ORANGE COUNTY FOOTBALL TOP 25 POLL
Notable this week: San Juan Hills moves into the Top 10 for the first time this season. … Corona del Mar rises one position after an impressive 51-38 win over Trabuco Hills. … The county’s five Trinity League teams — Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, JSerra, Servite and Santa Margarita — are in the top 6 of the rankings with Mission Viejo solidly at No. 2.
1. Mater Dei 4-0 (75 points)
The Monarchs, No. 1 in the MaxPreps national rankings and national ratings elsewhere, did not play last week. They powered through a challenging nonleague schedule that included a 31-15 win over Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas. Their defense that includes leading tackler Lucas Campizta at linebacker has been particularly good. Mater Dei opens Trinity League play Friday against Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills High.
Previous ranking: 1
2. Mission Viejo 6-0 (72)
The Diablos, who are No. 10 in the Maxpreps national rankings, beat Chaparral of Temecula last week 51-10. All-County defensive end Jaden Williams had six sacks to raise his season total to 19.5 and junior receiver Vance Spafford had five receptions for 187 yards and four touchdowns. The Diablos play at SoFi Stadium on Friday against Long Beach Poly in their final nonleague game.
Previous ranking: 2
3. JSerra 5-0 (69)
The Lions did not play last week. They have defeated some fine teams, starting with a season-opening 35-7 win over Sierra Canyon. Junior quarterback Ryan Hopkins has thrown eight touchdown passes and has run for six touchdowns. JSerra is home against Servite in a Trinity League opener Friday.
Previous ranking: 3
4. Orange Lutheran 4-1 (66)
The Lancers took a bye last week after an impressive 33-26 road win over Sierra Canyon. Orange Lutheran quarterback TJ Lateef, a senior who committed to Nebraska, has completed 70 percent of his passes for an average of 221 yards a game. The Lancers play their Trinity League opener Friday at St. John Bosco.
Previous ranking: 4
5. Servite 5-0 (63)
The Friars concluded nonleague play last week with a 33-14 win over St. Paul. Sophomore linebacker Isaiah Leilua had nine solo tackles.
Previous ranking: 5
6. Santa Margarita 3-2 (60)
The Eagles took a bye last week. Their two losses are to undefeated teams, Mission Viejo and Leuzinger. Santa Margarita has a challenging Trinity League opener Friday against Mater Dei at Trabuco Hills High.
Previous ranking: 6
7. Los Alamitos 4-2 (55)
The Griffins had a rough time in a loss to Serra 42-7. They have another tough opponent this week, Lincoln, which might be the best football team in the CIF San Diego Section.
Previous ranking: 7
8. Yorba Linda 5-0 (53)
The Mustangs, who have a penchant for fourth-quarter comeback wins, did not play last week. They play Villa Park at home Thursday in a Bravo League opener.
Previous ranking: 8
9T. San Clemente 3-3 (50)
The Tritons lost at Murrieta Valley last week 35-25. They had difficulty handling the running game of Murrieta Valley which rushed for 276 yards. San Clemente does not play this week. The Tritons’ final nonleague game is Oct. 11 against Coronado of Henderson, Nev., before they play Mission Viejo in an Alpha League opener Oct. 18.
Previous ranking: 8
9T. San Juan Hills (4-1)
The Stallions did not play last week but still moved up into the Top 10 for the first time this season. Their loss was to Arizona’s Higley 25-20. Senior linebacker Weston Port, who committed to UCLA, has a team-high 53 tackles.
Previous ranking: 11
11. Edison 4-2 (46)
Previous ranking: 10
12T. Tustin 4-1 (41)
Previous ranking: 12
12T. Villa Park 4-1 (41)
Previous ranking: 13
14. Crean Lutheran 4-1 (36)
Previous ranking: 14
15T. Corona del Mar 3-2 (30)
Previous ranking: 16
15T. La Habra 4-1 (30)
Previous ranking: 15
17. El Modena 5-0 (29)
Previous ranking: 16
18. Tesoro 3-2 (25)
Previous ranking: 18
19. Trabuco Hills 4-1
Previous ranking: 19
20. Huntington Beach 3-2 (18)
Previous ranking: 20
21. Capistrano Valley 4-1 (15)
Previous ranking: 21
22. Foothill 3-2 (11)
Previous ranking: 22
23. Laguna Beach 5-0 (10)
Previous ranking: 23
24. Aliso Niguel 4-1 (5)
Previous ranking: 24
25. Troy 4-1 (3)
Previous ranking: 25
Also receiving votes: Marina 5-0 (1).
About the poll: Steve Fryer, Dan Albano and Michael Huntley vote each week for the Orange County Top 25.