Salle for the second straight year. Photo: Ralph Thompson

19. Oaks Christian (2-1)

Previous rank: 19. Last week: idle

Like St. Mary's, the Lions rested up for a big showdown game with Serra. Thus far, the Oaks Christian offense has been a fantastic display of balance (610 yards passing, 601 rushing) and spreading the wealth. Three quarterbacks have combined to complete 48 of 64 with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Sophomore running back Deshonne Redeaux (25 carries, 284 yards, 4 TDs) is the real deal and senior McKenzie Parks (24, 215, 5) helps to make up a potent running duo. 

Next game: Friday vs. Serra-Gardena

20. Pacifica (4-0)

Previous rank: 20. Last week: def. Buena, 24-8

A common theme around these parts is balance, as junior quarterback Dominic Duran has thrown for 725 yards and the Tritons rushing attack has piled up 755 yards, led by senior Josh Joyner (61 carries, 440 yards, four TDs). Pacifica has allowed only 47 points. 

Next game: Friday vs. San Marcos

21. Etiwanda (3-0)

Previous rank: 21. Last week: def. Jurupa Hills, 34-7

Washington-bound quarterback Demaricus Davis is also an early nominee for Player of the Year having completed 61 of 81 for 805 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing 16 times for 129 yards and three more scores. He was extremely efficient in the win over Jarupa Hills, completed 19 of 24 for 211 yards and four touchdowns. 

Next game: Friday vs. Glendora at Citrus College

22. Granite Hills (3-0)

Previous rank: NR. Last week: def. Eastlake, 35-7

Granite Hills had no problems in Friday's win over Eastlake. The Eagles held the Titans to 136 total yards and had their rushing attack working, averaging more than eight yards per carry.

Next game: Thursday at Central

23. Helix (4-0)

Previous rank: 22. Last week: def. Madison, 53-19

Helix led Madison 18-13 at halftime before erupting for 35 second-half points on their way to victory. The Highlanders had four sacks, an interception and forced two fumbles in the win.

Next game: Friday at Cathedral Catholic

24. Clovis North (4-0)

Previous rank: NR. Last week: def. Central Valley Christian, 48-14

The Broncos moved to the top of the Central Section rankings after gashing Central Valley Christian on the road with seven rushing TDs and 434 rushing yards. Jackson Cinfel (22 carries, 229 yards, three TDs) and McKay Madsen (6, 113, 3 TDs), both juniors, led an attack that averaged 11 yards per carry. 

Next game: Friday vs. JSerra Catholic 

25. De La Salle (1-2)

Previous rank: 24. Last week: def. Saint Francis, 35-17

The Spartans closed strong, outscoring the host Lancers 21-3 in the second half to help avenge a 31-28 loss on the same field two years previous, which broke a 318-game unbeaten streak against opponents North of Clovis. Fleet quarterback Toa Faavae rushed for three touchdowns. 

Next game: Friday vs. St. Mary's-Stockton

On the bubble: Liberty-Bakersfield (3-1), Pittsburg (3-0), Clovis East (4-0), Upland (3-1), Murrieta Valley (2-1), Oak Ridge (4-0), San Ramon Valley-Danville (3-0).