MidValleySports.Com

Valley Christian & Jonathan Nicholson were hoping to climb in the rankings, but instead were dragged down and out of the Top Ten by Maranatha. (Photo by Gary Lee)

By Joe Torosian

There are 31 teams in the Northwest, but as the season wears on we see that only about five, maybe six, are legitimate contenders for a title.

Everyone worries about depth, but depth is a problem all over this division except in the Northern League…So keep an eye on those teams.

1.) Maranatha Minutemen, 7-0 (Olympic League): Another test, another victory against Village.

2.) Arrowhead Christian Eagles, 6-0 (Ambassador League): Defeated NDR, now biggest challenge will be staying focused for the remainder of the regular season.

3.) Nipomo Titans, 4-3 (Northern League): Got a scare from Moro Bay and should get firing again down at Santa Maria.

4.) Templeton Eagles, 6-1 (Northern League): Six straight wins, don’t know if they are good enough to beat Nipomo.

5.) Pasadena Poly, 6-0 (Prep League): All questions will be answered when they play Rio Hondo Prep…None before.

6.) Cantwell Cardinals, 5-1 (South Catholic League): Playing first good football team in a month. Cards do not need a good showing against Carpinteria, they need to win.

7.) Big Bear Bears, 5-1 (De Anza League): Should be a little bit healthier this week after a bye, heaven help the 29ers.

8.) Rio Hondo Prep Kares, 3-3 (Prep League): Might be out gunned against Fillmore, but key here is survival. All that matters is staying healthy for Prep League opponents.

9.) Heritage Christian Warriors, 5-2 (Olympic League): We were told about these guys early…I’ve been on the bandwagon before…Hard to get on now, but…these dudes are 5-2 and very much alive in the Olympic conversation.

10.) Notre Dame-Riverside Titans, 4-2 (Ambassador League): These guys could sting somebody in the first round.

Others (in no order): Twentynine Palms (4-2), St. Bernard (4-3), Flintridge Prep (4-3), Shadow Hills (4-2), Linfield Christian (4-2), Verbum Dei (3-3), Mission Prep (3-4), Valley Christian (4-3), Village Christian (4-2).