San Diego Section Top 10 high school football rankings via SBLive/Sports Illustrated (10/23/2023)

Granite Hills kept their 17-game winning streak alive with a double overtime victory against Helix on Friday night

Entering the final week of the regular season in the San Diego Section, the four-team Open Division appears to have clarity. Lincoln, Carlsbad, Granite Hills and Helix have separated themselves as the top four teams in the county though how they are seeded still has room for movement.

The Division 1 bracket looks to be balanced throughout with many teams still fighting for one of the top four seeds that comes with a first-round bye.

In Division 2, Del Norte will be the top seed. The Nighthawks still have something to play for in the regular season and will host San Marcos on Thursday night to decide the Palomar League championship.

SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings

1. Lincoln (10-0)

Next game: Regular season completed

Previous ranking: 2

Lincoln wrapped up a second straight unbeaten Western League title by shutting out University City 49-0 on Friday. The Hornets will now have each of the next two Friday's off as they prepare for the Open Division playoffs to begin on Nov. 10.

2. Carlsbad (9-0)

Next game: Friday vs. El Camino

Previous ranking: 1

Carlsbad was tested in the Avocado League for the second straight week but overcame La Costa Canyon, 41-34. Alabama commit Julian Sayin completed 20 of 25 passes for 441 yards and four touchdowns.

3. Granite Hills (9-0)

Next game: Friday at Grossmont

Previous ranking: 3

Granite Hills surrendered 17 unanswered fourth quarter points against Helix but managed to hold off the Highlanders in double overtime, 44-43. The Eagles rushed for 237 yards with junior running backs Max Turner and Pablo Jackson each surpassing 100 yards.

4. Helix (8-1)

Next game: Friday vs. Steele Canyon

Previous ranking: 4

Helix tied Granite Hills in the final seconds of regulation on Friday but fell short in double overtime against the host Eagles. The Highlanders will be in the Open Division playoffs but will first close out their season against Steele Canyon on Friday.

5. Torrey Pines (6-3)

Next game: Friday at La Costa Canyon

Previous ranking: 5

Torrey Pines closed out Thursday's win over Poway by scoring 24 straight points in a 38-14 victory. The Falcons will close out the regular against La Costa Canyon in the annual Beach Bowl while trying to secure the top seed in the Division 1 playoffs.

6. Mission Hills (6-3)

Next game: Friday vs. Poway

Previous ranking: 8

Mission Hills held El Camino to a season low seven points on Thursday, beating the Wildcats 21-7. Giovanni Harte was the key for the Grizzlies, rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

7. Del Norte (8-1)

Next game: Friday vs. San Marcos

Previous ranking: 7

Del Norte erased a halftime deficit against Ramona, scoring 28 points in the second half to win 42-28. Senior quarterback Jack Schneider tossed three touchdowns and scored twice more on the ground. Friday's regular season finale against San Marcos will decide the Palomar League title.

8. El Camino (6-3)

Next game: Friday at Carlsbad

Previous ranking: 6

The Wildcats struggled offensively, losing to Mission Hills 21-7 on Thursday night. El Camino will close out the regular season with a trip to Carlsbad, looking to grab a top-four seed in the Division 1 playoffs.

9. La Costa Canyon (5-4)

Next game: Friday vs. Torrey Pines

Previous ranking: 9

La Costa Canyon has not had luck on their side over the past three games. The Mavericks have dropped all three games, losing each by one touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Quinn Roth passed for 419 yards and had five touchdown passes in Friday's loss at Carlsbad.

10. Cathedral Catholic (3-6)

Next game: Thursday vs. St. Augustine

Previous ranking: 10

The Dons had a bye following their 41-14 victory over Madison. They'll close out the regular season against rival St. Augustine on Thursday, solidly in the mix for a top-four seed in the Division 1 playoffs.

Honorable Mention

San Marcos

St. Augustine

Mater Dei Catholic

La Jolla

Madison

Mount Miguel

(Feature photo by Steven Silva)

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