Prep Football: Mission Hills Claims Top Spot in Tightest Poll Race of the Season

Others Receiving Votes: Imperial (9-0, 14 points), Santa Fe Christian (9-0, 8 points),

Rancho Bernardo (7-2, 3 points), Mission Bay (9-0, 2 points), Holtville (8-1, 1 point)

After a week of stunning upsets that saw both Lincoln and Carlsbad fall from the Top 2, Mission Hills (8-1) has ascended to No. 1 in the latest San Diego Union-Tribune poll, collecting 15 first-place votes and 260 points. The Grizzlies' 56-0 rout over Rancho Bernardo demonstrated the explosive potential that has voters convinced they're the county's most complete team. However, the race couldn't be tighter—Cathedral Catholic (7-2) sits just two points behind at No. 2 after their stunning 42-33 upset of previously top-ranked Lincoln. The Dons' junior running back Honor Fa'alave-Johnson's five-touchdown performance earned them 10 first-place votes and validated their championship credentials despite a few setbacks on the season.

La Costa Canyon (8-1) jumped to No. 3 with five first-place votes after their dominant 50-22 victory over arch-rival Carlsbad, while Lincoln dropped to fourth following their first loss in Western League play since 2021. The most intriguing storyline remains Point Loma's perfect 9-0 season at No. 7, as the Pointers continue their methodical march through opponents while flying under the radar, despite having a win over Cathedral on their resume. As the regular season winds down, three other undefeated teams—Imperial, Mission Bay, and Santa Fe Christian—lurk just outside the top 10, each hoping to make a late-season push into the rankings. With playoff seeding on the line and several key matchups looming, the final week of the regular season promise to deliver more drama.