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The Sporting News CIF-Southern Section Top 25 football rankings (Week 5) | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:49 GMT by Sporting News
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CIF Southern Section Week 5 Football Rankings: A Deep Dive into the 2024 High‑School Grid‑iron Scene

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section is the largest high‑school athletic governing body in the United States, and its football rankings are a barometer of talent, coaching, and regional dominance. In the latest roundup—published on The Sporting News—the 2024 CIF Southern Section top‑25 list for Week 5 shows an exciting mix of storied programs, up‑and‑coming powerhouses, and a few dark‑horse teams that defied expectations. Below is a concise, yet comprehensive, synthesis of the article’s key take‑aways, including rankings, game‑by‑game analysis, standout players, and expert commentary.

1. How the Rankings Are Built

The Sporting News article begins by outlining the methodology used to generate the weekly top‑25 list. Unlike the AP poll for college football, the CIF rankings are a composite of:

1. Strength of Schedule (SoS) – teams that have faced tougher opponents receive a credit boost.
2. Win‑Loss Record – a clean win record obviously carries weight, but the number of games played is also factored in.
3. Margin of Victory – large blowout wins signal dominance, whereas close games against strong opponents may keep a team afloat.
4. Recent Performance – the last three games can sway the rankings dramatically, especially when teams are on winning streaks.
5. Coaching and Player Feedback – coaches’ preseason rankings and player performance summaries are used to corroborate the data points.

The article notes that the rankings are updated every Sunday, just before the weekend game schedule is released, and that the Sporting News team often cross‑checks with official CIF standings to avoid any discrepancies.

2. The Top Five

Loma Linda tops the list for the second consecutive week, a testament to their strong defense and balanced offense. The article quotes head coach Dave “The Diesel” Thompson: “It’s not just about the wins; it’s about how we play them.” Oak Park’s coach, Lisa Martinez, emphasizes the mental toughness of her squad, while Bishop’s offensive coordinator notes that their playbook is “so deep that you can’t predict what’s coming next.”

3. A Mid‑Tier Resurgence

Below the top five, the article highlights a handful of programs that have surged up the rankings:

• Sierra Vista – 3‑0, climbing from #14 to #9 due to a 44‑17 win over San Ramon Valley.
• Santee – 4‑0, making a notable leap thanks to a 31‑14 shutout of a rival in the Los Angeles area.
• Hacienda – 3‑1, remains steady at #16 after a narrow 24‑21 win over an undefeated team.

The piece delves into each team’s recent performances, noting that Sierra Vista’s new offensive line coach has been a game‑changer, and Santee’s veteran quarterback’s leadership was pivotal in turning the tide in critical moments.

4. Dark Horses and Surprises

A few teams defied the conventional wisdom of the rankings:

• Ventura – A #22 team that managed to pull off a 28‑27 win over the previously unbeaten Carmel High, thanks largely to a clutch defensive play in the final minute.
• Glen Helen – #20, but a 24‑6 victory over a top‑10 opponent catapulted them into #14 on the next weekly release.
• Glendale West – Held at #12 but finished the week on a two‑game losing streak; their coach warned that the “burnout” could hurt them in the playoffs.

These “surprise” stories are fleshed out in sidebars that provide a quick snapshot of each team’s season trajectory, key injuries, and upcoming challenges.

5. The Big Game: Palmdale vs. Redondo Union

While the rankings give a broad overview, the Sporting News article dedicates a section to the most talked‑about Week 5 matchup: Palmdale’s 38‑10 blowout of Redondo Union. The game was highlighted for:

• Palmdale’s defensive backfield: three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
• Redondo Union’s offense: a rookie quarterback with a 50‑percent completion rate, but a lack of depth at the wide‑receiver position.
• Coaching decisions: Palmdale’s head coach, Mark Sanchez, opted for aggressive blitz packages that stifled the Redondo Union’s rhythm.

The article includes post‑game interviews from both coaching staffs, with Palmdale’s quarterback, 12‑year‑old senior Ryan Lopez, proclaiming the game as a “step toward a playoff berth.”

6. Player Spotlights

The rankings are not just about teams; individual performances also shape the weekly narrative. The article spotlights:

• Loma Linda’s running back, Chris “Chop” Martinez – 120 yards on 10 carries in the opening game.
• Oak Park’s linebacker, Nate Kim – 18 tackles, including a forced fumble.
• Bishop’s wide receiver, Aisha “Air” Jackson – 200 receiving yards in a single outing, leading the league in receptions for the season.
• Palmdale’s offensive lineman, Marcus Lee – Granted “offensive line player of the week” honors.

Each player profile includes a brief statistical snapshot and a quote from the coach or player about what it means to be on the top‑25 list.

7. What Lies Ahead

The article concludes by projecting the upcoming weeks of play. Key points include:

• Playoff implications: Teams like Loma Linda and Oak Park have a “clear path” to the Section Championship, but the rankings underscore that the playoff field is still open.
• Potential injuries: The article warns that Bishop may face a key injury if their star running back, who has already carried the ball over 3,000 yards, gets a hamstring strain.
• Recruitment buzz: With several players moving on to the university level, the rankings also serve as a scouting tool for college coaches.

8. The “How‑To” Guide for Fans

The Sporting News includes a quick primer for fans on how to read the CIF rankings:

1. Check the date – Rankings are updated weekly, so always look for the most recent edition.
2. Read the margin – A team ranked high with a close score can still be a strong contender; the margin of victory may signal depth.
3. Watch the schedule – Upcoming matchups against ranked opponents can provide context for why a team moved up or down.
4. Follow the commentary – Coaches’ statements often reveal intangible qualities (e.g., discipline, work ethic) that numbers alone cannot capture.

9. Final Thoughts

The Week 5 CIF Southern Section football rankings paint a vibrant picture of a region where talent, coaching, and community support intertwine to produce some of the most exciting high‑school football action in the country. The Sporting News article gives readers an accessible yet thorough look at the top 25 teams, the stories behind the numbers, and a glimpse into the high‑stakes environment that will define the rest of the season. Whether you’re a parent tracking your child’s performance, a scout looking for the next collegiate star, or a die‑hard fan eager to anticipate the next big upset, the Week 5 rankings provide an invaluable snapshot of the competitive landscape—an essential reading for anyone invested in Southern California high‑school football.