The Los Angeles Times has unveiled its newest high school flag football rankings, spotlighting the programs that have excelled this season and the athletes whose performances have defined the competition. From JSerra’s flawless run to the rise of several coastal powerhouses, the list captures the dynamic landscape of high school football across Southern California.
JSerra’s Dominance
JSerra sits at the apex of the rankings with a perfect 10‑0 record, and senior forward Tessa Russell has become the season’s standout star, recording 83 receptions for 994 yards and 11 touchdowns. Her ability to stretch the field and find the end zone has been a catalyst for the team’s consistency, while the offense has averaged more than 45 points per game.
Sophomore quarterback Kate Meier adds a dual‑threat dimension, having thrown 35 passing touchdowns and rushed for eight more, totaling 43 scores; she is slated to face Santa Margarita on Wednesday, a matchup that could further cement JSerra’s place in the conversation about national contenders.
Other Top Contenders
Following JSerra, Newport Harbor holds the second spot with a 10‑1 record, and a quartet of players — Scarlett Guyser, Ally Shaw, Sammy Palmer and Skylie Cid — have combined for 2,164 yards and 31 touchdowns, underscoring the team’s balanced attack.
Orange Lutheran, ranked third at 10‑1, relies heavily on senior quarterback Alyssa McClure, whose 196 completions have yielded 1,718 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, complemented by 203 rushing yards, illustrating a versatile offensive approach.
Sierra Canyon, positioned fifth with a 7‑2 mark, is set to square off against MaxPreps Showdown opponents in Chula Vista this weekend, a contest that could influence its standing among the elite programs.
Huntington Beach, seventh in the rankings, improved to a 7‑2 record after an overtime victory over Edison, where Mia Aish contributed nine flag pulls and Roxie Shaia threw two touchdowns, highlighting the team’s knack for clutch performances.
Dos Pueblos, sixth at 10‑2, has strung together seven consecutive wins while limiting opponents to just 25 points all season, and is scheduled to meet Oxnard on September 15 in a game that may test its defensive resilience.
Westlake, eighth with an 8‑3 record, features Annabel O’Keefe, whose 2,342 passing yards and 36 touchdowns have made her one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the division.
Lakewood St. Joseph, ninth and unbeaten at 9‑0, has impressed with convincing victories over Beckman and Long Beach Poly, reinforcing its status as a top contender in the inland sector.
Oxnard, tenth with an 8‑4 record, has endured only losses to teams ranked higher, each margin staying within ten points, reflecting a competitive spirit that keeps its season alive.
Edison, the final entry at 7‑5, boasts a defense that forced 22 takeaways and recorded seven shutouts, even as its offense has struggled for consistency, a dichotomy that defines its place at the bottom of the list.
Together, these ten programs illustrate a season rich with offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and regional rivalries, setting the stage for a series of high‑stakes matchups that will shape the postseason picture.