San Gabriel Valley football Top 30: Damien, Charter Oak, St. Paul lead the way
The San Gabriel Valley area high school football rankings for teams covered by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News and Whittier Daily News.
The Spartans may not be ready for the best in Southern California, losing to JSerra, a team ranked No. 5 in the CIF Southern Section by Calpreps, 49-21 , but they were no pushover either. The Spartans still head to the Baseline League looking like the favorite. They also will get much needed help in the backfield with sophomore transfer Malachi McFarland, from St. John Bosco, who is eligible after the sit-out-period.
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Next: vs. Etiwanda (2-2-1), Oct. 4
The Chargers were on a bye week after their close 29-28 loss to Yorba Linda a week prior. The Chargers have looked like a team that is ready to take over the top spot in the SGV rankings, but they still have more to show over the coming weeks to get there. They head to San Diego this week, then get ready for the Sierra League.
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Next: at San Diego Mira Mesa, Friday, 7 p.m.
The Swordsmen needed a bye week after back-to-back losses to Damien (37-10) and Los Alamitos (38-14). And even though they have been dinged up, it doesn't get any easier. They play their toughest game next against undefeated Servite from the Trinity League.
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Next: vs. Servite (4-0) at Orange Coast College, Friday, 7 p.m.
Bishop Amat was without two key players, wide receiver Cam Vasquez and running back Ryan Salcedo, in its 21-19 loss to Rancho Cucamonga. But the Cougars also managed to win after losing their starting QB to injury in the first quarter by pounding the ball on the ground against the Lancers' defense. The Lancers' inconsistency is a concern going forward.
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Next: at Stockton St. Mary's (2-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Vikings have handled their business in all four wins, routing crosstown rival Covina 49-21 last week before going on their bye week. They haven't played the toughest schedule, but it's obvious they're capable of taking on much more. If they have a weakness, they've haven't shown it yet.
: 5
Next: vs. Sun Valley Village Christian (1-3) at Covina District Field, Thursday, 7 p.m.
The Bearcats routed Kaiser 47-0 and in four of their five wins, they have held opponents to 7 points or less. Their only close game was a 35-27 win over Ontario Christian. Like Charter Oak and Northview, they continue to make their case that they could be No. 1 in the SGV at some point too.
: 6
Next: at Glendora (2-2) at Citrus College, Oct. 4
The Highlanders won their fourth straight and made it look easy again, routing La Mirada 48-21 . Quarterback DJ Mitchell threw for 115 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown too. Now they have a week off before taking on a tough looking Epsilon League.
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Next: vs. El Dorado (2-3), Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
The Kares continued their dominating season with a 44-0 victory over Bellflower. But now comes their biggest challenge on the schedule, traveling to undefeated Torrance, who has nice wins over San Pedro and West Torrance. If you want to know what the Kares' ceiling is, you're about to find out.
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: vs. Torrance (4-0) at Zamperini Stadium, Friday, 7 p.m.
Crean Lutheran handed the Lancers their first shutout loss since the 2021 season with a 20-0 victory. And they did it with freshman quarterback Dylan D'Epifanio making his first start. The young Lancers have another big non-league test at Edison next week before getting ready to defend their Del Rio League title.
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: at Edison (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Spartans handled their business against Los Angeles Franklin with a 34-0 shutout. Now they head into the Almont League looking like heavy favorites. It's hard to imagine them losing another game before the playoffs start. They're that good.
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Next: vs. San Gabriel (1-3), Oct. 4
