Top 10 Preview: St. Francis again atop rankings

The preseason Top 10 poll is an educated guess at best.

As always, with any sport, the poll settles itself come the second or third week of the season.

St. Francis last season was the No. 1 preseason pick.

Before the season started, the Golden Knights had the weapons to compete with the big boys in the Mission League and the playoffs, too. But the Golden Knights lost their quarterback and their season went down with him.

Coach Jim Bonds hopes this season isn't another forgettable season. They have the weapons to compete with the powerhouses in the CIF-Southern Section and it's why they are this year's preseason No. 1 pick.

1. St. Francis

Dietrich Riley said the Golden Knights have, hands down, the toughest schedule in the area. They face Rio Mesa, El Rancho, Bishop Amat and Crespi, all before the start of the always-tough Mission League, that includes 2007 CIF-SS champion St. Paul.

Riley will have a strong supporting cast with All-CIF returnee Rian Younker anchoring the line.

2. Muir

Coach Ken Howard said his team has the toughest nonleague schedule. But the Golden Knights get the edge because of their strong league schedule. Arcadia will present the Mustangs with the biggest challenge in league this season, but not before they head into Panthers Country to face powerhouse Diamond Ranch. Oaks Christian and Venice are also on Muir's plate, both opponents that could provide Mustang Nation with an upset stomach, and all of this before the start of league.

3. Arcadia

The Apaches usually have Division I players and this season is no different. Todd Golper is rated one of the top linebackers in the nation and is headed to UCLA. Arcadia will rely on Golper's leadership, and from the get-go, the Apaches will know where they stand against the rest of the best area teams depending on who they fare against Monrovia in Week 0.

4. Rosemead

Coach Matt Koffler must be thrilled that the Panthers return nearly their entire defense from a year ago. That alone makes them the best team in the Mission Valley League. They have a core of explosive players and though their offensive line might be undersized, they are still capable of performing big time.

5. Monrovia

Marquise Williams will carry the offensive load for the Wildcats. He amassed 1,000 yards last season and expects to put up big numbers again this season. Coach Ryan Maddox is the new guy in town, but he's a winner coming from West Covina, where he helped the Bulldogs win a CIF-SS title not long ago.

6. La Salle

The Lancers have a new coach in Antoine Petersen, but they have one of the premier quarterbacks in the area in Chase Rettig. He's a true quarterback with the size and the arm to expose defenses. La Salle's game against Maranatha will be a good matchup for the city of Pasadena, but things will get much more difficult come Camino Real League play and the Northwest playoffs, where they could potentially face Oaks Christian.

7. San Gabriel

The Matadors have their running back and quarterback returning. It's too early to tell, but with that kind of talent returning, San Gabriel should contend for the Almont League title and improve on last year's second-round thumping by La Habra.

8. Alhambra

The Moors finished third in the Almont League last year, but they could contend with San Gabriel for a shot at league. Bell Gardens is not too far behind, but Alhambra has the weapons to spread its receivers, which includes junior stud Mitchell Crockom. Coach Gil Ruedaflores is expecting big things from Crockom. The Moors' preleague schedule is not as heavy as others, so they must win big to make an early statement to the rest of the league contenders.

9. Temple City

Randy Backus has big plans for the Rams. He is in his second season after Mike Mooney departed and left to become the vice principal at San Marino. Look for Temple City to improve from its 5-7 finish last season. The Rams return Morgan Hatch at quarterback and could give Monrovia a run for its money.

10. San Marino

Mooney re-appears on the sidelines and officially joins D.R. Moreland's coaching staff. Mooney will concentrate on the offensive line. Steven Wright returns at quarterback and he'll hope to find Will Myers and Daniel Cisic open.