MaxPreps Top 25 Southern California high school football rankings

The 2013 prep football season is here for a handful of teams in the southern part of California, and MaxPreps is excited to bring you SoCal rankings each week up until it's time to crown state champions in Carson.

These rankings will consider teams that are from the sections used for State Bowl Game purposes. That means the Central, Southern, Los Angeles and San Diego Sections will be in the running. To start out, it's all based on reutrning players, prestige and gut feelings.

Once the games get going though, wins will matter the most.

MaxPreps Southern California High School Football Rankings

1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Braves are No. 6 in the Xcellent 25 and bring back almost their entire defense from a squad that made it to the Pac 5 semifinals. Add in that quarterback Josh Rosen is coming back, and this looks like a legitimate national title contender and the favorite to the take the Pac 5 and represent SoCal in the Open Division. Bosco opens Aug. 30 at Dominguez (Compton).

2. Centennial (Corona)
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I

The Huskies are No. 10 in the Xcellent 25 and they once again will look to put points on the board in ridiculous quantities. Robert Webber and Tre Watson alone make this squad extremely formidable, then add in a coaching staff that took the team all the way to the Open Division state final last season, and you've got a juggernaut. Centennial opens Aug. 30 against Liberty (Henderson, Nev.).

3. Serra (Gardena)
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II

The Cavaliers might very well be the best of them all, but some players will need to fall into place at certain positions. The defending Division II state champions are the frontrunners to once again win the Western Division, and as evidenced by the absolute beatdown they put on Oakdale in the state final, the Cavaliers are state title favorites. Adoree' Jackson is a national star now and Jalen Greene is another important piece. The Cavaliers open Aug. 31 against Desert Ridge (Mesa, Ariz.).

4. Long Beach Poly
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Jackrabbits showed last season that a brutal start doesn't mean that playoff glory can't come. They get beat up early on then pieced it all together and made a run to the Division I state final. This year's Poly squad is armed with confidence - obviously - and a defense that should give coaches fits with its athleticism. Once again Poly will take on the area's best before Moore League play. The Jackrabbits open Aug. 30 at home against Crenshaw (Los Angeles).

5. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta)
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I

The Broncos already were looking great. Then Coltin Gerhart transferred in. Now they will continue pushing to the goal that has proven elusive: A State Bowl Game berth. On top of Gerhart, the Broncos bring back offensive line and wide receiver depth and talent. The Broncos open Sept. 6 at home against Downey.

6. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Monarchs were able to knock out St. Bonaventure last year in the playoffs, but Long Beach Poly proved to be too much in the Pac 5 final. Legendary coach Bruce Rollinson has big players coming back at the offensive skill spots and tight end Kyle Penniston should produce along with Ben Humphreys and Jonathan Lockett. Mater Dei opens the season Aug. 30 against Upland, which appears in these rankings.

7. Mission Viejo
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Diablos were lighting the world on fire last season before - just like Mater Dei - they ran into Long Beach Poly in the second round, and it ruined what was an undefeated season up until that point. San Jose State commit Ian Fieber is leading the way at quarterback and once again this team is sure to light up the scoreboard. The Diablos open Aug. 30 on the road at Baldwin (Wailuku, Hawaii).

8. Oceanside
Classifications: San Diego (Open/II), State II

The Pirates are always in the mix. Always. They have made it to the semifinals every year for 19 years, so expect that. Stanford commit Alijah Holder (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) is back in the defensive backfield and he is joined by San Diego State commit Mikah Holder (6-2, 175, also a wide receiver). Senior and Arizona commit Jace Whittaker (5-11, 175) is another athlete back as part of 11 returning starters. Don't forget that Thai Cottrell is San Jose State-bound, an All-San Diego Section wide receiver. Oceanside opens Aug. 23 at home against Torrey Pines (San Diego).

9. Chaminade (West Hills)
Classifications: Southern (Western), State II

The Eagles got oh-so-close to beating Serra last season in the section final. They'll likely have another legitimate shot at toppling the Cavaliers thanks to stud quarterback Brad Kaaya and senior linebacker Rick Gamboa. Depth may be an issue for Chaminade but talent and coaching certainly aren't issues. The Eagles open Aug. 30 against Venice, a ranked team.

10. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Lions clobbered some of the state's best teams, but finished 8-3 after losing to St. Bonaventure in the season finale and then Notre Dame in the playoffs. This season brings optimism that they can get over the hump, thanks to stellar performances in local passing leagues (two titles). Like Chaminade, this team's depth could be a problem down the line. Oaks Christian opens at home Aug. 30 against Bakersfield, a ranked team.

11. Edison (Huntington Beach)
Classifications: Southern (Southwest), State II

The Chargers won the Southwest Division last season and have upped the ante by scheduling Mater Dei and Servite in the same campaign. Boise State commit Jesse Sosebee (6-6, 300) comes back on the offensive line and BYU commit Teancum(Tico) Fuga will man the defensive line. Edison opens Aug. 30 at Centennial (Compton).

12. St. Bonaventure (Ventura)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

It certainly started out strange at St. Bonny, as Todd Therrien is no longer the head coach. It was certainly unexpected. Now John Muller will look to keep the winning tradition going. He will have 6-4, 220-pound Bryce Dixon and quarterback Ricky Town (committed to Alabama) as part of the group. The coach may have changed but the expectations haven't. St. Bonny starts Aug. 30 against Garfield (Los Angeles).

13. Alemany (Mission Hills)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Warriors had a late lead against Mater Dei in the playoffs but things didn't work out for them. Now they are back with more high-octane offense, though some big names need to be replaced. Senior linebacker Quentin Tartabull will lead the way on defense and Desean Holmes will be one of many dynamic skill players. Alemany opens Aug. 30 at Los Osos (Rancho Cucamonga).

14. Narbonne (Harbor City)
Classifications: Los Angeles (I), State I

The Gauchos had one of the most dominant defenses in the state last season and made it all the way to the regional final for the Open Division. Not only will they need to fill holes on the defense, but the Gauchos also lost their do-it-all quarterback and top wide receiver. Still, Manuel Douglas has a formidable squad and can lean on the fact that it beat Poly and Serra last season. Narbonne opens Aug. 29 at Palos Verdes (Palos Verdes Estates).

15. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

The Knights beat five teams in the nation's top 343 last season, a significant accomplishment. Athlete Koa Farmer is spectacular and will try to make fans forget about Khalfani Muhammad as the team looks to improve its 2012 campaign, which ended in a loss at St. John Bosco in the second round. The Knights open Aug. 30 against Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach).

16. Mission Hills (San Marcos)
Classifications: San Diego (Open/II), State II

The Grizzlies have Connor Wynn back at quarterback for his senior year after a second team All-San Diego Section honor, Fred Warner (6-3, 200) will work from the tight end spot (and play linebacker) and Ricky Liuchan (6-2, 205) is a returning running back/linebacker who was a first team all-section player on defense. They're absolutely set at the skill positions as they try to improve last year's 9-3 record. They open Aug. 31 against Desert Vista (Phoenix).

17. Upland
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I

The Highlanders romped last season, taking advantage of their schedule to get to 12-0 before falling to Centennial (Corona) in the semifinals. They definitely made an effort to schedule better this season, with Mater Dei, Oaks Christian and Santiago (Corona) on the list now. An astonishing eight transfers will give this team a different look, so even if it's tough to jell early on, the Highlanders should be in line for a third-straight semifinals appearance. They open Aug. 30 against Mater Dei.

18. Hart (Newhall)
Classifications: Southern (Northern), State II

The Indians are bringing back historic visions of a prolific passing game, with junior quarterback Brady White and Trent Irwin leading the way. Last year's team was decent, and should only get better with key players back at most spots and players from a 10-0 JV squad coming up as well. The Indians open Aug. 30 at Santiago (Corona).

19. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita)
Classifications: Southern (Pac 5), State I

Injuries stunted the Eagles' chances of fighting for a state title last season, and now they are back in coach Harry Welch's final season. They will look to sophomore quarterback KJ Costello to be the ringleader as they battle through the tough Trinity League. The defense showed signs of dominance last season and consistency in the Trinity could lead to big things for this squad. They open Aug. 30 at Bishop Amat (La Puente).

20. Clovis North (Fresno)
Classifications: Central (I), State I

The Broncos came one win short of the state title game last season, as they lost 28-7 at Long Beach Poly in the regional final. Injuries hurt them in that contest, but they still finished No. 21 in the state. Bolu Olorunfunmi (5-11, 210) comes back for his junior year as a running back and senior linebacker Isaiah Duran (6-0, 260) is another player who saw time during his sophomore and junior years. Junior Jacob Daniel (6-5, 315) is a beastly defensive tackle who already has plenty of college offers. Out of five nonleague games, Clovis North is battling only one Central Section opponent, a testament to the program's desire to play at a state-caliber level. Opening night is Aug. 30 against Atascadero.

21. Bakersfield
Classifications: Central (I), State I

The Drillers beat Poly last season and a large number of the seniors on this team played for a title-winning squad in 2011. The schedule is brutal, as Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) and Long Beach Poly are Southern Section behemoths that will battle the Drillers, and they also will face Central Section defending champs Wasco (D-IV) and Garces of Bakersfield (D-II). Asauni Rufus (6-0, 195) is the returning starting quarterback and he has an offer from Nevada to play defensive back. Kevin Hayes is a wide receiver in his third varsity season who has an offer from Oregon State. Bakersfield opens Aug. 30 at Oaks Christian.

22. Villa Park
Classifications: Southern (Southwest), State II

Last season was perfect, except for two games against Edison. The Southwest Division finalists come back with five starters on each side of the ball and kids from a perfect 10-0 JV squad. Furthermore, the varsity squad last season was nothing short of spectacular in tight contests, showing poise. Coach Dusan Ancich has Louis Vecchio (6-4, 235) back at tight end and defensive end, plus Derrick Kendrick (6-3, 215) at defensive back and wide receiver. Villa Park opens Sept. 6 vs. Valencia (Placentia).

23. Norco
Classifications: Southern (Inland), State I

It's hard to tell how much the offseason turmoil will affect the Cougars. Larry Baker is now the head coach after Todd Gerhart was let go. His son Coltin also left, taking his quarterback skills to Vista Murrieta. But the cupboard is hardly bare. The team is loaded with seniors, and Baker was an assistant in the past, so it's not a complete change at the top. Big guard (6-3, 285) Thomas Stanton will be a force this season for Norco, which opens Sept. 6 against Rancho Cucamonga.

24. Central (Fresno)
Classifications: Central (I), State I

The Grizzlies have five (maybe six) Division I recruits and an inspiring story, as coach Justin Garza fights back from Hodgkin's lymphoma. His first season last year ended in the section final against Clovis North, and the slew of studs includes wide receiver Michiah Quick (47th recruit in the nation according to the 247Sports composite rankings), safety Devon Brewer (Arizona commit), running back Nick Wilson (Arizona commit), defensive lineman Tashon Smallwood (USC commit) and offensive lineman Sharif Williams (Arizona commit). The season begins Saturday night with a nationally televised contest at Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.).

25. Venice (Los Angeles)
Classifications: Los Angeles (I), State I

The Gondoliers think they can get past the Narbonne/Crenshaw hold on the top two spots in the Los Angeles City Section. Four senior all-city players return, in running back Alijah Lee (5-8, 175), offensive lineman John Baez Dewig (6-3, 270), linebacker Tayon Blockmon (6-1, 210) and quarterback Alexander Diamont (6-2, 170), a second team choice. They always dominate the Western League, but this year the Gondoliers have their sights set on bigger goals. They open Aug. 30 at Chaminade.