Sports
Football: Top 10 After Week 9 and Patch's Vote
There are a couple of big movers after big victories over the weekend, but Mission Viejo remains No. 1.
The media has been in agreement for some time now, and it seems apparent: Mission Viejo is the best football team in Orange County.
But who's No. 2?
There was a big change this week following Orange Lutheran's impressive rout of Santa Margarita Catholic. The Lancers—previously at No. 4—displaced Mater Dei, and the two will face each other on Friday as the regular season comes to an end in the Southern Section. After that, the playoffs.
JSerra, despite spending the previous three weeks as the so-called doormat of the Trinity League, moved up from No. 8 to No. 5 with its victory over Servite. It closes the season against Santa Margarita with a chance to make the Pac-5 Division playoffs for the first time.
Below is the county Top 10 after Week 9, with first place counting for 10 points, second for nine, etc.).
ORANGE COUNTY FOOTBALL POLL
Text by Steve Fryer, Orange County Register
(Ten members of the media vote each week in the poll)
Find out what's happening in Fountain Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
1. Mission Viejo (9-0, 100 points) Diablos clinched share of another league title with 35-0 win over Trabuco Hills. Next: Vs. El Toro at El Toro High, Friday
2. Orange Lutheran (7-2, 87) Lancers scored crucial, one-sidedwin over Santa Margarita. Next: Vs. Mater Dei at Orange Coast College, Friday
Find out what's happening in Fountain Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
3. Mater Dei (7-2, 81) St. John Bosco just too much for everyone,including Monarchs. Next: Vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, Friday
4. Servite (5-4, 62) Friars gave up too many big plays in loss to JSerra. Next: Vs. St. John Bosco at St. John Bosco High, Friday.
5. JSerra (6-3, 60) Beating Servite was a huge win for the Lions and the program. Next: Vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, Friday
6. La Habra (8-1, 45) Clan won big against Sonora, face a challenge this week. Next: Vs. Buena Park at La Habra High, Friday
7. Santa Margarita (4-5, 40) Eagles shellacked by Orange Lutheran, 54-14. Next: Vs. JSerra at Saddleback College, Friday
8. Tesoro (7-2, 39) Titans clinched playoff berth with 30-14 win over San Clemente. Next: Vs. Chula Vista at Tesoro High, Friday
9. Corona del Mar (9-0, 14) Sea Kings got third shutout in 41-0 win over Beckman. Next: Vs. Northwood at Newport Harbor High, Friday
10. Los Alamitos (8-1, 12) Griffins would win share of title with victory Thursday. Next: Vs. Fountain Valley at Veterans Stadium, Thursday
MARTIN HENDERSON'S VOTE FROM PATCH.COM
1. Mission Viejo (9-0) Diablos win again and again don’t need injured Alex Suchesk.
2. Orange Lutheran (8-1) If they finish third, Lancers will be a handful for a league champion.
3. Mater Dei (7-2) Against St. John Bosco, little chance of that 2-0 lead holding up.
4. Servite (5-4) Friars scored 43 points—and lost.
5. JSerra (6-3) Victory over Servite is biggest in school history.
6. Santa Margarita (4-5) The team that beat Mater Dei isn’t the team that lost to OLu.
7. Tesoro (7-2) In the playoffs, can’t afford the slow start it got against San Clemente.
8. Edison (6-3) The return of Marcus Swanigan makes Chargers better, as evidenced by domination of Fountain Valley.
9. La Habra (8-1) Continue to roll through the Freeway League.
10. Trabuco Hills (5-4) Only losses to Margarita, JSerra, Tesoro and Mission.
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