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 (2-1)
Amat coach Steve Hagerty said it best following a 42-7 loss to St. John Bosco, ranked No. 1 in the country: “They didn’t come here to get upset, they came here to kick our butts,” Hagerty said. And that’s what it was. Amat will have a bye week to shake it off, then should be favored in the rest of its regular-season games.
Previous: 1
Next: at Leuzinger, Sept. 16
2. La Serna (2-1)
The Lancers look even better than last year’s team that reached the Division 4 semifinals. They’ve been getting great performances from QB Jake Long and RB Owen Long. They crushed Los Osos and are playing well offensively and defensively against solid opponents. The big tests continue this week with a deep drive to Orange County next.
Previous: 3
Next: at Tesoro, Friday, 7 p.m.
3. Pasadena (2-1)
The Bulldogs’ dominant second half against Damien led to a come-from-behind 22-21 victory. When you consider Pasadena’s only loss was a 15-14 setback against La Serna, in a game when it was without its top receiver and running back, you wonder how good Pasadena can get. It has another solid test against Loyola this week.
Previous: 4
Next: vs. Loyola, Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Charter Oak (2-0)
The Chargers dominated visiting Glendora offensively and defensively, beating the Tartans 34-7. It was another big night for QB Richie Munoz, who threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns. The Chargers will get a much bigger test this week against Chino Hills, but they appear ready for it.
Previous: 6
Next: vs. Chino Hills, Friday, 7 p.m.
5. Monrovia (3-0)
The Wildcats score almost every time they have the ball and routed previously undefeated El Rancho 58-26. Their season-opening win over Bonita lost some shine with Bonita losing to La Salle, but the biggest test of the season is next against undefeated Ayala (3-0), which may wind up in Division 2 or 3 for the CIF-SS playoffs.
Previous: 8
Next: at Ayala, Friday, 7 p.m.
6. Damien (1-2)
All the momentum the Spartans gained from a big win over Loyola, it gave right back in a crushing 22-21 loss to Pasadena. They blew a 15-0 halftime lead. Close losses were an issue for last year’s team that went 3-7, so the next few weeks are crucial, and playing a Trinity League school next won’t help.
Previous: 2
Next: vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, Friday, 7 p.m.
7. La Mirada (1-2)
There aren’t supposed to be moral victories, but how else can you explain the Matadores the past two weeks, who have had close losses to Yorba Linda and the Trinity League’s Servite. The Mats had a chance to beat the Friars, losing 10-7. They will likely get routed this week by Mater Dei, but the Mats have secured their spot among our top 10 with their performances against quality teams.
Previous: 9
Next: vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday, 7 p.m.
8. Northview (2-1)
The Vikings routed previously unbeaten South Hills 44-14. When you consider their only loss was to Charter Oak in a game where they nearly rushed for 500 yards, you have to be impressed.
Previous: 12
Next: vs. Covina at Covina District Field, Friday, 7 p.m.
9. St. Francis (1-2)
The Golden Knights are in a lot of trouble. They give up too many points, as they showed in losing to Long Beach Millikan 54-28. In their three games, they’re scoring 40 points per game, but allowing an average of 54 a game. That won’t get it done, not against good teams.
Previous: 5
Next: vs. St. Pius X-St. Matthias, Friday, 7 p.m.
10. St. Paul (2-1)
The Swordsmen finally played a good opponent, and it wasn’t pretty. They were rocked by St. Pius X-St. Matthias 42-13. As far as the big picture, nobody has looked particularly impressive in the Angelus League, so they will have as good a chance as any.
Previous: 7
Next: vs. West Ranch, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
11. La Habra (1-2)
12. Rio Hondo Prep (2-0)
13. San Dimas (2-1)
14. Glendora (0-3)
15. Diamond Bar (3-0)
16. Baldwin Park (3-0)
17. South Pasadena (3-0)
18. La Salle (1-2)
19. Bonita (1-2)
20. El Rancho (2-1)
21. California (2-1)
22. Walnut (2-1)
23. South Hills (2-1)
24. Whittier (2-1)
25. Montebello (2-1)
26. San Marino (2-1)
27. Sonora (2-1)
28. Rowland (2-1)
29. West Covina (1-2)
30. Azusa (2-0)
