The San Gabriel Valley area high school football rankings for teams covered by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News and Whittier Daily News.
FOOTBALL TOP 30
1. Charter Oak (8-0)
The only thing missing from the Chargers’ undefeated resume was a big win over a top opponent and they got it by beating Ayala 31-29 on the road last week. The Chargers’ win was better than any win by a SGV team this season, and with an unbeaten record the Chargers deserve to move to No. 1 in the rankings. The Chargers’ win also shot them up the CalPreps CIF-SS rankings, where they project to be in Division 3 for the playoffs.
Previous: 4
Next: vs. Bonita, Friday, 7 p.m.
2. La Serna (7-1)
The Lancers’ easy 42-6 victory over Santa Fe moved them from No. 24 to No. 23 in CalPreps’ Southern Section rankings. If the Lancers win their last two regular-season games, and they should, they could end up in the bottom half of the Division 2 playoffs and will likely face a mammoth first-round playoff opponent. But give the program credit, it’s badge of honor to be among the 24 best teams in the section.
Previous: 2
Next: vs. El Rancho at California HS, Friday, 7 p.m.
3. Bishop Amat (5-3)
Bishop Amat deserves a lot of credit for rallying from a 22-0 deficit to eventually to make it a tied game against Chaminade, but the Lancers couldn’t surge ahead and lost their second straight. The Lancers should win their final two, against Notre Dame and Alemany, and that momentum could help them in the playoffs, where they could get a top-four seed in the D2 playoffs.
Previous: 1
Next: vs. Notre Dame, Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Pasadena (7-1)
The Bulldogs are sharpening up for the playoffs, having beaten Arcadia 51-7 last week and another expected blowout against Crescenta Valley this week. They are projected to be in Division 3 for the playoffs, and the way they played early in the season suggests they can handle it. But you wonder if not being in competitive games over the last month will hurt them.
Previous: 4
Next: at Crescenta Valley at Glendale HS, Friday, 7 p.m.
5. St. Francis (6-2)
The Golden Knights are tied with Loyola at 3-0 in the Angelus League, and the teams will meet in Week 10. Clearly the Golden Knights are rounding into form, as they defeated Crespi 48-21 last week. This week they will face a hungry St. Paul squad that played Cathedral close. Plus, the Swordsmen are playing with their backs against the wall, needing a victory to boost their chances of getting into the playoffs.
Previous: 5
Next: vs. St. Paul, Friday, 7 p.m.
6. Damien (3-5)
The Spartans have had two weeks of feeling good with back-to-back wins, over Upland and Chino Hills, in the Baseline League. Now they play Rancho Cucamonga this week for at least a share of the league title. The Spartans need to win this week or next week against Etiwanda to secure a playoff berth. As great as things have gone, there is still work to be done.
Previous: 6
Next: at Rancho Cucamonga, Friday, 7 p.m.
7. Bonita (6-2)
The Bearcats won their fifth straight last week, beating Alta Loma 29-3 in the Mountain West League opener. Now they get No. 1 Charter Oak with a chance to grab sole possession of first in league. After Charter Oak’s win over Ayala, the Bearcats could be thinking this is the best time to play Charter Oak, while the Chargers are still on cloud nine from last week’s win.
Previous: 7
Next: at Charter Oak, Friday, 7 p.m.
8. La Mirada (4-4)
The Matadores bounced back from their loss to Mayfair with a 40-20 win over Paramount, but now comes their biggest league test, against Warren. The Mats are capable of an upset, and they need a victory to help their playoff chances. A loss Friday means they would have to beat Downey in Week 10 to have a chance of earning an automatic spot in the playoffs.
Previous: 8
Next: vs. Warren at Excelsior Adult School, Friday, 7 p.m.
9. Rio Hondo Prep (7-0)
The Kares have had an easy time, but their undefeated record will be on the line this week against Brentwood (6-2) in a key Gold Coast League game that guarantees a playoff spot for the winner. The Kares are winning by a 30-point margin, but Brentwood crushed then-undefeated Campbell Hall 35-7 last week. The Kares need to show they deserve an SGV Top 10 ranking.
Previous: 9
Next: vs. Brentwood at Kare Park, Friday, 7 p.m.
10. Northview (6-2)
The Vikings had an easy time in the Valle Vista League opener against Los Altos, winning 35-0, and it should be more of the same this week against Diamond Ranch. It all comes down to next week’s game against San Dimas for the league title.
Previous: 10
Next: at Diamond Ranch, Friday, 7 p.m.
11. San Dimas (6-2)
12. La Habra (4-4)
13. Monrovia (6-2)
14. Maranatha (7-0-1)
15. South Pasadena (7-1)
16. Cantwell Sacred Heart (8-1)
17. El Rancho (5-3)
18. St. Paul (3-5)
19. Glendora (2-6)
20. Baldwin Park (6-2)
21. Azusa (8-0)
22. Diamond Bar (7-1)
23. West Covina (4-4)
24. La Salle (4-4)
25. Montebello (5-3)
26. San Gabriel (5-2)
27. Nogales (6-2)
28. Walnut (5-3)
29. Covina (4-4)
30. Schurr (4-4)
