Until there is a new editor in charge, I’m sneaking in and giving my preseason top ten for 2012. Feels like I never left this place. St. Francis has been a dominant force for years and despite Monrovia’s title, I would have ranked St. Francis ahead of Monrovia last season based on quality wins, schedule and the division it played in. Monrovia’s a monster that gets better and better, but not sure if the Cats are on par with St. Francis, just yet. Monrovia and St. Francis will finally meet in Week 5, so the answer will come soon enough, and it’s about time. I always thought Monrovia, St. Francis and Muir — the top three in most years, should play each other every season. This is a start, and to start the year, I’m going with St. Francis No. 1 because year in and year out, they own the best wins on the resume and play the toughest schedule. Look at St. Francis’ record and opponents in 2011 and tell me I’m wrong. In any case, here is how I would rank football starting in 2012.

Rank, Team, Last year’s record
1. St. Francis (9-3)
2. Monrovia (11-3)
3. Muir (8-5)
4. Arcadia (9-3)
5. Rio Hondo Prep (13-1)
6. Maranatha (8-3)
7. San Gabriel (9-5)
8. Pasadena (6-6)
9. Alhambra (9-3)
10. San Marino (7-4)