MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California Football Rankings

And just when you thought Centennial (Corona) was an unstoppable force, Long Beach Poly showed up and threw a wrench into the rankings.

The Jackrabbits bested the Huskies in an outstanding matchup, and that was actually just one of many great games featuring ranked teams. Serra got past Notre Dame in double overtime, Alemany eliminated Narbonne and Mission Viejo got past Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey.

Rancho Cucamonga enters the rankings with its win over Bishop Amat, and Helix is back after it dispatched Cathedral Catholic. Madison of San Diego and Orange Lutheran also make their first forays into the group as well.

Be sure to visit the Fresno metro site, the San Diego metro site and the Los Angeles metro site as well for more California coverage. And see the new MaxWire Los Angeles video at the end of the rankings.

MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California High School Football Rankings

1. (1 last week) St. John Bosco (Bellflower), 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 1 state, 2 national, 4 Xcellent 25

The Braves moved one spot down in the national computer rankings. But they've got bigger issues to deal with. In a 52-31 victory over Chandler (Ariz.), Bosco lost star quarterback Josh Rosen to what looked like a shoulder injury, though coach Jason Negro said he is "day to day." They also trailed in the second quarter by a 28-10 margin. But they finished the game on a 42-3 romp and backup quarterback Andrew Katnik went 10-for-11 with 121 yards and a pair of scores, so all appears to be well in Braves land. They will face Loyola (Los Angeles) at Valley College on Friday.

2. (4) Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 3 state, 11 national, 25 Xcellent 25

The Monarchs are now in the Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings presented by the Army National Guard after they crushed Carson, 33-0. The defense yielded just 26 yards and three first downs - and that makes 20 points allowed in three games. Mater Dei is getting some deserved recognition, but it must be said that the team has not taken down a prominent opponent yet. A trip to Santa Monica this Friday will be a better indicator, and then come ranked teams Edison (Huntington Beach) and Servite (Anaheim). We'll find out soon how good this team really is.

3. (5) Vista Murrieta (Murrieta), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I
Ranks: 4 state, 14 national

Are the Broncos better than Corona Centennial? That's debatable. But they are ranked higher in the Freeman Rankings and by the Riverside Press-Enterprise. Yucaipa was not a problem at all in a 52-13 victory, and once again Coltin Gerhart is lighting the field on fire. He ran 11 times for 189 yards and three scores while throwing for 59 yards on 6-for-9 success with two more touchdowns. That equals 10 touchdowns in two games for the Norco transfer. On Friday they travel to Redlands East Valley, then get a big test the next week at Cathedral Catholic (San Diego).

4. (3) Serra (Gardena), 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II
Ranks: 2 state, 4 national

The reality is that Serra is a team that is not perfect. And maybe media faulted by assuming the Cavaliers would be flawless all season. Each contest has been a battle for Serra, but they continually have found ways to win. Friday featured their closest call, a 20-13 win over Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) in double overtime, as Adoree' Jackson scored an 80-yard touchdown with 54 seconds left to send the game to overtime and then won the game in double overtime with a 25-yard catch. The close call dropped the Cavs from the Xcellent 25. Dorsey (Los Angeles) comes to town on Friday.

5. (6) Mission Viejo, 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 6 state, 22 national

The Diablos won in a spectacular contest against Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), 28-25 in overtime. (See video highlights from the game). Zach Olson booted three field goals, and Alex Suchesk won it all with a touchdown run in overtime. Mission Viejo was undefeated last year until the postseason, and appears on the way to that again. This week will feature another good test, as Bob Johnson and Co. will go to Cerritos College to face La Habra, a team that is certainly knocking on the door of rankings consideration.

6. (7) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 9 state, 31 national

The Lions went to Venice and emerged with a 49-39 win. It got a little dicey after they built a 28-0 lead in the second quarter, as the Gondoliers made it 35-33 midway through the fourth and attempted a 2-point conversion to potentially tie the game, according to LA Sports Journal. Brandon Dawkins was spectacular, taking part in six touchdowns for the Lions, who have scored 157 points in three contests. They will host Chaminade on Thursday night, so expect many more points to be scored.

7. (16) Long Beach Poly, 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 5 state, 16 national

And just when we thought the Jackrabbits were doomed to start their season on a rough note - like last season - they go out and beat Centennial (Corona) 35-28, using a 14-point fourth quarter to overcome a deficit. Tai Tiedemann scored on a quarterback sneak to win the game with less than 2 minutes remaining, the first and only lead Poly had all night, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. The defense held Tre Watson to just 37 rushing yards a week after he exploded for the nation's highest total. If Poly plays like this the rest of the way, they are frontrunners to be back in a state title game. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, because Friday's trip to Bakersfield will be anything but easy.

8. (8) Alemany (Mission Hills), 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 11 state, 54 national

The Warriors got a big boost in the Freeman Rankings with a 42-14 triumph over Narbonne (Harbor City) at home. But they stay pat in these rankings thanks to Poly beating Centennial. Okalani Langi scored four touchdowns in the win, which was tied at halftime before the Warriors exploded for 28 points in the third quarter. Alif Grayes was 13-for-16 with 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns, according to the LA Times. It's been a fast rise for Alemany. Now come two brutal matchups: Friday against Centennial (Corona) and then St. Bonaventure (Ventura) the next week.

9. (2) Centennial (Corona), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I
Ranks: 8 state, 30 national

The Huskies are no longer in the Xcellent 25 and they are no longer untouchable on offense. Long Beach Poly held them down (relatively) in a 35-28 triumph that certainly altered the balance of power in the region. Only 96 rushing yards was a major problem. Robert Webber did go 16-for-28 with 205 yards and three scores, but Barry Ware was held without a catch. The Huskies certainly showed that they are fallible. They'll look to rebound Friday at Alemany.

10. (10) Hart (Newhall), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Northern), State II
Ranks: 12 state, 55 national

The Indians didn't play last week, so they stay pat. They will host Ridgeview (Bakersfield) on Friday.

11. (13) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 15 state, 68 national

Say what you will about how Serra may be (or has been) overrrated. But the Knights showed they were every bit as good on Friday in their 20-13 double overtime loss to Serra. Koa Farmer, who MaxPreps correspondent Sean Ceglinsky profiled last week, caught eight passes for 106 yards and scored a touchdown. Chris Colarossi ran 23 times for 105 yards as well to aid Lucas Alfonso's two field goals. A Friday trip to Birmingham (Lake Balboa) awaits the team this week.

12. (11) Edison (Huntington Beach), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Southwest), State II
Ranks: 33 state, 267 national

The Chargers sure love Thursdays. After taking last week off, they will battle Servite (Anaheim) at Orange Coast College on Thursday night.

13. (14) Oceanside, 2-1
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State II
Ranks: 13 state, 63 national

The Pirates didn't blast Chaparral (Temecula) out of the water, but after trailing 6-0, they took control in a 35-17 victory. According to UT San Diego, they avoided their first two-game losing streak since 2006. Thai Cottrell killed Chaparral's chances of winning,scoring two touchdowns in a 35-second span in the second half. A home game against Poway is the task this Friday, then the Pirates head to Mission Hills (San Marcos) for one of the San Diego Section's biggest games.

14. (15) Chaminade (West Hills), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II
Ranks: 17 state, 81 national

The Eagles had some Thursday night fun with a 56-34 victory over Valencia. They led 28-20 at the half, then blew it open in the third quarter. Brad Kaaya was 16-for-23 with 435 yards and four scores in the victory, and the team also rushed for 339 yards. This is an offense that is bent on destruction, scoring 167 points in three games. Expect many more fireworks in Thursday's game against Oaks Christian.

15. (17) St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 14 state, 66 national

The Seraphs earned a 35-15 win over Redlands East Valley - and they did it without Ricky Town. Darius Vines led the charge, and St. Bonny's defense got back on the good side of things after giving up 69 points to Centennial the week before. Next up is a home game against Atascadero.

16. (18) Mission Hills (San Marcos), 3-0
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State II
Ranks: 36 state, 313 national

The Grizzlies unleashed a 48-7 beatdown upon Bonita Vista (Chula Vista), and they are 3-0. It's tough to tell how good they really are, and while this Friday's game at Valley Center might not tell much, the next week against Oceanside is the Grizzlies' super bowl in terms of staying in the rankings.

17. (21) Bakersfield, 2-1
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 22 state, 165 national

The Drillers won 56-7 over Garces (Bakersfield) and now comes a home game with Long Beach Poly. A missed field goal against Oaks Christian is all that separates Bako from a 3-0 mark, and the Drillers are by no means overmatched against Long Beach Poly on Friday night. This team runs, and runs, and runs, and runs. Asauni Rufus was 1-for-3 at quarterback for three yards - but the team ran 30 times for 307 yards. Kevin Hayes returned a punt for a score.

18. (22) Edison (Fresno), 3-0
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 16 state, 71 national

The Tigers are the surprise story in the Central Section and may be the best surprise in the entire southern region. They blasted Merced 45-0 to move to 3-0 and that means the season scoring margin for Edison is 128-12. They picked off three passes in the first quarter, according to the Merced Sun-Star and A.J. Greeley accounted for five touchdowns. If you want to question the teams on its schedule, then that will all be answered this week with a home game against Crenshaw (Los Angeles), a team that is 24th in the state in the Freeman Rankings.

19. (23) Clovis North (Fresno), 2-1
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 23 state, 181 national

After getting blasted by St. John Bosco, the Broncos rebounded with a solid 40-38 win over Buhach Colony (Atwater), a Sac-Joaquin Section team that was an SJS semifinalist last season. With about 2 minutes left, Trenton Barnes scored from a yard away to forge the winning margin, according to the Fresno Bee. Starting quarterback James Humphrey exited the game and backup Austin Autry performed admirably. Next up is a Friday trip to Frontier (Bakersfield).

20. (24) Servite (Anaheim), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 19 state, 117 national

The Friars took down La Mirada 38-14 thanks to 301 team rushing yards and a 15-for-18 performance from quarterback Travis Waller. Tony Brown caught seven passes for 96 yards in another impressive performance. They gave up the first seven points then ran off 24 straight to make it unreachable for a La Mirada team that was heavily hyped entering the season. Next up is a Thursday contest with Edison (Huntington Beach) and a chance to leap up the rankings.

21. (NR) Helix (La Mesa), 2-1
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State I (CIF has not determined yet, though)
Ranks: 21 state, 128 national

Remember these guys? We had them in the rankings earlier this season before they lost to Punahou (Honolulu) at the Honor Bowl. That team is 20th in the Freeman Rankings. They're back, thanks to beating ranked team Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 21-16. Cathedral Catholic came in with a brutal defense and Helix found ways to score: a punt return and a defensive touchdown. The Highlanders look good this season, and their next task is a Friday home game against Mount Miguel (Spring Valley).

22. (NR) Rancho Cucamonga, 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I
Ranks: 20 state, 119 national

The Cougars were oh-so-close to entering last week. After they edged Bishop Amat 32-29, there is no doubt they belong. The LA Times has Rancho Cucamonga at No. 14 in its rankings, and that is a reflection of the great wins this team has (over Norco and Redlands on the road as well). In the win over Amat, they jumped out to a 17-0 lead, then yielded 29 unanswered points. But they came through with a pair of touchdowns late to earn the crazy win, and Blake Fisher was the one who won the game by catching a touchdown pass from Gage Pucci, according to the Daily Bulletin.

23. (9) Bishop Amat (La Puente), 2-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 30 state, 245 national

The Lancers' game against Rancho Cucamonga can be summed up with the text above. They got 359 passing yards from Koa Haynes in the loss, and will try to get back on track with a home game against Charter Oak (Covina) Friday.

24. (NR) Madison (San Diego), 3-0
Classifications: San Diego (II), State III
Ranks: 28 state, 238 national

The defending Division III state champs are on a 16-game winning streak after they dispatched Mount Miguel 20-7. Kevin Moore rushed 10 times for 113 yards and two scores, and Vincent Parrish caught four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. The seven points allowed were the most the defense has yielded all season, and two points against the team were on a safety (that means 16 allowed by the defense in three games). They host Eastlake (Chula Vista), the defending SDS Division I champ, on Friday.

25. (NR) Orange Lutheran, 3-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 34 state, 296 national

The Lancers enter the rankings with another great start. They dispatched Palmdale 21-6 last week, getting 24 rushes and 121 yards from Garrett Gutierrez to go with a blocked punt touchdown. Last year they were 5-0 to start but went 1-4 to finish. We'll see if they can make some waves in the Trinity League - no easy task at all. They go to Cabrillo (Long Beach) on Friday.

Dropped out:
12. Narbonne (Harbor City) lost to Alemany, 42-14
19. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) lost to Helix (La Mesa), 21-16
20. Villa Park beat Cabrillo (Long Beach), 27-26
25. Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita) lost to Chino Hills, 30-17