The Monterey Herald’s Top 10 football rankings

Top 10 football rankings

1. Soquel (5-1): The strength of the Knights is their defense, having held four teams to 14 points in the first half during their current four-game winning streak.

2. Palma (4-2): While essentially having two byes in three weeks was not ideal, the Chieftains showed no rust coming off their last bye two weeks ago, erupting for a season-high 54 points.

3. Salinas (3-4): Michael Andrade is a difference maker for Salinas at quarterback, having thrown six touchdown passes in his last two games for a resurgent offense.

4. King City (7-0): With three shutouts this season, the Mustangs have blanked seven teams during their current run of 16 straight regular season wins.

5. Carmel (5-2): No one has exhibited the importance of taking care of the ball more than the Padres, who have nine turnovers in two losses, one mistake in four wins on the field.

6. Monterey (5-2): For the second time in three weeks, the Toreadores will endure another bye week because of Hollister forfeiting its season.

7. North Salinas (4-3): After being torched for 90 points in a pair of Gabilan Division losses, the Vikings defense redeemed itself by holding Gabilan Division co-leader Soquel to 14 points in a seven-point loss.

8. Aptos (4-3): Two of the Mariners three losses this year are to two teams that are a combined 12-1, as they have their first three-game winning streak since 2022.

9. Stevenson (4-2): Coming off a bye week, returning to the road might be a blessing for the Pirates, who are 3-0 this season away from Pebble Beach.

10. Scotts Valley (4-2): Since letting a 17-point lead slip away in a loss to Stevenson, the Falcons have won three straight, using a pair of late-game dramatics to pull out two wins prior to their bye week.

On the bubble: Monte Vista, Pacific Grove, Greenfield, Alisal, Seaside.