Dons won a state title last year, as did Mater Dei Catholic, which is No. 3 starting the season

After watching 7-on-7 tournaments and polling coaches, it became apparent Cathedral Catholic, Mater Dei Catholic and Carlsbad were going to be the top three prep football teams in the Union-Tribune’s preseason Top 10.

The order was the only thing to be determined.

Cathedral Catholic finished the 2021 season 12-2, beating Folsom in the State 1-AA championship game.

Carlsbad was 11-1, with the only loss coming to Cathedral Catholic in the San Diego Section Open Division title game.

Mater Dei Catholic was 13-0, beating Modesto Central Catholic for the State 2-AA championship.

With all three teams loaded again this season, it was determined someone has to beat Cathedral Catholic before the Dons surrender the No. 1 spot.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see if the poll is accurate.