Top 25 Northern California Coast high school football rankings (9/12/2023)

With another impressive performance, San Ramon Valley moves into third, just ahead of unbeaten Pittsburg

Sometimes a team just rips away the result with a monumental effort and execution of a cohesive game plan. 

And sometimes the same team moves above another in the rankings, even though the team it passed was victorious. 

Sometime this week that team is San Ramon Valley. 

The Wolves, following a 45-7 thrashing at Elk Grove, moved into the No. 3 spot of the third Northern California Coast (North Coast, Central Coast, San Francisco and Oakland sections combined) rankings, changing spots with a very talented Pittsburg squad that squeaked out a 10-7 home win over a strong Monterey Trail-Elk Grove squad. 

Three Top 10 teams dropped games, but only one fell from the Top 10 list, that being previous No. 10 Palma-Salinas. 

Here's a close look at the top 10 teams among the Top 25 overall. 

 

1. Serra (3-0)

Previous rank: 1. Last week: def. Central Catholic-Modesto, 38-7

The Padres' defense continues to shine, allowing just 179 total yards against a team which averaged more than 330 per game. Serra has given up 21 points all season.

Next game: Sept. 22 vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral at Kezar Stadium 

Serra senior tight end Cole Harrison (80) is the team's leading receiver. Photo: Dennis Lee 

2. De La Salle (1-2)

Previous rank: 24. Last week: def. Saint Francis, 35-17

The Spartans closed strong, outscoring the host Lancers 21-3 in the second half to help avenge a 31-28 loss on the same field two years previous, which broke a 318-game unbeaten streak against opponents North of Clovis. Fleet quarterback Toa Faavae rushed for three touchdowns.

Next game: Friday vs. St. Mary's-Stockton

De La Salle junior running back Dominic Kelley rushed 25 times for 135 yards and a touchdown last week against St. Francis. File photo: Dennis Lee

3. San Ramon Valley (3-0)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: def. Elk Grove 45-7

Luke Baker, in the midst of a brilliant prep career, had a signature performance, completing 16 of 18 for 384 yards and six touchdowns, while adding three carries for 64 yards in a the road victory. Three of his touchdowns went to Hudson Brinton and two to Owen Scott (six catches, 193 yards).

Next game: Friday vs. McClymonds

Luke Baker (5) has completed 54 of 77 (70 percent) this season for 932 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception. Photo: Dennis Lee / Photo: Dennis Lee

4. Pittsburg (3-0)

Previous rank: 3. Last week: def. Monterey Trail, 10-7

The Pirates gave up just 231 yards, but 216 was on the ground. An interception by Noah Quesada in the final minutes clinched the victory. Quesada also scored his team's only touchdown on a 34-yard pass from Marley Alcantara in the first quarter. A Jesus Lua Amaya field goal was the difference. 

Next game: Friday vs. California

McClymonds (2-0)

Previous rank: 5. Last week: def. Bishop O'Dowd 45-0

Two games total score: McClymonds 95, opponents 0. After allowing just 12 yards to Bellarmine in a 40-0 win, the Warriors gave up just 29 total and minus-14 on the ground, according to Joseph Dycus of the Bay Area News Group. Tajir Golden and John Tamale combined for 277 yards rushing and four touchdowns. 

Next game: Friday at San Ramon Valley

Marin Catholic (3-0)

Previous rank: 8. Last week: def. San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno, 40-0

Sophomore QB Caedon Afsharipour completed 21 of 31 for 289 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers and Charles Williams rushed 16 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The defense allowed just 55 yards to the Central Section power and MLB Zach Taylor had 12 tackles. The Wildcats have outscored foes 121-7.

Next game: Friday at James Logan

San Marin (3-0)

Previous rank: 9. Last week: def. Moreau Catholic, 49-0

It was yet another big game for senior quarterback Dominic Ingrassia, who completed 15 of 23 for 270 yards and five touchdowns, two each to Blake Hart and Wesley Timmel (3 catches, 115 yards). On the season, Ingrassia is 56 of 79 (71 percent) for 928 yards and 11 TDs. Last year he threw for 2,500 and 35 TDs leading the Mustangs to a second straight state title. 

Next game: Sept. 22 vs. Archie Williams 

Valley Christian (3-0)

Previous rank: 11. Last week: def. Hollister, 34-3

The Warriors, coming off a nightmarish 1-9 season, ended its preseason with an emphatic statement, getting three touchdown runs by Ekiah McLemore, giving him five in two weeks. Valley Christian's strength is on defense, which has given up just 26 points.  

Next game: Sept. 23 vs. Bellarmine

9. Los Gatos (2-1)

Previous rank: 7. Last week: lost to Grant Union-Sacramento, 22-21

The Wildcats, a week after a stirring 35-34 comeback win over Liberty-Brentwood, had the tables turned, losing a 14-0 lead after one quarter and 21-16 after three. Grant actually dominated play most of the night and finished with 502 yards of offense, including 214 yards rushing on 37 carries and a touchdown by Leon Martin. Los Gatos managed just 241 yards but got four catches for 99 yards and a score by Scott Garwood. 

Next game: Friday vs. Palo Alto

10. Riordan (2-1)

Previous rank: 6. Last week: Lost to St. Bonaventure-Ventura, 24-14

Despite 13 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns by Chris Lawson and 27 completions out of 39 attempts by sophomore quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr., the host Crusaders couldn't stop the Seraphs, who rushed for 175 yards and got a key punt return for touchdown by Drew Cofield in the final minutes. 

Next game: Sept. 23 vs. St. Ignatius

Next 15
11. Wilcox (2-1)
12. El Cerrito (3-0)
13. Palma (2-1)
14. St. Francis (1-2)
15. Monte Vista (3-0)
16. St. Ignatius (2-1)
17. Mitty (3-0)
18. Cardinal Newman (3-0)
19. Clayton Valley Charter (1-2)
20. Windsor (0-1-1)
21. Liberty (2-1)
22. Christopher (3-0)
23. Redwood (3-0)
24. Rancho Cotate (2-1)
25. California (2-1)