The latest West Region high school football poll reflects a seismic shift after Week 3 action, as Santa Margarita seized the top spot by beating Centennial in a rematch of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section championship. The victory not only restored confidence in the program but also erased a season‑opening error that had left the team unranked.
Key Upsets and Surprising Results
Bishop Gorman’s lofty expectations took a hit when the team fell to Columbus from Miami, Florida, dropping their record to 2‑1 and raising questions about their playoff viability. In contrast, St. John Bosco answered an opening‑week loss with a dominant 45‑25 win over Roman Catholic from Philadelphia, signaling a potential rebound.
Mater Dei continued its unbeaten start, improving to 2‑0 after a convincing performance against a strong Orem squad. The Monarchs have yet to surrender a point, positioning them as a formidable contender for the region’s crown.
Arizona’s own power struggle unfolded when Basha edged Chandler in a late‑game showdown, securing the state’s top ranking and underscoring the competitiveness of the desert schools. Chandler, however, stumbled due to five turnovers, a setback that could reshape its postseason outlook.
The return of quarterback Jax Sculley from ACL surgery added a narrative boost for Hamilton, who posted a 25‑6 victory. Sculley’s full‑speed performance hinted at a team ready to capitalize on a deep playoff run.
Sierra Canyon’s win over a formidable Florida opponent drew national attention, while Corner Canyon’s flawless 3‑0 record — highlighted by a 140‑21 scoring margin — sets up a tantalizing clash with Liberty (AZ) in the coming weeks.
Mililani in Hawaii posted two consecutive shutouts, including a 50‑0 triumph over McClymonds (CA), while Mission Viejo in California opened 2‑0 with a 77‑12 blowout, preparing for a pivotal matchup against Folsom (CA) that could determine the final rankings.
Orange Lutheran’s rebound victory over Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) showcased sophomore quarterback Ezrah Brown’s emergence, adding another layer of excitement to the region’s evolving storylines.
As the schedule tightens, teams like Liberty (Peoria, AZ) and Folsom (CA) stand poised to climb the charts, making every upcoming game a potential turning point in the race for playoff berths.