HS FOOT: New Daily News top 20 rankings

DAILY NEWS TOP 20 RANKINGS
(Records through Friday)
1. Birmingham (8-1) – Has outscored past three opponents 185-0
2. Hart (8-0-1) – Showdown vs. Saugus on Friday to decide Foothill League title
3. Notre Dame (8-1) – QB Dayne Crist’s 70-yard run opened scoring in win over Bishop Amat
4. Saugus (8-1) – Riding high after coming from 14 points down in 18-14 win over Canyon
5. Crespi (6-2) – Faces longtime rival Notre Dame in finale
6. Palmdale (8-1) – Has won 30 of 31 Golden League games
7. Oaks Christian (6-3) – Four-time defending section champs in danger of missing playoffs
8. Valencia (5-3-1) – Must defeat Canyon to qualify for postseason
9. Canyon (4-5) – What a shock it would be for reigning state champs not to make playoffs
10. Chaminade (6-3) – Crucial victory over St. Francis broke three-game losing streak
11. Newbury Park (8-1) – Meltdown vs. Moorpark spoiled chance for perfect season
12. Alemany (6-3) – Five starters missing in victory at St. Paul
13. Loyola (4-4) – In danger of second straight sub-.500 season after 26 winning seasons in row
14. Westlake (6-3) – Can repeat as Marmonte champs with win over Newbury Park
15. Camarillo (6-3) – Must defeat Rio Mesa and hope Oxnard loses for share of Pacific View league title
16. Moorpark (6-3) – Back in playoff hunt after upset win over Newbury PaRK
17. Oak Park (7-2) – Carpinteria coach John Hazelton (ex-Montclair Prep/Burbank) can play spoiler in finale
18. St. Francis (4-5) – Playing tough defense but averaging just 16.6 points
19. Taft (7-2) – Has won five in a row but a victory over Birmingham would be a miracle
20. Quartz Hill (7-2) – Rebels continue to rely on defense

-- gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com