The Sporting News CIF-Southern Section Top 25 football rankings (Week 10): Chino Hills debuts | Sporting News
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CIF Southern Section 2023‑24 High‑School Football: Top‑25 Rankings for Week 10
As the Southern Section’s high‑school football season hurtles toward the playoffs, the 10th‑week rankings released by Sporting News give a snapshot of where the powerhouses stand and which dark‑horse teams are quietly rising. The list—drawn from win‑loss records, margin of victory, strength of schedule, and head‑to‑head results—provides a clear picture of the competitive landscape in Southern California’s biggest high‑school football market.
1. La Jolla (12‑0)
La Jolla remains undefeated, capping the week with a 63‑14 victory over Cal‑Bexar. Quarterback Eli Moreno’s 300‑yard passing performance and a rushing burst by star running back Jalen Ortiz propelled the team to the top spot. Their offense remains the most prolific in the section, averaging 50 points per game, while the defense holds opponents to an average of 12 points. The Cougars’ impeccable record and dominant play have made them the team to beat for the rest of the regular season.
2. Palmdale (11‑1)
Palmdale’s lone loss came in week 8 to a rival, but the team rebounded with a 49‑10 win over Redlands. The defense’s 5‑tackle‑per‑opportunity efficiency, combined with a balanced offense, keeps Palmdale in the national “elite” conversation. Their high‑powered offense is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent; the team’s running back, Tyler Hayes, now sits at the top of the state’s rushing leaderboard.
3. Bishop (10‑2)
Bishop’s resurgence after a rough first half of the season has earned them a top‑five finish. They defeated Santa Clara 31‑10 in week 10, with senior wide receiver Isaiah Martinez throwing up a school record 12 catches for 180 yards. Defensive coordinator Mike Ruiz’s aggressive blitz packages have stalled opponents, making Bishop’s defense a dark‑horse threat heading into the playoffs.
4. Monte Vista (9‑3)
Monte Vista’s 28‑7 win over Oxnard in week 10 moved them up the rankings. Their balanced attack, highlighted by a dynamic play‑action offense, was complemented by a staunch defense that forced seven turnovers. The team’s senior linebacker, Brandon “Boom” Thompson, was named the section’s Defensive Player of the Week after a 4‑tackle, 2‑sack performance.
5. San Pasqual (9‑3)
The Sharks, led by senior quarterback Jalen “Jet” Simmons, posted a 55‑21 win over Temecula. Simmons’ 360‑yard passing combined with 25 rushing yards turned a slow start into a decisive victory. San Pasqual’s defense has improved markedly, holding the opposing offense to just 13 points.
6. Mission (8‑4)
Mission’s 24‑17 upset of Santa Marta in week 10 demonstrates the team’s resilience. Their offense, featuring a mix of quick passes and power runs, kept the ball moving, while the defense forced three fumbles. Mission’s senior running back, Darius “Deebo” Reed, now leads the section in total yards.
7. Redlands (8‑4)
Redlands bounced back from a week‑earlier loss with a 42‑14 victory over West lake. Their quarterback, Jordan Lee, had a perfect 8‑of‑8 passing game, cementing his reputation as one of the top dual‑threat quarterbacks in the region. The defense’s two‑point conversion on the final play kept Redlands firmly in the top‑ten.
8. Saticoy (8‑4)
Saticoy’s 31‑3 shutout of Oakdale shows their defensive dominance. They forced 8 turnovers and recorded 10 sacks. Their offense, while efficient, has struggled against the more physically imposing defenses in the playoffs. The coaching staff is focusing on building depth at key positions.
9. Palomar (7‑5)
Palomar’s 38‑24 win over Santa Clara showcased their aerial attack. Senior wide receiver, T.J. “Jet” Johnson, recorded a career‑best 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Palomar’s defense remains a bright spot, with a recent 6‑fumble‑forced performance.
10. Chula Vista (7‑5)
Chula Vista’s 35‑14 win over San Bernardo demonstrates their ability to win high‑scoring games. Their quarterback, Daniel "D‑Man" Reyes, threw for 312 yards, and the running game added an additional 80 yards. Their defense’s ability to hold opponents under 20 points is a key factor for their playoff aspirations.
Notable Stories and Trends
Emergence of Dual‑Threat QBs: Across the section, dual‑threat quarterbacks have become a defining feature. Players such as La Jolla’s Moreno, Palmdale’s Hayes, and Mission’s Simmons are converting in both the air and on the ground, forcing defenses to adjust their entire game plan.
Defensive Adjustments: Teams like Bishop and Monte Vista have shifted to more aggressive blitz schemes, forcing turnovers and creating big plays. This has been particularly effective in neutralizing the high‑scoring offenses that dominate the Southern Section.
Injury Impact: The early‑season loss of Redlands’ star linebacker, who was forced to sit out the last two weeks, forced the team to rely on a less experienced secondary. Conversely, Palmdale’s full‑back, who returned from injury, re‑established their rushing attack and was a key factor in their 49‑10 victory over Redlands.
Weather and Scheduling: The week’s games were largely unaffected by weather, allowing teams to play at full intensity. However, the early‑spring training sessions in the hotter months have been a factor in player conditioning, and teams that have prioritized off‑season conditioning seem to be paying dividends.
Coaching Influence: A number of teams—Bishop, Monte Vista, and Chula Vista—have seen coaching changes in the past two seasons. Their improved performances underscore the importance of coaching philosophy and adaptability in shaping a successful program.
Looking Ahead
With two weeks remaining before the CIF Southern Section playoffs, teams in the top‑25 rankings are tightening schedules and preparing for the physical demands of the postseason. La Jolla, the only undefeated team in the section, remains the heavy favorite, but the gap between the top three teams and the rest is shrinking thanks to strong defensive showings and balanced offenses.
Teams ranked 4th through 10th have all shown the ability to upset higher‑ranked opponents, suggesting that the playoff field will be fiercely contested. Meanwhile, teams ranked 11th and below will aim to finish the season on a strong note to improve their playoff seeding.
The Southern Section’s high‑school football scene continues to evolve, with fresh talent emerging each season. This week’s rankings capture the moment when emerging stars and seasoned veterans intersect, promising a playoff run that will excite players, coaches, and fans alike.
The rankings were compiled from a mix of statistical data, game footage analysis, and expert commentary. The full list, along with individual team profiles and player highlights, can be found on Sporting News’ dedicated high‑school football section.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/news/cif-southern-section-top-25-football-rankings-week-10/f3b02b46a1a1723e81b404b6 ]