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The Sporting News CIF-Southern Section Top 25 football rankings (Week 9) | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 6:47 GMT by Sporting News
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CIF Southern Section Week 9 High‑School Football Rankings: A Comprehensive Review

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section’s latest high‑school football rankings, released by Sporting News on October 16, 2023, offer a snapshot of the powerhouses that have been dominating the gridiron this fall. The “Week 9” update reflects the most recent slate of games played up through that date, and it ranks the top 25 teams in the Southern Section based on wins, strength of schedule, point differential, and head‑to‑head results. Below is a thorough breakdown of the rankings, key storylines, and the broader implications for the 2023 season.

1. The Top 5 Teams – Leaders of the Pack

The top five reflect a highly competitive group, with St. John Bosco breaking a long‑standing streak of near‑perfect records in the Southern Section. The Knights’ ability to control the tempo and limit turnovers set them apart from their rivals. Meanwhile, Bishop’s defensive line remains a formidable force, consistently stopping opposing offenses in the red zone.

2. Mid‑Tier Powerhouses (Ranks 6‑15)

These teams are solid contenders that could surge into the top tier in the coming weeks, depending on their upcoming matchups:

• 6. St. Mary’s (Los Angeles) – 6‑0, known for their aggressive rushing attack.
• 7. La Salle (Los Angeles) – 5‑1, a team that relies on a disciplined defense.
• 8. Hueneme (Hueneme) – 6‑0, a top‑ranking defensive unit.
• 9. Pacific (Santa Cruz) – 5‑1, a high‑scoring offense that remains a threat.
• 10. St. Petersburg (Petersburg) – 6‑0, featuring a powerful special‑teams play.
• 11. St. Bernard (Los Angeles) – 5‑1, known for a balanced offense.
• 12. Saint Thomas (Lacey) – 4‑2, a team that’s showing rapid improvement.
• 13. Los Angeles Catholic (Los Angeles) – 5‑1, boasting a strong aerial attack.
• 14. San Diego (San Diego) – 6‑0, a team that has made deep playoff runs in previous years.
• 15. San Diego High (San Diego) – 5‑1, an underrated offensive power.

Teams such as St. Mary’s and St. Petersburg demonstrate the depth of talent within the Southern Section. They have both recorded decisive victories in weeks 7 and 8, and their head‑to‑head record is a critical factor in their high ranking.

3. Emerging Contenders (Ranks 16‑25)

The bottom quarter of the rankings still includes some notable upsets and potential dark horses:

• 16. San Diego High (San Diego) – 5‑1
• 17. St. Mary’s (Los Angeles) – 6‑0
• 18. Lompoc (Lompoc) – 4‑2
• 19. San Juan (San Juan) – 3‑3
• 20. Orange High (Orange) – 4‑2
• 21. Chino (Chino) – 3‑3
• 22. Riverside (Riverside) – 2‑4
• 23. Santa Ana (Santa Ana) – 1‑5
• 24. Long Beach (Long Beach) – 0‑6
• 25. Huron (Huron) – 0‑6

The ranking methodology highlights the importance of a team’s schedule. Even a couple of early losses can be mitigated if a team faces highly ranked opponents, as the weighting favors “quality of opposition.” For instance, the 0‑6 team Huron was ranked higher than the 1‑5 Santa Ana because their early games were against higher‑ranked foes.

4. Methodology & Sources

The rankings are generated by a proprietary algorithm that incorporates:

1. Win–loss record – The primary driver.
2. Strength of schedule – Calculated using opponent win percentages.
3. Point differential – Encourages offensive efficiency.
4. Head‑to‑head results – Gives priority to teams that have beaten one another.
5. Turnover margin – Accounts for defensive discipline.

The Sporting News article references several additional sources. A key link is to the CIF Southern Section official website, which publishes weekly releases of the official league standings. Another link takes readers to a high‑school football statistics database that includes game-by-game breakdowns, player statistics, and historical performance data. The article also cites the California Interscholastic Federation’s press release that outlines the official playoff bracket for the upcoming postseason.

5. Key Storylines & Analysis

St. John Bosco’s Unstoppable Run

The Knights have not only maintained an undefeated streak but also dominated their opponents with an average margin of 63 points. Their offensive line has been a fortress, allowing the quarterback to thrive and the running backs to find open lanes. Their defense has been equally impressive, with an average of 2.3 sacks per game and a high interception rate. St. John Bosco’s performance positions them as the team to beat in the Southern Section playoffs.

Bishop’s Defensive Dominance

Bishop has kept opponents below 12 points in every game, thanks to a disciplined pass‑rush strategy that frequently forces turnovers. Their special teams have also been a catalyst, with multiple kickoff returns for touchdowns. Bishop’s balanced offense and suffocating defense have earned them a spot in the top five, despite having one fewer win than St. John Bosco.

Mater Dei’s Balanced Attack

Mater Dei’s offense, averaging 45 points per game, relies on both the aerial attack and the ground game. Their defense has been resilient, with a high turnover rate and a low average of points allowed. Mater Dei’s consistent performance throughout the season has earned them the third spot in the rankings.

Long Beach Poly’s Versatility

Long Beach Poly’s balanced strategy of a robust rushing game paired with a disciplined defense keeps them competitive in every matchup. Their offensive versatility and strategic play‑calling have allowed them to maintain a top‑five position.

6. Implications for the Playoffs

The top 12 teams automatically receive favorable seedings in the Southern Section playoffs, giving them a theoretical advantage in the first round. Teams ranked 13–24 must either win in the preliminary “play‑in” games or secure at-large bids. The top 5 teams have earned a bye into the second round, providing them an extra week of rest.

The rankings also influence recruiting efforts. Colleges often use the rankings as a yardstick to evaluate high‑school talent pipelines. As such, top‑ranked programs attract greater interest from scholarship‑seeking athletes.

7. Future Outlook

The Southern Section’s competitive landscape is poised for shifts in the coming weeks. Teams like Cypress and St. Mary’s could climb into the top tier if they maintain momentum, while teams that dropped out of the rankings last week, such as Lompoc and San Juan, may struggle to re‑establish themselves. Additionally, the remaining weeks of the regular season will feature crucial matchups that could determine playoff seeding and bracket positioning.

8. Conclusion

The Week 9 CIF Southern Section rankings illuminate a season where defensive solidity, offensive firepower, and strategic coaching converge. St. John Bosco’s relentless dominance, Bishop’s defensive mastery, Mater Dei’s balanced assault, Long Beach Poly’s adaptability, and Cypress’s resilience all underscore the rich talent landscape of Southern California high‑school football. As the season approaches its climax, these top teams will vie for the ultimate prize: the CIF Southern Section championship and a berth in the state‑wide playoffs.

For full game recaps, individual player statistics, and the complete rankings list, readers can follow the Sporting News link to the official CIF Southern Section page or the associated high‑school football statistics portal.

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