SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings: La Costa Canyon moves to No. 5
The top four teams in the San Diego Section football rankings remained unbeaten with dominant victories last week. Helix, who won their third straight game away from home, continues to push league rival Granite Hills for the No. 3 spot in this week's rankings.
La Costa Canyon moved up to No. 5 this week following their road win over Mira Mesa that saw them dominate on both sides of the ball a week after taking their first loss of the 2023 season.
SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings
1. Carlsbad (4-0)
Next game: Friday vs. Ramona
Previous ranking: 1
Carlsbad cruised past Casteel (AZ), 49-9 on Friday. Julian Sayin tossed three touchdown passes while the Lancer defense held the Colts to 122 total yards.
2. Lincoln (4-0)
Next game: Friday vs. Cajon
Previous ranking: 2
Lincoln scored 40 points or more for the fourth straight game, beating Mater Dei Catholic 54-19. The Hornets rushed for 280 yards and scored four times on the ground, including two from junior running back Donald Reed III.
3. Granite Hills (3-0)
Next game: Thursday at Central
Previous ranking: 3
Granite Hills had no problems in Friday's 35-7 win over Eastlake. The Eagles held the Titans to 136 total yards and had their rushing attack working, averaging more than eight yards per carry.
4. Helix (4-0)
Next game: Friday at Cathedral Catholic
Previous ranking: 4
Helix led Madison 18-13 at halftime on Friday before erupting for 35 second half points on their way to a 53-19 victory. The Highlanders had four sacks, an interception and forced two fumbles in the win.
5. La Costa Canyon (3-1)
Next game: Friday at Fallbrook
Previous ranking: 8
The Mavericks bounced back from their loss to San Clemente by dominating Mira Mesa 38-7 on Friday. They'll close out their three-game road stretch with a trip to Fallbrook this Friday before beginning Avocado League play in two weeks.
6. St. Augustine (2-2)
Next game: Friday vs. Newport Harbor
Previous ranking: 5
The Saints struggled to slow down Notre Dame Prep (AZ) on Friday, dropping their second straight game 35-14. They'll welcome in Newport Harbor this week, who features four-star Oregon wide receiver commit Jordan Anderson.
7. Mission Hills (3-1)
Next game: Saturday at San Marcos
Previous ranking: 10
Mission Hills led 35-0 at halftime on Friday against visiting Orange Vista on their way to a 41-12 victory. The Grizzlies forced the Coyotes into 11 turnovers including five interceptions.
8. Madison (2-2)
Next game: 9/22 at Granite Hills
Previous ranking: 6
Madison dropped their second straight game, allowing 35 points in the second half to Helix on Friday night. The Warhawks will have a bye this week before upcoming games against Granite Hills and Lincoln.
9. Cathedral Catholic (1-3)
Next game: Friday vs. Helix
Previous ranking: 9
The Dons gauntlet of games against non-section opponents continued last week with a 35-28 loss to St. Ignatius Prep in San Francisco. They'll host Helix this week before heading to Las Vegas for a game against Liberty in two weeks.
10. El Camino (2-1)
Next game: Friday vs. Mt. Carmel
Previous ranking: NR
El Camino had a bye week after shutting out Rancho Buena Vista two weeks ago. The Wildcats will start a stretch of three straight home games, beginning with a non-league battle against Mt. Carmel.
Others to watch: Del Norte, Poway, Mission Bay, Rancho Bernardo, Point Loma