California Gridiron Showdown: Unpacking the Week's Top 25 High School Football Battles

October 10, 2025, delivered another electrifying chapter in California high school football, with the state's elite Top 25 teams battling it out in contests that showcased both dominant power and nail-biting finishes. From monumental rivalry clashes to unexpected upsets, this week has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape for playoff contention.

Mater Dei Retains Top Spot in Thriller

The much-anticipated showdown between No.

1 Mater Dei and No. 2 St. John Bosco lived up to its billing, as Mater Dei emerged victorious in a hard-fought 35-28 contest. The Monarchs displayed their characteristic offensive firepower and staunch defense, fending off a relentless Bosco charge in the final minutes. This win solidifies Mater Dei's hold on the top ranking and sends a clear message to the rest of the state about their championship aspirations.

Centennial's Dominance Continues

No.

3 Centennial (Corona) once again proved their might, dismantling JSerra Catholic with a resounding 56-7 victory. The Huskies' offense was an unstoppable force, piling up points at will, while their defense stifled JSerra's attack from the opening whistle. Centennial's consistent, high-level performance underscores their position as a formidable contender.

Upset Alert: St.

Francis Stuns De La Salle

In one of the week's biggest surprises, No. 4 St. Francis (Mountain View) pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset over perennial powerhouse De La Salle. The Lancers executed a near-perfect game plan, showcasing resilience and grit against a program synonymous with victory.

This monumental win will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Northern California rankings and elevate St. Francis's profile considerably.

Serra Cruises, Long Beach Poly Secures Key Win

No. 5 Serra (San Mateo) demonstrated their control with a decisive 42-14 win over Valley Christian, maintaining their impressive form.

Meanwhile, No. 6 Long Beach Poly secured a crucial victory against Mission Viejo, 28-20, in a game that tested their mettle. The Jackrabbits' ability to close out a tough opponent highlights their readiness for deeper playoff runs.

Other Noteworthy Performances:

• No.

  7 Folsom continued their winning ways, dispatching Sacramento High 49-14, showcasing their explosive offense.

• No. 8 Norco made a strong statement with a 45-21 triumph over Rancho Cucamonga, displaying a balanced attack.
• No. 9 Corona del Mar secured a tough road win against Los Alamitos, 31-27, in a seesaw battle that came down to the final possession.
• No.

  10 Mission Hills had a dominant defensive performance in their 38-7 victory over Carlsbad.

As the regular season marches towards its conclusion, every game carries immense weight. This week's results have further clarified the pecking order for some, while throwing intriguing new challengers into the mix for others.

With playoffs looming, the intensity on California's high school football fields is only set to escalate.