High school football preseason rankings: Top 7 Southland teams that look scary in 2024

Teams across the country have been gearing up for months for the 2024 high school football season. Several programs are already making headlines, not just for their previous performances, but for the formidable rosters they have assembled.

Let's look at the high school football season rankings among the top seven teams expected to dominate the 2024 season.

Top 7 mighty Southland high school teams to watch

7. Oaks Christian

Oaks Christian has long been a powerhouse in high school football, and 2024 is no different under the leadership of coach Charlie Collins. The defensive line, anchored by USC commit Hayden Lowe, is expected to be a brick wall for opposing offenses.

Another key player to watch is Ashton Zamani, who has proven his reliability as a kicker by hitting 7-of-9 field goals last season, with a personal best of 41 yards. On the offensive side, junior athlete Davon Benjamin is expected to make huge contributions, while linebacker Christian Knoos will be a crucial part of the team's defensive strategy.

The Lions will kick off their season on Aug. 23, facing Chaminade.

6. Sierra Canyon

Sierra Canyon is coming off a historic season, having made their first-ever Division 1 playoff appearance. The offense will be led by returning stars Wyatt Becker and Dane Dunn. Running back Jaxsen Stokes is also expected to boost the team's offensive attack.

On the defensive side, the high school has defensive linemen Madden Riordan and Richie Wesley. Wesley finished last season with 9.5 sacks and is expected to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Sierra Canyon’s season began on Aug. 16 with a challenging game against Punahou in Hawaii.

5. Orange Lutheran

Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman is optimistic as the team returns nearly 20 players with significant game experience. This continuity can prove invaluable, especially given the competitiveness of the Trinity League.

The high school team will be led by quarterback TJ Lateef, alongside other seniors, including Ben Alefaio, Tyler Hennessy, Cole Principe and Keelan Tagoa'i. Juniors Talanoa Ili, Christian Panapa, and sophomores Nico Bland and Bubba McClure are also expected to make big impacts this season.

Orange Lutheran will face one of the toughest schedules in the country, beginning their season on Aug. 23 when they travel to take on Serra of Gardena in Week 0.

4. Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo’s offense is expected to be one of the most explosive in the country. Wide receiver Vance Spafford is coming off a phenomenal sophomore season, during which he recorded 83 catches for 1,576 yards and 22 touchdowns. Spafford, along with other offensive players, is expected to be a major headache for defensive coordinators throughout the season.

On defense, Mission Viejo is anchored by Jaden Williams. The defensive lineman recorded an astonishing 18.5 sacks in 16 games last season.

The team will open their season against Santa Margarita in a Week 0 matchup.

3. St. John Bosco

For St. John Bosco, wide receiver Madden Williams is stepping into a leadership role after a strong season last year, where he recorded 428 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.

Sophomore defensive lineman Dutch Horisk looks like one of the high school team’s key leaders ahead of his junior season. Freshman receiver/defensive back Dorian Franklin and junior offensive lineman Matai Jefferson gave a good performance during the program’s annual spring game.

St. John Bosco will kick off their 2024 campaign on Aug. 24 in the Broward County National Football Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas, where they will face Chaminade-Madonna.

2. Corona Centennial

Corona Centennial High School is entering the 2024 season with a loaded offense, led by quarterback Husan Longstreet. Longstreet, who threw for 3,013 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes last season, is expected to have his best season yet.

The Huskies will open their season against Mater Dei on Aug. 22 at the Santa Ana Bowl in a game that will undoubtedly have national implications.

1. Mater Dei

Mater Dei is the team to beat in 2024. Coming off a CIF Division 1 and state open division title, the Monarchs are looking to continue their dominance under new coach Raul Lara, who previously led Long Beach Poly to five CIF titles.

Running back Jordon Davison, who recorded 662 yards and 10 touchdowns on 101 carries last season, will be a key part of the offense. Wide receiver Marcus Harris was the second-leading receiver in 2023 and is expected to be the top target for quarterback Dash Beierly. On defense, linebacker Abduall Sanders Jr. will carry the limelight. He recorded 48 tackles and caused three fumbles last season.

Mater Dei will start their season against Corona Centennial on Aug. 22 at Santa Ana Stadium.