DAILY NEWS TOP 10 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
1. La Mirada (6-1) — The Mats, back from a respite, have yet to be challenged since early in the season, and it won’t happen this week against rival Mayfair.
2. La Habra (4-3) — The Highlanders, after struggling with a tough schedule, are back in their comfort zone. They’ve dominated their first two Freeway League games, and no reason it won’t continue.
3. El Rancho (6-1) — No trap game last week for the Dons, who followed up the win over La Serna, with an easy win over Whittier. It’s not if El Rancho wins the Del Rio League title, but when.
4. La Serna (5-2) — The Lancers showed the heart of champion last week, coming back late to beat California. After splitting with their stiffest competitors, they should win out and take no worse than second in the Del Rio.
5. California (4-3) — The Condors, after losing to La Serna, still has designs on a share of the league title, meaning it must take care of business this week.
6. St. Paul (4-3) — The Swordsmen’s playoff hopes were dealt a major blow with the loss to Salesian. It could get even worse, with St. Francis coming into town this week.
7. Cantwell Sacred Heart (6-1) — The Cardinals, after dominating the past few weeks, enters league play this week as the favorite. Nothing changes that view.
8. Montebello (2-5) — Maybe the tough schedule hardened the Oilers for an Almont League title run. This looks like a different team from the one we saw in nonleague play. Will it continue?
9. Santa Fe (2-5) — The real Chiefs finally showed up last week. But to make the postseason, they have to take down either La Serna this week, or El Rancho to close the season. I’m not sure they can do that.
10. Pioneer (3-4) — The Titans were dealt a dose of reality with a big loss to Santa Fe. You can expect more of the same this week vs. El Rancho.