Football: The PSN’s Top 10 rankings, explained


Above: Steve Yortsos & Co. will have their hands full when San Marino hosts La Caada on Friday.

THE PSN TOP 10 RANKINGS

1. ST. FRANCIS (6-1) — The Golden Knights’ 27-23 win over Loyola last week was huge, the first in 27 years. Talk about breaking a bad spell. I wasn’t at the game but from reading the story it sounded like it was a good one. And good for St. Francis QB Justin Posthuma redeeming himself. And I agree, good story from Eric Sondheimer at the L.A. Times. Posthuma connected with sophomore Travis Talianko for a 3-yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the game.

2. MONROVIA (7-0) — I’ve gotten quite a few emails asking why Monrovia is unbeaten yet ranked No. 2 instead of No. 1. Well, as I’ve explained before (haven’t I?) St. Francis has played much much tougher competition. They were this close to beating Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and just beat Loyola, and in spite of losing running back Anthony Barr (broken leg) early in the season and their head coach Jeff Kearin — who resigned halfway through the season for personal reasons — the win over the Cubs (3-4) is still impressive because Loyola’s a perennial power in the CIF-Southern Section Pac-5 Division. However, there is no doubt the Wildcats are the best team in the Mid-Valley Division and arguably the best team in the SGV. From this point on it’ll be up to Monrovia whether it finishes unbeaten or not. Then, of course, the playoffs begin and there’s no telling from there on.

3. SAN MARINO (6-1) — The Titans will have their hands full Friday night when they host the Spartans. Both teams are coming off impressive wins over South Pasadena and Blair, respectively. If I had to guess, the Rio Hondo League finishes like this: 1. Monrovia; 2. San Marino; 3. Temple City; 4. La Caada; 5. South Pasadena; 6. Blair.

4. TEMPLE CITY (3-3-1) — Well, what can you say about the Rams. They are hurting right now with injuries depleting the roster. That said, Temple City shouldn’t run into any problems with Blair on Friday night. For the sake of argument, why not let Max Ruckle dictate the offense, just to see if the Rams’ ground attack is superior to the passing game. If Ruckle runs wild for 300+ yards then you have your answer. But then again, this would be coming against Blair so there wouldn’t be much revealing.

5. ALHAMBRA (4-2) — In retrospect, the Moors should have moved up to No. 4 in these rankings. Alhambra’s coming off a 28-21 win over Montebello, and this game was all the more impressive because Alhambra won on the road. The road show continues when the Moors travel to San Gabriel. I’m going to try to make it out for the first half, but no promises. Keith Lair will be there on assignment.

6. RIO HONDO PREP (7-0) — The Kares exacted vengeance last week when they derailed Chadwick, 43-7. Some competition. Rio Hondo Prep, however, still has some kinks to iron out when it comes to its passing game, and they’ll need one when they head to the playoffs. For now the offense can survive without it, but not come playoffs.

7. SAN GABRIEL (4-3) — C’mon, who really pegged the Matadors to win at Bell Gardens, and by a blow out no less. Certainly not me, but as usual San Gabriel wakes up in the nick of time. Last week’s 49-28 win over Bell Gardens was impressive because the injury-plagued Matadors held the Lancers scoreless in the second half.

8. LA CAADA (3-3) — No Josh Hanson meant Spartans QB Rocky Moore was left without his biggest and best target when they played host to Temple City. With Hanson back in the lineup La Caada has a legitimate shot at knocking off San Marino and putting its playoff hopes in doubt.

9. MARANATHA (5-2) — I still don’t have a hold of Maranatha. I’m not sold yet, I’m not doubting either. I’m down the middle. “Cheer- leader!” posted in the Star-Picks thread that Maranatha is a cute team … Yeah, cuz “cute” make teams win.

10. LA SALLE (3-4) — The Lancers are in a must-win situation on Friday when they host Mary Star of the Sea (4-3, 2-0). Mary Star brings a balanced offense whose offense is spotty at best. QB Cole Webb has 476 yards passing with two touchdowns and six interceptions. James Hungerford leads the ground attack with 388 yards and five touchdowns. La Salle (3-4, 0-1) is coming off a bye, and it couldn’t have come at a better time as the Lancers are nursing some injuries. La Salle QB Mike Novell has completed 61 percent of his passes (727 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions).

OTHERS CONSIDERED: Pasadena (4-3, 3-1).

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