Folsom QB Kaiden Bennett is about to deliver a pass during 16-0 team’s win over Helix of La Mesa in CIF D1-AA state final. Photo: Willie Eashman.
We explain why De La Salle only dropped from No. 3 to No. 4 and why Helix ended up at No. 10 after those two teams lost in the CIF state title games. This part of the final rankings only includes one new team, St. Mary’s of Stockton, which was selected for Cajon of San Bernardino. We also did not move up CIF D2-AA state champ Serra of San Mateo (keeping the Padres behind every CIFSS Trinity League team) but have other plans to honor that squad.
For teams ranked No. 26 to No. 50 in final 2017 season rankings (Also Gold Club post), CLICK HERE.
Note: All State Top 50 rankings posts for the season (after the first week) have been for Gold Club members only. Final divisional state rankings and some parts of the 39th annual Cal-Hi Sports all-state teams also will be Gold Club. You can still sign up today for just $9.99 for three months. For details, CLICK HERE.
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
(After games of Saturday, Dec. 16)
*Losses or wins by forfeit not included.
1. (1) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 15-0
Just three days after the Monarchs completed their season with a 56-21 win over previous No. 3 De La Salle of Concord for the CIF Open Division state title, junior quarterback JT Daniels was presented with the Gatorade National Player of the Year trophy. Arguments could be made for others, but hard to argue against what Daniels did all season as well. His return next season has been speculated as uncertain due to reclassification, but Daniels has said at least twice that he’ll be back at Mater Dei next season. It’s not a bare cupboard with him, either. Receiver Bru McCoy will also be back, along with junior LB Mace Funa and running backs Shakobe Harper and Christopher Steele.
