SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings: No. 3 Granite Hills gets past St. Augustine
The top six teams in the San Diego Section remained in place following the third week of games. San Marcos, who made their debut in the top 10 last week at No. 9, moves up to the seventh spot after another dominant victory on both sides of the ball.
Granite Hills, remained at No. 3 following their comeback victory over St. Augustine on Friday. The reigning San Diego Section and CIF State champions took their bye in the second week of the season and has big games against Madison and Helix over the final eight weeks of the regular season.
SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 football rankings
1. Carlsbad (3-0)
Next game: Friday vs. Casteel (AZ)
Previous ranking: 1
Carlsbad handled their business against San Pasqual on Friday, scoring 35 first quarter points on their way to a 56-0 win over the Golden Eagles. Alabama commit Julian Sayin finished 12 of 14 passing for 247 yards and five touchdowns. Standout defender Thomas McCormick had a sack and returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.
2. Lincoln (3-0)
Next game: Thursday at Mater Dei Catholic
Previous ranking: 2
Lincoln traveled nearly 200 miles north to take on St. Bonaventure Friday night. The Hornets erupted for 21 third quarter points on their way to a 49-12 win over the Seraphs. Oregon commit Akili Smith Jr. threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns while senior linebackers Jerome Roberts and Micah Valenzuela combined for 30 tackles.
3. Granite Hills (2-0)
Next game: Friday at Eastlake
Previous ranking: 3
Freshman quarterback Zach Benitez led a comeback drive to give the Eagles a 24-21 victory over St. Augustine. Granite Hills will continue their road swing, visiting Eastlake and Central over the next two weeks.
4. Helix (3-0)
Next game: Friday at Madison
Previous ranking: 4
Helix built a 21-0 lead over Red Mountain (AZ) at Saturday's Honor Bowl and held on for a 30-22 victory over the Mountain Lions. Senior Kevin Allen III was named MVP of the game after rushing for 157 yards and a touchdown while also tacking on a sack and recovering a fumble for a touchdown.
5. St. Augustine (2-1)
Next game: Friday vs. Notre Dame Prep (AZ)
Previous ranking: 5
The Saints went toe-to-toe with reigning state champion Granite Hills on Friday, falling 24-21. St. Augustine lost quarterback Brady Palmer with an injury in the first half but managed 326 total yards including 246 on the ground.
6. Madison (2-1)
Next game: Friday vs. Helix
Previous ranking: 6
Madison got stuffed on a two-point conversion attempt on Friday, falling to Oak Ridge 22-20 at the Honor Bowl. Xavier Quintanar connected with Zagar Aiken on a wide receiver pass in the final minute to give the Warhawks a chance to tie the game.
7. San Marcos (3-0)
Next game: Friday at Torrey Pines
Previous ranking: 9
San Marcos won their third straight game by 20 points or more on Friday, beating Steele Canyon 33-6. Sophomore quarterback Kreet Makihele finished with 252 passing yards and five touchdowns, connecting with junior receiver Jase Nix for three scores.
8. La Costa Canyon (2-1)
Next game: Friday at Mira Mesa
Previous ranking: 7
La Costa Canyon picked up their first loss of the season on Friday, losing at San Clemente 28-3. The Mavericks will continue their three-game road stretch with games at Mira Mesa and Fallbrook over the next two weeks.
9. Cathedral Catholic (1-2)
Next game: Friday at St. Ignatius College Prep
Previous ranking: 8
The Dons led Brophy Prep (AZ) 7-0 after one quarter on Friday at the Honor Bowl before allowing 31 points over the final three quarters on their way to a 31-21 loss. They'll take on their third straight out of section opponent this week when they head to the Bay Area to take on St. Ignatius.
10. Mission Hills (2-1)
Next game: Friday vs. Orange Vista
Previous ranking: 10
Mission Hills jumped out to a 21-0 lead against Oceanside on Friday, beating the Pirates 28-14. Sophomore quarterback Troy Huhn tossed three touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown in the victory.
Others to watch: El Camino, Ramona, Del Norte, Mission Bay, El Capitan
(Feature photo by Todd Shurtleff)
