The Times’ high school football preseason top 25

Since 2011, Santa Ana Mater Dei hasn’t been able to figure out how to topple the dynamic duo in high school football — Corona Centennial and Bellflower St. John Bosco.

The Monarchs are 0-6 vs. St. John Bosco and 1-3 vs. Centennial, the two schools that have dominated the Pac-5 playoff division. Now it’s Division 1 under a new playoff format, and Mater Dei appears to have the personnel to make a run.

The Monarchs are ranked No. 1 in The Times’ preseason top 25 rankings, aided by no less than 10 players who have received college scholarship offers. There’s depth throughout their lineup except on the offensive and defensive lines. If they can stay healthy in the trenches, veteran Coach Bruce Rollinson likes what he sees.

“I like the way they’ve jelled together,” he said.

St. John Bosco, led by powerful offensive and defensive lines, is No. 2 and Centennial, the two-time defending Pac-5 champion, is No. 3. Mission Viejo, with a 28-game win streak, is No. 4.

Here is a look at the high school football preseason top 25, as chosen by Eric Sondheimer:

Rk.; School (league); comment; opener

1. Mater Dei; Sophomore QB JT Daniels is the real deal; at Bishop Amat, Aug. 26

2. St. John Bosco; Offensive, defensive lines are terrific; vs. Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier (at U. of Cincinnati), Aug. 27

3. Corona Centennial; QB Tanner McKee is ready to become a star. vs. Chandler, Ariz. (at Norco), Aug. 27

4. Mission Viejo; 15 starters back for team with 28-game win streak. vs. Santa Margarita, Aug. 26

5. Narbonne; Defense, led by linebackers, will be outstanding. vs. Gardena Serra (at El Camino College), Aug. 26

6. Chaminade. Junior class is off the charts; at Oaks Christian, Aug. 26

7. Vista Murrieta; There’s speed, size, talent; vs. San Diego Madison, Aug. 26

8. Orange Lutheran; New offense add balance and intrigue; vs. La Mirada (at Orange Coast College), Aug. 26

9. Long Beach Poly; Beware of the McDonald brothers; vs. Los Alamitos (at Cerritos College), Aug. 26

10. Gardena Serra. Tamrick Ross had four sacks in opener; lost to Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro, 35-20, Friday

11. Corona del Mar; Most likely team to go unbeaten, led by QB Chase Garbers; at Palos Verdes, Aug. 26

12. Oaks Christian; QB Matt Corral, TE Colby Parkinson will be productive duo; vs. Chaminade, Aug. 26

13. Servite; A healthy QB Tyler Lytle is key for Friars; vs. Fountain Valley (at Huntington Beach), Aug. 26

14. Murrieta Valley; Lots of experience and talent; at Corona Santiago, Aug. 26

15. St. Bonaventure; Seraphs should have good line play to help running backs; vs. Bakersfield Centennial (at Ventura College), Aug. 27

16. Valencia; QB Aaron Thomas is ready to attract attention; vs. Palmdale, Sep. 2

17. Calabasas; Skill-position players and weak division make Coyotes likely champs; at Agoura, Aug. 26

18. La Mirada; Talent is there to make title run in Division 3; vs. Orange Lutheran (at Orange Coast College), Aug. 26

19. Upland; Watch sophomore QB Dave Baldwin develop; vs. Phoenix Mountain Pointe (at Norco), Aug. 27

20. Redlands East Valley; Who’s going to block Jaelan Phillips? vs. Etiwanda (at Citrus Valley), Sep. 2

21. Edison; Chargers won’t let Coach Dave White down in final season; at Wailuku (Hawaii) Baldwin, Saturday

22. Cathedral; Skill-position players are very good; at Santa Fe, Aug. 26

23. Hawkins; Lots of talent and favorable schedule; vs. Los Angeles Hamilton, Aug. 26

24. JSerra; Lions have tough schedule ahead; vs. Sacramento (at Mission Viejo), Aug. 26

25. San Clemente; QB Jack Sears knows how to win; vs. Oceanside, Aug. 26