THE TIMES TOP 25

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

1. Long Beach

Poly (3-0)

Whoa, Nellie. Matchup with Concord De La Salle on Saturday is one for the ages.

2. Mission Viejo (4-0)

Diablos hope Esperanza has been downgraded from stumbling block to speed bump.

3. Hart (3-0)

Multi-talented Tim Gregory continues to provide scoring punch.

4. Loyola (3-0)

Cubs won’t require Pilot error to beat Wilmington Banning.

5. Edison (3-0)

Ready to take on second consecutive Catholic power in Servite.

6. Chino (3-0)

Cowboys continue moving up in top 25.

7. Sherman Oaks

Notre Dame (3-0)

Game against Damien could be a good omen.

8. Carson (3-0)

Colts shining bright heading into historic first game under lights at Carson High.

9. Corona

Centennial (3-0)

Huskies basking in undefeated status.

10. Eisenhower (3-1)

Are Eagles back in top 10 for good after lackluster opening act?

11. Santa

Margarita (3-0-1)

Favored to win second consecutive Serra League title.

12. Esperanza (3-1)

Aztec ruins would be restored with victory over Mission Viejo.

13. Bishop Amat (3-0)

Lancers are playing Ayala instead of Concord De La Salle this week after Coach Mike DiFiori let alma mater break contract to play Long Beach Poly.

14. Redlands (4-0)

Careful, Terriers bite.

15. Fountain Vly (4-0)

Barons’ next big challenge comes Oct. 11 against Los Alamitos.

16. Long Beach

Jordan (2-1)

Panthers are first team to keep Esperanza’s Shaun Wildenstein from running wild.

17. Mater Dei (1-3)

Struggling Monarchs won’t be four-touchdown favorites against Loara for a change.

18. Ventura

St. Bonaventure (4-0)

Just passing time until Division XI title game.

19. Alta Loma (4-0)

Slow and steady wins the Division II race.

20. Crenshaw (2-0)

Rested Cougars ready to start rolling again against San Pedro.

21. Servite (4-0)

Friars upset about bye week caused by Long Beach Wilson’s forfeit.

22. Ayala (1-1-1)

Victory against Bishop Amat would make these Top Dogs.

23. Mira Costa (4-0)

Mustangs stopped Bay League rival Leuzinger inches short.

24. Los Alamitos (2-2)

Griffins too good to stay down for long.

25. Arroyo Grande (4-0)

Wins over Dorsey and Valencia allow Eagles to take flight.