MaxPreps 2012 Southern Section Preseason Top 25 Rankings

Here is an in-depth look at the Top 25 teams in the Southern Section this season:

1. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita)
2011 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Harry Welch
Update: Not only are the Eagles expected to be the top team in Southern California from wire-to-wire this season, they also figure to be the trendy pick as the state's premier program for a majority of the year. Santa Margarita is seemingly without peer. Moreover, don't be surprised if this group is ranked among the nation's best from start to finish. They are No. 4 in MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 and No. 2 in the Freeman Rankings. It begins and ends with Johnny Stanton. In the pocket, he completed more than 62 percent of his passes a season ago and finished with a 127 passer rating. Stanton got the job done on the ground too, rushing for more than 5 yards per carry. It's reasonable to think that the 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior and Nebraska commit will deliver an encore effort.
Nonleague of note: Stanton & Co. will have a target on their backs, to be sure. They won't have to wait long for the first test either. Brophy College Prep (Phoenix) will look to prove itself in the second game of the season. The Broncos are no slouches, mind you. Far from it, in fact. MaxPreps ranks them No. 2 in the state and No. 49 overall in the country.
Projection: A CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division title appears to be a foregone conclusion, provided Stanton stays healthy. An appearance in a CIF State Bowl, beyond that, is a distinct possibility. Don't be the least bit surprised to see the Eagles run the table.

MaxPreps California Fab 5

2. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta)
2011 finish: 9-5
Head coach: Coley Candaele
Update: The Broncos finished last season with what was supposed to be an unblemished 14-0 record. That is, of course, until they were forced to forfeit five victories for using an ineligible player. That fact figures to motivate Su'a Cravens and his teammates this year. The 6-1, 205-pound senior is a game-changer, especially on the defensive side of the ball from his safety position. He will see some action on offense, rest assured. Cravens is far too talented to sit on the sidelines for an extended period of time. A well-rounded skill set enabled him to emerge as one of the country's top prospects until a recent commitment to nearby USC put an end to the whole recruiting process.
Nonleague of note: Vista Murrieta opens up the season at home against Thunder Ridge (Highlands Ranch, Colo.). Ranked No. 11 in the state by MaxPreps, perhaps the Grizzlies should have reconsidered who their first opponent was going to be when picking the Broncos, No. 15 in the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 and No. 14 in the Freeman Rankings.
Projection: Cravens is the catalyst, that much is certain. Vista Murrieta is a not a one-man show, though. With the focus on Cravens, senior quarterback Nick Stevens will provide balance and have more than a few opportunities to make an impact for the Broncos. A CIF Southern Section Inland Division title is within reach and a CIF Bowl berth is not out of the question.

3. Rancho Cucamonga
2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Nick Baiz
Update: Good luck throwing the ball against Tahaan Goodman and Chris Hawkins. The senior defensive back tandem will likely give opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks fits in the secondary. Hawkins will play his college ball at USC. Goodman, on the other hand, has not committed as of yet. He does hold scholarship offers from a number of the nation's top programs, including Alabama, Michigan and Oklahoma. The Trojans are also in the mix.
Nonleague of note: Showdowns don't get much bigger than the one in early September against Servite. Year in and year out, the Friars are about as competitive as they come. It will be interesting to see if Rancho Cucamonga is capable of holding its own.
Projection: The Cougars will have little, or no, problems in Baseline League action. Once the playoffs roll around, it could be an entirely different story. They reside in the Inland Division, and could be on a collision course with Vista Murrieta.

4. Westlake (Westlake Village) (14-1)
2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Jim Benkert
Update: When Justin Moore decided that life on the gridiron was no longer for him a few months ago, the decision to cut short his playing days sent shockwaves throughout Southern California. Mind you, the junior quarterback had just led his teammates to a berth in a CIF Bowl game and was expected to be one of the state‘s top returning players at his position. The Warriors have been scrambling for a replacement ever since, of course. All, however, is not lost. Talented two-way star Dashon Hunt remains in the mix. The UCLA-bound senior is the glue on defense from his defensive back spot and he figures to see additional carries out of the backfield with the absence of Moore.
Nonleague of note: A pair of games against Sac-Joaquin Section foes Granite Bay and Del Oro (Loomis) loom large in the first two weeks of the season. If the Warriors are able to emerge unscathed in those two contests, it could be smooth sailing for the rest of the month.
Projection: A potential stumbling block could be St. Bonaventure (Ventura) in the Marmonte League opener in late September. Aside from that, the road to the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs appears to be particularly favorable for Westlake.



5. Mission Viejo
2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Bob Johnson
Update: Receivers lined up on the outside, tight ends crossing over the middle and ballcarriers coming out of the backfield will most likely be sure they are aware of where Max Redfield is lined up this season. No one hits harder than the 6-3, 195-pound senior safety. When his days with Diablos are done, Redfield figures to patrol the secondary for USC in a similar manner.
Nonleague of note: Somewhat surprisingly, the Diablos do not have many difficult encounters on deck. In years past, their schedule was as competitive as anyone around. Redlands East Valley poses the lone threat - and not a monumental one.
Projection: Anything other than a South Coast League title would be a major disappointment for Mission Viejo. It will be interesting to see if a sub-par nonleague slate of games hurts the Diablos once the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs begin.

Watch more videos of Vista Murrieta football

{PAGEBREAK}

6. Upland
2011 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Tim Salter
Update: The marquee attraction is Joe Mathis and Upland fans figure to flock to games in an effort to catch a glimpse of the 6-4, 250-pound senior defensive lineman. He has scholarship offers on the table from many of the nation's powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and USC. Given that fact, Mathis will draw similar attention from his opponents across the line of scrimmage. He'll face double-teams early and often this year.
Nonleague of note: Typically, starting the season against Muir (Pasadena) would not be the ideal way to kick things off. The Mustangs, however, have fallen on hard times. Nevertheless, Upland can not afford to overlook its traditionally competitive counterpart.
Projection: An undefeated run through Baseline League play should be relatively easy. Beyond that, Vista Murrieta and Rancho Cucamonga, perhaps both programs, could provide the ultimate measuring stick in the CIF Southern Section Inland Valley Division playoffs.

7. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)
2011 finish: 6-4
Head coach: Kevin Rooney
Update: On the offensive side of the ball, all signs point to Khalfani Muhammad getting plenty of touches. Whether it's taking handoffs, or snaring swing passes, more often than not the ball will be in the hands of the 5-8, 174-pound senior running back. The only question is: Will the slightly undersized Muhammad end up wearing down by season‘s end?
Nonleague of note: A road trip to Dublin, Ireland, to face Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) at the end of this month figures to be quite the experience for everyone involved. Travel aside, things don't figure to get any easier for Notre Dame upon arrival overseas. The Huskies figure to be hungry. MaxPreps ranks them No. 3 in Arizona and they will be out to prove they belong.
Projection: There will be no easy games in the Serra League this season. That said, Notre Dame must play well early and maintain momentum thereafter. The pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place. It's all about execution from here on out.

8. San Clemente
2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Jamie Ortiz
Update: Replacing the void left behind by offensive lineman Kyle Murphy and quarterback Travis Wilson will be difficult. The senior tandem graduated and moved onto the next level with Murphy at Stanford and Wilson at Utah. Good thing is: The Tritons do a good job of grooming their lower-level players to step into larger roles with the big boys on the varsity team.
Nonleague of note: The final primer before the South Coast League schedule starts is against Edison (Huntington Beach) in late September. Following that game, we should have a better understanding about the direction of the program without Murphy and Wilson.
Projection: While no one associated with program will readily admit to as much, you get the sense that expectations are tempered this season at San Clemente. That's not to say making a prolonged postseason run is entirely out of the question for the Tritons.

9. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village)
2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Jeff Woodruff
Update: Venerable head honcho Bill Redell retired at the end of last season after a rather remarkable 12-year run with the Lions. The vacated job was one of the state's most desirable gigs around until Woodruff was hired. He comes with experience too, having been the head coach at Eastern Michigan and an assistant at UTEP. There is no possible way Woodruff can be expected to make people forget about Redell. The goal appears for him to carve out his own niche.
Nonleague of note: One of the more highly anticipated matchups this season figures to be against fellow private school Chaminade (West Hills) in mid-September. The winner, of course, will stake claim to bragging rights in what could develop into a budding rivalry.
Projection: Don't be the least bit surprised to see the Lions face St. Bonaventure (Ventura) for the Marmonte League championship. The winner will have no time to celebrate, however, not with the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs on the horizon.

10. Tustin
2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Myron Miller
Update: Some might consider this ranking to be a bit high. The Tillers, on the other hand, think differently. The roster is loaded with experienced individuals and the perceived lack of respect will certainly be a driving force of motivation from start to finish this season.
Nonleague of note: Roosevelt (Eastvale) does not pose as much of a threat in the season opener at home. Nevertheless, Tustin will be looking to make a statement and it's reasonable to expect that a lopsided result will point this determined bunch in the right direction.
Projection: The Tillers are the frontrunners to win the Empire League title and figure to be one of the top seeds in the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division playoffs. That is, if things go according to plan. A taskmaster, Miller will not let distractions be a factor.



Watch more videos of Oaks Christian football

{PAGEBREAK}

11. Centennial (Corona)
2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Matt Logan
Update: The Huskies have been considered the cream of the crop from the CIF Southern Section Inland Division in years past. This season, there are some questions about whether the program is on the verge of taking a step back. The smart money is on Centennial proving the naysayers wrong. Seemingly backed into a corner, this team figures to come out fighting for its life.
Nonleague of note: The Broncos will travel to St. Bonaventure (Ventura) in late August and will have revenge on their minds after losing to the Seraphs around this time a year ago. The only thing that will erase the memory of a disappointing loss is an impressive victory.
Projection: The goal for the Broncos is simple, it's the same every season in fact: Win the Big VIII championship and then turn their attention toward the playoffs. Now let's see how they respond to potentially not being the prohibitive favorite on weekly basis.

12. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
2011 finish: 4-6
Head coach: Bruce Rollinson
Update: There was a time not too long ago that the Monarchs were annually thought of as one of Southern California's premier programs. They were also considered one of the best teams on the West Coast, and the country, for that matter. This may be the year the tradition is restored.
Nonleague of note: Never one to back down from an opponent, Mater Dei has a pair of difficult showdowns against CIF Los Angeles City Section teams. First up is Carson in early September followed by a matchup against Narbonne (Harbor City) to close out the month.
Projection: The Trinity is arguably the nation's toughest league with Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita), Servite (Anaheim) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower) jockeying for position. The Monarchs will have to be at their best if they hope to contend for a title.

13. Lompoc
2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Andrew Jones
Update: The Braves faced the unenviable situation of finishing with an unblemished record and winning the CIF Southern Section Northwest Division championship, only to not be invited to a CIF Bowl game. Based on those well-known facts, it's safe to say that Lompoc will be looking to win impressively this season with the hopes that its efforts will be rewarded and not neglected again.
Nonleague of note: We won't have to wait long to find out whether or not the Braves are for real. They start off the season with a home game against Arroyo Grande, one of the better teams from out in the that neck of the woods. Lompoc will have its hands full, no doubt about it.
Projection: The Los Padres League title is a virtual lock. But the Braves had better not make the mistake of looking too far ahead. If they fall into that trap, an early exit in the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs could prove to be their ultimate fate.

14. Alemany (Mission Hills)
2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Dean Harrington
Update: The Warriors possess one of the nation's best players in Steven Mitchell, who opened the eyes of opposing coaches and college scouts alike last season as a junior. The 5-10, 175-pound receiver and USC commit will be the go-to guy on offense this time around.
Nonleague of note: A date with Centennial (Corona) on the road in mid-September has been marked on the calendar for quite some time now. A victory would be the type of statement-maker the Warriors have been looking for. Signature wins have been few and far between.
Projection: There's no reason to believe that Alemany won't be in position for a Serra League title by season's end. Playing in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs thereafter, however, does not bode well. The field will be loaded with high-profile programs.

15. Servite (Anaheim)
2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Troy Thomas
Update: Prep football fans, whether they be avid Southern California supporters or recreational types, might find it difficult to believe the Friars are ranked this low. There is a reason for their spot in the poll, however. The Friars lost a number of starters from a season ago. Rest assured, Thomas will find a way to rally the troops and have Servite playing well, sooner rather than later.
Nonleague of note: There will be no rest for the weary this season as the Friars travel to Rancho Cucamonga in the second game of the season. The Cougars would like nothing more than to kick Servite when it's down. Whether that happens, or not, remains to be seen.
Projection: When it comes to their overall record, the Friars figure to have some bumps and bruises along the way this season. If, however, they peak at the right time, a spirited run toward a CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division championship could materialize.



Watch more videos of Servite football

{PAGEBREAK}

16. St. Bonaventure (Ventura)
2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Todd Therrien
Update: Keeping the ball on the ground with a potent rushing attack figures to be the first, second, and third option for the Seraphs this season. And why not? They have a workhorse in Zachary Green. The 5-10, 217-pound senior and Arizona commit is capable of rushing for more than 1,000 yards and will have every opportunity to do so behind a sizable offensive line.
Nonleague of note: Tests don't get much tougher than a late-September game against Santa Margarita. The only benefit of playing the Eagles at that point is the Seraphs will have a few games underneath their proverbial belts.
Projection: St. Bonaventure will likely beat up on some of the Marmonte League teams this season. The Seraphs will also take their lumps against their competitive counterparts. The real question is will they have anything left for the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs?

17. St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
2011 finish: 8-4
Head coach: Jason Negro
Update: They don't make them bigger, or much meaner, than Nico Falah. That said, the Braves will run the ball behind the 6-6, 275-pound senior offensive lineman, bound for USC, a majority of the time. The plan has worked in the past. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Nonleague of note: Loyola (Los Angeles) presents some potential interesting matchup problems for St. John Bosco in mid-September. Falah and his teammates will need to figure out a way to use their muscle to counteract the speed and quickness of the Cubs.
Projection: If the Braves were in any other league, aside from the Trinity, they would have a chance to add some hardware to the trophy case. Problem is, they're not. Should St. John Bosco survive, the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs figure to be a daunting task.

18. Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley)
2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Pete Duffy
Update: Demorea Stringfellow can do it all. The 6-2, 185-pound receiver can stretch the field vertically with his speed. The Washington commit is also fearless, willing to risk his body and catch passes over the middle. Stringfellow is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Nonleague of note: The Mustangs must remember to stay focused on the task at hand when they travel to the desert and face Las Vegas High in the middle of September. The Wildcats should not be taken lightly. MaxPreps ranks them No. 12 in the Silver State.
Projection: With Stringfellow in the fold, Rancho Verde will have a chance to be competitive in the Inland Valley League. And provided they take of business, there's a very good chance this group could win the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship.

19. Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita)
2011 finish: 8-5
Head coach: Brian Barnes
Update: The Titans opened plenty of eyes last year when they pulled off a monumental upset against perennial powerhouse Servite (Anaheim) in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs. Tesoro returns more than a few players from that team: Seven starters on defense and eight more on offense. Chances are, the Titans will be the hunted this season, not the hunter.
Nonleague of note: Hart (Newhall) is one of the top teams from the Santa Clarita Valley. The Indians, however, might be overmatched in the season opener against Tesoro.
Projection: The Titans are out to prove that their postseason run last year was no fluke. The first step toward proving they're a legitimate threat is winning the South Coast League title. Beyond that, who knows? One thing is certain: This is a program on the rise in Southern California.

20. El Toro (Lake Forest)
2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Rob Frith
Update: The Chargers don't get nearly enough credit for being a consistent program. Then again, hype has never mattered much to El Toro. And with a handful of important individuals returning on both sides of the ball this season, the Chargers figure to prove once again that a team is measured by wins and losses, not word of mouth. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.
Nonleague of note: Taking a look at the schedule, the game that jumps off the page is an early-September showdown against Clovis, traditionally one of the CIF Central Section's more consistent teams. A win would provide the Chargers with some much-needed confidence.
Projection: The South Coast League is no joke and several teams could take home the title should things fall into place, including El Toro. The Chargers can't afford to peak too early though because qualifying for the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 playoffs is the ultimate goal.



Watch more videos of St. John Bosco football

{PAGEBREAK}

21. Redlands East Valley
2011 finish: 11-1
Head coach: Kurt Bruich
Update: One loss is all that separated the Wildcats from perfection a season ago. Several members from that team are coming back this year to make things right. With a renewed focus, Bruich said he thinks this group is capable of accomplishing bigger and better things.
Nonleague of note: A game against Mission Viejo in late September will be a good measuring stick for the Wildcats. A loss could prove to be a costly setback.
Projection: Redlands East Valley has owned the Citrus Belt League in recent years. Things don't figure to change any time soon. Count on another title for the Wildcats.

22. Charter Oak (Covina)
2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Lou Farrar
Update: Bryce Bobo has the size and the skill set to make things difficult for opposing defensive backs. Double-covered or not, the Chargers will be creative in finding ways to get the ball to the 6-3, 175-pound senior receiver who is heading to Colorado.
Nonleague of note: Bishop Amat (La Puente) plays one of the more competitive schedules around and a mid-September showdown with Charter Oak is no exception.
Projection: If the Chargers do not find a way to win the Sierra League title, there is something wrong. Come to think of it, Bobo does not figure to let this team fail.

23. Chaminade (West Hills)
2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Ed Croson
Update: Terrell Newby will be a jack-of-all-trades type for the Eagles this season. The 5-10, 185-pound senior running back figures to carry the ball anywhere from 20 to 25 times per game and catch 5 to 10 passes out of the backfield. He'll carry the load.
Nonleague of note: Chaminade will play host to Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.) in the second game of the season. For those of you saying: Pulaski Academy who? The Bruins figure to be a formidable opponent considering MaxPreps ranks them No. 4 in their state.
Projection: Winning the Mission League title is an attainable goal. Duplicating the feat in the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs could also become a reality.

24. JW North (Riverside)
2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Mark Paredes
Update: When it comes to tight ends in Southern California, and the nation too, Marcus Baugh can hold his own with the best of them. The 6-4, 225-pound senior and Ohio State commit has great hands, above-average speed and is stronger than most of his peers. The Huskies' game plan revolves around Baugh, and rightfully so, given his immense upside when he's on the field.
Nonleague of note: The Huskies have a pair of tough tests. The first is against Alemany (Mission Hills) in the second game. Two weeks later, they play Rancho Cucamonga.
Projection: Life will be difficult in the Inland Valley League. As long as the Huskies maintain focus, they'll be fine for the start of the CIF Southern Section Central Division playoffs.

25. Serra (Gardena)
2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Scott Altenberg
Update: The Cavaliers are largely inexperienced. That, however, does not mean that underclassman players such as linebacker Dwight Williams and defensive back Adoree' Jackson can not get the job done this season if they are called upon to do so as juniors.
Nonleague of note: The collective mettle of this young bunch will be tested in the season opener against a veteran group from Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks).
Projection: Chaminade (West Hills) is seemingly the only team standing between the Cavaliers and a Mission League title. Provided they pass that test, the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs will follow and will present another challenge.



Watch more videos of Serra football