Top 25 Northern California Coast high school football rankings (9/19/2023)

After another defensive gem, El Cerrito jumps into the Top 10

If you don't give up points, you can't lose. 

McClymonds found that out the first two weeks, holding two opponents not only scoreless, but allowing a total of 41 yards. 

That changed significantly Friday when the Warriors ran into a tough and balanced San Ramon Valley squad, which pulled out a 35-7 win. It was a battle of the third and fourth best teams in the Northern California Coast. 

El Cerrito's defense recorded its first shutout of the year, after registering three last season, during a 35-0 win over Foothill. El Cerrito, based largely on that defense, moved up to No. 10 in SBLive's Northern California Coast high school football rankings, which combine four sections: North Coast, Central Coast, San Francisco and Oakland. 

Check out all the rankings below.  

1. Serra (3-0)

Previous rank: 1. Last week: Idle

Padres, led by fourth-year letterman, safety Joseph Bey and linebackers Jabari Mann and Danny Niu, have allowed just 14 points. Bey and Mann are committed to San Jose State, Niu is headed to San Diego State. 

Next game: Friday vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral at Kezar Stadium

2. De La Salle (2-2)

Previous rank: 2. Last week: def. St. Mary's-Stockton, 24-10.

The Spartans went back to old-school smashmouth attack, getting more than 100 yards rushing from quarterback Toa Faavae and running back Dominic Kelley. 

Next game: Friday at Folsom

Johnathan Guerrero's 79-yard kickoff return started De La Salle's 24-point outburst starting late in the first quarter against St. Mary's. Photo: Dennis Lee

3. San Ramon Valley (4-0)

Previous rank: 3. Last week: def. McClymonds 35-7.

As good as the Wolves are offensively, scoring five touchdowns against a Mac defense that had allowed no points in its first two games, they have been equally impressive on defense, led by linebackers Marco Jones (53 tackles) and Will Catterton (41).

Next game: Friday vs. Liberty-Brentwood

4. Pittsburg (4-0)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: def. California 38-35.

The Pirates needed five second-half touchdown passes from Marley Alcantara in the comeback win over upstart California. After two blowout wins, Pittsburg has won the last two games by six points total. 

Next game: Sept. 29 at Los Gatos

Marley Alcantara has completed 70 of 113 for 942 yards and 13 touchdowns in four games. Photo: Joe Bergman / Photo: Joe Bergman

5. Marin Catholic (4-0)

Previous rank: 6. Last week: def James Logan, 42-14.

Greer Arthur, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior, is one of the top all-around players in the North Bay. He had a pick 6 against Logan and is the Wildcats' top receiver. 

Next game: Saturday vs. Bishop O'Dowd

6. McClymonds (2-1)

Previous rank: 5. Last week: Lost to San Ramon Valley, 35-7.

A kickoff return by Adon Dent to start the second half was the only points for the Warriors. The schedule doesn't get any easier with a first-ever meeting with De La Salle. 

Next game: Sept. 29 at De La Salle

7. San Marin (3-0)

Previous rank: 7. Last week: Idle

Dominic Ingrassia continues his fantastic senior season, completing 15 of 23 for 269 yards and five touchdowns against Moreau Catholic on Sept. 8. He now has 928 yards passing and 11 touchdowns in three games. 

Next game: Friday vs. Archie Williams

8. Valley Christian (3-0)

Previous rank 8. Last week: idle.

After a nightmarish 1-9 season, the Warriors are back where they’ve been for two decades under Mike Machado. They scored tough wins over Wilcox-Santa Clara (16-15) and Salinas (16-8) before romping over Hollister (34-3). Offensive linemen Rayne Mayo (6-3, 285) and junior Champ Taulealea (6-4, 325) are two of the best in the state. 

Next game: Saturday vs. Bellarmine

9. Los Gatos (3-1)

Previous rank: 9. Last week: def. Palo Alto, 42-0.

A nice rebound win after a tough 22-21 loss to Grant-Sacramento. Three quarterbacks went a combined 13 of 14 for 157 yards. Ten different ball carriers piled up 229 yards and six touchdowns, two each by Justin Mazzaferro and Boxer Kopcsak-Yeung. 

Next game: Sept. 29 vs. Pittsburg

10. El Cerrito (4-0)

Previous rank: 12. Last week: def. Foothill-Pleasanton, 35-0.

After recording three shutouts last season, the speedy and tenacious Gauchos were at it again, giving up less than 150 yards the Falcons. Transfer Micah Avery had touchdown runs of 50 and 42 yards. 

Next game: Friday vs. Vacaville

11. Riordan (2-1)
12: Wilcox (3-1)
13. Palma (3-1)
14. St. Francis (1-2)
15. Cardinal Newman (4-0)
16. Mitty (3-0)
17. Clayton Valley Charter (2-2)
18. Liberty (3-1)
19. Amador Valley (3-1)
20. Monte Vista (3-1)
21. Windsor (1-1-1)
22. Christopher (4-0)
23. Rancho Cotate (3-1)
24. Redwood (3-0)
25. California (3-1)