Despite losing 28-24 last week to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, St. Francis moved up to the No. 1 spot in the latest Star-News top-10 rankings. Monrovia (6-0) may not have much to say about that, especially after its stale 14-12 win over previously unbeaten San Marino (5-1) in last week’s Rio Hondo League opener. The Wildcats were stymied offensively and couldn’t establish any rhythm. The Golden Knights (5-1), on the other hand, got the nod because of their strong effort against Notre Dame (5-1). St. Francis led 14-0 in the first half, and if not for a fumble inside the Notre Dame 10 with less than a minute left, the Golden Knights might have pulled out the upset over the No. 4-ranked team in the CIF-Southern Section Pac-5 Division, easily the toughest of the 13 divisions in the Southern Section. Bosco Tech (3-3) dropped out of the rankings, allowing Maranatha (4-2) to jump back in at No. 10 after a 3-0 start in the Alpha League. Making the biggest jump was Rio Hondo Prep, going from No. 10 to No. 6 after the Kares improved to 6-0.

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez

1. St. Francis (5-1)
Can hang with the big boys

2. Monrovia (6-0)
Showdown at TC on Friday

3. San Marino (5-1)
Didn’t lose without a fight

4. Temple City (3-2-1)
Bring on the Wildcats!

5. Alhambra (3-2)
Off to a bad start in Almont

6. Rio Hondo Prep (6-0)
Finally, some competition Fri.

7. San Gabriel (3-3)
Bell Gardens won’t be easy

8. La Caada (2-3)
Not at full strength vs. TC

9. La Salle (3-4)
Bye comes at the right time

10. Maranatha (4-2)
Minutemen back on track