Four Consecutive Wins Return Monte Vista to Prep Top 10

A year ago, Monte Vista High School had one of the finest defenses in San Diego County. The Monarchs recorded five shutouts en route to a 9-1 record and did not allow a touchdown on defense until the eighth week of the season.

With many of their defensive players returning this season, it was no surprise that the Monarchs were ranked fourth in The Times’ preseason rankings. However, Monte Vista started slowly, allowing four touchdowns in the fourth quarter of its season-opening 27-14 loss to Mira Mesa.

But it appears that the Monarch defense is back. Monte Vista blanked El Capitan, 13-0, last Friday for its fourth straight win and third straight shutout. The victory puts Monte Vista back in the rankings in the No. 10 spot in The Times’ rankings this week.

Monte Vista is the only newcomer to the Top 10 this week. Last week’s top teams went 9-0-1. Point Loma, ranked ninth last week, tied Crawford, 14-14, and has dropped out of the rankings.

Here’s this week’s Top 10:

Pos. School (League)Record 1. Helix (3A Grossmont) 5-0

2. Sweetwater (Metro-Mesa) 5-0

3. Vista (Palomar) 5-0

4. Lincoln (City Central) 2-2

5. Granite Hills (3A Grossmont) 5-0

6. Orange Glen (Palomar) 5-0

7. Fallbrook (Palomar) 5-0

8. Bonita Vista (Mesa) 4-1

9. Chula Vista (Mesa) 4-1

10. Monte Vista (3A Grossmont) 4-1

Best of the rest: Kearny (3-2-0), Point Loma (3-1-1), San Pasqual (4-1-0), Crawford (2-1-1).