HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOP 30 - Pasadena Star-News

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOP 30

Damien’s Malachi McFarland runs the ball in the No. 1 Spartans’ 20-17 comeback victory over Chino Hills on Friday night. Photo by Raul Romero Jr.

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The San Gabriel Valley area high school football rankings.

FOOTBALL TOP 30 RANKINGS

1. DAMIEN (6-2, 3-0)

The Spartans overcame a first-half deficit for the second week in a row, scoring two touchdowns in the second half to pull out a 20-17 victory over Chino Hills to remain undefeated in the Baseline League. Damien QB Isaiah Arriaza threw the game-clinching TD pass to Gavin Lannon with 2:11 left.

Previous: 1

Next: vs. Ayala (2-6, 0-3), Thursday, 7 p.m.

2. LA HABRA (7-1, 3-0)

The Highlanders make a leap from No. 6 to No. 2 in the rankings after a 15-13 victory over Crean Lutheran that moves them closer to the Epsilon League title. Highlanders defensive end Ulavai Fetuli sacked Crean Lutheran quarterback Dylan D’Epifanio in the end zone to record a safety for the go-ahead points. The Highlanders have won seven straight and their body of work can’t be ignored.

Previous: 6

Next: at Laguna Hills (3-5, 0-3), Friday, 7 p.m.

3. CHARTER OAK (7-1, 3-0)

The Chargers were in their first close game in a while as they had to rally from a 14-7 halftime deficit to pull out an 18-14 victory over Colony to remain undefeated in the Sierra League. Corin Berry’s two touchdown passes to Legend Lyons in the second half and Marquis Bradley’s game-sealing interception were the difference. Now comes a crucial showdown with Bonita.

Previous: 2

Next: vs. Bonita (8-0, 3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

4. NORTHVIEW (8-0, 3-0)

For the first time in a while the Vikings were in a competitive game, leading Alta Loma 14-7 entering the fourth quarter before pulling away for a 22-7 win to stay unbeaten. It was the seventh time in eight games the Vikings held their opponent to 10 points or fewer.

Previous: 3

Next: vs. West Covina (2-5, 0-2), Thursday, Covina District Field, 7 p.m.

5. BONITA (8-0, 3-0)

Bearcats quarterback Travis Lippert threw thee touchdown passes, including two to Dylan Robinson, in their 34-20 victory over Los Osos to remain undefeated heading into this week’s showdown against Charter Oak. Although it was a 14-point win, the Bearcats jumped out to a 34-0 lead.

Previous: 4

Next: at Charter Oak (7-1, 3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

6. ST. PAUL (5-3, 3-0)

Swordsman sophomore Marley Luatua rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-2 victory over Alemany for their third straight victory to start the Angelus League. The Golden Knights are picking it up defensively and have a road game at Paraclete next before a showdown game with Cathedral to decide the league championship.

Previous: 5

Next: at Paraclete (3-5, 1-2), Friday, 7 p.m.

7. MUIR (6-2, 5-0)

The Mustangs are in the part of their Pacific League schedule when you can predict the routs before they play. They jumped to a 57-0 halftime lead over Hoover before settling on a 78-0 victory with a running clock in the second half. It should be more of the same against Glendale as the Mustangs sharpen for the playoffs.

Previous: 7

Next: at Glendale (1-7, 0-5), Thursday, 7 p.m.

8. LA SERNA (6-3, 3-0)

The Lancers continue to plow through the Del Rio League, hammering helpless California 70-14. The Lancers won the Division 4 championship last year and look like they could be in Division 4 again, or possibly slip to Division 5. Still, they will have to beat Santa Fe in the league finale to win the league title outright.

Previous: 8

Next: vs. Santa Fe (6-2, 2-0), Nov. 1, Pioneer HS, 7 p.m.

9. SCHURR (7-1, 3-0)

The Spartans remained on track for the Almont League title by racing to a 35-0 lead over Alhambra and finishing off the Moors for a 42-6 victory. The big league games are next, against Montebello and Bell Gardens, but it’s hard to imagine anyone touching the Spartans given the way they’re playing.

Previous: 9

Next: vs. Montebello (4-4, 2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

10. RIO HONDO PREP (7-1, 1-0)

Noah Penunuri rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns as the Kares piled up 411 rushing yards and routed Viewpoint, 54-19, in their Gold Coast League opener. Last year’s Division 9 champions are sharpening for the playoffs but will need to beat Brentwood for the league title. With only three teams in league, only the league champ is guaranteed a playoff spot.

Previous: 11

Next: vs. Brentwood (6-2, 0-0) at Kare Youth Park, Friday, 7 p.m.

THE REST OF THE TOP 30

11. La Canada (8-0)

12. Covina (7-1)

13. San Dimas (6-2)

14. St. Francis (2-6)

15. Bishop Amat (2-6)

16. Santa Fe (6-2)

17. South Pasadena (6-2)

18. Wilson (7-1)

19. La Puente (8-0)

20. Maranatha (5-3)

21. Glendora (4-4)

22. Monrovia (6-2)

23. South Hills (4-4)

24. El Rancho (5-3)

25. Rowland (6-2)

26. Temple City (6-2)

27. Montebello (4-4)

28. Sonora (4-4)

29. Baldwin Park (4-4)

30. Los Altos (3-5)

— Fred Robledo