It’s never too early for a football top-10 list

Spring football practice has begun, so it’s the perfect time to project 10 top teams for the 2009 season:

* Lakewood. It’s a little foolish to predict a school other than Long Beach Poly will win the Moore League, considering Poly hasn’t lost a league game since 1994, but the Lancers deserve respect.

“I wouldn’t say we’re the favorites until we beat those guys,” Lakewood Coach Thadd MacNeal said. “We’re getting closer, but we haven’t turned the corner.”

Lakewood could find itself in a CIF state championship bowl game. Quarterback Jesse Scroggins passed for 2,462 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior, and he’s in the discussion about which quarterback ranks as best in the Southland. He already has scholarship offers from California, Tennessee and Louisiana State.

“He’s bigger, stronger and has a lot more confidence,” MacNeal said.

Also back is running back Jerry Stone, who rushed for 1,450 yards and helped the team reach the Pac-5 Division semifinals. There are two newcomers to watch. Junior-to-be Rahim Cassell, 6 feet 2 and 215 pounds, “is going to be a big-time linebacker,” MacNeal said. Junior Todd Barr, 6-3 and 250 pounds, could be a standout on the defensive line.

* Los Angeles Crenshaw. There are few teams with the skill-position talent of the Cougars. Their home game against Lakewood on Sept. 4 could be the most important of the season, with the winner earning a bowl invite in December.

With linebacker Hayes Pullard, running back DeAnthony Thomas, receiver Geno Hall and L.A. Cathedral transfer Josh Williamson, who plays quarterback, the Cougars are overwhelming favorites to win the City Section championship. By participating in numerous spring and summer passing tournaments, they are gearing up to challenge the best in Southern California.

* Westlake Village Oaks Christian. No other Southland team can say it has five players who rank among the top 100 in the country as the Lions have. And they are legit standouts. Quarterback Nick Montana, offensive tackle Erik Kohler, running back Malcolm Jones, linebacker Zac Stout and defensive lineman Cassius Marsh are an imposing group. The Lions have improved their schedule, and if they finish 14-0, they’ll be tough to keep out of a bowl game.

* Rancho Cucamonga. This is a program that few thought could topple Upland or Los Osos last season, and all the Cougars did was finish 13-0-1, and look who’s back: quarterback Greg Watson (2,506 yards passing, 16 touchdowns), USC-bound tight end Randall Telfer and leading rusher Sateki Finau.

* Ventura St. Bonaventure. The Seraphs no longer have rebuilding years because they play lots of talented underclassmen who end up distinguishing themselves against top competition. Quarterback Logan Meyer, defensive back Troy Hill, lineman Giovanni DiPoalo and linebacker Dylan Davis are ready to make another bowl run.

* Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. It’s scary how good the Knights’ spread offense might be if their new group of receivers can progress, considering that quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, last season’s Gatorade state player of the year, is back, along with four offensive line starters and running back Kenny Boggs. Add to that, sophomore running back Jacob Smith has a chance to be as fast as former state 100-meter champions Justin Fargas and Rodney Glass.

* Long Beach Poly. Never underestimate the Jackrabbits, a school whose second-stringers could start at most programs. “We’re going to be young and inexperienced,” Coach Raul Lara said. All that means is the Jackrabbits will have lots of talent coming up from the junior varsity. The top returnees are running back Cory Westbrook, receiver Kaelin Clay and defensive lineman Ryan Edwards.

* Anaheim Servite. The Friars have been co-champs in the Trinity League for the last four years, and there’s lots to like about their returnees. Junior defensive lineman Troy Niklas, 6-5 and 240, is becoming a man among boys. Another defensive lineman, Kirifi Taula, 6-3 and 270, can be a dominating presence in the middle. Quarterback Cody Fajardo showed good potential as a junior. Coach Troy Thomas has done everything except beat rival Santa Ana Mater Dei and win a section title.

* Encino Crespi. After reaching the Pac-5 Division championship game in 2007, the Celts didn’t make the playoffs last season. That failure has their talented class of seniors determined to reverse fortunes. “I feel it’s coming together,” Coach Jeremiah Ross said. The Celts are going to be able to spread defenses with an excellent quarterback in Bryan Bennett and top receivers in Blake Stanton, Devin Lucien and 6-5 tight end Pierce Richardson. Three college prospects return on the offensive line.

* Orange Lutheran. Coach Jim Kunau wouldn’t be taking his team for a game in Ohio if he didn’t think the Lancers would be very good. Linebacker Garret Gilliland (12 sacks), running back Exavier Edwards, quarterback Bobby Wheatley and kicker Parker Flynn are players to build around.

There are more top teams, such as Huntington Beach Edison, Corona Centennial, Los Angeles Loyola, Santa Ana Mater Dei, Temecula Chaparral, Gardena Serra, Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro and Mission Viejo.

Let’s see how everyone performs in summer passing competitions and where the transfer students end up.

--

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com