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 RANKINGS
1. Damien (2-0)
The Spartans are off to dream start with victories over Yorba Linda and Loyola, and have done it with authority, beating the Cubs 35-14. Spartans receiver Elijah Bechtel, the son of coach Matt Bechtel, had a big game, hauling in five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Now they get to make their fun trip to Hawaii, taking on a team named Damien too that is off to a 2-1 start. Who knows what happens, but the Spartans certainly have earned their first top ranking in years.
Previous: 2
Next: vs. Damien (Honolulu, HI), Saturday, 7 p.m.
2. St. Francis (2-0)
Wide receiver Preston Jernegan had a big game in a 34-21 win over Mira Costa, hauling in six receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns just a week after he had four touchdowns in their season-opening win. The Golden Knights are scoring at a great pace, but also are playing much better defense than last year’s team that reached the Division 5 championship game. Another big tests looms.
Previous: 3
Next: vs. Long Beach Millikan, Friday, 7 p.m.
3. La Serna (1-1)
The Lancers proved their worth in a 25-6 loss to powerful Los Alamitos at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach, trailing only 13-6 with under eight minutes to play before the game got away from them. These are the type of tests the Lancers need after competing in the Division 3 playoffs last year. The Lancers take on another tough opponent this week in Warren.
Previous: 1
Next: vs. Warren at California High, Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Bishop Amat (1-1)
In the most exciting game over the weekend, Bishop Amat held on for 29-28 victory over rival St. Paul after the Swordsmen went for the a go-ahead, game-winning two-point conversion in the final 30 seconds and came up short. The Lancers looked like they might run away with it at times, but turnovers and silly penalties helped the Swordsmen rally. Still, all-purpose Richie Munoz showed his worth playing several positions.
Previous: 5
Next: vs. Santa Margarita, Sept. 7
5. St. Paul (1-1)
The Swordsmen were so close to a statement-defining win over Bishop Amat, and what a comeback it could have been, rallying from two scores down in the final six minutes to have a chance to take the lead in the final seconds. Still, after opening the season with a 24-22 against Newport Harbor, and playing well against Amat, new coach Mike Moschetti has them headed in the right directions.
Previous: 4
Next: at West Ranch, Sept. 7
6. Bonita (2-0)
Two games, two real good results for the Bearcats. After beating Monrovia, 56-21, the Bearcats went on the road and beat a hyped up Ontario Christian squad, holding on for a 34-31 victory. It’s a great start, and the Bearcats will have a chance this week to avenge one of their headshaking losses a year ago to La Salle, hosting the Lancers on Thursday night.
Previous: 6
Next: vs. La Salle, Thursday, 7 p.m.
7. Glendora (2-0)
The Tartans didn’t start the season in the top ten rankings, not after last years’ disappointing four-win season. But it has come out with a bang, beating Chino Hills, Jurupa Hills and looking complete on both sides of the ball. Tartans QB Eric Najarro has been a pleasant surprise, and now they have a biggie at Citrus College for the Mayors Trophy.
Previous: 9
Next: vs. Charter Oak at Citrus College, Friday, 7 p.m.
8. Northview (1-1)
The Vikings opened the season with a 41-6 win over Muir, then took a trip to Las Vegas and didn’t look like themselves. Give Nevada’s Sierra Vista credit for a 34-26 victory, but hard to drop the Vikings without knowing too much about their opponent, who competes in Nevada’s 5A Division II. The Vikings return to take on South Hills, which should be fun.
Previous: 7
Next: vs. South Hills at Covina District Field, Friday, 7 p.m.
9. Covina (2-0)
It hasn’t been a big surprise the Colts have started with back-to-back wins, but how they’re winning is. The Colts blew out California, 42-0, and then in what was expected to be a close game, they ran away from South Hills, 42-14, getting four touchdowns from running back Joseph Rangel. They’re running and passing the ball with authority, and getting it done on the defensive end, a great start for first-year coach Kevin Glaspy.
Previous: 10
Next: vs. Diamond Bar, Thursday, 7 p.m.
10. Charter Oak (1-1)
The Chargers are young and talented, but will have growing pains, suffering a 21-17 loss at Chino Hills. Problem is, the schedule doesn’t get any easier over the next several weeks taking on Glendora, Yorba Linda and Damien. The Chargers are not the team that went 10-0 in the regular season last year, and at this point, getting out of non-league with a .500 record would be a great achievement.
Previous: 8
Next: vs. Glendora at Citrus College, Friday, 7 p.m.
THE REST OF THE TOP 30
11. South Pasadena (2-0)
12. El Rancho (2-0)
13. La Habra (1-1)
14. Diamond Ranch (2-0)
15. Diamond Bar (2-0)
16. Los Altos (2-0)
17. Muir (1-1)
18. La Canada (2-0)
19. Sonora (2-0)
20. Baldwin Park (1-1)
21. San Dimas (1-1)
22. South Hills (1-1)
23. Rio Hondo Prep (1-0)
24. Monrovia (0-1)
25. West Covina (1-1)
26. San Marino (2-0)
27. La Salle (1-1)
28. San Gabriel (1-0)
29. Montebello (1-1)
30. Maranatha (1-1)
