SBLive's San Diego Section Football Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2020
With the hope of a 2020 California high school football season on the horizon, we're taking a way-too-early look at the top teams in the state of California, section by section.
The major caveat with our way-too-early rankings is we still don't know how COVID-19 will impact the 2020 season, and we don't know when (or if) it will start.
But we're hopeful. And with that in mind, let's talk some football. Here's a look at the best high school football teams in the San Diego Section heading into summer 2020.
SBLIVE'S WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 25
May 29, 2020
1. Helix
The reigning open division champions add Tyler Buchner and Josh Simmons.
2. Oceanside
Player of the year candidate Kavika Tua leads the reigning division one champions.
3. Mission Hills
Elisha Lloyd, Jason Boyle and McKyle So'oto lead a loaded Grizzlies defense.
4. Cathedral Catholic
A talented defense will help mitigate the loss of several key players on offense.
5. Lincoln
Several offseason additions will help the Hornets overcome the loss of top players on each side of the ball.
6. Torrey Pines
The Falcons new offensive identity sets up well with their returning offensive personnel.
7. El Camino
The Wildcats are ready to take the next step after winning the division two title in 2019.
8. Carlsbad
Carlsbad will rely heavily on returning quarterback Aidan Sayin after graduating several key players on both sides of the ball.
9. St. Augustine
The Saints will need offensive weapons to step up alongside Richard Colmenero III. Junior Gracen Halton is a force on the defensive line.
10. La Costa Canyon
Running back Aiden Lippert will need a big season to help the Mavericks bring along new starters at quarterback and wide receiver.
11. Mater Dei Catholic
The Crusaders are the clear-cut favorite in division three and look to have the potential of a top 10 team.
12. La Jolla
The reigning division three champions have several key returners, led by two-way standout Max Smith.
13. Scripps Ranch
Luke Durkin and Nicholas Gardinera have emerged as college prospects after a 12-1 season in 2019.
14. Granite Hills
Dual-threat quarterback Justus McComb did it all in 2019 and is poised to be even better in his senior season.
15. San Marcos
The Knights lost several top contributors to graduation and will be working in a new quarterback. Junior running back Kaden Vohnout is a breakout candidate.
16. Morse
Jaycob Hicks and Byron Cardwell form the best running back duo in the county.
17. Madison
Quarterback Jaylen Thomas and leading tackler Jahvi Blomquist are two of the very few returning starters for the Warhawks.
18. Vista
Quarterback Travis Bennett will be heavily relied on after the Panthers graduated over 4,000 rushing yards.
19. Serra
The reigning division four champions return their top four tackles and top two rushers in Dustan Ellison and Brevin Lingao.
20. Eastlake
Former San Marcos coach Jason Texler takes over after Drew Westling resigned before coaching a game.
21. Grossmont
Running back Robert Tucker looks to improve on his 20-touchdown campaign from a season ago.
22. Steele Canyon
Graduations and transfers hurt the Cougars, who should still be competitive in the Grossmont-Hills League.
23. San Pasqual
The Golden Eagles will look to repeat as Valley League Champions after losing 31 seniors.
24. Mira Mesa
The Marauders lose Elijah Thomas but return a ton of young talent.
25. Mt. Carmel
Carson Taumoepeau made big strides as a junior and returns for his third season under center.
