California high school football boasts a rich and diverse history, with numerous programs leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From powerhouse teams in major metropolitan areas to storied programs in smaller communities, the Golden State's high school football landscape is as varied as the state itself. In this comprehensive summary, we'll explore the all-time rankings of some iconic California high school football teams, delving into their successes, key players, and the cultural significance they hold within the state.
One of the perennial powerhouses in California high school football is De La Salle High School in Concord. The Spartans' all-time ranking is a testament to their unparalleled success on the gridiron. Coached by the legendary Bob Ladouceur and later Justin Alumbaugh, De La Salle achieved a historic 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2004, solidifying its status as one of the greatest high school football programs in the nation. Notable players like Maurice Jones-Drew and D.J. Williams honed their skills at De La Salle before moving on to successful college and professional careers. The Spartans' commitment to excellence has made them a perennial contender for state championships, shaping the narrative of California high school football.
Down in Southern California, Long Beach Polytechnic High School has established itself as a football powerhouse. With an all-time ranking that reflects sustained success, the Jackrabbits have produced a multitude of NFL talents, including Willie McGinest, DeSean Jackson, and Marcedes Lewis. Coached by icons like Raul Lara and Antonio Pierce, Long Beach Poly has a storied history that spans decades. The program's commitment to developing both on-field skills and character has contributed to its enduring legacy in California high school football.
Heading to the Central Valley, the Bakersfield High School Drillers have left an indomitable mark on the California football landscape. With an all-time ranking that showcases their consistent competitiveness, the Drillers have been a force to be reckoned with. Coached by legendary figures like Paul Briggs and current head coach Michael Stewart, Bakersfield High School has secured numerous Central Section championships and produced notable alumni such as Frank Gifford and Joey Porter. The Drillers' resilience and dedication to the sport have made them a symbol of football excellence in the heart of California.
Top 20 most dominant California high school football programs of last Dominating the decade: California
1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower) (705)
State championships: 2013 (Open), 2016 (Open), 2019 (Open), 2022 (Open)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (1), 2014 (4), 2015 (3), 2016 (1), 2017 (2), 2018 (2), 2019 (1), 2020 (2), 2021 (4), 2022 (1)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (3), 2014 (19), 2015 (6), 2016 (5), 2017 (8), 2018 (3), 2019 (1), 2021 (6), 2022 (1)
2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana) (665)
State championships: 2017 (Open), 2018 (Open), 2021 (Open)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (3), 2014 (6), 2015 (2), 2016 (2), 2017 (1), 2018 (1), 2019 (2), 2020 (1), 2021 (1), 2022 (2)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (10), 2015 (17), 2016 (3), 2017 (1), 2018 (2), 2019 (2), 2021 (1), 2022 (3)
3. De La Salle (Concord) (594)
State championships: 2014 (Open), 2015 (Open)
State runner-up: 2013 (Open), 2016 (Open), 2017 (Open), 2018 (Open), 2019 (Open), 2022 (I-AA)
State Top 25: 2013 (2), 2014 (1), 2015 (1), 2016 (5), 2017 (5), 2018 (3), 2019 (3), 2020 (8), 2021 (14), 2022 (17)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (8), 2014 (3), 2015 (3), 2016 (24), 2017 (25), 2018 (9), 2019 (12)
4. Centennial (Corona) (485)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: 2014 (Open), 2015 (Open)
State Top 25: 2013 (6), 2014 (3), 2015 (2), 2016 (3), 2017 (4), 2018 (5), 2019 (5), 2021 (3), 2022 (5)
Nationally ranked: 2014 (18), 2015 (5), 2016 (15), 2017 (12), 2018 (14), 2019 (20), 2021 (10)
5. Folsom (357)
State championships: 2014 (1), 2017 (1AA), 2018 (1AA)
State runner-up: 2021 (I-AA)
State Top 25: 2013 (8), 2014 (2), 2015 (8), 2016 (15), 2017 (3), 2018 (4), 2019 (23), 2020 (15), 2021 (18), 2022 (10)
Nationally ranked: 2014 (4), 2017 (18), 2018 (17)
6. Mission Viejo (310)
State championships: 2015 (I-AA)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (7), 2014 (12), 2015 (4), 2016 (8), 2017 (6), 2018 (8), 2019 (6), 2020 (12), 2021 (6), 2022 (4)
Nationally ranked: 2015 (10), 2017 (17), 2019 (23)
7. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) (168)
State championships: 2016 (I-AA), 2021 (I-AA)
State runner-up: 2018 (I-AA)
State Top 25: 2013 (16), 2014 (20), 2016 (4), 2018 (9), 2019 (20), 2020 (5), 2021 (5)
Nationally ranked: 2016 (16)
8. Serra (San Mateo) (122)
State championships: 2017 (2-AA)
State runner-up: 2019 (I-A), 2021 (Open), 2022 (Open)
State Top 25: 2017 (8), 2019 (11), 2020 (22), 2021 (10), 2022 (7)
Nationally ranked: N/A
9. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano) (121)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (15), 2014 (10), 2015 (21), 2017 (18), 2018 (7), 2019 (13), 2022 (11)
Nationally ranked: 2018 (17)
10. Servite (Anaheim) (119)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (18), 2017 (24), 2019 (10), 2020 (3), 2021 (2)
Nationally ranked: 2021 (5)
11. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) (113)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: 2018 (I-A), 2019 (I-AA)
State Top 25: 2016 (16), 2018 (13), 2019 (9), 2020 (4), 2021 (12), 2022 (9)
Nationally ranked: N/A
T-12. Chaminade (West Hills) (101)
State championships: 2013 (II)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (4), 2016 (22), 2017 (11), 2022 (19)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (18)
T-12. Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) (101)
State championships: 2013 (III), 2019 (1A)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2018 (22), 2019 (4)
Nationally ranked: 2019 (16)
14. Helix (La Mesa) (90)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: 2016 (Open), 2017 (1AA)
State Top 25: 2013 (25), 2014 (15), 2015 (7), 2016 (20), 2017 (7), 2019 (12)
Nationally ranked: N/A
15. Central Catholic (Modesto) (87)
State championships: 2013 (IV), 2014 (IV), 2015 (SMALL)
State runner-up: 2021 (2-AA)
State Top 25: 2015 (9)
Nationally ranked: N/A
T-16. Narbonne (Harbor City) (86)
State championships: 2015 (I-A), 2017 (I-A)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2015 (25), 2016 (23), 2017 (9), 2019 (8), 2020 (19)
Nationally ranked: N/A
T-16. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) (86)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (13), 2015 (22), 2017 (12), 2018 (6)
Nationally ranked: 2018 (16)
T-16. Serra (Gardena) (86)
State championships: 2021 (I-A)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (11), 2014 (11), 2015 (11), 2016 (25), 2021 (11), 2022 (21)
Nationally ranked: N/A
19. Bishop Amat (La Puente) (84)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2014 (5), 2015 (6), 2018 (12), 2019 (16), 2021 (17), 2022 (16)
Nationally ranked: N/A
20. Central (Fresno) (81)
State championships: 2019 (I-AA)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2017 (22), 2018 (14), 2019 (7)
Nationally ranked: 2019 (25)
In the heart of Los Angeles, the Crenshaw High School Cougars have etched their own legacy in California high school football. With an all-time ranking that reflects their competitive spirit, the Cougars have produced NFL talents like Keyshawn Johnson and Brandon Mebane. Coached by iconic leaders like Robert Garrett, Crenshaw High School has been a consistent contender in the City Section, capturing the attention of fans across the state. The program's impact extends beyond the football field, serving as a source of pride for the local community.
Venturing to the Inland Empire, the Centennial High School Huskies have risen to prominence in California high school football. With an all-time ranking that mirrors their sustained success, the Huskies have become a force in the state's football scene. Coached by Matt Logan, Centennial has captured multiple CIF Southern Section championships and produced NFL talents like Vontaze Burfict and J.J. Taylor. The program's commitment to excellence and its explosive style of play have made the Huskies a perennial contender on the California high school football stage.
In conclusion, the all-time rankings of California high school football teams showcase the diversity, talent, and rich history of the sport in the Golden State. From the northern reaches to the southern stretches, each team's journey is woven into the cultural fabric of California. The legendary programs mentioned here – De La Salle, Long Beach Poly, Bakersfield, Crenshaw, and Centennial – exemplify the enduring spirit of California high school football, where Friday nights are not just games but cultural events that unite communities and inspire the dreams of young athletes.
