Depending on the fan, preseason football rankings are “fantastic” or “meaningless” or somewhere in between. But it’s fairly safe to say that nearly everyone loves to check them out.
Who’s No. 1 is one of the biggest questions each preseason. It’s all part of the buildup and excitement over the new season.
The next four months – from Week 0 through the state championships – will ultimately decide who is best and who earned a spot among the top tier of teams in the county.
But for now, we have the first attempt at ranking at the top teams … starting with our preseason No. 1 and counting down to No. 25.
1. SERVITE
The Friars return a ton of talent. Travis Waller was an All-County first-team quarterback a year ago, and Maurice Davison was an All-O.C. first-team cornerback. There are star players at many other positions.
2. MATER DEI
The offensive and defensive lines are about as good as they have ever been for the Monarchs, and that’s a great foundation. If new quarterback Jack Lowary comes along, the Monarchs will be a top-5 team all season.
3. MISSION VIEJO
Graduation took some of its stars, but the Diablos’ program is so strong that good players are always prepared for promotion. The Diablos again will have plenty of representation on the All-County team.
4. ORANGE LUTHERAN
This might be Orange Lutheran’s best team in several years. Those top teams a few years ago won CIF-SS championships.
5. SANTA MARGARITA
The Eagles’ offense will score a zillion points. If the defense is as effective, watch out.
6. TESORO
The Titans have one of the county’s better passing-receiver combos with Devon Modster and Jake Smeltzer. If their teammates produce as expected, Tesoro will challenge for the South Coast League title.
7. JSERRA
This could be the Lions’ best team ever. They are good enough to win the championship in most of the other leagues in the county, but in the Trinity they have to scrape and claw for a playoff berth.
8. LOS ALAMITOS
The Griffins have an outstanding corps of running backs and size along the offensive and defensive lines. They are also very fast at the best place to be fast, on defense.
9. CORONA DEL MAR
Many of the top players from last year’s undefeated team are back. The nonleague schedule is more challenging this time, but look for Corona del Mar to continue to thrive.
10. EDISON
The Chargers have inexperienced players at many positions. But those players came up through a winning program, one that has won 23 of its past 25 Sunset League games.
11. LA HABRA
Quarterback Eric Barriere had a great sophomore year in 2013, and 2014 could be even better for him and the Highlanders. Transfers strengthened what already was a solid team.
12. EL TORO
The Chargers like throwing the football, and they have one of the best QBs in the county in Trey Tinsley. If the offensive line develops, this will be a high-scoring and successful team.
13. VILLA PARK
The Spartans look like the class of the new Crestview League. When some key transfers become eligible a few games into the season, this team will be even more formidable.
14. NEWPORT HARBOR
The Sailors got to a CIF-SS championship game last year. They might not ascend to such heights this year, but count on the Sailors to be a factor in the challenging Sunset League.
15. TRABUCO HILLS
Four starting offensive linemen return for the Mustangs. That’s a good foundation for a team that is favored to win the Sea View League.
16. VALENCIA
Mike Marrujo is going into his 34th year of coaching because he has a team like this: 15 returning starters and many of them made all-league last season.
17. YORBA LINDA
Quarterback Jake Gigliotti returns after a fine junior year. He leads a team that could be Villa Park’s toughest challenge in the Crestview League.
18. SAN CLEMENTE
Sam Darnold is one of the better quarterbacks in the county. If the rest of the Tritons are nearly as good, this team will compete for the Sea View League championship.
19. DANA HILLS
A solid corps of returnees makes the Dolphins playoff contenders. They play in the tough South Coast League, so they might have to steal a win from one of the league’s upper-shelf teams to get a playoff berth.
20. HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Southwest Division champion of 2013 doesn’t have the same skill level in 2014. The Oilers look fine along the offensive and defensive lines and that could lead Huntington Beach to a good showing.
21. BUENA PARK
Receiver/defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins is a big-play guy who can change a game’s direction. If the other Coyotes follow his lead then this should be a playoff team.
22. FOUNTAIN VALLEY
The Barons were good enough to beat Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos last year, and this year’s team could be better. But it still looks like Fountain Valley is not going to challenge for the Sunset League championship just yet.
23. FOOTHILL
The defense looks good, as does the offensive line. The Knights might not have the playmakers, though, to get close to the county top 10 or challenge Villa Park in the Crestview League
24. SAN JUAN HILLS
South Coast League coaches unanimously picked San Juan Hills to finish last in the five-team league. But it’s a very good league, and San Juan Hills would be a playoff contender in most other county leagues.
25. CYPRESS
One player can make a difference in high school football. Multi-purpose threat Quinten Pounds is that type of player.
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
