SBLive's Southern Section Top 25 Football Rankings: Time for No. 1 St. John Bosco vs. No. 2 Mater Dei

Entering the eighth week (Oct. 6-8) of 2022 high school football, the regular season storylines are picking up quickly. For the first time in a few weeks, we had a shakeup within the top 10, and it seems that more are in store in the coming weeks.

Here are SBLive's Southern Section rankings heading into the eighth week of the 2022 campaign. The rankings are released every week throughout the season.

1. St. John Bosco (6-0 – 1st)

The regular season game of the year is upon as on Friday, as you probably know. The Braves haven't been tested yet.

2. Mater Dei (6-0 – 2nd)

Unlike St. John Bosco, the Monarchs have been tested twice. The first was in a comeback win at Nevada powerhouse Bishop Gorman, and the second was last week in a shocker in which JSerra played them down to one score. We'll see on Friday how that affects the matchup.

3. Corona Centennial (5-1 – 3rd)

Centennial routed Chaparral in the first ever week of Big West League play.

4. Long Beach Poly (6-0 – 4th)

With a thrashing of Millikan behind them, the Jackrabbits will cruise for the rest of Moore League play.

5. Los Alamitos (4-2 – 5th)

While the Sea Kings might be able to play with them for stretches, the Griffins should roll again this week against Corona del Mar.

6. Mission Viejo (5-1 – 6th)

Most of the state is done with big-name preseason matchups, but not the Diablos. They face San Diego Section stronghold Helix this week, and are the heavy favorites.

7. Edison (6-0 – 8th)

It's continuing to look like the Chargers will end up in Division 1. They face Newport Harbor this week, and the big game against Los Al is next Thursday.

8. Chaminade (6-0 – 9th)

Speaking of projected Division 1 teams, the Eagles are a Mission League title away from a likely inclusion. They'll be heavily favored against Notre Dame this week.

9. Orange Lutheran (5-1 – 12th)

Orange Lutheran is probably the biggest stock-riser after defeating Santa Margarita in a thriller last week.

MORE: WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

10. Santa Margarita (4-2 – 7th)

The Eagles are almost certainly a Division 2 team now after getting upset by OLu. And that's a scary proposition for Division 2. This week against JSerra could be another game of the year candidate.

11. Bishop Amat (5-1 – 10th)

Speaking of upsets and near-upsets, Bishop Amat finished the game on a 17-0 run to defeat Sierra Canyon 31-28 in SC's first ever Mission League game.

12. Inglewood (6-0 – 11th)

Inglewood has shut out four of its six opponents, and the total might keep growing. It's not impossible that the Sentinels end up in the last spot in Division 1.

13. JSerra (3-3 – 14th)

It's hard to know exactly what to make of JSerra's near-upset of Mater Dei, but one thing is for sure – the Lions are dangerous. They have another opportunity to make a massive statement this week against Santa Margarita.

14. Serra Gardena (4-2 – 13th)

The Cavaliers squeaked past Notre Dame 13-7 last week and then forfeited for using an ineligible player. They are 4-2 as far as our rankings our concerned, but technically 3-3, which means their Mission League title hopes are already in serious jeopardy.

15. Warren (5-1 – 15th)

Warren will continue making it look easy against solid competition in the Gateway League.

16. Oak Hills (6-0 – 16th)

Oak Hills smashed Burroughs 55-0 last week. The clock is ticking until the Oct. 21 showdown at Apple Valley.

17. Citrus Valley (5-1 – 17th)

Speaking of colossal league matches between San Bernardino area powerhouses, the competition atop the Citrus Belt League is as good as ever in 2022. Citrus Valley hosts Cajon on Friday, and even comes in as a light favorite in the eyes of some for a change.

18. Norco (4-2 – 18th)

The Cougars put up 69 points on Vista Murrieta last week. This week when they face Murrieta Valley, don't be shocked if it's the highest-scoring game of the year.

19. Ayala (6-1 – 19th)

Now back to full strength, Ayala's offense came alive in a 56-33 revenge win against Glendora.

20. Rancho Cucamonga (4-2 – 20th)

After a bye week, the Cougars are heading to rival Etiwanda prepared for revenge after last year.

21. Apple Valley (5-1 – 21st)

Apple Valley crushed Serrano 50-0 to start MRL play, and will again be heavily favored this week against Sultana.

22. Yorba Linda (6-0 – 22nd)

While the Mustangs kept the regular season streak alive, it was surprisingly close last week against an underrated El Dorado (Placentia) squad. They pulled out a 24-21 victory and finish non-league play against Esperanza on Friday.

23. Murrieta Valley (5-1 – 23rd)

As was mentioned, Murrieta Valley against Norco could very well be the shootout of the year. The Nighthawks beat Roosevelt 48-17 last week.

24. San Clemente (5-2 – 24th)

San Clemente steamrolled Steele Creek of the San Diego Section last week as expected. Time for a bye week, and then the biggest game of the regular season – arch rival Mission Viejo.

25. Cajon (5-1 – 25th)

While every game in the country is overshadowed by Mater Dei/Bosco this week, Cajon at Citrus Valley could be one of California's games of the year.

NEXT FIVE:

Corona del Mar, La Serna, Oaks Christian, St. Bonaventure, Pasadena