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. Bishop Amat (5-1)
The Lancers were without coach Steve Hagerty and senior running back Aiden Ramos and fell behind 14 points on the road against Sierra Canyon in the Mission League opener. But they rallied and won in double over time 31-28. QB Richie Munoz was injured during the game, but sophom*ore Frankie Villalbazo, a transfer from Damien, played well in his absence.
Previous: 1
Next: at Serra, Friday, 7 p.m.
2. La Serna (6-1)
The Lancers had an easy time in their Del Rio League opener against California, winning 41-0. They have a bye this week. They are keeping an eye on CalPreps, which has them ranked No. 24 in the CIF Southern Section. That would put them in Division 2 or Division 3 for the playoffs. If you had to name a coach of the year at this point, it would have to be Andy George.
Previous: 2
Next: vs. Santa Fe at Pioneer HS, Oct. 14.
3. Pasadena (5-1)
The Bulldogs were expected to blow out Burbank in their Pacific League opener and did just that, winning 61-7. If there is a team that has a chance at wrestling the league title from them, it will come this week from Burroughs (5-1), which beat Crescenta Valley 42-14 last week. But don’t bet on it; the Bulldogs are too good.
Previous: 3
Next: vs. Burroughs, Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Charter Oak (6-0)
The Chargers added several big pieces to their interior last week with the sit-out period for transfers ending, and they defeated Los Altos 34-3. They have one more tune-up against one-win Marina before taking on Ayala in the Mountain West League opener. That game will tell you everything you need to know about the Chargers. But this week? Pencil in another win.
Previous: 4
Next: vs. Marina, Friday, 7 p.m.
5. La Mirada (3-3)
The Matadores are hitting their stride. They were impressive last week in a 43-21 win over Dominguez to open the Gateway league. Next up is a game against their rival, Mayfair, which it hasn’t beaten in the past few years. Mayfair was routed by Warren last week, and this gives the Mats a chance to put them in a big hole early.
Previous: 6
Next: vs. Mayfair at Bellflower HS, Friday, 7 p.m.
6. St. Francis (4-2)
The Golden Knights welcomed back RB Devyn Turner, a transfer from Allen High in Texas who had not played since an injury in the season-opening game. He played well last week, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns in a rout of Paraclete. With Turner and QB Jack Jacobs, you have to believe the Golden Knights have a real shot to win Friday’s big game against Cathedral.
Previous: 7
Next: at Cathedral, Friday, 7 p.m.
7. Bonita (5-2)
The Bearcats played their best game of the season, scoring in the final minute to beat Northview 42-35. Quarterback Daniel Andrade had another big game. With key players added to the roster with the sit-out-period ending for transfers, they’re where they want to be heading into their bye week.
Previous: 9
Next: at Alta Loma, Oct. 14
8. Damien (2-5)
With head coach Matt Bechtel out indefinitely while the Archdiocese of Los Angeles investigates the postgame altercation with Bishop Amat on Sept. 23, the Spartans rallied last week for an emotional 27-18 victory over Upland. That win snapped a four-game losing streak. Bechtel was in the stands watching, and the team’s players rushed to celebrate with him afterward. If the Spartans beat Chino Hills at home this week, their playoff hopes become very real.
Previous: 11
Next: vs. Chino Hills, Friday, 7 p.m.
9. Rio Hondo Prep (5-0)
The Kares are winning by an average margin of 27 points, but they need opponents. They had an opponent cancel on them last week and now they have their bye week before playing their Gold Coast League opener. Campbell Hall and Brentwood are super-strong league teams, and the Kares will have to beat one of them to secure a guaranteed playoff spot.
Previous: 8
Next: vs. Viewpoint at Kare Youth Park, Oct. 13
10. Northview (5-2)
The Vikings took a step back in a 42-35 loss to Bonita, but they showed a lot of grit by rallying back from two 14-point deficits to tie the game before eventually losing in the final minute. They won’t play San Dimas until the league finale, and that will likely settle the Valle Vista League title.
Previous: 5
Next: vs. Bonita at Covina District Field, Thursday, 7 p.m.
11. San Dimas (5-2)
12. Monrovia (4-2)
13. Glendora (2-5)
14. St. Paul (2-4)
15. La Habra (2-4)
16. South Pasadena (5-1)
17. El Rancho (3-3)
18. Sonora (5-1)
19. Schurr (3-3)
20. Azusa (6-0)
21. West Covina (3-4)
22. Walnut (5-2)
23. Diamond Bar (6-1)
24. La Salle (3-4)
25. Baldwin Park (5-2)
26. San Gabriel (4-1)
27. Nogales (5-2)
28. Montebello (4-2)
29. Sierra Vista (4-2)
30. Covina (3-3)
