The Press-Telegram’s high school football rankings to begin Week 9 of the season.
FOOTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
1. St. John Bosco (6-2)
Sophomore receiver Kuika Moaalii caught a 28-yard touchdown pass, but the Braves ran for only 58 yards in a 21-7 home loss to Santa Margarita. Junior defensive lineman Simote Tupou had two sacks.
Previous: 1
Next: vs. Servite (3-5) at Orange Coast College, Friday, 7 p.m.
2. Long Beach Poly (4-4)
The Jackrabbits are coming off a bye week and face Millikan in a rivalry game. The winner will clinch at least a share of a Moore League title and one of the league’s two automatic playoff berths. Poly outscored its first two league opponents 99-0.
Previous: 2
Next: at Millikan (2-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
3. Downey (5-3)
Sophomore quarterback Chase Watkins threw three touchdown passes in a 45-0 win over La Mirada.
Previous: 3
Next: vs. Cerritos (2-6) at Gahr High, Friday, 7 p.m.
4. Warren (5-3)
The Bears are coming off a 50-21 victory over Mayfair. It was the team’s first win in Gateway League play.
Previous: 7
Next: at La Mirada (5-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
5. Paramount (7-1)
Junior receiver Mylan Williams had two receiving touchdowns in a 30-20 win over Bellflower for first place in the Mid-Cities League.
Previous: 6
Next: vs. California (3-5), Friday, 7 p.m.
Paramount Pirates Head coach Malik James reacts against the Paramount Pirates in the first half of a prep football game at Paramount High School in Paramount on Friday, October 16, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
6. Los Alamitos (0-8)
The Griffins are coming off a 27-7 loss against Edison in Alpha League play.
Previous: 4
Next: vs. Mission Viejo (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
7. St. Pius X-St. Matthias (2-6)
The Warriors got a huge road win, 25-13 against Paraclete. Senior running back Le’Allyn Monroe had two rushing touchdowns.
Previous: not ranked
Next: vs. St. Paul (1-7), Friday, 7 p.m.
8. Millikan (2-6)
Junior Aden Taufa scored three touchdowns as the Rams defeated Jordan 60-14. The team is 2-0 in the Moore League going into this week’s game against Long Beach Poly for sole possession of first place in the league standings.
Previous: not ranked
Next: vs. Long Beach Poly (4-4), Friday, 7 p.m.
Millikan’s Aden Taufa (4) returns the ball on the opening kick off in the first half of a prep football game against the Downey Vikings at Downey High School in Downey on Friday, September 4, 2026. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
9. Lakewood (3-6)
The Lancers scored three crucial rushing touchdowns in a 21-14 win over Wilson.
Previous: not ranked
Next: vs. Jordan (0-8), Friday, 7 p.m.
10. Bellflower (5-3)
Freshman receiver Keondre Smith caught eight passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in Bellflower’s 30-20 loss to Paramount.
Previous: 9
Next: vs. Norwalk (1-7), Friday, 7 p.m.
THE NEXT 10: 11. Valley Christian (5-2-1); 12. La Mirada (5-3); 13. Wilson (2-7); 14. Compton (8-1); 15. Gahr (5-2-1); 16. Cerritos (2-6); 17. Mayfair (2-6); 18. Dominguez (4-4); 19. Artesia (6-1); 20. Cabrillo (3-5).
Press-Telegram football Top 10 rankings: Long Beach Poly cements No. 2 spot