Vote now: Who should be SBLive’s California High School Football Coach of the Week (9/7/2023)?

Vote as many times as you'd like until the end of Monday

Here are the candidates for SBLive’s California High School Coach of the Week for Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 as nominated by fans, readers and SBLive’s staff. Read through the nominees and cast your vote below. Voting will conclude on Monday, Sept. 11 at 11:59 p.m and the winner will be announced on Tuesday. If you would like to nominate a coach in future weeks, please email Lance@scorebooklive.com or tag us on Twitter or Instagram at @SBLiveCA.

Dan O'Shea, St. Margaret's: O'Shea got his first win at St. Margaret's in a 26-20 victory over Capistrano Valley Christian. The game was tied 20-20 at halftime, and running back Matt Arena recorded the only score of the second half with a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Matthew Mills, Deer Valley: Deer Valley ended a 12-game losing streak and got its first victory under Mills with a 54-18 win against Mt. Eden. Senior quarterback Jai'on Gary was dominant, completing nine of 12 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and turning just seven carries into 220 yards and three TDs.

Rod Sherman, Orange Lutheran: With a 20-0 win against Washington powerhouse Eastside Catholic, Orange Lutheran entered the national top 25 for the first time under Sherman, and moved to 3-0. Sophomores Talanoa Ili and Auma Jennings combined for 18 tackles and nine of the Lancers' 23 tackles for loss in the game.

Stephen Barbee, Long Beach Poly: For the second straight year, Long Beach Poly scored a last-minute touchdown to beat non-league rival Mission Viejo – which entered ranked in the national top 25. Wide receiver Kamarie Smith was named MVP of the matchup, which was part of the Great American Rivalry Series.

Patrick Walsh, Serra (San Mateo): Walsh received a nomination for the second time this season as his squad maintained its stranglehold over the rest of Northern California with a shutout of De La Salle. Jermaine Barrett recorded two interceptions, one for a touchdown, as Serra turned an 8-0 fourth quarter lead into a 28-0 rout.

Guy Gardner, Palos Verdes: With a 14-11 win against Corona del Mar, the Sea Kings started 3-0 for the first time since 2010 and entered SBLive's Southern Section top 25 for the first time. Defensive lineman Carson Moore led Palos Verdes with eight tackles, five TFLs, and three sacks.

Tom Ricci, Irvine: After starting last season 1-3, finishing 4-6, and missing the playoffs, Irvine is off to a 3-0 start following a 43-42 win over Troy. Running back Brandon Figueroa recorded career-highs of 229 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 23 receiving yards, and one touchdown catch.

Demaja Jones, Helix: For the second year in his two seasons as head coach, Jones has Helix off to a 3-0 start following a 30-22 win over Arizona powerhouse Red Mountain. The Highlanders' other two wins have come also against high-profile teams outside the San Diego Section, 38-34 over Edison (Huntington Beach) and 45-21 against Saint Francis (Mountain View). 

Kevin Glaspy, Covina: In his first year as the Colts' head coach, Glaspy – who was already athletic director at Covina – has his team at 3-0 for the first time since 2010. Covina won 42-32 against Diamond Bar after starting the season with routs of California (Whittier) and South Hills.

Casey Taylor, Oak Ridge: For the second straight season, Oak Ridge is off to a 3-0 start under third-year head coach Casey Taylor. Oak Ridge outdueled Madison 22-20 at the Honor Bowl last week, thanks in part to two-way standout Jasen Womack's 140 rushing yards and touchdown catch.