Section re-adjusts division alignment

ECS staff report

SAN DIEGO —- The results for the realignment of the CIF-San Diego Section divisions in football have been announced, or perhaps revised should we say, with the second release of the divisions for the 2022 prep football season. Still, there were very few surprised in the reconfiguration of the five divisions.

The one major switch found a Mater Dei Catholic, formerly a Division III school, completing skipping D-II and placed among the top 16 schools in D-I.

The CIF computer ratings list the Crusaders with a mark of 14.32, making them the 10th-strongest in the section.

The other programs rising from D-II to D-I include Rancho Bernardo and Poway.

Of course, when teams rise, others get demoted. The four receiving relegation are: Oceanside, Grossmont, Granite Hills and San Marcos.

The drop of both Oceanside and Granite Hills was surprising since the tems met in the oepning round of the D-I tournament last autumn, meaning the winners — a road-win by Granite Hills –were assumed to have earned enough points to stay with the “big boys.” Instead, Oceanside’s power index was the top figure for D-II, wheile the Eagles remained below the Pirates.

Division III schools advaning to D-I include: Ramona, Mt. Carmel, Brawley and, surprisingly, Santa Fe Christian.

The placement of East County schools include:

D-I: Helix, Steele Canyon.

D-II: Grossmont, Granite Hills, Christian, Ramona.

D-III: Patrick Henry, Santana, West Hills, El Capitan.

D-IV: Mount Miguel, Valhalla, Monte Vista.

D-V: ECVHS, Mountain Empire

Next year’s participant in 8-man football (“Division IV”) shows the return of Foothills Christian following one season of 11-man football.

Non-CIFSDS football shows Liberty Charter of Lemon Grove as the defending runners-up in varsity flag football.

Entire list of schools/divisions HERE.