Prep Football: The top team in each city entering the 2022 season

Inspired by a CBS Sports article listing the top college football teams in each state, here are our top teams from each city in the San Diego Section that feature more than one football program. Our list is based on recent head-to-head matchups and team success.

City (# of Teams) - School

Calexico (2) - Calexico Bulldogs

Last year, Calexico defeated Vincent Memorial 34-30 to snap a four-game losing streak in the rivalry. In the series that started in 2004, the Scots now hold a 4-3 advantage. The Bulldogs will have a chance to tie it when the teams meet again on Saturday, October 29th.

Carlsbad (3) - Carlsbad Lancers

In addition to their impressive 11-1 record, Carlsbad defeated La Costa Canyon four times in a row. The Mavericks will be attempting to win the series for the first time since 2017 on October 21.

Chula Vista (8) - Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders

Mater Dei's unblemished run to the State Championship included four victories over Chula Vista teams, including revenge wins over Otay Ranch and Eastlake. With nearly all of their key players returning, the Crusaders are unlikely to relinquish the title anytime soon.

El Cajon (6) - Grossmont Foothillers

While the Hillers did not have the best 2021 season, their victory over Granite Hills elevates them to the top of El Cajon.

El Centro (2) - Central Spartans

Since 2017, Central has not lost to Southwest. In their previous meeting in 2021, the Spartans defeated their adversary 42-0.

Escondido (5) - San Pasqual Golden Eagles

Last season, San Pasqual extended its winning streak against crosstown rivals to 19, including 12 straight victories over Orange Glen and seven straight victories over Escondido. When they defend the "Bear Trophy" against Orange Glen, they have a chance to make it 20. Their regular season schedule concludes at Escondido.

La Jolla (3) - La Jolla Vikings

To retake the city that bears its name, the Vikings needed to overcome Bishop's for the first time in program history after falling to them four times in a row. La Jolla easily defeated the Knights 42-3 and will face them again to begin the 2022 season.

Oceanside (2) - El Camino Wildcats

The Wildcats will have to wait until the final game of the regular season to try to earn their third consecutive victory against Oceanside.

San Diego (27) - Cathedral Catholic Dons

The Dons last lost to a San Diego Section team was in 2019, when they fell 19-24 at Lincoln. The meeting was canceled last year, but the much improved Hornets appear to be one of Cathedral's biggest challenges to keeping that run going.

San Marcos (2) - Mission Hills Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have won the last three Discovery Bowls by a combined score of 132-13. 

Santee (2) - West Hills Wolfpack

The Wolfpack, coming off a school-record 11-win season, will be looking for their third straight Mayor's Cup victory when they visit Santana on October 21st.

Spring Valley (3) - Steele Canyon Cougars

The Cougars have not played a Spring Valley team since defeating Monte Vista 27-18 in the spring of 2021, and they are not scheduled to play them or Mount Miguel this season.

Vista (2) - Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns

After two straight losses in the series, the Longhorns defeated Vista 28-0 to reclaim the City Championship. These two teams will meet again on September 2nd.

Teams that have their city to themselves:

Blythe - Palo Verde Valley Yellow Jackets

Brawley - Brawley Wildcats

Calipatria - Calipatria Hornets

Coronado - Coronado Islanders

Fallbrook - Fallbrook Warriors

Holtville - Holtville Vikings

Imperial - Imperial Tigers

Imperial Beach - Mar Vista Mariners

La Mesa - Helix Highlanders

Lakeside - El Capitan Vaqueros

National City - Sweetwater Red Devils

Pine Valley - Mountain Empire Red Hawks

Poway - Poway Titans

Ramona - Ramona Bulldogs

Solana Beach - Santa Fe Christian Eagles

Valley Center - Valley Center Jaguars