The Press-Telegram’s high school football rankings to begin Week 8 of the season.
FOOTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
1. St. John Bosco (6-1)
Junior quarterback Koa Malau’ulu had three total touchdowns, two passing and one rushing, in a 28-14 win over Orange Lutheran. Bosco is on a six-game win streak going into a highly anticipated matchup this week against Santa Margarita, the defending CIF Southern Section Division 1 and CIF State Open Division champion. Bosco did defeat Santa Margarita 27-14 in Trinity League play last season in a game where Malau’ulu threw four touchdown passes.
Previous: 1
Next: vs. Santa Margarita (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu #12 of St. John Bosco drops back to pass. St. John Bosco hosted Orange Lutheran in a Trinity League football game on October 8, 2026 in Bellflower, CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
2. Long Beach Poly (4-4)
Senior running back Jeron Johnson II scored four touchdowns in a 44-0 win over Wilson in a Moore League rivalry game. The Jackrabbits scored on offense, defense and special teams. They are off this week after playing for eight consecutive weeks.
Previous: 2
Next: at Millikan (1-6), Oct. 23, 7 p.m.
3. Downey (4-3)
Junior running back Max Acosta ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries in a 46-18 victory over Warren in a Gateway League game.
Previous: 3
Next: at La Mirada (5-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Los Alamitos (0-7)
The Griffins move up to No. 4 in the rankings after a 40-0 loss to undefeated San Clemente, which is ranked among the Top 10 teams in the CIF Southern Section.
Previous: 6
Next: at Edison (2-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
5. Wilson (2-6)
Junior running back Jemel Grigsby had all 130 yards of Wilson’s total offense in a 44-0 loss to Long Beach Poly.
Previous: 4
Next: vs. Lakewood (2-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
Wilson’s Jemel Grigsby carries the ball and gains yards during a Moore League high school football rivalry game against Long Beach Poly at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, California, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
6. Paramount (6-1)
The Pirates move up to No. 6 after a convincing win, 55-28, against Santa Fe. They host Bellflower for sole possession of first place in the Mid-Cities League on Friday.
Previous: 8
Next: vs. Bellflower (5-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
7. Warren (4-3)
Senior quarterback Jordan Malikin completed 24 of 37 passes for 206 yards, two touchdown and one interception in Warren’s 46-18 loss to Downey. The Bears will be looking for their first win in the Gateway League this week against Mayfair.
Previous: 5
Next: vs. Mayfair (2-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
8. La Mirada (5-2)
The Matadores drop to No. 8 in the rankings after giving up 509 yards of total offense in a 56-19 loss to La Serna.
Previous: 7
Next: vs. Downey (4-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
9. Bellflower (5-2)
Senior quarterback E’Lacion Saxton threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns in Bellflower’s 47-10 win at California.
Previous: 9
Next: at Paramount (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
10. Compton (7-1)
The Tarbabes shut out Compton Early College 56-0 last week. They host Cabrillo on Friday in a game between two Hub City League title contenders.
Previous: 10
Next: vs. Cabrillo (3-4), Friday, 7 p.m.
Also considered: Valley Christian (5-1-1); Millikan (1-6); Lakewood (2-6); St. Pius X-St. Matthias (1-6); Gahr (4-2-1); Cerritos (2-5); Mayfair (2-5); Dominguez (3-4); Artesia (5-1); Cabrillo (3-4); Compton Centennial (5-3).
Press-Telegram football Top 10 rankings: St. John Bosco, Long Beach Poly on top