News Summary
St. John Bosco High School has ascended to the No. 1 position in California high school football rankings following Mater Dei’s shocking loss to Corona Centennial. Mater Dei, who had been unbeaten since 2015, fell to 3-1 after a comeback defeat. Meanwhile, St. John Bosco boasts a record of 4-0 and is now positioned for potential national acclaim. The recent shift in rankings invites scrutiny as other teams, including Mission Viejo and Santa Margarita, also perform well. With the CIF Southern Section rankings updated weekly, this season’s competitive landscape is more dynamic than ever.
Santa Ana, California – St. John Bosco High School has officially claimed the No. 1 spot in California high school football rankings following Mater Dei’s unexpected loss to Corona Centennial in a thrilling match on Friday. The Monarchs, previously unbeaten since 2015, suffered their first defeat in 22 games, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of California high school football.
St. John Bosco, with a current record of 4-0, is now poised to potentially ascend to the top of the national high school football polls as well. Mater Dei, now sitting at 3-1, experienced a comeback defeat against Centennial, finishing the game at 43-36. This loss not only ended Mater Dei’s impressive winning streak but also allowed other teams to surge forward in the rankings.
In the game against Mater Dei, the Corona Centennial Huskies, who also have a record of 3-1, successfully rallied after trailing 36-33, showcasing their resilience and capability under pressure. Key players like Kayden Dixon-Wyatt were instrumental in the match, racking up 165 receiving yards and two touchdowns, contributing to the surprising upset.
Current Rankings Overview
The top five teams in the CIF Southern Section high school football rankings are:
- St. John Bosco (4-0)
- Mission Viejo (4-0) – This team recently defeated San Diego Lincoln with a score of 34-24, led by Luke Fahey’s impressive performance of 234 passing yards and two touchdowns.
- Santa Margarita (3-1) – The team achieved a significant victory over Oaks Christian with a score of 44-14, driven by Trace Johnson’s three passing touchdowns.
- Corona Centennial (3-1) – Their upset win against Mater Dei marks a highlight in their season.
- Mater Dei (3-1) – The team will need to regroup as they prepare to face Bishop Gorman from Nevada next.
Additionally, Sierra Canyon remains undefeated at 4-0 after a commanding victory over Downey with a score of 49-7. Los Alamitos is also making waves this season with a notable 5-0 record, fueled by standout performances including three touchdowns and an interception from Lenny Ibarra.
Joining and Leaving the Rankings
The CIF Southern Section rankings are updated every Sunday and are influenced by the outcomes of games, the strength of schedule, and margin of victory as calculated through the Massey Ratings. Currently, Newport Harbor and Pacifica/Oxnard have entered the rankings, while Palos Verdes and Tustin have been dropped.
Other teams of interest include JSerra (2-2) along with Beaumont, Murrieta Valley, and Yorba Linda who are also gaining recognition in the current standings. However, the recent dilemmas surrounding Bishop Montgomery have raised eyebrows, as 19 football players have been declared ineligible for competition until 2027 due to various rules violations, clouding the future of the program.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Mater Dei will need to quickly recover and refocus in preparation for their upcoming game against Bishop Gorman to keep their hopes alive for the season. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on St. John Bosco and Mission Viejo as they continue to build their cases for playoff positions and national rankings.
With the landscape of California high school football shifting dramatically this week, all eyes will be on the next matchups as teams battle not just for victories but for their standing in the rankings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. John Bosco Takes the Top Spot in California High School Football
Orange County High School Football Schedule and Rankings Update
St. John Bosco Claims Top Spot in California High School Football
Mission Viejo Tops Orange County Football Poll
Mission Viejo High School Overcomes Lincoln High in Football Clash
Mission Viejo Triumphs Over Lincoln in High School Football
Mission Viejo Diablos Secure Victory Against Lincoln Hornets
Bishop Montgomery’s Football Program Faces Major Shakeup
Mission Viejo and Lincoln High School Set to Clash in Football Showdown
JD Hill Shines as a Top Prospect in Mission Viejo
Additional Resources
- SI: Top 25 California High School Football Rankings
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Redding: California High School Football Week 4 Games
- Google Search: California High School Football
- On3: California High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- MaxPreps: Northern California High School Football Rankings
- Google News: California High School Football
- Sporting News: Vote for California High School Football Team of the Week
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
