Top 10 California high school football games to watch in 2019

Well, for the Top 10 California high school football games of 2019, let's just say it's an extra large bucket. And there's plenty of flavor and intrigue — and even a bittersweet moment — when biting on these 10 contests.

Numeral references correspond to the California Top 25 rankings that were released Tuesday. Also of note: These are all California match-ups only. No cross-state games here.

Top 10 California football games to watch in 2019

10. Williams at Paradise
When: Aug. 23
Where: Paradise High School
Why it matters: We could make a very real human case for this being No. 1. This is the first football game for Paradise since the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history — the Camp Fire — largely destroyed its town. Paradise, which won 81 games over eight seasons (2004-2011), was in the middle of a turnaround season (8-2 in 2018, 2-8 in 2017 ) before the fire ravaged the city (population 26,000) and much of three nearby communities. It led to 86 fatalities (one is still missing) and according to surveyors, only about 2,000 residents remain. Miraculously, the high school and football program were saved and this 2019 season opener no doubt will stir the hearts and interest of the entire state, if not the nation. 9. No. 20 La Habra at No. 12 Upland
When: Aug. 22
Where: Upland High School
Why it matters: The very first game of the season — most start on Aug. 23 — features a great individual showcase between two of the best players in the country, Upland linebacker Justin Flowe (ranked No. 1 overall in the country by Poff) and La Habra cornerback/wide receiver Clark Phillips III (ranked No. 5 in California).

8. No. 10 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) at No. 19 Grace Brethren (Simi Valley)
When: Oct. 25
Where: Grace Brethren High School
Why it matters: A matchup of the top two-ranked small-school teams in the nation. No. 1 Sierra Canyon, with just under 900 students, returns quarterback quarterback Chayden Peery (2,886 yards, 18 TDs) and 4-star cornerback DJ Harvey. Second-ranked Grace Brethren, the defending state 2-AA champ, returns linebacker/running back Josh Henderson (157 tackles, 857 rushing yards).

7. No. 24 Buchanan (Clovis) at No. 4 De La Salle (Concord)
When: Sept. 20
Where: De La Salle High School
Why it matters: The host Spartans, ranked 18th nationally, must deal with the country's fourth-ranked running back, Georgia-bound Kendall Milton, who last year rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns against DLS. The Spartans won that very competitive road game 31-24.

6. No. 3 Centennial (Corona) at No. 11 Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
When: Sept. 6
Where: Cathedral Catholic High School
Why it matters: San Diego Section power Cathedral Catholic has never backed down with rivals from the north, last season defeating Southern Section power Serra (Gardena) 42-21 and Los Angeles City juggernaut Narbonne (24-21). But perennial national power Centennial, with its virtually perfected no-huddle, spread attack, will no doubt present a whole new speed and challenge.

5. No. 14 Calabasas at No. 8 Oaks Christian (Westlake Village)
When: Oct. 25
Where: Oaks Christian High School
Why it matters: Oaks Christian won last year's much anticipated Miramonte League showdown 21-13 but the Lions' won't have the luxury of having Zach Charbonnet on their roster this season. The current Michigan freshman rushed for three touchdowns and intercepted a pass in the final minute to secure the victory. Passes should be flying — and caught — all night in this one with Calabasas' lethal combination of quarterback Jaden Casey to wideout Johnny Wilson, while the Lions feature two likely college-bound quarterbacks Patrick Roberg and Jameson Wang throwing to college-committed receivers Bryce Farrell (Stanford) and Alonzo Fontenette (Arizona State). 4. No. 13 Serra (Gardena) at No. 6 Narbonne (Harbor City)
When: Sept. 20
Where: Narbonne High School
Why it matters: If the teams come close to matching Narbonne's 27-26 double-overtime win last season, this will be a good one. Besides our No. 1 California game, there may be no more college-ready players in place than this nonleague showdown. Serra, which has produced such NFL stars as Robert Woods, Adoree Jackson and Marqise Lee, features 4-star receiver Lavon Bunkley (23 offers), 3-star linebacker Justin Houston (12 offers) and sophomore quarterback Maalik Murphy (12 offers). Narbonne has more than a dozen college-bound prospect, including junior quarterback Jacob Garcia, and newcomers Darion Green-Warren, Macen Williams, Jared Greenfield, Traeshon Holden and Anthony Beavers Jr.

3. No. 4 De La Salle (Concord) at No. 5 Folsom
When: Sept. 13
Where: Folsom High School
Why it matters: The Northern California powers have met three times — all De La Salle victories — but this is the first game in the Bulldogs' stadium. Last season, before a packed DLS crowd and an ESPNU audience — the Spartans opened 2018 with a gritty 14-0 victory in a game most figured that points would come by the bushels. Folsom, shutout for the first time in 14 years, committed five turnovers and was sacked seven times against one of DLS's best defenses. Folsom, featuring 5-star running back Daniyel Ngata and 4-star receivers wide receivers Elijhah Badger and CJ Hutton, have a new coach in Paul Doherty, but shouldn't miss a beat. Super fleet junior Dorian Hale gives De La Salle one of its best dual-threat quarterbacks in years. He has a stockpile of offensive weapons to choose from, led by running back Shamar Garrett. The winner, like last year, will have the inside track to be selected as the Northern California Open Division representative in December.

2. No. 3 Centennial (Corona) vs. No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
When: Aug. 23
Where: Santa Ana Bowl
Why it matters: What a way to open the season. Both defenses will be tested in a game that could very well repeat in the postseason. With the No. 1 rated dual-threat quarterback in the country in Bryce Young, along with a boatload of FBS-caliber receivers and running backs, and dominating line, Mater Dei will be hard to hold down. Centennial collects points and yards in rapid fire. Here are its points totals the last 10 season: 670, 711, 699, 812, 690, 800, 784, 631, 771 and 529. The junior quarterback duo of Ala Mikaele and Carter Freedland divided time last year and combined to pass for 3,058 yards and 32 touchdowns. They're back and get to throw to one of the nation's top-rated receivers Gary Bryant.

1. No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) at No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
When: Oct. 25
Where: St. John Bosco High School
Why it matters: Since 2014, these national heavyweights have faced off eight times, each winning four. The cumulative score of the eight games: St. John Bosco 232, Mater Dei 215. But the Monarchs have won four fo the last five, including a 17-13 slugfest to determine the 2018 CIF Open Division Bowl finalist. The two programs have separated themselves from the rest of the state, with a surplus of FBS talent that if put together would make a formidable college team. Certainly in time. St. John Bosco has 14 of the top 240 senior recruits in the state, according to 247Sports, including the No. 1 player, DJ Uiagalelei, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound quarterback headed to Clemson. Mater Dei has seven, including No. 3 Young, a 5-11 dual-threat standout headed to USC. The teams feature upwards of 40 players combined who have been offered college scholarships, littered through every position. But the matchup at quarterback might be the most interesting to follow over time.