High School Football America - SoCal Top 25

by Jeff Fisher and HSFA Staff

High School Football America

This week figures to be one of the biggest for Southern California football all season as a number of the premier programs from the region will face each other in non-league Top 20 showdowns.

There’s plenty at stake with #1 Santa Margarita hosting #5 St. Bonaventure; #4 Narbonne taking on #7 Serra (Gardena); and #13 Mater Dei squaring-off with #15 Edison. Not everyone can come out a winner, so expect there to be a major shakeup in the High School Football America – SoCal rankings next week.

That said, let's take a look at how some of the top teams from Southern California stack up against each other in the newest edition of our rankings, which feature three newcomers in Edison at #15, Bishop Amat at #18 and Crespi at #20

Note: Team's ranking from last week is parentheses. 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AMERICA - SoCal TOP 20 (Big Schools)

1. (1) SANTA MARGARITA (RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA)

Newsworthy: The Eagles (4-0) were impressive the last time they stepped out on the field. A duplicate effort will be needed this week against a formidable foe.

Rewind: Defeated Carson, 72-0.

Fast-forward: St. Bonaventure (Ventura) on Friday.

2. (2) VISTA MURRIETA (MURRIETA)

Newsworthy: A difficult test looms this week against one of the top teams from the San Diego area. Odds are, the Broncos (3-0) take care of business anyway.

Rewind: Defeated Redlands East Valley, 59-14.

Fast-forward: Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) on Friday.

3. (3) OAKS CHRISTIAN (WESTLAKE VILLAGE)

Newsworthy: With Brandon Dawkins directing the offense, the Eagles (4-0) are playing well. And the sophomore quarterback has shown no signs of slowing down.

Rewind: Defeated Chaminade (West Hills), 44-30.

Fast-forward: Crenshaw (Los Angeles) on Friday.

4. (4) NARBONNE (HARBOR CITY)

Newsworthy: Last week, senior linebacker Keishawn Bierria and the Gauchos (3-0) gave up their first touchdown of the season on the defensive side of the ball.

Rewind: Defeated Lakewood, 61-6.

Fast-forward: Serra (Gardena) on Friday.

5. (5) ST. BONAVENTURE (VENTURA)

Newsworthy: The Seraphs (4-0) are focused on the task at hand. A win this week would be a statement-maker, to be sure, and they're capable of pulling off the upset.

Rewind: Defeated Atascadero, 56-23.

Fast-forward: Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) on Friday.

6. (7) MISSION VIEJO

Newsworthy: The Diablos (4-0) are in a favorable position. With multiple teams ahead of them in the poll facing tough tests, they could make a major move in the rankings.

Rewind: Defeated La Quinta (Westminster), 63-14.

Fast-forward: Aliso Niguel (Aliso Viejo) on Friday.

7. (8) SERRA (GARDENA)

Newsworthy: Showdowns do not get much bigger than the one this week and the final result will give us a good idea about whether the Cavaliers (4-0) are for real. Or not.

Rewind: Defeated Banning (Wilmington), 43-0.

Fast-forward: Narbonne (Harbor City) on Friday.

8. (9) CENTENNIAL (CORONA)

Newsworthy: The Huskies (2-1) are playing about as well as anyone out here in Southern California. Peaking a bit too soon could develop into a concern, however.

Rewind: Defeated Alemany (Mission Hills), 36-32.

Fast-forward: Carson on Friday.

9. (6) ALEMANY (MISSION HILLS)

Newsworthy: Steven Mitchell is the difference between winning and losing for the Warriors (3-1). The senior receiver and USC commit came up short last week.

Rewind: Lost to Centennial (Corona), 36-32.

Fast-forward: Dorsey (Los Angeles) on Friday.

10. (10) UPLAND

Newsworthy: The Scots (4-0) are fighting for the right to call themselves the cream of the crop from the Inland Empire. A victory this week would be a stepping stone.

Rewind: Defeated Silverado (Victorville), 34-3.

Fast-forward: Santiago (Corona) on Friday.

11. (12) TESORO (RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA)

Newsworthy: We have been waiting for the Titans (4-0) to be challenged. Could this, at long last, be the week it happens? Everyone will find out soon enough.

Rewind: Defeated Colony (Ontario), 56-7.

Fast-forward: Chaparral (Temecula) on Friday.

12. (15) RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Newsworthy: Senior quarterback Adam Friederichsen has emerged as a leader. The Cougars (3-1), as a result, are a group that no one wants to face in the near future.

Rewind: Defeated A.B. Miller (Fontana), 45-0.

Fast-forward: J.W. North (Riverside) on Friday.

13. (13) MATER DEI (SANTA ANA)

Newsworthy: Trinity League play is right around the corner for the Monarchs (3-0). Building up some momentum now is imperative in order to move forward.

Rewind: Defeated Santa Monica, 55-0.

Fast-forward: Edison (Huntington Beach) on Friday.

14. (14) ST. JOHN BOSCO (BELLFLOWER)

Newsworthy: The Braves (4-0) have managed to go about business quietly so far. Their days of flying underneath the radar are about to come to an end though.

Rewind: Defeated Loyola (Los Angeles), 45-0.

Fast-forward: Jordan (Sandy, Utah) on Sept. 29.

15. (NR) EDISON (HUNTINGTON BEACH)

Newsworthy: Last week's victory against a traditional powerhouse program from Southern California certainly looks good on the resume for the Chargers (3-0).

Rewind: Defeated Servite (Anaheim), 6-0.

Fast-forward: Mater Dei (Santa Ana) on Friday.

16. (18) LOMPOC

Newsworthy: The Braves (4-0) understand what it takes to win: Hand the ball off to Lavon Coleman. The senior running back and Washington commit has responded too.

Rewind: Defeated Dos Pueblos (Goleta), 31-14.

Fast-forward: Morro Bay on Friday.

17. (20) NOTRE DAME (SHERMAN OAKS)

Newsworthy: Another team from the San Fernando Valley, another lopsided victory last week for the Knights (3-1). It's official: They have hit their stride at the right time.

Rewind: Defeated Birmingham (Lake Balboa), 44-0.

Fast-forward: Golden Valley (Valencia) on Friday.

18. (NR) BISHOP AMAT (LA PUENTE)

Newsworthy: It does not matter who lines up against the Lancers (3-0-1), by the end of the game, the opponent has not figured out a way to beat this bunch in the recent past.

Rewind: Defeated Charter Oak (Covina), 30-14.

Fast-forward: St. Paul (Sante Fe Springs) on Friday.

19. (11) SERVITE (ANAHEIM)

Newsworthy: The Friars (1-2) do not have much time to dwell on their last loss, certainly not with one of the nation's premier programs heading to town this week.

Rewind: Lost to Edison (Huntington Beach), 6-0.

Fast-forward: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV.) on Friday.

20. (NR) CRESPI (ENCINO)

Newsworthy: Tyler Foreman has been the anchored for the Celts (5-0). With the senior defensive back patrolling the secondary, this team will be tough the rest of the way.

Rewind: Defeated Palisades, 70-8.

Fast-forward: Westlake (Westlake Village) on Friday.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AMERICA TOP 5 (Small Schools)

1. (1) SIERRA CANYON (CHATSWORTH)

Noteworthy: The beat goes on for the Trailblazers (3-0). We would not be the least bit surprised to see them go wire-to-wire as the top team in this part of the poll.

Rewind: Defeated Kilpatrick (Malibu), 49-6.

Fast-forward: La Jolla Country Day on Friday.

2. (2) PARACLETE (LANCASTER)

Noteworthy: The Spirits (3-1) looked good with last week's win over a traditional powerhouse from the CIF Los Angeles City Section. See if they can keep it up now.

Rewind: Defeated Dorsey (Los Angeles), 26-24.

Fast-forward: Marshall (Pasadena) on Friday.

3. (4) ONTARIO CHRISTIAN (ONTARIO)

Noteworthy: Craig Bruinsma got the job done last week for the Knights (4-0). The senior quarterback had a pair of touchdown tosses and just three incomplete passes.

Rewind: Defeated Jurupa Valley, 47-6.

Fast-forward: Valley Christian (Cerritos) on Friday.

4. (NR) RIO HONDO PREP (ARCADIA)

Noteworthy: The Kares (3-1) jump right back into the rankings with a particularly impressive victory last week. They held a spot in this poll, mind you, earlier this season.

Rewind: Defeated Boron, 48-6.

Fast-forward: Big Bear (Big Bear City) on Sept. 29.

5. (3) SAN DIMAS

Noteworthy: The Saints (3-1) should feel little, or no, shame about last week's loss to a school with a bigger enrollment. Expect a bounce-back effort from them.

Rewind: Lost to Monrovia, 35-23

Fast-forward: Wilson (Hacienda Heights) on Friday.

CIF-SS High School Football Rankings

CIF-SS Rankings for Week 3

Central
1. Summit 3-1
2. Kaiser 3-0
3. Paloma Valley 4-0
4. Heritage 3-1
5. Elsinore 3-1
6. Palm Springs 3-1
7. Rancho Verde 2-2
8. Arlington 2-2
9. Chino 2-2
10. J.W. North 1-2

Eastern
1. Citrus Hill 4-0
2. Carter 3-0
3. Serrano 4-0
4. Oak Hills 3-0
5. Beaumont 3-1
6. Tahquitz 2-1
7. San Jacinto 3-1
8. San Gorgonio 3-1
9. Moreno Valley 2-1
10. Rialto 1-2

East Valley
1. Rubidoux 3-0
2. Ontario Christian 3-0
3. Rim of the World 2-0
4. Big Bear 3-0
5. St. Margaret's 2-0
6. Twentynine Palms 2-0
7. Citrus Valley 1-2
8. Fillmore 2-1
9. Banning 2-0
10. Jurupa Hills 2-1

Inland
1. Vista Murrieta 3-0
2. Upland 4-0
3. Centennial Corona 2-1
4. Chaparral 3-0
5. Rancho Cucamonga 3-1
6. Chino Hills 2-1-1
7. Charter Oak 2-1
8. Redlands East Valley 1-2
9. Redlands 3-1
10. Norco 4-0

Mid-Valley Division
1. Sierra Canyon 3-0
2. Paraclete 3-1
3. Monrovia 2-1
4. San Dimas 3-1
5. Brentwood 3-0
7. Gabrielino 4-0
8. Covina 3-1
9. Mountain View 3-1
10. Arroyo 2-2

Northeast
1. Mission Prep 4-0
2. Rio Hondo Prep 3-1
3. Boron 3-1
4. Salesian 3-1
5. Bishop Union 2-1
6. Pasadena Poly 3-0
7. Desert 3-1
8. Chadwick 2-1
9. St. Anthony 3-1
10. California City 2-1

Northern
1. Palmdale 3-0
2. Hart 2-1
3. West Torrance 2-0
4. Arroyo Grande 3-1
5. Canyon/C.C. 3-0
6. Valencia/Valencia 0-2
7. Mira Costa 2-1
8. Quartz Hill 2-0
9. Eastside 3-0
10. Antelope Valley 3-0

Northwest
1. Nordhoff 4-0
2. Bishop Diego 4-0
3. La Salle 4-0
4. North Torrence 3-1
5. Gladstone 3-0
6. El Segundo 2-1
7. South Torrance 2-1
8. Heritage Christian 3-1
9. Oak Park 2-2
10. Torrance 1-2

PAC-5
1. Santa Margarita 4-0
2. Oaks Christian 4-0
3. Tesoro 4-0
4. St. Bonaventure 4-0
5. Mater Dei 3-0
6. St. John Bosco 4-0
7. Alemany 3-1
8. San Clemente 4-0
9. Westlake 3-1
10. Mission Viejo 4-0

Southeast
1. La Serna 4-0
2. La Mirada 3-1
3. Norwalk 4-0
4. Paramount 2-1
5. Diamond Ranch 3-1
6. West Covina 1-3
7. California 3-0
8. Los Altos 3-1
9. Downey 2-2
10. Gahr 3-1

Southern
1. Segerstrom 4-0
2. Irvine 3-0
3. Woodbridge 2-1
4. Corona del Mar 2-1
5. Laguna Beach 2-0-1
6. Estancia 2-1
7. Garden Grove 2-1
8. Katella 2-1
9. Rancho Alamitos 3-0
10. Santa Ana Valley 2-2

Southwest
1. Edison 3-0
2. Tustin 4-0
3. Los Alamitos 2-1
4. Villa Park 3-1
5. Yorba Linda 4-0
6. Foothill 3-1
7. Aliso Niguel 4-0
8. Buena Park 3-1
9. Esperanza 3-1
10. Laguna Hills 1-2

Western
1. Serra 4-0
2. Lompoc 4-0
3. Chaminade 3-1
4. St. Francis 2-1
5. Harvard-Westlake 3-1
6. Culver City 2-1
7. Cathedral 4-0
8. Venture 3-1
9. Santa Monica 2-1
10. Camarillo 2-1

Southern California High School Football Scores - Week 3

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Back in the office, keeping an eye on all of the Twitter reports from the Southern California region. I will be listing the finals here.

Thanks to all of my media colleagues that do an awesome job each and every week.

Southern California High School Football Scores
Friday, September 14, 2012

High School Football America - SoCal Big Schools Top 20 Scores

#1 Santa Margarita 72 Carson 0
#2 Vista Murrieta 59 Redlands East Valley 14
#3 Oaks Christian 44 #19 Chaminade 30
#4 Narbonne 61 Lakewood 6
#5 St. Bonaventure 56 Atascadero 23
#7 Mission Viejo 63 La Quinta 14
#8 Serra 43 Banning 0
#9 Corona Centennial 36 #6 Alemany 32
#10 Upland 34 Silverado 3
Edison 6 #11 Servite 0
#14 St. John Bosco 45 Loyola 0
#15 Rancho Cucamonga 45 Miller 0
La Serna 38 #16 Westlake 9
Cathedral Catholic 16 #17 Helix 9
#18 Lompoc 31 Dos Pueblos 14
#20 Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 44 Birmingham 0

High School Football America - SoCal Small Schools Top 5 Scores

#4 Ontario Christian 47 Jurupa Valley 6

Rio Hondo Prep 48 #5 Boron 6

Other scores

Agoura 17 Golden Valley 10
Alta Loma 36 Ontario 35
Ayala 38 Glendora 28
Bakersfield 29 Long Beach Poly 6
Bonita 61 Claremont 20
Brea Olinda 31 Diamond Bar 18
Beaumont 56 Banning 34
Calabasas 50 Oak Park 20
Cajon 42 Colton 13
California 32 Fullerton 28
Camarillo 50 Burroughs 13
Carpenteria 33 Santa Ynez18
Cathedral 55 Westchester 6
Chino 16 Los Altos 0
Chino Hills 46 West Covina 14
Compton 14 Morningside 8
Corona Santiago 51 Santa Fe 0
Crean Lutheran 42 Animo Leadership 0
Crenshaw 41 Fresno Edison 30
Culver City 32 Redondo 27
Diamond Ranch 23 Schurr 6
El Rancho 57 Montebello 48
Elsinore 53 Temecula 29
Etwiwanda 22 Roosevelt 21
Fairfax 28 Reseda 14
Fillmore 35 Santa Paula 18
Fontana 34 Granite Hills 13
Foothill 31 Laguna Hills 0
Fountain Valley 24 Downey 10
Gahr 59 Artesia 25
Garden Grove 38 Pacifica 14
Great Oak 35 Heritage 32
Harvard-Westlake 43 Sylmar 13
Kaiser 40 Riverside Poly 20
La Mirada 28 St. Francis 21
Lawndale 14 Luezinger 13
Long Beach Jordan 41 Dominguez 13
Mayfair 42 Valley Christian 7
Mira Costa 35 South Torrance 14
Mission Prep 52 Sage Hill 0
Montclair 21 Sunny Hills 12
Moorpark 28 Newbury Park 27
Murrieta Mesa 33 Citrus Valley 6
Newport Harbor 27 Corona del Mar 26
Nordhoff 56 Nipomo 13
North Torrance 56 Bishop Montgomery 0
Orange Lutheran 27 La Habra 7
Oxnard 20 Buena 10
Paramount 48 Long Beach Wilson 35
Peninsula 35 Beverly Hills 7
Rancho Alamitos 35 Ganesha 7
Redlands 26 Palm Desert 13
Rim 38 Twentynine Palms 0
Royal 31 Channel Islands 0
Rubidoux 41 Desert Hot Springs 21
St. Margaret's 35 Whittier Christian 7
Salesian 35 Pasadena 6
San Clemente 21 La Costa Canyon 10
San Jacinto 42 Indio 12
San Juan 28 Marina 7
San Marcos 40 Hueneme 20
San Pedro 36 Locke 13
Santa Barbara 26 Rio Mesa 14
Segerstrom 55 Godinez 12
Simi Valley 14 Pacifica 7
South Gate 57 Millikan 46
South Pasadena 39 Glendale 7
Thousand Oaks 28 West Ranch 10
Troy 28 Dana Hills 9
Ventura 10 Saugus 7
Vista del Lago 45 Pacific 12
West Torrance 54 El Segundo 24
Yorba Linda 17 Esperanza 13
Yucaipa 18 San Gorgonio 3

8-Man

Desert Christian 35 Trinity Classical 30
Excelsior 40 Bloomington Christian 0
Joshua Springs 62 King Christian 2
St. Michael's Prep 42 Noli Indian 6
Thatcher 46 Faith 34

Cancelled

Arroyo Valley at Eisenhower, due to power outage

Thursday Night's Southern California High School Football Scores - Week 3

By Jeff Fisher

High School Football America

Thanks to USC quarterback Matt Barkley’s outstanding high school career at Mater Dei, I knew quite a bit about the Monarchs from a far, thanks to their appearances on national television.  What I didn’t know before moving here is the Santa Ana school has had some slow starts out of the gate over the past five years.

Last night, the Monarchs, ranked #13 in this week’s High School Football America – SoCal Top 20, dominated Santa Monica 51-0 to improve to 3-0, which is the team’s best start since 2007.

JSerra, the other Trinity League school in action Thursday night, also improved to 3-0 with an impressive come from behind 15-14 win over previously undefeated Buena Park (2-1).  The Coyotes actually held a 14-0 lead in the third quarter.

One other game of note last night saw Paraclete (3-1), the #2 team in the High School Football America – SoCal Small Schools Top 5, surprised Dorsey (2-1) 26-24.  According to a story in the LA Times, Paraclete withstood a furious comeback by the Dons after taking a 26-12 led with eight minutes to go in the game.

Be sure to tune-in to High School Football America – SoCal on Saturday night.  This week’s show will start at 10:30 P.M. right after the Dodgers game on KLAC AM 570 Fox Sports LA.  The show runs until midnight.

You can listen to past shows, by clicking here to go to our blog on AM 570 Fox Sports LA.

Southern California High School Football Scores

Thursday, September 13, 2012

High School Football America – SoCal Big Schools Top 20 Scores

#13 Mater Dei 51 Santa Monica 0

High School Football America – SoCal Small Schools Top 5 Scores

#2 Paraclete 26 Dorsey 24

Other Scores from City & Southern Sections

Century 36 Bolsa Grande 33

Chaffey 33 Bloomington 0

Citrus Hill 38 North 7

Costa Mesa 40 Los Amigos 14

Don Lugo 39 Azusa 14

Irvine 20 Estancia 18

JSerra 15 Buena Park 14

Kennedy 42 Magnolia 7

King 31 Patriot 22

Laguna Beach 74 Glenn 19

Los Alamitos 40 University 0

Temple City 15 Hoover 14

Trabuco Hills 35 Huntington Beach 14

University 34 La Quinta 6

Western 21 Anaheim 6

8-Man

Milken 33 Lighthouse Christian 6

Where Are We Now? - Trinity League

by Les Lukach

High School Football America Correspondent

With most league teams having played three games, we should be able to more closely make out the teams identities. However, after last week’s games, where we saw school records shattered at Santa Margarita and St. John Bosco, a new passing wrinkle in the OLu offense, and a stout defensive performance from JSerra, there may be more questions than answers. We will do our best to answer those for you here.

Q: How is anyone going to stop Santa Margarita?

A: No clue. Johnny Stanton, who is getting early attention for National Player of the Year honors, seems to be unstoppable. Whether it’s running or passing Stanton is playing on a different level than anyone else on the field. When you consider he has six BCS level recruits on his team alone, what he is doing is even more impressive. For the season Stanton has completed 38 of 62 attempts for 629 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Stanton broke the school record for total yards (5,459), which was held by current Oakland Raider Carson Palmer, last week in another dominant performance. The Eagles were tested a little bit in a nationally televised game against Brophy Prep (Phoenix, AZ), but have since had no trouble with opponents. They should have no trouble with Carson this week but should get a good look from St. Bonaventure (Ventura, CA) before taking on an inconsistent Servite (Anaheim, CA) team to kick off league.

Q: How good is St. John Bosco?

A: Last week we mentioned the defense being the early storyline for the Braves this season. Well, it looks like head coach Jason Negro and his offense got the message. After throwing one pass in the season opener and 14 in Week 1, Josh Rosen went 18 of 26 for 312 yards and 7 touchdowns against Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) last week. Wide receiver AJ Holman was on the receiving end of four of those touchdown passes, all in the first half, which shattered the school record. The Braves offense is beginning to find a rhythm and could be the most prolific in the league. In their first three games of the season the Braves have had six, nine, and 10 players with carries and now Rosen seems to have settled into a comfort zone with his receivers. With a very good offensive line and a defense which has done a superb job against inferior competition, the Braves look forward to this Friday’s showdown against Loyola (Los Angeles, CA). There will be a lot of Division I talent on display in this game and could serve as a springboard into a special season for St. John Bosco.

Q: They throw the ball in the veer-option offense?

A: Sort of! Orange Lutheran (Orange, CA) showed a new wrinkle to their offense in last Friday’s game as they threw a 75 yard reverse touchdown pass in the second quarter of their game against El Modena (Orange, CA). Wide receiver Adam Connette took the reverse from QB Luke Langdon and threw a gem to WR Brady Billups who displayed some speed in separating from the defense on his way into the end zone untouched. People in the stands were as surprised as the El Modena defense was, not because the Lancers pulled it off, but because they were just familiarizing themselves with the intricacies of head coach Chuck Petersens’ offense. With Langdon working hard to master the offense it wouldn’t be surprising to see Coach Petersen open up the passing opportunities in the next couple of weeks to give league coaches something else to game plan for. The Lancers are as good as anyone in the front seven defensively and the secondary is growing each week. Their offensive line is in the top three in the league; the kicking game is arguably the best behind senior Kicker Reese Flynn’s strong leg; and if the wide receivers continue to develop, the Lancers are going to be tough to beat. After playing a rebuilding La Habra (La Habra, CA) and a pesky Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, CA), the Lancers will have a bye before kicking off league against St. John Bosco.

Q: Is Mater Dei back?

A: We don’t know just yet. The Monarchs have played only two games against teams they’re supposed to beat. This Thursday’s game against Santa Monica (Santa Monica, CA) will tell us a little more about where Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) is at this stage in the season. Quarterback Ryan McMahon’s growth from last season to this one is impressive. The USC baseball commit is clicking on all cylinders and has developed a great relationship with WR Thomas Duarte, who is BCS level recruit. When head coach Bruce Rollinson compliments his defense you know they’re pretty good; the coach isn’t one to fawn over units on his teams, he prefers to speak of the team as a whole. The defense will have its hands full this week against WR Sebastian LaRue (USC) and a potent Santa Monica offense. The Monarchs cannot afford to get caught looking ahead to a potential huge showdown against Edison (Huntington Beach, CA) next week.

Q: What is going on at JSerra?

A: Very good things. However, be warned that we’ve seen this before. After going 5-0 and 4-1 in non-league the last two seasons respectively, the Lions have won only one league game in those two seasons. The difference this season is how they’re winning these games. They had a 27-0 lead in the third quarter over Wilson (Long Beach, CA) before emptying the bench in week one. The Lions used a blocked punt return for touchdown against Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, CA) on the road to claim their second victory last week. JSerra is fighting an uphill battle as they have low numbers but Head Coach Jim Hartigan is getting the most out of them in the early part of the season, especially junior WR/CB Dante Pettis, who is proving to be a pleasant surprise on both sides of the ball for the Lions. The rest of the non-conference schedule will be a good test for JSerra despite going against some teams that aren’t playing to their potential. The true test will come in league where the Lions will look to add to their one win seasons of the past.

Q: How will Servite respond to the shakeup on the coaching staff?

A: If we know anything about head coach Troy Thomas it’s that he’s a no-nonsense kind of guy which he proved by letting go of his fourth-year offensive coordinator…after a win! The Friars have been a disappointment this season in many people’s eyes despite their 1-1 record. After losing to what should be a very good Bishop Amat (La Puente, CA) team, Servite (Anaheim, CA) needed a furious late rally to beat a very good Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) team. Shortly after that comeback it was announced by Thomas that Matthew Mitchell would no longer be on staff. For the Friars the challenge is going to be adapting to a new play caller and handling the changes in the scheme. On a team without a ton of senior leadership we could see the residual effects of this decision the rest of the season. On the flip side, don’t be surprised if this move brings the Friars closer together and they make yet another run at league and state titles. In order for that to happen though, the offense and defense must begin to play to Servite standards which in the past have meant being more prepared, more physical, and more confident than their opponents. We haven’t seen any of that yet thus far.

Les Lukach appears on High School Football America - SoCal on AM 570 Fox Sports LA. You can follow Les Lukach on Twitter: @leslukach

Two New Teams Enter High School Football America - SoCal High School Football Rankings

By Sean Ceglinsky

High School Football America Correspondent

Santa Margarita QB John Stanton passed NFL quarterback
and Santa Margarita alum Carson Palmer as the school's all-time
total offense leader

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – With all-important league play looming less than a month away now, several of Southern California's premier programs are using this week's games as a fine-tuner, of sorts, with the hopes of being better prepared moving forward.

Steady improvement during nonleague play is the goal. Peaking at right the time, toward the end of the season and not necessarily today, is the game plan for most teams. That said, let's take an inside look at some of the schools heading in the right direction.

There are a couple newcomers in this week's High School Football America - SoCal Top 25 rankings, including Helix (La Mesa) and Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks). The top of the poll remains intact, for the most part, with Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) holding onto the top spot after Johnny Stanton’s record-breaking performance Friday against Trabuco Hills to pass Carson Palmer for total offense in a career, followed by Vista Murrietta (Murrieta) and Oaks Christian (Westlake Village).

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AMERICA BIG SCHOOLS TOP 20

Note: Team's rank from last week in parentheses.

1. (1) SANTA MARGARITA (RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA)

Newsworthy: In recent years past, this week's opponent from the Los Angeles City Section would be somewhat of a tough test for the Eagles (3-0). Not this season, however.

Rewind: Defeated Trabuco Hills (Mission Viejo), 55-0.

Fast forward: Carson on Friday.

2. (2) VISTA MURRIETA (MURRIETA)

Newsworthy: The battle for all-important bragging rights in the Inland Empire will be stake this week. Signs point to the Broncos (2-0) being ready, and ultimately, prevailing.

Rewind: Defeated South (Anchorage, Alaska), 49-8.

Fast forward: Redlands East Valley (Redlands) on Friday.

3. (3) OAKS CHRISTIAN (WESTLAKE VILLAGE)

Newsworthy: The Eagles (3-0) are playing well, due in large part to the leadership of Cameron Judge. The senior linebacker and UCLA commit delivers on a weekly basis.

Rewind: Defeated Venice (Los Angeles), 35-17.

Fast forward: Chaminade (West Hills) on Friday.

4. (7) NARBONNE (HARBOR CITY)

Newsworthy: The Gauchos (2-0) are getting the job done, on both sides of the ball mind you, this season. They have outscored teams 97-0 in a pair of games thus far.

Rewind: Defeated Long Beach Poly, 56-0.

Fast forward: Lakewood on Friday.

5. (5) ST. BONAVENTURE (VENTURA)

Newsworthy: After back-to-back showdowns, the Seraphs (3-0) figure to have a relatively easy time this week. The chances of them being upset are slim. And none.

Rewind: Defeated Redlands East Valley (Redlands), 18-7.

Fast forward: Atascadero on Friday.

6. (4) ALEMANY (MISSION HILLS)

Newsworthy: For the second time in as many weeks, the Warriors (3-0) play one of the top programs the Inland Empire has to offer. A victory is far from a sure thing.

Rewind: Defeated J.W. North (Riverside), 54-14.

Fast forward: Centennial (Corona) on Friday.

7. (6) MISSION VIEJO

Newsworthy: The Diablos (3-0) are the favorites to win the South Coast League title. Beyond that, a reservation in the Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoffs awaits.

Rewind: Defeated Santiago (Corona), 42-17.

Fast forward: La Quinta (Westminster) on Friday

8. (8) SERRA (GARDENA)

Newsworthy: In Southern California coaching circles, Scott Altenberg is respected for the job he's done with the Cavaliers (3-0). This season is no different from years past.

Rewind: Defeated Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach), 27-20.

Fast forward: Banning (Wilmington) on Friday.

9. (10) CENTENNIAL (CORONA)

Newsworthy: For those who thought that this might be one of those rebuilding years for the Huskies (1-1), think again. Rumors of a possible drop-off in talent were false.

Rewind: Defeated Cabrillo (Long Beach), 61-6.

Fast forward: Alemany (Mission Hills) on Friday.

10. (11) UPLAND

Newsworthy: Adonis Harrison has done well when given the opportunity this season. And based on his efforts, the senior running back will receive extra touches this week.

Rewind: Defeated Jordan (Long Beach), 57-28.

Fast forward: Silverado (Victorville) on Friday.

11. (9) SERVITE (ANAHEIM)

Newsworthy: A bye week could not have come at a better time for the Friars (1-1). The extra practice figures to bode well in their attempt to regain much-needed momentum.

Rewind: Did not play.

Fast forward: Edison (Huntington Beach) on Friday.

12. (12) TESORO (RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA)

Newsworthy: The Titans (3-0) have been far from impressive this season. Finding a way to win close games, however, is something they do particularly well. Even if it's ugly.

Rewind: Defeated Chino Hills, 24-14.

Fast forward: Colony (Ontario) on Friday.

13. (14) MATER DEI (SANTA ANA)

Newsworthy: Ryan McMahon appears to have a future playing baseball. That fact has not prevented the senior from finding his nice at quarterback for the Monarchs (2-0).

Rewind: Defeated Carson, 48-13.

Fast forward: Santa Monica on Thursday.

14. (19) ST. JOHN BOSCO (BELLFLOWER)

Newsworthy: A.J. Holman was seemingly unstoppable last week for the Braves (3-0). The senior receiver had four touchdown catches. What can he do for an encore?

Rewind: Defeated Sante Fe (Santa Fe Springs), 61-8.

Fast forward: Loyola (Los Angeles) on Friday.

15. (13) RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Newsworthy: When it comes to Southern California defensive backs, Chris Hawkins is one of the best in the business. The senior for the Cougars (2-1) committed to USC.

Rewind: Defeated Muir (Pasadena), 54-14.

Fast forward: Miller (Fontana) on Friday.

16. (15) WESTLAKE (WESTLAKE VILLAGE)

Newsworthy: The Warriors (3-0) nearly overlooked last week's opponent. Duplicating the feat this time around is not an option. Therefore, expect a bounce-back effort from them.

Rewind: Defeated Crenshaw (Los Angeles), 44-41.

Fast forward: La Serna (Whittier) on Friday.

17. (NR) HELIX (LA MESA)

Newsworthy: The Highlanders (2-0) have an opportunity to make a statement with a win this week and put some separation between themselves and the rest of the San Diego pack.

Rewind: Defeated Vista, 43-7.

Fast forward: Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) on Friday.

18. (17) LOMPOC

Newsworthy: The Braves (3-0) are still searching for their first true test this season. For the record, the challenge does not figure to materialize for them at any point this week.

Rewind: Defeated Pioneer Valley (Santa Maria), 42-3.

Fast forward: Dos Pueblos (Goleta) on Friday.

19. (18) CHAMINADE (WEST HILLS)

Newsworthy: It's time to find out if the Eagles (3-0) are for real. Or not. One thing is certain, coach Ed Croson will have his players prepared and ready to take the next step.

Rewind: Defeated Valencia, 41-27.

Fast forward: Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) on Friday.

20. (NR) NOTRE DAME (SHERMAN OAKS)

Newsworthy: Khalfani Muhammad is one to watch. The senior running back is one of the top unsigned recruits on the West Coast and could be on the verge of an eye-opening effort.

Rewind: Defeated Taft (Woodland Hills), 56-0.

Fast forward: Birmingham (Lake Balboa) on Friday.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AMERICA SMALL SCHOOLS TOP 5

1. (1) SIERRA CANYON (CHATSWORTH)

Noteworthy: Talk about the Trailblazers (2-0) being the frontrunner for a berth in the CIF Division IV Bowl has started to surface. The banter about this bunch is worthy too.

Rewind: Did not play.

Fast forward: Kilpatrick (Malibu) on Friday.

2. (2) PARACLETE (LANCASTER)

Noteworthy: The size of the Southern California school does not matter to the Spirits (2-1) this season. It appears as if they are willing to play just about anyone at anytime.

Rewind: Defeated Centennial (Compton), 45-27.

Fast forward: Dorsey (Los Angeles) on Thursday.

3. (5) SAN DIMAS

Noteworthy: If the Saints (3-0) are able to pull off a victory this week, sky's the limit. Their schedule for the rest of the season is favorable and an undefeated run is possible.

Rewind: Defeated San Gabriel, 56-14.

Fast forward: Monrovia on Friday.

4. (3) ONTARIO CHRISTIAN (ONTARIO)

Noteworthy: Craig Bruinsma is off to fast start for the Knights (3-0) this season. The senior quarterback has completed close to 60 percent of passes for 584 yards.

Rewind: Defeated Eagle Rock (Los Angeles), 27-15.

Fast forward: Jurupa Valley on Friday.

5. (4) BORON

Noteworthy: Another week, another shutout for the Bobcats (3-0), who blanked their opponent the last time they stepped out on the field. Question is: Can they do it again?

Rewind: Defeated Desert (Edwards Air Force Base), 55-0.

Fast forward: Rio Hondo Prep (Arcadia) on Friday.

Sean Ceglinsky appears on High School Football America – SoCal on AM 570 Fox Sports LA. He has covered preps and college sports in Southern California for the better part of the past 15-plus years. Follow him on twitter: @SeanCeglinsky