RANKINGS: JPWest Media’s CIFSS Top 25 Power Rankings (After Week 0)

For the first time ever, JPWest Media is releasing its official Top 25 Power Rankings for the CIF Southern Section. With Week 0 in the books, the opening slate of games featured defensive battles, blowout wins, and a few statement performances that set the tone for the 2025 season.

The Heavyweights on Top

No. 1 Mater Dei begins the season right where most expected — at the top. The Monarchs survived a 26–23 test against Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas, once again proving their ability to win close, physical games. Their next matchup comes September 5 against Kahuku (HI).

No. 2 St. John Bosco also looked the part, steamrolling Manatee (FL) 31–0. The Braves’ defense pitched a shutout, and the offense looked balanced heading into their next test against Eastwood (TX).

No. 3 Centennial had one of the most dominant wins of Week 0, taking down Servite 42–14. The Huskies showed their explosiveness on both sides of the ball and now prepare for Santa Margarita on Thursday night.

Statement Wins and Key Battles

• No. 4 Mission Viejo edged No. 6 Santa Margarita 7–3 in the week’s most physical matchup, showing the Diablos’ defense is ready for another playoff run.
• No. 5 Sierra Canyon shut out JSerra 35–0, setting up a huge matchup this week with Oaks Christian.
• No. 7 Orange Lutheran pulled out a gritty 17–15 win over Miami Northwestern (FL), giving the Lancers momentum heading into their trip to Rancho Cucamonga.

On the Rise

No. 9 Serra handled Palos Verdes 26–0 and will head on the road to face Hamilton.

No. 10 Murrieta Valley won a thriller over Rancho Cucamonga 28–26, while No. 11 Servite looks for redemption when the two square off head-to-head this week.

No. 12 San Juan Hills piled up points in a 38–33 shootout victory over Chaparral.

Rivalries and Regional Clashes

• No. 14 Yorba Linda and No. 15 Edison headline Week 1 in the JPWest Media Game of the Week. Both teams opened strong with wins over Mayfair and Clovis West.
• No. 19 St. Bonaventure earned a gritty 19–7 victory at St. Francis and now heads to Birmingham.
• No. 20 Leuzinger made noise with a 14–3 win over Long Beach Poly, a game that will be remembered as one of the biggest results of Week 0.

Closing Out the 25

The lower half of the rankings is filled with programs eager to climb:

• No. 21 Downey, winners over Notre Dame (SO) 24–21.
• No. 22 Bishop Amat, dominant in a 42–14 win against St. Paul.
• No. 23 Vista Murrieta, who put up 47 points in a win over Great Oak.
• No. 24 JSerra, looking to rebound after its shutout loss to Sierra Canyon.
• No. 25 Tustin, which handled San Clemente 30–17 to open the year.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural JPWest Media Top 25 sets the standard for what should be another thrilling year in the Southern Section. Mater Dei, Bosco, and Centennial appear strong at the top, but the field from 4 through 15 looks wide open.

This week’s slate features several headline matchups — Edison vs. Yorba Linda, Sierra Canyon vs. Oaks Christian, and Servite vs. Murrieta Valley — that could shake up the rankings in a hurry.

TOP 25 JPWest Media CIFSS Power Rankings