SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE’S SUPER 35 RANKINGS

1. Bishop Amat (7-1-1) — After losing the Serra opener to Alemany, the Lancers rebounded nicely and have a chance to share a piece of the league title with a win at home against Notre Dame. Even better if Loyola beats Alemany. No matter what, Amat’s playoff chances look good.

2. Charter Oak (8-1) — Extremely impressed with Big Lou and the coaching staff. When the Chargers moved to the Inland in 2010, it felt impossible, but also an opportunity for the Chargers to enjoy their finest hour with sucess. I’m starting to believe an Inland run is possible. They’re not ranked just No. 4, they’re act like it.

3. Chino Hills (6-2-1) – Only losses to Tesoro, Charter Oak and a tie to Bishop Amat. They’re clearly the No. 3 team in the area and dangerous. They give the Sierra two legitimate postseason threats. I’ll bet QB Matt Simko goes nuts in the playoffs.

4. South Hills (6-3) — They all but guaranteed themselves a spot in the playoffs by beating Ayala. They can finish second with an upset over Chino Hills, but not matter what, it’s been an incredible turnaround for a team that many picked to finish last in the Sierra.

5. San Dimas (8-1) — With everyone talking about Paraclete, Monrovia and Sierra Canyon, it’s easy to forget playoff-tested San Dimas. They’re as talented as they’ve ever been and will probably show it in a dominating fashion for the VVL title on Friday.

6. Ayala (5-4) — Will probably be the best area team not to make the playoffs. They had their shot against South Hills and came up empty bigtime. They have to hope Damien beats Chino Hills to create a three-way tie for second, otherwise, they’re at home for the playoffs.

7. Diamond Ranch (6-3) — What’s impressive about the Panthers is how close they’re to being 9-0. They’ve lost three games by a touchdown or less. What’s shocking, however, is they will probably need an at-large berth to make the Southeast playoffs. But however they get in, they won’t be a team anyone wants to face in the first round.

8. Bonita (5-4) – – The Bearcats are still in the drivers seat to win the Hacienda League title, but had the swag knocked out of them in a loss last week to Diamond Ranch. Are they a Southeast title contender? Not sure anymore.

9. Gladstone (8-1)— The Gladiators have clinched a share of the Montview League title, their first since 2005. It’s also the best regular season finish during coach Albert Sanchez’s long tenure. They’ve been great at times and as curious as everyone to find out what they can do in the playoffs.

10. Rowland (7-2) — Amazingly, the Raiders can clinch a share of the Hacienda League title and knock two-time defending champion West Covina out of the playoffs with a win on Thursday. Never thought I would write those words. Not in 2012.

The Rest: 11. El Monte (7-2), 12. Northview (7-2), 13. West Covina (4-5), 14. La Puente (7-2), 15. Glendora (3-6), 16. Covina (6-3), 17. Damien (3-5), 18. South El Monte (5-4), 19. Azusa (5-4), 20. Claremont (3-6), 21. Los Altos (5-5), 22. Arroyo (5-4), 23. Sierra Vista (6-3), 24. Duarte (4-5), 25. Diamond Bar (3-6), 26. Rosemead (3-6), 27. Mountain View (3-6), 28. Wilson (3-6), 29. Walnut (1-8), 30. Pomona (3-6), 31. Bassett (3-6), 32. Nogales (1-8), 33. Workman (2-7), 34. Baldwin Park (0-10), 35. Ganesha (0-9).

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