OC schools maintain position atop CIF-SS

Published Aug. 30, 2012 11:34 a.m. ET

foxsports

Week zero is now officially in the rearview mirror. While some big stories emerged after the first week play, the Orange County schools maintained their positions as some of the best in the region. Five teams remain in the CIF Southern Section’s top 25 rankings with Santa Margarita still ranked on top. Here’s a look at what those teams will face this week.

No. 1 Santa Margarita (1-0)
Santa Margarita continues to be in not only the local spotlight but is making national headlines as well. Although four turnovers was an attention-grabbing number, Johnny Stanton still shined in his performance, helping the Eagles to a 27-14 win over Arizona’s Brophy Prep in Phoenix. The Nebraska commit was responsible for all four touchdowns, throwing for two and rushing for two. Ryan Wolpin, one of the Eagles biggest weapons on the ground, nearly amassed 100 yards in the fourth quarter alone. Santa Margarita’s defense could be in for a test this week against Long Beach Jordan. Last week, the Panthers put on an offensive show, routing Sun Valley Poly 65-9. However, the bigger test will be for Jordan as Santa Margarita shows no signs of letting up.

No. 3 Mission Viejo (1-0)
A featured Prep Zone game, the Diablos should be ready to roll after dominant, 35-0 shutout performance against Bakersfield Centennial last week. But the focus will be on San Marcos Mission Hills, as the Grizzlies take the field for the first time since former teammate Anthony Vaeao passed away. Vaeao, a former offensive lineman collapsed during a pickup basketball game just weeks before he was set to graduate from Mission Hills, and was unresponsive at the scene. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Vaeao died of an enlarged heart muscle, bringing closure to his family, friends and former teammates.

No. 9 Mater Dei (0-0)
After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2011, the Monarchs are back with a fully loaded, veteran squad. Mater Dei should be just as deep as Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo this season, senior quarterback Ryan McMahon will have his pick of top receivers to connect with as three All-Trinity League receivers return for their senior seasons. Mater Dei will open its season Friday against Rancho Santa Fe St. Paul (0-1). While Monarchs, who have rarely had down seasons under head coach Bruce Rollinson, have little concerns with the passing game, the question will be whether or not they can run.

No. 10 Tesoro (1-0)
The Titans have flown largely under the radar as the top two teams in the region have garnered much of the attention. Coming off of a cupcake game against Compton, in which the Titans easily won 55-14, the Titans will now face Newhall Hart. Hart, who returns quarterback Connor Wingenroth and features up-and-coming sophomore receiver Trent Irwin, will have plenty of firepower to match a senior-laden Titan offense. After last week’s win, Tesoro moved up one spot in the rankings and a solid showing over Hart could result in more movement.