Football is the king of sports in California and the high school level is no different. From the traditional powers in Los Angeles and San Francisco to the small towns up and down the coast, football fever is at an all-time high. With so many great games and teams, it can be hard to keep track of who’s playing whom. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top California high school football teams and the can’t miss games they will be playing this season. Check out our California High School Football Rankings and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action!
1# St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California has earned its place at the top of the rankings for California high school football teams. The Braves have had one of the most successful programs in the state over the past few years, with four state championships and numerous CIF titles. This season, they have once again established themselves as one of the best in the state with their strong offensive and defensive play. Led by head coach Jason Negro, St. John Bosco is looking to make a statement in the upcoming season and prove that they are the top team in the state. With their dynamic offense and tenacious defense, St. John Bosco is sure to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
2# Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Mater Dei High School has been an established power in California High School Football for many years now. With a record of 10-2, they are the No. 2 team in the state and earned the runner up spot in the Division I CIF State Championship game last year. Mater Dei has a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, and is led by Quarterback Bryce Young, a USC commit who was ranked as the top player in California this past season. He was also ranked as the No. 8 quarterback recruit in the country according to 247Sports. With the help of Young, Mater Dei looks to make a deep run in the playoffs this year and compete for a CIF State title.
3# Lincoln (San Diego)
Lincoln High School in San Diego is a top-ranked school when it comes to football. The Hornets have been consistently in the top rankings in the state and they have earned multiple championships over the years. The team is well-known for their strong offense and their great defense. They have a long history of success and are expected to continue this trend this season. They have a talented group of players with a lot of experience and a great coaching staff. With the quality of talent that Lincoln has on their team, they are expected to make a deep playoff run this year. Be sure to keep an eye on the Hornets as they look to take home another state title.
4# Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo High School is a top ranked football team located in Orange County, California. The Diablos have a proud tradition of excellence in all sports, and their football program is no exception. Led by Head Coach Mike MacGillivray, the Diablos have earned numerous conference championships, playoff appearances and state titles. They are consistently ranked in the top 10 in California high school football rankings. Mission Viejo has an impressive offensive attack, led by the running back duo of Ryan Buckley and David Kennedy. The defense is stout and fast, with standout players such as safety Brett Johnson and linebacker Camilo Sohrbeck. With a strong coaching staff and talented players, Mission Viejo looks to make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
5# Centennial (Corona)
Centennial High School in Corona, California is ranked fifth among the best high school football teams in California. The Huskies are one of the most successful programs in the state and have won multiple CIF Southern Section championships. They are led by head coach Matt Logan, who has been with the team since 2007. The team is composed of talented athletes who work hard to make sure that their success continues for years to come. On offense, the Huskies rely on dual-threat quarterback Desean Holmes to lead the team. He has a strong arm and is accurate when throwing the ball downfield. Meanwhile, their defense is anchored by linebacker Christian Folau and defensive end Jaden Abato. Both players have great instincts and can make plays all over the field. With such a talented squad, the Huskies are expected to have another successful season this year.
6# Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos High School is located in the city of Los Alamitos, California. The school has a long history of success in high school football and is home to one of the most successful programs in California. The Griffins have been ranked in the top 10 for the past four seasons and are a perennial powerhouse in the Sunset League. With numerous state championships, Los Alamitos is a program that consistently produces talent at the college level and beyond. Led by head coach Ray Fenton, the Griffins look to continue their dominance this season and earn another trip to the state playoffs.
7# Serra (San Mateo)
Serra High School in San Mateo, California, is ranked as the 7th best high school football team in the state. The Padres have consistently been a top-tier team in the Central Coast Section and the West Catholic Athletic League for years.
The Padres are led by their head coach Patrick Walsh who has been at the helm since 2017. Under his direction, Serra has won two CCS Championships and had several deep playoff runs. He emphasizes hard work, dedication, and teamwork as the foundations of a successful program.
Serra’s 2020 roster is stacked with talent. Senior quarterback Luke Bottari is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the state and is receiving offers from several major Division 1 programs. The backfield is just as strong with seniors Malachi Rosa and Jordan Owens, who have combined for over 1000 rushing yards this season. The offensive line, anchored by senior Jack Bonny, is stout and gives plenty of protection for the offense.
On defense, the Padres are loaded with experienced playmakers. Seniors Ben Kerkhof and Mitch Woodall lead the front seven with relentless effort and physicality. In the secondary, senior Jaxson Simons has put together an impressive year with multiple interceptions and tackles for loss.
The Serra Padres have all the pieces necessary to make a deep run in the CCS playoffs and beyond. With their talented players and experienced coaching staff, this team is sure to be one of the best teams in California this year.
8# Liberty (Bakersfield)
Liberty High School, located in Bakersfield, California is one of the top ranked high school football teams in the state. The Liberty Hawks have had a successful program for many years and are currently ranked 8th in the California High School Football Rankings. Liberty is led by head coach Bryan Nixon, who has been at the helm since 2006. The Hawks have an impressive record this season, with their only loss coming against Mission Viejo in their second game of the season. The team is led by quarterback Cole Buggs, who has been the catalyst of the offense. Buggs has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. He is also a dangerous runner, as he has rushed for over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns. The team also features a talented group of wide receivers and running backs that help to keep opposing defenses honest. The Liberty defense is also very tough, led by linebackers Tanner Caudill and Chase Tate. Liberty will look to continue their strong play and make a run at a state championship this season.
9# Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
The Sierra Canyon Trailblazers are among the top football teams in California and they boast one of the most explosive offenses in the state. Led by quarterback Chayden Peery, a USC commit, the Trailblazers have posted multiple blowout wins this season. The team has scored over 40 points in three of their games and they average 35.6 points per game. They’re also led by dynamic running back Jaden Charles, who is a Stanford commit. Charles leads the team in rushing yards with 1,145 and he has 12 touchdowns this season. The defense is led by senior safety Devin Moore, who has registered three interceptions on the season. Sierra Canyon is a well-rounded team that can compete with any team in the state.
10# Folsom
The Folsom High School Bulldogs have had a great season so far and are currently ranked as the 10th best high school football team in California. The team is led by an experienced coaching staff and talented players that know how to compete on the field. The Bulldogs have had some close games, but their determination and hard work has been able to pull out victories in these matches. Despite playing a tough schedule this season, the Bulldogs have gone 6-2, with their only losses coming against highly-ranked opponents. The Bulldogs have also earned recognition for their performance as they were featured in the USA Today Top 25 rankings. If you are looking for some exciting high school football action, don’t miss Folsom High School!
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