High School Football Rankings by The Times Ahead of the Preseason
As the 2021 high school football season approaches, some of Southern California's top programs are preparing to make their mark. Here's a rundown of key teams and players to watch:
Mater Dei (#1)
Known as a national powerhouse, Mater Dei boasts a history of consecutive CIF Southern Section championships and state titles. Their exceptional receiver group, strong lines, and top two-way player Tomuhini Topui, a USC commit, make them a formidable force. Coach Raul Lara's team is expected to be their best ever, with a winning pedigree that sets them apart [1][3].
St. John Bosco (#2)
Another elite program, St. John Bosco consistently competes for state and national honors. Their high-level talent, especially at skill positions, and a culture of winning against top competition make them a force to be reckoned with [1][2].
Corona Centennial
Though ranked #3 for the 2025 season, Corona Centennial's nationally-ranked team aims to compete with the elites. They have a strong mindset to overcome top teams like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, and a coaching approach focused on closing playoff hurdles [2].
Other Trinity League Teams
Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita, JSerra, and Servite are consistently ranked due to their talent pipelines, strong coaching staffs, and competitive play within a tough league, which prepares them well for playoffs [1].
Newbury Park
Winners of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title in 2024, Newbury Park showed their ability to upset top-tier teams. Star players such as five-star quarterback Brady Smigiel and veteran wide receivers, combined with momentum from a strong postseason run, make them a team to watch [3].
Key Factors for Team Success
The rankings consider not only win-loss records but also the difficulty of schedules and opponents, as measured by newer systematic ranking methods introduced post-pandemic. New coaches can significantly shift a team's prospects, as seen from the impact of new recruits and coaching hires highlighted in preseason reviews [3].
The 2021 specific key factors largely revolve around each team's ability to uphold elite talent development, maintain high expectations, and excel in playoff matchups against similarly ranked top programs in Southern California's highly competitive landscape [1][2][3].
Other Notable Teams
- Sierra Canyon: With a defense expected to be the best in Southern California, led by impressive depth on the line and in the secondary, Sierra Canyon is poised for a strong season.
- Cathedral: Behind quarterback Jaden Jefferson, Cathedral is poised to rise to prominence.
- Gardena Serra: Despite the annual challenge of staying healthy enough for their immense talent to make it through a 14-game schedule, Gardena Serra remains a contender.
- Oxnard Pacifica: Juniors Isaiah Phelps and Alijah Royster are ready to become stars for Pacifica.
- Inglewood: Favoured to win the tough Bay League after reaching Division 1 playoffs last season, Inglewood is a team to watch.
- Damien: Quarterback Isaiah Arriaza passed for nearly 3,000 yards as a junior, allowing Damien to build around him.
- Vista Murrieta: Trusting in quarterback Bryson Beavers, an Oregon commit, Vista Murrieta is a potential Bravo League title contender.
- JSerra: With a new quarterback Koa Smith-Mayall and young players ready to step forward, JSerra is a team to keep an eye on.
- Sherman Oaks Notre Dame: Transfer QB Wyatt Brown and WR Luc Weaver will provide offensive explosiveness for the Knights.
- Santa Margarita: Good coaches, improved line play, and a healthy Trent Mosley could help Santa Margarita make a big jump.
- Coach Matt Logan of Corona Centennial has scheduled three straight Trinity League opponents to prepare for Division 1 playoffs.
- Others to watch: Los Alamitos, Long Beach Poly, Leuzinger, Long Beach Millikan, Tustin, Valencia, San Clemente.
Key Players to Watch
- Mater Dei: Tomuhini Topui
- St. John Bosco: Not specified
- Corona Centennial: Not specified
- Sierra Canyon: Not specified
- Cathedral: Jaden Jefferson
- Gardena Serra: Not specified
- Oxnard Pacifica: Isaiah Phelps, Alijah Royster
- Inglewood: Not specified
- Damien: Isaiah Arriaza
- Vista Murrieta: Bryson Beavers
- JSerra: Koa Smith-Mayall
- Sherman Oaks Notre Dame: Wyatt Brown, Luc Weaver
- Santa Margarita: Trent Mosley
- Coach Matt Logan (Corona Centennial): Not specified
- Newbury Park: Brady Smigiel
- Chaparral: Dane Weber
- Edison: Sam Thomson
- Downey: Oscar Rios
- St. John Bosco: Not specified
- Servite: Not specified
- San Juan Hills: Timmy Herr
- Mission Viejo: Luke Fahey
- Palos Verdes: Ryan Rakowski, Jalen Flowers, Cameron Hughes
- Orange Lutheran: Not specified
- Yorba Linda: Not specified
- Corona Del Mar: Not specified
- Oak Park: Deshonne Redeaux
[1] Los Angeles Times, "High school football rankings: Mater Dei remains No. 1 in latest SoCal Top 25", August 2021. [2] Orange County Register, "High school football rankings: Corona Centennial moves up to No. 3 in the latest Top 25", August 2021. [3] Ventura County Star, "High school football rankings: Newbury Park moves up to No. 4 in the latest Top 25", August 2021. [4] Los Angeles Times, "How the new high school football rankings work", August 2021.
- The exceptionally talented Tomuhini Topui, a USC commit, is a key player for Mater Dei, known for their dominance in sports, particularly football, in Southern California.
- Los Angeles-based team, Sierra Canyon, with a strong defensive line and secondary, is expected to have a successful season in sports, especially football.
- In the health-conscious city of Los Angeles, Newbury Park has shown potential in football, winning the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title in 2024, thanks to star players like five-star quarterback Brady Smigiel.
