San Diego Section Top 10 high school football rankings via SBLive Sports/Sports Illustrated, (10/16/2023)

Helix and Granite Hills enter Friday's matchup having won a combined 25 straight games

The playoff picture in San Diego Section football is becoming more clear as we move towards the final two weeks of the regular season. Carlsbad, Lincoln, Helix, and Granite Hills have separated themselves up top and appear to be locked in for the Open Division.

The battle for a top four spot (and bye week) in the Division 1 playoffs is heating up with Torrey Pines and Mission Hills leading the way for the top seed.

Del Norte, who comes in at No. 7 in this week's rankings, has two difficult Palomar League games remaining before they begin the Division 2 playoffs.

SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings

1. Carlsbad (8-0)

Next game: Friday vs. La Costa Canyon

Previous ranking: 1

Carlsbad was held to a season low 17 points and had to score 10 unanswered points in the second half to escape with a 17-7 win at Torrey Pines on Friday. They'll host La Costa Canyon and El Camino the next two weeks, looking to wrap up their fifth straight Avocado League title.

2. Lincoln (9-0)

Next game: Friday at University City

Previous ranking: 2

Lincoln will close out the regular season this week at University City, taking their bye in week 11. A win over the Centurions will give Lincoln their second straight undefeated Western League title.

3. Granite Hills (8-0)

Next game: Friday vs. Helix

Previous ranking: 3

Granite Hills did not get caught looking ahead, beating Steele Canyon 45-7 on Friday. They'll put their 17-game winning streak on the line this Friday when they host Helix.

4. Helix (8-0)

Next game: Friday at Granite Hills

Previous ranking: 4

Helix remained unbeaten with a 58-0 shutout against Santana. The Highlanders will travel to Granite Hills on Friday, looking to revenge last season's four overtime loss to the Eagles.

5. Torrey Pines (5-3)

Next game: Thursday at Poway

Previous ranking: 5

Torrey Pines was tied with top-ranked Carlsbad at halftime on Friday but fell to the Lancers 17-7, ending their five-game winning streak. The Falcons will head to Poway on Thursday before closing out the regular season at rival La Costa Canyon.

6. El Camino (6-2)

Next game: Thursday vs. Mission Hills

Previous ranking: 6

El Camino used a 21-point second quarter to get past Poway 39-20 on Friday night. The Wildcats rushed for 303 yards and forced Poway into three turnovers.

7. Del Norte (7-1)

Next game: Friday at Ramona

Previous ranking: 9

Del Norte got past Mt. Carmel 20-10 on Thursday with junior receiver Ty Olsen catching two touchdowns. The Nighthawks will close out the regular season against their top two competitors in the Palomar League, Ramona and San Marcos.

8. Mission Hills (5-3)

Next game: Thursday at El Camino

Previous ranking: 8

Mission Hills ended their two-game losing streak thanks to a 15-point fourth quarter that led to a 28-21 win over La Costa Canyon. Senior receiver Jayden Williams caught 12 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in the victory.

9. La Costa Canyon (5-3)

Next game: Friday at Carlsbad

Previous ranking: 7

The Mavericks dropped a one-score game in league play for the second straight week, losing to Mission Hills 28-21. They'll travel to top-ranked Carlsbad this week before hosting Torrey Pines in the Beach Bowl in week 11.

10. Cathedral Catholic (3-6)

Next game: 10/26 vs. St. Augustine

Previous ranking: 10

The Dons controlled Friday's game at Madison, beating the Warhawks 41-14. They'll have a bye in week 10 before hosting rival St. Augustine to close out the regular season.

Honorable Mention

Mater Dei Catholic

San Marcos

St. Augustine

La Jolla

Madison

Ramona

(Feature photo by Justin Fine)

-- Bodie De Silva | bodie@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca