California High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - Sept. 21

The high school football season continued in California last week, as many of the top programs in the Golden State were in action. Plenty of interesting results followed. Mater Dei won a hard-fought road game against Bishop Gorman, St. John Bosco routed Hawaii’s St. Louis and Sierra Canyon dominated Orange Lutheran.

Another jam-packed slate is on deck as teams continue their quests for a state title. Below are the top 25 California high school football teams, according to the Massey Ratings, as of Sept. 21.

1. Mater Dei Monarchs

After last week’s surprising defeat against Centennial, the Monarchs reclaimed their throne after winning an intense matchup against Nevada’s Bishop Gorman. With six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Ohio State commit Chris Henry Jr. caught the game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Hopkins. The Gaels attempted a game-tying field goal but Hudson Borsari’s 43-yard try sailed wide left. Meanwhile, USC-bound tight end Mark Bowman caught two touchdown passes. Next for Mater Dei is an October 3 California high school football road game against Orange Lutheran.

2. St. John Bosco Braves

The Braves maintained their flawless season after defeating Hawaii’s St. Louis 49-20. Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu finished with 183 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a 91-percent completion percentage. After improving their record to 5-0, St. John Bosco will visit JSerra Catholic on October 3.

3. Sierra Canyon Trailblazers

The Trailblazers improved to 5-0 after a 41-9 domination of Orange Lutheran. This result also continues Sierra Canyon’s streak of not allowing an opponent score in double digits. Laird Finkel threw for 273 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Jaxsen Stokes ran for 48 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Sir Homer King Webb added 73 receiving yards and a TD. On defense, the Trailblazers registered 12 tackles for losses (including seven sacks, led by Richard Wesley and Mikhal Johnson with two apiece) and an interception. Sierra Canyon’s season continues with an October 3 home game against Junipero Serra (Gardena).

4. Centennial Huskies

After pulling off an upset against Mater Dei, the Huskies sustained their momentum by defeating Rancho Cucamonga 42-14. Centennial has reached the 40-point mark in their four victories. They can get their fifth win in the 2025 California high school football season by defeating Roosevelt on October 2.

5. Mission Viejo Diablos

The Diablos dropped a few spots after suffering their first loss this season. In their 25-14 defeat against Tennessee’s McCallie School, Mission Viejo failed to overhaul their opponent’s 10-0 halftime lead. Davonte Curtis had two rushing touchdowns in the defeat, while Caleb Sylvia converted both extra points. Mission Viejo can bounce back by winning a road game against Chaparral on September 26. 

6. Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles

The Eagles have won three straight following their 44-14 domination of Oaks Christian. Trace Johnson threw for 253 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Jaion Smith finished with 122 rushing yards and three TDs. Wideout Grant Mosley added 92 receiving yards and a TD. Meanwhile, the Eagles defense generated nine tackles for losses (including two sacks) and an interception by linebacker Ivrick Carrigan. Santa Margarita Catholic can earn their fourth victory in five games by defeating Bishop Gorman on September 27.

7. Orange Lutheran Lancers

Though they’ve been inconsistent in their last three games, the Lancers are still among California high school football’s top ten teams. Orange Lutheran scored only nine points against Sierra Canyon, which all came in the first half. With the Trailblazers already having a 27-3 second-quarter lead, Matthew Zapien scored the Lancers’ lone touchdown off a blocked punt. The Lancers can get back on track by pulling off an upset against Mater Dei on October 3.

8. De La Salle High School Spartans

While the Spartans surrendered 20 points against Grant, it wasn’t enough to stop them from getting their fourth victory in as many games. De La Salle High School can keep their undefeated run going by edging St. Mary’s on September 26. 

9. Folsom Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have won two straight, beating Rocklin 34-21. From a 14-13 halftime deficit, they outscored the Thunder in the second half to secure a 4-1 record. Folsom is building some good momentum, which they hope to continue against Oak Ridge on October 3.

10. Servite Friars

The Friars extended their winning streak to three games after edging Notre Dame Sherman Oaks 29-23. The Knights had no answers for Servite’s run game, led by Gavin Gutierrez (202 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and Steele Holcomb (71 yards, two TDs). Servite’s 2025 California high school football season continues with a September 26 road game against winless St. Paul.

California High School Football Rankings: Nos. 11 – 25

11. Los Alamitos
12. Cathedral Catholic
13. Lincoln
14. Mission Hills
15. Carlsbad

16. La Costa Canyon
17. JSerra Catholic
18. San Juan Hills
19. Murrieta Valley
20. Damien

21. Vista Murrieta
22. Oakridge
23. Junipero Serra (Gardena)
24. San Clemente
25. Clovis North

How to Follow California High School Football

For California high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Golden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across California.