MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California high school football rankings

Three of the top nine teams in the rankings lost last week, and five of the top 19. But they all lost to teams from the rankings, making this week's list difficult.

Only two new squads enter the MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California High School Football Rankings this week because of those titanic clashes. You can't just drop teams like Long Beach Poly, Oceanside and Chaminade, after all. At least not yet.

We welcome Servite and Tesoro into the rankings this week, and say adios to Crespi and Norco - though they could return.

Our metro sites are getting better and better, so be sure to visit the Fresno metro site, the San Diego metro site and the Los Angeles metro site.

MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California High School Football Rankings

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

The Braves moved up two spots in the Xcellent 25 after sticking a 48-0 whipping on Clovis North, which came in ranked No. 19 in these rankings. We're inclined to think it wasn't because Clovis North is bad - it's because Bosco is that good. They simply throttled the Broncos, allowing four first downs in the first three quarters and 56 yards in the first half. Chandler Hawkins picked off two passes. On offense, Josh Rosen went 16-for-23 with 221 yards, Jaleel Wadood had six catches for 95 yards and Manasseh Anesi rushed 16 times for 70 yards with two touchdowns before leaving with an injury. Next up is a battle with Chandler (Ariz.) to be played Saturday at 3:45.

2. (2) Centennial (Corona), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I
Ranks: 3 state, 9 national, 7 Xcellent 25

The Huskies were even more spectacular than usual Saturday in Oceanside, shattering schools records all around in a 69-55 victory over St. Bonaventure at the Honor Bowl. Tre Watson was the nation's leading rusher with 466 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Centennial punted once all night, and although the defense gave up 55 points, that might not even be a blip on the radar. This offense may be the best one yet at Centennial - and that's saying something. This week's game against Long Beach Poly will be Friday at Mission Viejo, and it will be against a Poly team hungry to avenge a loss.

3. (3) Serra (Gardena), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II
Ranks: 2 state, 4 national, 19 Xcellent 25

The Cavaliers fell slightly in the national computer rankings and the Xcellent 25 despite a 50-39 triumph over Oceanside at the Honor Bowl. Why? The Cavs pulled six turnovers away from the Pirates and a healthy amount came on very poor decisions by a young backup quarterback. They were on the ropes in the third, but stormed back to erase a fourth-quarter deficit and earned another big win in San Diego County. The rushing game looked much better, and the ball was spread around. Jalen Greene went 24-for-37 with 317 yards passing and Adoree' Jackson caught 10 balls for 109 yards in addition to rushing nine times for 77 yards. Olajuwon Tucker intercepted three passes. Another ranked opponent awaits this week, with Serra's first home game of the year Friday against Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks).

4. (5) Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 4 state, 10 national

The Monarchs pounced on St. Paul (Santa Fe Springs) to win easily, 56-7, on Thursday. They had six touchdowns by halftime. Sophomore Brandon LaMarche had two scores and quarterback Chase Forrest connected on three scoring passes. That makes two huge blowouts so far, and maybe consideration for the Xcellent 25. Up next is a Friday game at Carson.

5. (6) Vista Murrieta (Murrieta), 1-0
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I
Ranks: 5 state, 14 national

The Broncos kicked off their season with a huge offense output (not a big surprise) and are climbing in the national rankings. VM bashed Downey in a 66-28 triumph, leading 45-13 at halftime despite allowing the Vikings scoring the game's first touchdown. Transfer Coltin Gerhart started his Vista Murrieta career with a huge bang, playing a role in the first four touchdowns. He tossed a 50-yard touchdown pass, ran for a 6-yard touchdown for the next VM score, then made it 21-7 with a 20-yard rush before busting out for an 80-yard score. All told, he ran seven times for 130 yards and four scores, plus he went 3-for-6 with 96 yards passing. A nice addition indeed. The Broncos go to Yucaipa for a Friday night game next.

6. (7) Mission Viejo, 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 12 state, 46 national

The Diablos trailed 21-10 to Santiago (Corona), then they got after it and pummeled the opposition, 58-35. A big 34-point second quarter was the catalyst. Andrew Schuurs caught two a pair of touchdown passes and Sean Modster did the same. San Jose State commit Ian Fieber passed for 251 yards and four touchdowns, according to Patch.com. What comes next is a game of national importance, as the Diablos will continue their relationship with Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). The Ironmen will come to town with a No. 31 national rankings for the Saturday night contest.

7. (10) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 7 state, 28 national

The Lions are making a habit of beating teams that have been included in these rankings. After dispatching Bakersfield in the season opener, they kept the winning momentum going on Saturday at the Honor Bowl in Oceanside, taking down Upland in a 57-28 blowout. Brandon Dawkins (19-for-27 with 238 yards) found Chris Davis for 10 receptions, 119 yards and two scores. Damon (DJ) Riggins rushed 14 times for 82 yards and three scores. Friday night should feature a great game with the Lions heading to Venice, another team that was in the rankings early on.

8. (13) Alemany (Mission Hills), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 18 state, 113 national

The Warriors got 104 yards and three touchdowns on the ground from Okalani Langi, plus Dominic Davis contributed 101 yards and a score, in a 44-24 triumph over Muir (Pasadena). It was 25-7 at the half. Alemany had two winnable games on the road to start out, now comes four-straight games against teams that have been in the rankings this season: Narbonne at home on Friday, then Centennial, St. Bonaventure and Norco. We'll know a lot more about where the Warriors stand after those contests.

9. (14) Bishop Amat (La Puente), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 21 state, 171 national

The Lancers always seem to play tight contests against Chino Hills and this year's battle was no exception. They won 47-42 behind 263 passing yards and three touchdowns from Koa Haynes. Matthew Zahn caught six balls for 118 yards as well. Amat had a 21-point lead in the third quarter before the defense came up big in the final minutes to preserve a tough win. It's been a quick (and well-deserved) jaunt up the rankings for Bishop Amat, and the Lancers will head to Rancho Cucamonga on Friday to play a team that has turned heads and appeared in the Los Angeles Times rankings.

10. (18) Hart (Newhall), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Northern), State II
Ranks: 13 state, 57 national

What's a win over Chaminade worth? How about 61 spots in the national rankings. The Indians emerged victorious in a 55-54 overtime thriller at home and once again Brady White was stellar, throwing for 490 yards and seven touchdowns. That touchdown total tied former NFL player Kyle Boller. Connor Wingenroth achieved a very rare feat: a 99-yard touchdown run, and Trent Irwin caught three touchdown passes for 179 yards (nine receptions). Linebacker Cody Shoemaker won the game in overtime by stopping a 2-point conversion run attempt. The Indians have a bye this week before Ridgeview (Bakersfield) comes to town next.

11. (11) Edison (Huntington Beach), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Southwest), State II
Ranks: 30 state, 234 national

The Chargers were outgained on offense by a yard, and they recorded fewer first downs. But they found a way to win 14-0 over Garfield (Los Angeles), and stayed undefeated. They took advantage of big play opportunities, completing only four passes, but two were for scores. Matthew Gane found Kiante Goudeau for a 30-yard touchdown and Jeremy Maxwell for a 28-yard strike. The defense has been solid this season thus far, and forced four turnovers on downs in the game. The Chargers better take it up a notch after a bye this week, as Servite and Mater Dei are the next two opponents.

12. (15) Narbonne (Harbor City), 2-0
Classifications: Los Angeles (I), State I
Ranks: 20 state, 168 national

The Gauchos' 26-0 triumph over Gahr (Cerritos) was a nice change from having to gut out their first win on the final play. Johnell Jackson picked up 175 yards on the ground for the Gauchos but they reportedly threw three interceptions, according to the LA Times. Next up is a trip to Alemany.

13. (16) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 17 state, 107 national

In yet another beatdown at the Honor Bowl, The Knights dispatched Sacramento-area power Del Oro (Loomis) by a 41-24 score. It was 34-3 early in the third quarter. Lucas Alfonso is the next kicking star from a school that has produced plenty of them, connecting from 50 and 49 yards at Oceanside High on Saturday. Grant Kraemer hit Daniel Khan for touchdown passes of 56 and 45 yards, and totaled 228 yards. Khan tacked on 157 receiving yards and Koa Farmer scored twice as well. Now comes the biggest test of the year: A Friday game at Serra.

14. (8) Oceanside, 1-1
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State II
Ranks: 10 state, 37 national

The Pirates actually moved up in the computer rankings despite a 50-39 loss to Serra. They played well enough to win, but the wheels came off in the fourth quarter, as Serra scored twice in the fourth to erase a deficit. Oceanside led with less than four minutes left, in fact, but a turnover and allowing Serra to recover a long kickoff sealed their fate. Six turnovers led to the Pirates' demise as well. Five different players scored touchdowns for the team that is still considered the best in the San Diego Section, and Jackson Koonce connected on a 52-yard field goal. Chaparral (Temecula) comes to town Friday.

15. (9) Chaminade (West Hills), 1-1
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II
Ranks: 16 state, 95 national

The Eagles went for a huge gamble and came up short in their 55-54 overtime loss at Hart. They went for the 2-point conversation after Dymond Lee scored on a touchdown pass from eight yards away and it was stuffed in the backfield. It's a pretty big drop after a tight loss to a very good team, but it's hard to fault any of the other teams ahead of Chaminade, so this is where they rest. Cory Watkins rushed for 196 yards. The Eagles face Valencia Thursday night.

16. (4) Long Beach Poly, 1-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 9 state, 34 national

Computers and humans regard Servite much differently, and that means that Poly's loss to the Friars on Friday hurts them more here. The Jackrabbits lost 31-24 to Servite in a game they led 12-10 at the half. Servite does well in the computer rankings, but the LA Times has the Friars at 19th (behind teams like Tesoro and Rancho Cucamonga) and they are at the bottom in these rankings. Poly appears to be having personnel questions, with backup quarterback Josh Love completing nine of his 10 pass attempts and coach Raul Lara telling the Press-Telegram that he plans on opening up competition for playing time at many spots. In his words: "Here we go again. I feel like this team isn't clicking." Poly, if you remember, was off to a 1-3 start last season before reaching the state title game. Things are only getting worse next, as Centennial is the opponent this weekend in a game to be played in Mission Viejo.

17. (12) St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 1-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 11 state, 42 national

The Seraphs simply couldn't stop Centennial, yielding 69 points in a 69-55 loss at the Honor Bowl. But they did score 55, and that is a positive. It's hard to gauge where a team stands when it plays Centennial. So it's hard to find where St. Bonny belongs. Marcus Chambers rushed for 232 yards and Ricky Town passed for 273 yards. Chambers scored four times, but in a shootout like that, four is not as spectacular as it would be in other contests. What's going in the Seraphs' favor is they battled the whole way. They never let Centennial run away with the contest and there are lots of positives to take from that. They will face Redlands East Valley Friday at Ventura College.

18. (17) Mission Hills (San Marcos), 2-0
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State II
Ranks: 26 state, 200 national

The good news? The Grizzlies won 28-21 at Rancho Bernardo. The bad news? They had to overcome a 21-0 halftime deficit. Mission Hills scored the winning touchdown on a 65-yard punt return in the final four minutes. They are still No. 2 in the UT San Diego rankings, and get Bonita Vista (Chula Vista) at home on Friday.

19. (20) Cathedral Catholic (San Diego), 2-0
Classifications: San Diego (Open), State I
Ranks: 24 state, 184 national

The Dons are doing it with defense, as they have yielded just six points all year. They shut out Torrey Pines 10-0 behind a 20-yard interception return for a score by Kyle Davis, a defensive end. Tim Semenza connected for field goal from 32 yards out for the other points in a game that saw the Dons yield just 78 yards. Joshua Gizzi rushed 17 times for 117 yards. A trip to Helix on Friday will be a big test for the Dons, as Helix was in the rankings at one point earlier this season.

20. (21) Villa Park, 1-0
Classifications: Southern (Southwest), State II
Ranks: 36 state, 300 national

We can finally put a record next to Villa Park, as the Spartans triumphed 21-12 over Valencia (Placentia) in their season opener. Dylan Osborne threw a pair of touchdown passes on a 12-for-19, 201-yard night. Michael Vega ran 12 times for 78 yards and Kyle Harlin caught a scoring pass. The Spartans head to Long Beach to take on Cabrillo this Friday.

21. (24) Bakersfield, 1-1
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 27 state, 202 national

The Drillers earned their first win of the season by dispatching the defending Central Section Division IV champion Wasco, 35-13. They showed a lot more balance in the win by completing more than the one pass they accomplished against Oaks Christian, as Asauni Rufus went 7-for-9 for 162 yards and two scores. The 273 rushing yards was around half what they racked up at Oaks Christian, but still a very good number. A trip across town to Garces awaits the Drillers on Friday.

22. (25) Edison (Fresno), 2-0
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 15 state, 76 national

The Tigers fired up the bus and took a trip to Carson, and left a Los Angeles City Section team in the dust, winning 40-6. That makes it 83-6 in terms of scoring this season for the upstart squad from Fresno. The only score they allowed was on a fumble return. Edison allowed just 29 rushing yards, and Blake Wright scored a pair of touchdowns. Next up is a road game at Merced, a Sac-Joaquin Section team.

23. (20) Clovis North (Fresno), 1-1
Classifications: Central (I), State I
Ranks: 22 state, 178 national

When you lose to St. John Bosco, it's hard to feel the bad - or unique. The Braves blasted the Broncos 48-0 last week, and star running back Bolu Olorunfunmi only gained 38 yards on 20 carries. It was a monumental task, one that it appears no team may accomplish this season. Now the Broncos will turn their attention to a good program - but not as good as Bosco - in Buhach Colony of Atwater, from the SJS.

24. (NR) Servite (Anaheim), 1-1
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 19 state, 144 national

Oh Servite, what do we do with you? You lost 41-17 to Bishop Gorman to open your season, and Santa Margarita went to double overtime with Gorman. But you also registered a 31-24 triumph over Long Beach Poly to get into these rankings. Your computer rankings are great, but it's hard to tell if Poly was overrated or if you are a Pac 5 contender this year after a disappointing 3-7 finish and a coaching change. We will find out. But one thing is for sure: Junior quarterback Travis Waller is emerging as a star, rushing 16 times for 202 yards and a pair of scores while completing eight of 13 passes for 129 yards and a score. Tony Brown caught five passes for 85 yards, another junior. The Friars will go to La Mirada Friday, a team with huge preseason expectations that has fizzled to an 0-2 start.

25. (NR) Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita), 2-0
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I
Ranks: 32 state, 252 national

The Titans and coach Matt Poston have been a great story thus far. They took down a quality Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley) squad 35-20 this past week and had opened the season with a 43-14 thumping of La Mirada. They trailed 20-7 at the half to Rancho Verde (ranked No. 1 in the Central Division) and then unleashed a 28-0 second half onslaught to record the win. Patch.com reports that Devin Modster, Gunner Gam, Jon Rivera, Matt Sylvester and Wes McQuaid all scored touchdowns. Rivera did have to leave with an injury, though. Next up is a dangerous home game against Chino Hills, which played Bishop Amat tough last week.

Dropped out:
22. Norco lost to Rancho Cucamonga, 24-7
23. Crespi lost to Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, Ariz.), 47-7