Prep Football: The top team in each city entering the 2023 season

Lincoln enters the 2023 season as the top team in San Diego city, county, and section.

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

With high school football season getting underway, here's a look at the top teams from cities across the San Diego Section that feature multiple football programs. These selections are based on recent head-to-head results and overall team success.

City (# of Teams) - School

Calexico (2) - Calexico Bulldogs: The Bulldogs retained the city crown last year with a 32-16 win over Vincent Memorial and will face them again on October 27th.

Carlsbad (3) - Carlsbad Lancers: The Lancers aim to finally get past the Open Division finals, but first they must get past crosstown La Costa Canyon, who seeks its first win over Carlsbad since 2017. The Army & Navy Academy is a Division V contender.

Chula Vista (8) - Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders: The first back-to-back state champs in San Diego section history has been the undisputed rulers of Chula Vista for the last two season.

El Cajon (6) - Granite Hills Eagles: Before winning the Grossmont Hills League title and making a run to their first state title in team history, the Eagles had to knock off three teams from El Cajon.

El Centro (2) - Central Spartans: Central has dominated the rivalry with four straight wins over Southwest.

Escondido (5) - San Pasqual Golden Eagles: San Pasqual's city streak sits at 21 straight after landslide wins Escondido and Orange Glen last year.

La Jolla (3) - Bishop's Knights: Bishop's regained city bragging rights with wins over La Jolla and La Jolla Country Day last season. They open this year against an improved La Jolla squad in the Battle for Pearl Street.

Oceanside (2) - El Camino Wildcats: The Wildcats go for a fourth straight win over Oceanside, who looks to rebound under new coach Fale Poumele. The teams meet on September 29th.

San Diego (27) - Lincoln Hornets: Lincoln ended Cathedral Catholic's run last year and added four more city wins en route to the program's first Open Division title and state championship. Their loaded roster aims to continue the dominance.

San Marcos (2) - Mission Hills Grizzlies: With three straight lopsided wins in the Discovery Bowl, Mission Hills remains king of San Marcos. They face San Marcos again on September 16th.

Santee (2) - Santana Sultans: The Sultans reclaimed the Mayor's Cup last year, beating West Hills 10-3. The teams clash again on October 28th as new members of the Grossmont Hills League.

Spring Valley (3) - Steele Canyon Cougars: In 2022, all three programs in the Valley experienced a decline. Steele Canyon's most recent intercity encounters were against Mount Miguel in 2015 and Monte Vista in 2021. The Matadors and Monarchs will not face the Cougars this year but are set to engage in their yearly showdown during the final week of the regular season.

Vista (2) - Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns: RBV will end their regular season schedule seeking a third straight win over Vista. The Panthers look to rebound under new coach Vika Sa'atu'iese.

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