The Times’ top 25
Rankings and comments by Ben Bolch:
| Rk. | Team (Rec., Sec.-Div.) | Comment |
| 1 | SERVITE (14-1, SS-Pac-5) | Reality TV producers should execute rarely used common-sense clause and admit they erred in cutting Cody Fajardo. |
| 2 | CRENSHAW (14-1, City-Division I) | Whose house? Rankings committee really doesn’t care as long as it doesn’t have to hear that tired chant again. |
| 3 | EDISON (13-1, SS-Pac 5) | Raindrops were falling on Chargers’ heads -- and hands -- during fumble-plagued loss to Servite. |
| 4 | GARDENA SERRA (15-0, SS-Northwest) | Cavaliers’ opponents won’t be out of the Woods next season with so much talent returning. |
| 5 | WESTLAKE (14-0, SS-Northern) | Too bad only bowling unbeaten Warriors got to do was at their local Fair Lanes. |
| 6 | OAKS CHRISTIAN (13-1, SS-Northwest) | Hemingway’s take on 2009 Lions: Stars, stars everywhere but no bling beyond Tri-Valley League title. |
| 7 | LAKEWOOD (11-2, SS-Pac-5) | After falling one victory short of title game for a second consecutive year, you could call the Lancers semi-tough. |
| 8 | MISSION VIEJO (12-1, SS-Pac 5) | Diablos will be kicking themselves -- and hundreds of practice PATs -- during long off-season. |
| 9 | CHAPARRAL (11-3, SS-Inland) | Having avenged losses to Vista Murrieta and Corona Centennial, Pumas hope to draw Servite in passing league. |
| 10 | VISTA MURRIETA (13-1, SS-Inland) | When referring to 2010 section title game, Broncos hope to be able to say, “Been there, won that.” |
| 11 | MOORPARK (12-2, SS-Northern) | Musketeers suggest rule allowing Marmonte League champion to automatically qualify for bowl game. |
| 12 | BISHOP AMAT (10-2, SS-Pac 5) | Lancers set records for league victories and loudest stat keeper in the press box. |
| 13 | ST. BONAVENTURE (11-2, SS-Northern) | Who knew when Jim Benkert called Seraphs “a college team” he was referring to early ‘80s Northwestern? |
| 14 | NORCO (11-2, SS-Inland) | It’s a season of agonizing near-misses for Cougars in playoffs and Heisman Trophy race. |
| 15 | VALENCIA (12-1, SS-Northern) | Vikings once again show the (in)significance of unbeaten records and top seedings in the playoffs. |
| 16 | MIRA COSTA (12-2, SS-Western) | Because of budget cuts, Mustangs’ coach must also serve as athletic director, assistant principal and water boy. |
| 17 | S.O. NOTRE DAME (9-3, SS-Pac 5) | Biggest disappointments of 2009 included “Mall Cop,” “Sorority Row” and Knights football. |
| 18 | CORONA CENTENNIAL (10-3, SS-Inland) | Wonder if Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian lets his cellphone bark during Huskies’ recruiting visits. |
| 19 | UPLAND (12-2, SS-Central) | Baseline League teams check to see if there’s a limit on how many years the Nunes brothers can torment them. |
| 20 | REDLANDS E. VALLEY (11-1, SS-Inland) | Wildcats are 19-1 in last two regular seasons but have turned into .500 Mildcats in playoffs. |
| 21 | DANA HILLS (9-3, SS-Pac-5) | Turns out the beach boys can hang with the rough-and-tumble crowd. |
| 22 | LONG BEACH POLY (6-6, SS-Pac-5) | Who does Snoop Dogg root for if his beloved Jackrabbits play his new faves from Crenshaw? |
| 23 | CHARTER OAK (13-1, SS-Southeast) | Chargers vs. Rancho Cucamonga the last two years: 0-1-1. Not facing the Cougars in the playoffs: priceless. |
| 24 | LA HABRA (13-1, SS-Southwest) | With five section titles in last 10 years, Highlanders weren’t half bad. |
| 25 | ALEMANY (10-4, SS-Western) | How will Warriors go on without their Malcolm (Marable) in the middle of every big play? |
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