Preseason Landscape
Eight veteran journalists from the North Bay are once again wielding their ballots to shape the early narrative of high school football. Their weekly poll, now in its second iteration, follows the familiar Associated Press Top 25 format, converting rankings into a points‑based system that rewards higher placements.
Cardinal Newman High School has emerged as the preseason favorite, amassing 80 points and receiving a full slate of first‑place votes from the panel. The team’s dominance is reflected in the eight top votes it collected, positioning it ahead of its rivals.
Close behind, Marin Catholic holds the second spot with 72 points, while San Marin trails with 62 points, rounding out the top three. The poll’s scope encompasses more than 30 programs across Marin, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties, each competing in the traditional 11‑player format.
Key Matchups to Watch
Friday’s slate promises early tests, with Cardinal Newman traveling to Folsom for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff and Marin Catholic hosting Monte Vista at 7 p.m. Other matchups feature local powerhouses such as Windsor, American Canyon and St. Vincent taking on regional opponents. The season officially begins on Friday, marking the first chance for teams to translate preseason optimism into on‑field results.