Prep Football Games to Watch (Week 7)

The St. Augustine Saints run onto the field at Merrill Douglas Stadium on the campus of Mesa College.

We take a look at three of the most intriguing San Diego Prep Football matchups of week 7 and the latest rankings.

Game of the Week
#3 Madison Warhawks (4-1) at #2 St. Augustine Saints (4-0)

St. Augustine leads the all-time series 9-6

Breakdown: Madison has not dropped a league contest since 2006 (40-0-1 during that span). That streak will be put to the test this Friday when they visit Mesa College for their first game in the revamped Western League. Since the 2012 Division IV section title game, St. Augustine is winners of three straight games over the Warhawks.

Players to Watch: Warhawks quarterback Terrell Carter has thrown for 1011 yards, 15 touchdowns, and have only been intercepted once so far this season. Saints signal caller Rodney Thompson is also putting up great numbers through the air with 1064 yards and 12 scores. Erick Buchanan leads Madison's ground attack with 709 yards and four touchdowns, while deep-threat Brandon Lewis is coming off a 133-yard performance against Mount Miguel. On defense, look out for Madison middle linebacker Sampson Niu and St. Augustine defensive back Tariq Thompson.

#4 Rancho Bernardo Broncos (5-0) at #8 Mission Hills Grizzlies (4-1)

Mission Hills leads the all-time series 5-1

Breakdown: Looking to bounce back from last week's loss to Mater Dei Catholic, the Grizzlies return home to face their third straight ranked opponent. Rancho Bernardo will be seeking its first win in the series since 2004, Mission Hills' inaugural season. The Broncos currently hold the longest win streak in the San Diego Section with 14 straight victories.

Players to Watch: Milan Grice rushed for 261 yards and three touchdowns during Rancho Bernardo's 43-20 win over Mt. Carmel last week. Quarterback Jack Tuttle and running back/linebacker Sam Dixon are the only two returning starters for Mission Hills, and they've both played key roles in the team's success this season.

#7 Poway Titans (5-0) at Mt. Carmel Sundevils (4-1)

Poway leads the all-time series 27-12

Breakdown: Off to its best start since their 2011 Division I championship season, Poway looks to earn a first place tie in the Palomar League standings. Mt. Carmel is fresh off a 43-20 loss to Rancho Bernardo and needs to knock off the visiting Titans this Friday in order to stay in the title race. When these teams met last season, Poway came out on top 30-13.

Players to Watch: With 38 points accounted for, senior wideout T.J. Sullivan is Mt. Carmel's leading scorer, while workhorse running back Spencer Jackson has 75 carries for 460 yards and three total touchdowns. Last week, senior Jared Adelman ran in four touchdowns during Poway's 51-6 win over Del Norte.

On The Bubble: Grossmont (5-0), Bishop's (5-0), Mt. Carmel (4-1)

SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE 

SPORTSWRITERS/SPORTSCASTERS PREP FOOTBALL POLL

TEAM (#1 VOTES) / RECORD / POINTS / PREVIOUS WEEK

1. St. Augustine (17) / 5-0 /260 /1
2. Cathedral Catholic (9) / 5-0 / 246 / 2
3. Rancho Bernardo (1) / 5-0 / 194 / 3
4. Mater Dei Catholic / 4-1 / 172 /9
5. Helix / 3-2 / 146 / 5
6. Madison / 4-1 / 142 / 6
7. Mission Hills / 4-1 / 102 /4
8. Oceanside / 4-1 / 89 / 7
9. Poway / 5-0 / 72 / 8
10. Grossmont / 5-0 / 43 / T10

Others Receiving Votes: Valhalla (5-0, 13 points), Bishop's (5-0, 3 points), San Marcos (3-2, 1 point).

Voters: 27 sportswriters, sportscasters and officials from throughout the county - John Maffei (San Diego Union-Tribune), Terry Monahan, Don Norcross, Tom Saxe, Rick Hoff and Jim Lindgren (freelance writers), Brandon Stone and Rick Willis (KUSI-TV), Michael Bower (Pomerado News), Bill Dickens, Adam Paul and Chris Davis (EastCountySports.com),  Bodie DeSilva (SanDiegoPreps.com), Adam Clark, Ted Mendenhall and Taylor Quellman (The Mighty 1090), Steve Brand (San Diego Hall of Champions), Lisa Lane (Fox 5 News), Rick Smith (PartletonSports.com), Jerry Schniepp and John Labeta (CIF San Diego Section office), Drew Smith (sdcoastalsports.com), Raymond Brown (sdfootball.net), Montell Allen (MBASports-SDFNL Magazine), Bob Petinak (1360 Radio), John Kentera (Prep Talent Evaluator), Steve Dolan (Mountain Country 107.9-FM).