Well look whom is number #1 in the southland..... if I am MD I like this pick by the writers as at this point I think I would rather by the #2, gives my team focus and hunger!
St. John Bosco is No. 1 in The Times' preseason top 25 rankings Junior quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei leads No. 1 St. John Bosco. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)With 14 returning starters and more than 45 players back on varsity, St. John Bosco is ranked No. 1 in The Times’ preseason high school football rankings. The Braves open their new stadium on Friday night.
1. ST. JOHN BOSCO. It is size and strength up front that make the Braves the team to beat.
2. SANTA ANA MATER DEI. An exceptional secondary and strong skill position players, led by wide receiver Bru McCoy.
3. CORONA CENTENNIAL. This is no joke — the Huskies will rely on defense.
4. ORANGE LUTHERAN. With quarterback Ryan Hilinski and wide receiver Kyle Ford and many others, beware.
5. UPLAND. The team to beat in Division II with all its athletes and experience.
6. MISSION VIEJO. Quarterback Joey Yellen is a perfect fit for new coach Chad Johnson.
7. JSERRA. Lots of transfers will get their shot to make an impact.
8. BISHOP AMAT. The Lancers are always good when they can run the ball effectively.
9. NARBONNE. By season end, the Gauchos will be one of the best teams in Southland.
10. GARDENA SERRA. Quarterback Doug Brumfield is ready to be turned loose.
11. OAKS CHRISTIAN. Running back Zach Charbonnet leads a veteran team.
12. CHAMINADE. They have a tough schedule, but the Eagles welcome the challenge.
13. MURRIETA VALLEY. The motto is in quarterback Hank Bachmeier we trust.
14. CORONA DEL MAR. Lots of talented juniors will handle the move to Sunset League.
15. LONG BEACH POLY. New coach, new strategy, new enthusiasm.
16. NORCO. Versatile Nick Lasher is back.
17. WESTLAKE. Gearing up to be a top team led by its skill-position players.
18. CALABASAS. Quarterback Jaden Casey and receivers Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman are outstanding.
19. ST. FRANCIS. Quarterback Darius Perrantes has lots of weapons to choose from.
20. SANTA MARGARITA. Sophomore quarterback Peter Costelli is the real deal.
21. CAJON. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and receiver Darren Jones are back to cause havoc.
22. VALENCIA. The team to beat in the Foothill League.
23. SIERRA CANYON. A young team with potential and lots of weapons.
24. LA HABRA. New stadium, same explosive offense.
25. LOYOLA. A strong kicking game and healthy quarterback will make the Cubs successful.
Other teams to watch: Cathedral, San Fernando, Edison, Servite, Arcadia, Tesoro, San Clemente, Rancho Cucamonga, Lawndale, Vista Murrieta.