News Summary
The California high school football season is in full swing, with top teams like Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Mission Viejo dominating the rankings. Mater Dei improved to 2-0 after a forfeit, while St. John Bosco and Mission Viejo also secured impressive victories. Sierra Canyon remains undefeated without allowing points, and Orange Lutheran has also shown competitiveness. With new teams making the rankings and weekly updates on performances, the excitement of high school football continues to build as teams vie for superiority in the state.
California – The California high school football season remains in full swing with several top programs showcasing strong performances. According to the latest rankings based on the Massey Ratings as of September 1, Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Mission Viejo lead the pack, maintaining impressive records as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
Mater Dei, currently ranked number one, improved to a 2-0 record after their opponent, Bishop Montgomery, forfeited their game due to a shortage of players. Mater Dei is set to host Kahuku from Hawaii on September 5, marking a key opportunity to solidify their status as the top team in the state.
St. John Bosco follows closely with a 2-0 record after a significant victory over El Paso Eastwood, winning the game 66-7. In this dominant performance, sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu made an impact by throwing for 137 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The Braves also showcased their defensive prowess, recording eight tackles for loss and four sacks, demonstrating their capability on both sides of the ball. St. John Bosco is scheduled to face Maryland’s St. Frances Academy, another prominent program, on September 5.
Mission Viejo, another ranked team, secured a high-scoring win against St. Paul with a final score of 59-14, bringing their record to 2-0. Luke Fahey, who is committed to Ohio State, starred in this match, accounting for four touchdowns (three passing and one rushing). As Mission Viejo looks to improve to 3-0, they will be taking on Folsom on September 5.
Sierra Canyon remains undefeated with a 2-0 record and has yet to allow any points against them this season. They achieved a convincing victory over JSerra Catholic (35-0) followed by an even stronger performance against Oaks Christian (63-0). Sierra Canyon’s quarterback, Laird Finkel, contributed significantly by throwing two touchdown passes, while the defense proved formidable with three sacks and nine tackles for losses.
Orange Lutheran also holds a 2-0 record, having narrowly edged out Rancho Cucamonga in a recent contest. Their ability to secure close victories underscores their competitiveness in this season’s rankings.
The current top 25 rankings also include teams such as Santa Margarita (1-1), Centennial (1-1), and Folsom (2-0). This week’s rankings saw the introduction of three new teams to the CIF Southern Section Top 25: Beaumont, Valencia, and Oak Hills. Meanwhile, Millikan, Newbury Park, and Oaks Christian have fallen out of the rankings, reflecting the competitive nature of California high school football.
These rankings, which will be published weekly on Sundays throughout the season, provide insight into how teams are performing. Fans and followers of California high school football can also access real-time updates and scores through the Rivals High School Scoreboard, offering a comprehensive look at all ongoing matchups across the state.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on these top-performing teams as they vie for glory on the field and strive to improve their standings in the rankings.
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St. Paul Swordsmen Suffer Defeat Against Mission Viejo Diablos
High School Football Teams Shine in CIF Southern Section
St. Paul Football Faces Defeat, Highlights Toloai’s Performance
Orange High School Football Triumphs in 5-Overtime Thriller
Mission Viejo Dominates St. Paul in Homecoming Game
Additional Resources
- On3: California High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- SI.com: Top 25 California High School Football Rankings
- LA Times: Southland High School Football Scores
- SFGate: California Epicenter for Girls Flag Football
- KCRA: High School Playbook 2025 Week 1
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.
