Top 25 Northern California Coast high school football rankings (9/5/2023)

Little movement on Northern California's top teams that go a combined 18-7 last week.

1. Serra (2-0)

Last rank: 1. Last result: def. De La Salle 28-0. 

The Padres allowed just 133 total yards while beating the kings of Bay Area football for the second consecutive season. After starting fast and holding in in an opening 21-14 win over Folsom, Padres close on a 20-0 run in the fourth quarter vs. DLS, capped with 60-yard pick 6 from Jermaine Barrett.  

Next up: Friday at Central Catholic (Modesto)

2. De La Salle (0-2)

Last rank: 2. Last result: lost to Serra 28-0. 

The Spartans are sputtering. They've been shut out for six consecutive quarters. That hasn't happened for three or four decades. They go back to face a Saint Francis squad that in 2021 ended its 318-game unbeaten streak against teams North of Fresno. 

Next up: Friday at Saint Francis (Mountain View)

3. Pittsburg (3-0)

Last rank: 3. Last result: def. Granite Bay 41-21. 

The Pirates have looked extremely sound and dominate while outscoring two foes 90-34. Junior QB Marley Alcantara has been better than advertised, completing 38 of 55 for 504 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. Another junior, Elijah Bow, a starting running back last season, is at it again with 33 rushes for 168 yards and two TDs. 

Next up: Friday vs. Monterey Trail

4. San Ramon Valley (2-0)

Last rank: 4. Last result: def. Acalanes 44-21. 

Through two games, senior QB Luke Baker has completed 38 of 59 for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Running back John Paul Mendoza has rushed for 134 yards and four touchdowns and four different receivers have caught TDs, led by Owen Scott. 

Next up: Friday at Elk Grove (1-2)

5. McClymonds (1-0)

Last rank: 7. Last result: def. Bellarmine 40-0. 

What an opener. The four-time state champions who lost most of their top skill players from 2022 showed their rebuilding prowess by dominating a previous bubble squad. The team's next big star, Ta'jir Golden rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns, but it was the defense that stole the show, allowing a grand total of 18 yards. 

Next up: Friday vs. Bishop O'Dowd

6. Riordan (2-0)

Last rank: 5. Last result: def. Moreau Catholic 60-29. 

The Crusaders have put up nearly 100 points combined in two games behind one of the top sophomore quarterbacks in the state in Mike Mitchell Jr., who has completed 36 of 54 for 627 yards and six touchdowns. Four backs have rushed for between 79 and 97 yards and Cynai Thomas, another sophomore, has 12 catches for 180 yards. 

Next up: Saturday vs. St. Bonaventure

7. Los Gatos (2-0)

Last rank: 6. Last result: def. Liberty (Brentwood) 35-34. 

The Wildcats fought back from a 34-14 deficit early in the second half behind three touchdowns from Boxwer Kopcsak-Yeung, who run for two scores of 2 yards and returned a kickoff 70 yards for another TD. Big test Friday from one of the top teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section. 

Next up: Friday vs. Grant Union (3-0)

8. Marin Catholic (2-0)

Last rank: 9. Last result: def. Spanish Springs (Sparks, Nev.) 29-7. 

Charles Williams rushed 16 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns and added a pick six for a defense that recorded 11 sacks. The Wildcats have outscored two opponents by a combined 81-7 score. 

Next up: Saturday at San Joaquin Memorial. 

9. San Marin (2-0)

Last rank: 10. Last result: def. Foothill (Palo Cedro) 55-28. 

The two-time defending state champions got another huge performance from senior quarterback Dominic Ingrassia (20 of 27 for 392 yards and five touchdowns) at Foothill. Junior receiver Wesley Timmel had a huge game with seven catches for 229 yards and three touchdowns. 

Next up: Friday at Moreau Catholic

10. Palma (2-0)

Last rank: 11. Last result: def. King City 42-0. 

Senior QB Thomas Nunes was efficient, completing 11 of 15 for 106 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a score, as did Eli Mercurio and Gavin Martinez. Twenty-two different Palma players recorded tackles. 

Next up: Friday vs. Yuma Catholic-Ariz. (2-0)

Rest of Top 25
11. Valley Christian 2-0
12. Saint Francis (1-1)
13. Clayton Valley Charter (1-1)
14. Wilcox (1-1)
15. El Cerrito (2-0)
16. Windsor (0-1)
17. Monte Vista (2-0)
18. St. Ignatius (1-1)
19. Mitty (2-0)
20. Cardinal Newman (2-0)
21. Liberty (1-1)
22. Acalanes (0-2)
23. St. Mary's (2-0)
24. Redwood (2-0)
25. Rancho Cotate (1-1)