MaxPreps Northern California Top 25 high school football rankings

MaxPreps Northern California Top 25 Football Rankings

1. De La Salle (Concord) (1) 10-0
The Spartans are in the playoffs for a NorCal-record 31st consecutive season and now seek the program's 21st successive North Coast Section Division I championship and a fourth CIF State Open Bowl triumph in a row. This is a remarkable show of staying power, as is the team not losing to a NorCal foe since Pittsburg in the 1991 playoffs. That's 232 games ago. Yes, De La Salle can pick it up a bit in the postseason, and yes, only a fool would beat against the Spartans now with that fast defense and the 1-2 backfield punch of Tiapepe Vitale and Das Tautalatasi. Coach Bob Ladouceur has 394 victories but was grimacing a bit after his latest one as he expects a bit more punch from his inconsistent offense. The Spartans have a bye and take on the winner of the Pittsburg-Monte Vista opening-round game.

2. Franklin (Elk Grove) (2) 10-0
In capping the program's first perfect regular season with a 28-6 victory over Monterey Trail to lock up the Delta Valley Conference, the target is now much larger: a first-ever Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship. This is your large-school section favorite with offensive balance, good lines and a fast, attacking defense. Might we see a Franklin-De La Salle NorCal Open game? Or Franklin vs. Bellarmine or Serra in the D-II NorCal game? Open playoffs against Nevada Union in a playoff rematch from last season, won by Franklin.

3. Bellarmine (San Jose) (3) 8-1
Inched past Valley Christian 38-35 in further proof that nothing comes easy in the West Catholic Athletic League, and that only serves to prepare these programs for the postseason. Bellarmine has two state-bowl bids already to its credit and seeks a third. The lone loss was in an opener to De La Salle. You win the WCAL and you're certifiably very good. One win was 35-34 over Serra. Close out the regular season against Sacred Heart Cathedral (San Francisco) before playoff brackets are announced.

4. Folsom (4) 10-0
The Bulldogs secured their first 10-0 regular season since 1990 under then-coach Tom Doherty, still a friend of the program who supports co-coaches Kris Richardson and Troy Taylor. The current coaches have expertly molded a juggernaut in recent years. Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning has 43 touchdowns, a fine offensive line, some runners, and the benefit of a strong defense headed by coordinator Lou Baiz, a longtime coach at Sacramento State. State champions in Division II in 2010, the Bulldogs expect another section title and bowl run. Open D-II playoffs against Atwater.

5. Elk Grove (5) 9-1
From 5-5 two years ago to 12-1 last season to this, the Herd remains the word in the region, and now it's on to the Division II playoffs. Elk Grove has terrific line play and the 1-2 halfback combo of Robert Frazier and Wadus Parker and a quick defense. Elk Grove lost to Folsom in the D-II semifinals last season — and still remember. Loss was 17-7 to Franklin. Open playoffs against dangerous and physical Ponderosa.

6. Serra (San Mateo) (6) 8-1
Another survivor of the West Catholic Athletic League whose only loss was 35-34 in overtime to Bellarmine when the Padres went for two and the win and were denied. Taiback Eric Redwood is a terrific talent, and coach Patrick Walsh has a group determined to reach a bowl game. Might there be a playoff rematch with Bellarmine? That would warrant some fireworks. First is a regular-season finale at home Saturday against St. Francis (Mountain View).

7. Burbank (Sacramento) (7)10-0
The first 10-0 showing since the 1960s, the Titans now seek the program's first Sac-Joaquin Section D-I championship and will make a real run at it with a superb triple-option run game headed by Keith Marcus and Isiah Williams and steady quarterback Ernest Jenkins. The defense is headed by a national recruit in the making in defensive tackle Ngalu Tapa, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive tackle and honors student. He leads the state with 20.5 sacks. Own wins over Grant and Del Oro (which beat then NorCal No. 2 Logan) earlier this season. Open against Grant of all teams on Saturday in playoff kickoff.

8. Logan (Union City) (8) 9-1
The Colts went toe-to-toe against De La Salle in a spirited scrimmage on the eve of the season in a glimpse of what we might see in the North Coast D-I playoffs. Logan went 10-1 last season and has a host of returners back, including quarterback Jeffrey Prothro. Loss was a wake-up call to a very good program in 2011 bowl team Del Oro, 20-13 in overtime. Open the playoffs against Irvington.

9. St. Mary's (Stockton) (9) 8-2
Another Tri-City Athletic League championship for the Rams and coach Tony Franks, who last lost a league game in 2006. St. Mary's is a major threat in the Sac-Joaquin Section D-II race with offensive balance and play-makers, and Franks is one of the craftiest coaches around. Losses are to Central Catholic (Modesto) 28-21 and De La Salle (21-13), with the DLS setback an example of how closely bunched this NorCal lot really is. Open playoffs against Tracy.

10. Buhach Colony (Atwater) (10) 8-2
Locked up another Central California Conference title and now target the Sac-Joaquin Section D-II prize after making a run in the previous two seasons. Bruising lines and fast backs make a title pursuit within reason, particularly since the Thunder's impressive showing in a 36-35 loss to NorCal power Serra (San Mateo), which won it with a late two-point run. Open postseason against McNair.

11. Granite Bay (11) 7-3
Beware the defending Division I Sac-Joaquin Section champions who are suddenly playing the part again. The unbeaten Sierra Foothill League champions beat Rocklin, Del Oro and Nevada Union down the stretch and bound into the postseason brimming of confidence with their fly back attack and an improving defense headed by standout leader Beau Hershberger. Tony Ellison, Grant Caraway and John Cooley are among the offensive leaders. Losses are to Westlake, Oaks Christian and Pittsburg. Open playoffs against Napa.

12. Placer (Auburn) (12) 10-0
First time Pioneer Valley League champions and 10-0 for the first time since 1980, the Hillmen are just getting warmed up. Next is a Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV title chase and the program's first banner since the glory days of the early 1980s when Bill Miller was the coach. He is the grandfather of current Hillmen coach Joey Montoya, who celebrated his 34th birthday by beating gritty Center 15-14 on Friday. The Hillmen also target a CIF State Bowl. Wins include Central Catholic (48-30). Open playoffs against defending section D-IV champion Hilmar.

13. Marin Catholic (Kentfield) (13) 9-1
The push for a D-III NorCal game and bowl bid is on behind quarterback ace Jared Goff, who looks the part of Cal commit at 6-foot-4. First it's the North Coast section field. MC opens with Hercules. The loss was to Vacaville in a shootout, and Vacaville got bombed by Granite Bay, which explains why Granite Bay is ranked higher.

14. Central Catholic (Modesto) (14) 8-2
The Raiders are every bit about small-school tradition and excellence, having won a Sac-Joaquin Section-leading 15 championship banners. Room for No. 16 in the trophy case? Better plan on a real run for it. The run game of Rey Vega and Ray Lomas has been prolific. Wins include St. Mary's (28-21) with losses to Placer (48-30) and Downey (45-42). Open playoffs against Bear River, which lost 3 weeks ago at Placer 14-7.

15. Oak Grove (San Jose) (15) 9-0
Champions of the Mount Hamilton League behind a punishing run game headed by Nick Bernardo and Chidobe Awuzie, the Eagles seek some D-I playoff wins — and a NorCal playoff bid. First it's a regular-season finale against Leland (San Jose) on Friday.

16. Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) (16) 9-1
The Trojans reached a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title game in 1986, won four in Division II in the late 1990s and 2000s and now seek their first in D-I. The offense is balanced with quarterback Jason Samuels and backs Blake Martin and Tanner Hughes, and the defense is formidable with rush-end specialist Zack Claiborne. Lone loss was to Folsom early in the Delta River League schedule and wins include Grant, Vacaville and Pleasant Grove. Open playoffs against Enochs.

17. Freedom (Oakley) (17) 8-2
The Falcons of the Bay Valley Athletic League are warming up for a playoff run in North Coast Section D-I field that is top-heavy with De La Salle. Play-makers include Washington-commit receiver Darrell Daniels. One loss was to NorCal No. 2 Franklin 35-21 after Freedom led 21-0. Other wins include Foothill (Pleasanton), 41-28 and Pittsburg, 49-48. Open against Berkeley on Saturday.

18. Oakdale (18) 9-1
The Mustangs polished off the Valley Oak League field yet again and now target that elusive Sac-Joaquin Section Division III crown, having fallen to Del Oro in the title round in each of the past two seasons. That won't happen this time as Del Oro is back in the D-II field. Oakdale has a power running game, a good defense and a coach in Trent Merzon who bleeds Mustangs colors as he played for the program years ago. Open against Pacheco.

19. California (San Ramon) (20) 8-2
There's no shame falling to De La Salle 27-14 as the Grizzlies now gear up for a North Section D-I playoff run that could result in a rematch with De La Salle. The East Bay Athletic League co-champions with San Ramon Valley have a bit of a snarl after the frustrating setback to De La Salle. One win includes a 40-34 win at Pittsburg. Open with a bye and then play the winner of the Deer Valley-Foothill game.

20. Pittsburg (21) 7-3
The Pirates of the East Bay are ready for another North Section D-I playoff run, and wouldn't it be a bit nostalgic if they ran into their old friends from Concord along the way? Pittsburg is the last NorCal program to beat De La Salle, in 1991, before running water and color TV, or so it seems. Wins this season under coach Vic Galli include Clayton Valley 40-27 over a club that is now 9-1, Granite Bay 29-28 with a last-play two-point conversion win and Deer Valley 42-29. Losses are to California 40-34, Monte Vista 44-14 and Freedom 49-48. Open playoffs against Monte Vista with a chance for payback.

21. El Cerrito (22) 10-0
The Tri-County Athletic League champions are aiming for a D-III bowl bid, having scored 50 or more points seven times. The only threat this season was a 16-14 win over Campolindo (Moraga) on Sept. 14. Campolindo is 9-1. El Cerrito opens North Coast D-III playoff action against Kennedy (Fremont).

22. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) (23) 7-2
The Monarchs of the West Catholic Athletic League are an example of how deep this league is. One setback was a
14-10 crusher to Bellarmine and the other was 30-21 to Serra, teams that are a combined 17-2. Do we smell playoff rematches with a great deal more on the line? Close regular season at St. Ignatius (San Francisco).

23. Rancho Cotate (Rohnert Park) (25) 10-0
The Cougars of the North Bay League are primed for a North Coast Section D-II playoff march with perhaps the school's greatest team. Wins include 21-14 over rival Cardinal Newman. RC is still smarting from its playoff loss last season to Concord. Motivation works wonders this time of year. Open with a bye and get the winner of the Washington-Las Lomas winner.

24. Sutter (25) 10-0
The Huskies of the Northern Section are the class of the entire North state with their 600-student enrollment and bound into the North Section D-II playoff field as heavy favorites. The real prize is a shot at a D-III NorCal playoff game. Wins include larger-school heavy Enterprise (Redding) 34-27 in a nonleague contest in Week 8. Open against Yreka.

25. Clayton Valley (Concord) (NR) 9-1
Welcome aboard, Eagles of the Diablo Valley League under coach Tim Murphy. CV has won nine consecutive games since opening with a 40-27 shootout loss to Pittsburg, and the Eagles are ranked fourth in the MaxPreps D-II North Bowl rankings behind Rancho Cotate, Oakdale and Enterprise (Redding), who we do not have ranked here since it has a loss to No. 24 Sutter. Open the North Coast D-II playoff field with a bye and get the winner of the Livermore-Dublin game.

On the bubble: Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 9-1, Merced 7-3, Downey (Modesto) 9-1, Del Campo (Fair Oaks) 8-2, Yuba City 9-1, Del Oro (Loomis) 5-5, Rocklin 5-5, Stagg (Stockton) 9-1, Lincoln (Stockton) 7-3, Vacaville 7-3, Antelope 9-1, Whitney (Rocklin) 8-2, Grant (Sacramento) 5-5, Center (Antelope) 8-2, Enterprise (Redding) 7-3, Paradise 7-3, Chico 7-3, Vista del Lago (Folsom) 9-1, Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove) 8-2, Ripon 10-0, Argonaut (Jackson) 10-0, Los Banos 9-1, West Valley (Cottonwood) 9-1, Campolindo (Moraga) 9-1, Valley Christian (Dublin) 8-2, McClymonds (Oakland) 6-3, Ferndale (Ferndale) 9-1, Capital Christian (Sacramento) 9-1

Joe Davidson has covered high schools with The Sacramento Bee since 1988. Follow him on Twitter: @SacBee_JoeD; on Facebook: sacbeepreps; and online: sacbee.com/preps; and radio podcasts: ESPN1320.net.