High School Football Rankings for the Preseason, as per The Times

High School Football Rankings for the Preseason, as per The Times

As the 2022 high school football season approaches, anticipation builds for some of the top teams in Southern California. Here's a look at the key factors that make these teams stand out, based on the available information.

Mater Dei (#1)

Mater Dei, the dominant program in Southern California, boasts top prospects such as Cory Lavender, Aaryn Washington, and Ace Leutele bolstering their defense. The team is known for its depth and balance, earning a high rating of 94.10, reflecting its talent and program strength.

St. John Bosco (#2)

St. John Bosco is renowned for its elite defensive backs, including USC commit Josh Holland and standout safety Isala Wiley-Ava. Their strong secondary is a critical factor in their success. The team also has a high talent level and historic success.

Mission Viejo (#4)

Mission Viejo highlights top defensive back Jeron Jones and boasts a solid team makeup. Depth at secondary and skill positions contributes to their placement in the rankings.

Santa Margarita (#5) and Sierra Canyon (#6)

Both Santa Margarita and Sierra Canyon showcase top defensive back talent. Sierra Canyon, in particular, has multiple college commits in the defensive backfield, contributing to their rankings.

Other Key Teams

• Centennial (#3) and De La Salle (#7) are known for their strong programs and competitive team depth.
• Folsom (#8) and Lincoln (#11) also feature in the top rankings due to their balanced rosters and historical program strength.
• Rancho Cucamonga has standout cornerbacks, many of whom are committed to UCLA, key for their defensive edge.

Key Factors for Top Teams

• High-caliber individual talent, especially committed players to top college programs.
• Strong defensive backfields and secondary depth, which Southern California teams emphasize.
• Program history and coaching stability, reflected in dominant teams like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco.
• Balanced offense and defense performance, not only star players but depth across positions.

Notable Players and Teams

• OXNARD PACIFICA: Juniors Isaiah Phelps and Alijah Royster showed readiness to become stars as sophomores.
• DAMIEN: Quarterback Isaiah Arriaza passed for nearly 3,000 yards as a junior, allowing Spartans to build around him.
• ST. JOHN BOSCO's success depends on experience on defense and improving sophomore QB Koa Malau'ulu.
• MATER DEI has an exceptional receiver group, strong lines, and top two-way player Tomuhini Topui, a USC commit.
• With good coaches, improved line play, and a healthy Trent Mosley, SANTA MARGARITA is capable of making a big jump.
• INGLEWOOD: Sentinels are the favorites to win the tough Bay League after reaching Division 1 playoffs last season.
• CHAPARRAL: Quarterback Dane Weber's progress makes his team very dangerous.
• YORBA LINDA: Coach Jeff Bailey continues to produce big wins with the Mustangs.
• Coach Matt Logan of CORONA CENTENNIAL has scheduled three straight Trinity League opponents to prepare for Division 1 playoffs.
• SERVITE's outstanding offensive line will help them stay competitive in the tough Trinity League.
• NEWBURY PARK's QB Brady Smigiel needs to gain chemistry with a new group of receivers, but the talent is there for a big season.
• PALOS VERDES: Defending state champions have junior QB Ryan Rakowski, CB Jalen Flowers, and DB Cameron Hughes for their challenging schedule.
• GARDENA SERRA faces the yearly challenge of staying healthy enough for their immense talent to make it through a 14-game schedule.
• EDISON: Junior quarterback Sam Thomson gained playoff experience during the state championship run.
• OAKS CHRISTIAN: Speedy running back Deshonne Redeaux is a key player, provided he stays healthy.
• SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME: Transfer QB Wyatt Brown and WR Luc Weaver will provide the Knights with offensive explosiveness.
• Los Alamitos, Long Beach Poly, Leuzinger, Long Beach Millikan, Tustin, Valencia, San Clemente are other teams to watch.
• DOWNEY: Quarterback Oscar Rios, an Arizona commit, is versatile, able to pass, run, and lead.
• SIERRA CANYON's defense is expected to be the best in Southern California, led by depth on the line and in the secondary.
• ORANGE LUTHERAN's strong offensive and defensive lines will help them overcome inexperience at quarterback.
• SAN JUAN HILLS: Quarterback Timmy Herr demonstrated skill during a strong summer performance.
• Coach Casey Candaele trusts VISTA MURRIETA's QB Bryson Beavers, an Oregon commit.
• JSERRA's new quarterback Koa Smith-Mayall is better than people think, and young players are ready to step forward.
• CORONA DEL MAR: The Sea Kings have returnees at key positions, making them a possible Bravo League title contender.
• MISSION VIEJO's QB Luke Fahey, an Ohio State commit, is a key factor for the Diablos' success.
• The QB Jaden Jefferson leads CATHEDRAL's rise to prominence.

In Southern California's top high school football teams, facilitated by California's rich athletic landscape, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco beautifully exemplify program history, strong defensive backfields, and a high-caliber individual talent, reflecting their 1st and 2nd rankings respectively. Mission Viejo, Santa Margarita, and Sierra Canyon, showcasing robust defensive back talent, also propel their rankings higher. Other key teams like Centennial, De La Salle, Folsom, Lincoln, Rancho Cucamonga, and Oaks Christian, with their balanced rosters and historical program strength, also stand out in the competitive Southern California football landscape. Moreover, notable players like Isaiah Phelps, Alijah Royster, Isaiah Arriaza, Koa Malau'ulu, Tomuhini Topui, Trent Mosley, and Deshonne Redeaux significantly contribute to the anticipated high school football season's excitement.

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