REGISTER O.C. MEDIA POLL
1. JSerra 7-1, (100 points)
Lions were No. 1 on the ballots of all 10 members of the media poll as they ascend to the top of the county rankings for the first time. Defense, a fine effort from the offensive line, timely plays on offense and a gutsy fake-punt call in the final moments took JSerra to a historic 17-10 win over Mater Dei.
Next: vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, Thursday
2. Mater Dei 6-2, (88)
Loss to JSerra knocked Monarchs off of No. 1 perch it occupied for several weeks. Mater Dei missed two key playmakers, receiver Andre Collins and running back Noah Delgadillo, in that game. But the way JSerra is playing, any contributions from them might not have mattered.
Next: vs. Santa Margarita at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday
3. Santa Margarita 6-2, (82)
Eagles got a super-important win over Servite, 22-17, to improve playoff chances and keep alive a shot at Trinity League championship. Two Santa Margarita players, Rick Ellison and Dre Hall, rushed for more than 100 yards each against Servite. Eagles play St. John Bosco in two weeks, but have a big one prior to that.
Next: vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday
4. Servite 4-4, (70)
Sometimes a player’s true value is best understood when that player is injured. Friars quarterback Travis Waller clearly was not his usual quick self Friday in a 22-17 loss to Santa Margarita. Friars are looking at an uphill slog to qualify for the playoffs.
Next: vs. St. John Bosco at Cerritos College, Friday
5. Orange Lutheran 4-4, (59)
Lancers lost a tough one to St. John Bosco, 54-43. It’s hard matching Bosco touchdown for touchdown. Lutheran’s other two Trinity League losses are to Servite by three points and to Santa Margarita by one.
Next: vs. JSerra at Orange Coast College, Thursday
6. Mission Viejo 7-2, (51)
Diablos’ resurgence continued with a 42-21 South Coast League win over San Juan Hills. They scored 21 straight points in the second half to pull away from the Stallions. Diablos have won seven in a row since a 0-2 start.
Next: vs. El Toro at Mission Viejo High, Thursday
7. Tesoro 7-2, (36)
Titans rebounded from loss to Mission Viejo with a 52-12 rout of Dana Hills in a South Coast League game. Ten different receivers caught passes for the Titans and Jake Hudson led the defense with two sacks. Tesoro has a bye this week.
Next: at San Juan Hills, Nov. 7
8. Los Alamitos 7-1, (27)
Griffins showed they focus on the game on hand with a 49-6 win over Marina. In two weeks, Los Alamitos plays Edison in what might be the Sunset League championship game. Griffins’ average margin of victory in three league games is 27 points.
Next: at Huntington Beach, Friday
9. Corona del Mar 7-1, (22)
Sea Kings’ dominance of Pacific Coast League continued with a 35-0 win over University. They have won their three league games by an average margin of 22 points. Corona del Mar’s league winning streak is at 13 games.
Next: vs. Beckman at Tustin High, Thursday
10. San Clemente 7-1, (10)
Tritons looked great at times, sluggish at others in a 49-10 win over Laguna Hills in a Sea View League game. They had a bye the week before. As usual, Sam Darnold led the way with four touchdown passes. San Clemente is tied with Trabuco Hills for first place.
Next: vs. Trabuco Hills at San Clemente High, Thursday
Also receiving votes: Edison 6-2, (6)
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
