San Jose Mercury News Top 15

1. MITTY (8-0): The Monarchs cruised to a 35-7 victory over Bellarmine. They're off this week before closing with Riordan and St. Francis in games that will determine the West Catholic Athletic League title. Last rank: No. 1

 2. PALMA (7-0): The Chieftains face their biggest test of the season Saturday against unbeaten Alvarez, a game that probably will determine the Monterey Bay League title. Palma plays Hollister in the regular-season finale. Last rank: No. 2
 

3. OAK GROVE (6-1): The Eagles, who beat Leland 35-7, probably won't be tested until their regular-season finale against Valley Christian. Oak Grove hosts Leigh at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Last rank: No. 3

 4. LOS GATOS (7-0): The Wildcats beat Los Altos 52-12 in a non-league game to extend their win streak to 20 games. Los Gatos appears poised to defend its Central Coast Section Division III title. Last rank: No. 4

 5. ALVAREZ (6-0-1): The Eagles face their biggest challenge of the season Saturday against Palma, a game that probably will decide the MBL title. Alvarez has defeated Hollister and Gilroy and tied Salinas in league play. Last rank: No. 5

 6. SAN LORENZO VALLEY (7-0): The Cougars appear poised to run the table during the regular season and will bid for their third consecutive CCS Division IV championship. Last rank: No. 6

 7. VALLEY CHRISTIAN (6-1): The Warriors kept pace with Oak Grove in the BVAL Mount Hamilton Division by defeating Piedmont Hills 21-7. Valley Christian and Oak Grove meet in the regular-season finale. Last rank: No. 8

 8. GILROY (5-2): The Mustangs lost their bid for the MBL title last weekend with a 24-21 loss to Alvarez. The Mustangs look to rebound Friday against winless Monterey. Last rank: No. 9

 9. RIORDAN (6-1): The Crusaders defeated Serra 49-21 to keep pace with Mitty and St. Francis in the WCAL. Riordan plays at San Ramon Valley at 7 p.m. Friday. Last rank: No. 15

10. HOLLISTER (5-2): The Haybalers kept their slim MBL title hopes alive with a 20-14 victory over Salinas. Hollister hosts North Monterey County at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Last rank: No. 12

11. ARAGON (5-0-1): The Dons tied league rival Terra Nova 14-14 Friday, meaning the two probably will share the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division title. Last rank: No. 11

12. ST. FRANCIS (3-4): The Lancers can reach .500 for the first time in two years with a victory over Serra on Friday at 7:30 p.m. St. Francis has recorded wins over No. 9 Riordan and No. 7 Valley Christian. Last rank: No. 13

13. SALINAS (4-2-1): The Cowboys lost to Hollister 20-14 Friday, all but ending their MBL title hopes. Salinas remains in playoff contention and looks to bounce back Friday at Live Oak at 7:30 p.m. Last rank: No. 7

14. TERRA NOVA (4-1-1): The Tigers return to the top 15 by virtue of their 14-14 tie against No. 11 Aragon. Terra Nova plays El Camino on Friday at South San Francisco at 7:30 p.m. Last rank: Not ranked.

15. INDEPENDENCE (6-0): The 76ers are rolling through the BVAL West Valley Division, outscoring league opponents 164-26. Independence remains in a first-place tie with Lincoln, and the two meet Nov. 2 to likely decide the league title. Lincoln plays at Yerba Buena on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Last rank: No. 14

FIVE MORE TO WATCH: Watsonville 6-1, Westmont 6-1, Gunderson 5-2, Overfelt 5-2, Pacific Grove 6-1.