THE TIMES TOP 25

The Southland’s top 25 high school football teams, as ranked by The Times’ prep staff:

1. Long Beach Poly

Who says Southern California doesn’t have an NFL team?

2. Rialto Eisenhower

With Idris Moss at quarterback and Damian Huff at running back, everybody likes Ike.

3. Santa Ana Mater Dei

Monarchs’ return to run-oriented attack will be led by Loyola transfer Rafael Rice.

4. Santa Margarita

Downtown Athletic Club keeping tabs on Heisman sons Ashton White and Thomas Cappelletti.

5. Newhall Hart

Traditionally pass-happy program looks to be as powerful as ever.

6. Los Angeles Loyola

Expect defense-oriented Cubs to win by ho-hum scores like 7-3--providing the other team has a top kicker.

7. Mission Viejo

Remember the name Robbie Dubois. It’ll be prominent on the postseason quiz.

8. Los Alamitos

Coach John Barnes is five wins short of No. 200. He will get there ... in Week 5.

9. Wilmington Banning

Battle-tested Pilots are favorites to repeat as City Section champions.

10. Anaheim Esperanza

Aztecs’ offensive linemen have what it takes--to play at Nebraska.

11. Huntington Beach Edison

Defensive backs A.J. Martinez, Marcus McCutcheon and Chucky Linman can take away a passing game.

12. Chino

Seeking fourth appearance in five years in Division II title game.

13. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

Arizona-bound defensive end Tim Volk leads the Knights.

14. Carson

Colts might take awhile to get rolling, but they will challenge Banning for a City title.

15. Los Angeles Dorsey

Experienced and talented Dons could win fourth City title, first since 1995.

16. La Puente Bishop Amat

Coming off worst season in many years, traditional power will attempt to rebound.

17. Newport Beach Newport Harbor

Large offensive line has Sailors dreaming big.

18. Ventura St. Bonaventure

Senior tailback Lorenzo Booker looking to go 42-0 as a Seraph.

19. Long Beach Jordan

Panthers are only Moore League team capable of challenging Long Beach Poly.

20. Redlands

Terriers have more bite than they have in a long time.

21. Compton Dominguez

Dons’ basketball program may not be the best on campus for a change.

22. San Pedro

Pirates eyeing treasure--first City title since 1997.

23. Upland

Tailback Geremy Bascomb could carry Highlanders to second consecutive Division II title.

24. Westlake

Warriors favored to win Marmonte League--and maybe more.

25. Westchester

Comets might not shine bright against Long Beach Poly, but they will show flashes.