Top 25 Northern California Coast high school football rankings (10/3/2023)

West Catholic Athletic League riser Riordan jumps five spots to No. 6 to highlight this week's elite teams from four sections

Expectations were high for the Riordan football team in 2023. 

With a humbling 24-14 loss to Southern California juggernaut St. Bonaventure, the hype was quelled somewhat on Sept. 9. 

But the Crusaders, with roughly a dozen top-end transfers, and some excellent parts returning from 2022, showed what all the excitement was about, following a 42-17 home win over Valley Christian on Saturday. 

Sophomore quarterback Mike Mitchell Jr., one of the key returners, had a breakout game by completing 21 of 29 passes for 373 yards and a school and West Catholic Athletic League record, six touchdown passes. 

The Crusaders piled up close to 500 yards against a defense that had allowed less than 10 points per game coming in. The win moved them to 4-1 and 2-0 in West Catholic Athletic League play and jumped them five spots to No. 6 in the Northern California Coast rankings, which combine four NorCal sections (North Coast, Central Coast, San Francisco and Oakland). 

They were the biggest climbers of a list that largely stayed the same. 

1. Serra (5-0)

Previous rank: 1. Last week: def. Saint Francis, 45-17 

Maealiuaki Smith broke loose for his best game of the season, completing 19 of 28 for 320 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for two more scores. 

Next game: Friday vs. Mitty at Foothill College

2. De La Salle (4-2)

Previous rank: 21. Last week: def. McClymonds, 21-0

Spartans squander five red-zone chances but still have more than enough to knock off perennial small-school state powers. Dominic Kelley rushes for two scores, Chris Biller records three tackles for loss.

Next game: Oct. 13 at San Ramon Valley

3. San Ramon Valley (5-0)

Previous rank: 25. Last week: idle

Dangerous precursor this week before highly-anticipated home game against De La Salle.

Next game: Friday at Clayton Valley Charter 

4. Pittsburg (5-0)

Previous rank: 4. Last week: def. Los Gatos, 37-27

Jewelous Walls, a top junior recruit at defensive end, had 12 tackles, four for loss including two sacks. He also caught a touchdown pass from his tight end spot. Jamar Scarcy also had a big defensive game with seven tackles and two interceptions to go with 78 yards rushing and a TD.  

Next game: Friday vs. Deer Valley

5. Marin Catholic (5-0)

Previous rank: 5. Last week: idle

It's been the usual onslaught for the Wildcats, a 2021 state champion. They've outscored foes 215-21. On Saturday they face a good Tamalpais team that its beaten 21 straight times since 2004. 

Next game: Saturday vs. Tamalpais

6. Riordan (4-1)

Previous rank: 11. Last week: def. Valley Christian, 42-17

It was a breakout game for the Crusaders and sophomore quarterback Mike Mitchell Jr., who completed 21 of 29 passes for 373 and a school and West Catholic Athletic League record six touchdowns against a very good VC defense

Next game: Friday vs. Bellarmine at San Jose City College

7. San Marin (5-0)

Previous rank: 7. Last week: def. San Rafael, 56-0

Senior quarterback Dom Ingrassia continues to have a marvelous season, completing 11 of 12 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns. Two touchdowns went to Blake Hart. Big test this week against 5-0 Redwood.

Next game: Friday vs. Redwood-Larkspur

8. Valley Christian (4-1)

Previous rank: 6. Last week: lost to Riordan, 42-17

The Warriors defense before Saturday had allowed only 33 points in four games. 

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

9. McClymonds (2-2)

Previous rank: 8 Last week: Lost to De La Salle, 21-0

The Warriors were actually very impressive up front and overall on defense against the Spartans, which was thwarted five times in the red zone without giving up a point.

Next game: Oct. 13 vs. Castlemont

10. El Cerrito (5-0)

Previous rank: 10. Last week: idle

Kamani Jackson, a Washington State commit, is a Northern California Player of the Year candidate with his vast skills as a receiver and defensive back. 

Next game: Friday at Bethel

The rest

11. Los Gatos (3-2)
12. Cardinal Newman (5-0)
13. California (4-2)
14. St. Ignatius (3-2)
15. Wilcox (3-2)
16. St. Francis (2-3)
17. Windsor (3-1-1)
18. Campolindo (3-1-1)
19. Clayton Valley Charter (2-3)
20. Christopher (5-0)
21. Redwood (5-0)
22. Menlo School (5-0)
23. Hillsdale (5-0)
24. Liberty (4-2)
25. Mitty (4-1)