THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A preseason look at the top wrestling teams in the Southland:

1. Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (SS-Div. I, Inland)

Undisputed top team in Southern California is among the best in the nation. State champion Joe Williams leads group of four returning wrestlers who placed in the state finals.

2. Santa Ana (SS-Div. I, Southern)

Hugo Guzman, a 103-pound dynamo, and 145-pounder Scott Becerra were state qualifiers last season and among a group of five Masters qualifiers returning for the Saints.

3. North Torrance (SS-Div. II, Central)

Saxons have Matt Bautista at 103 pounds and Danny Brannon at 189 among seven returning Masters qualifiers. Redondo transfers Mario and David Acosta add more scoring punch.

4. Temecula Valley (SS-Div. I, Coastal)

Seven seniors graduated, but Golden Bears always reload and still have Masters qualifiers Steve Saric (112 pounds), Morgan Atkinson (130) and Jay Bowman (135).

5. Atascadero (SS-Div. I, Northern)

Anyone favored in Pac-Five League should be favored in just about any meet. Joe Belmonte, Glenn Rhees and Trevor Tice lead the way for the Greyhounds.

6. Rosemead (SS-Div. II, Eastern)

Panthers will be young this year, but Masters champion Manuel Rivera returns, and Sean Prentice, a transfer from Alhambra, also qualified for Masters last season.

7. Los Alamitos (SS-Div. II, Coastal)

Mike Gabrielson has a good shot at a state title this season. Masters qualifiers Tim and Tom Le are also back for the Griffins, who return 11 starters.

8. Covina Northview (SS-Div. III, Southern)

Masters qualifiers Artie Zuniga (112 pounds), Paul Paez (125) and Louie Barcelo (130) return, and Nick Leon (140) leads a group a three very good freshmen.

9. Orange El Modena (SS-Div. I, Eastern)

Ten starters return from team that won Central Division championship last season. State qualifier Daniel Contreras and Masters qualifier Zach Clements lead the way.

10. Chino Hills Ayala (SS-Div. I, Inland)

Defending Inland Division champions have four Masters qualifiers returning, including Anthony Fernandez (215 pounds), Daniel Trunco (112) and Phillip Gomez (160).