The power rankings shook up this week as several teams pulled off upsets in Week Eight. The Pats keep climbing after another impressive win in the West Valley. Cleveland and Kennedy look unbeatable as they continue to anchor the top of the list, while Chatsworth and Arleta fall a few spots as they look for answers heading into Week Nine. Here are the VST power rankings heading into the penultimate week of the 2026 regular season schedule:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (8-0)
   Another week, another dominant victory for the 2026 Cavaliers. This team keeps playing with a chip on its shoulder, and it’s hard to fathom they won’t finish the regular season unbeaten.
2. Kennedy Cougars (8-0)
   The Cougars pushed their unbeaten streak in the Valley Mission League to 22 wins last week, and seem well on their way to their third straight undefeated league title.
3. Poly Parrots (7-1)
   The Parrots’ defense continues to give their East Valley opponents no room to breathe. We could be closing in on their first EVL title since 2010.
4. Birmingham Patriots (3-5)
   The Pats continue to prove they are still every bit the threat in the City Section they have been for most of the last decade. Delvin Young’s emergence at quarterback for Birmingham has jolted the Pats offense in a major way the last two weeks.
5. Verdugo Hills Dons (6-2)
   The Dons made a massive statement going on the road and defeating Arleta last week. A home win over Poly tomorrow will virtually lock up the East Valley championship for Verdugo Hills for the first time since 2012.
6. El Camino Real Royals (3-5)
   Between their reliance on youth and depth issues, it would have been easy to write off the Royals. The problem is, this team is greater than the sum of its parts, as shown by a nice road win at Chatsworth last week. This team will be dangerous come playoff time.
7. Chatsworth Chancellors (5-3)
   The Chancellors hit a bump in the road last week with an unexpected loss to ElCo. They have a huge test at Birmingham this week.
8. Granada Hills Highlanders (4-4)
   The Highlanders hung tough but fell short to Birmingham last week. It will get no easier with a matchup against Cleveland Friday night.
9. Arleta Mustangs (6-2)
   The Mustangs are trying to piece together what happened in last week’s loss to Verdugo Hills. They will need help from Poly this week to still have a chance to win the EVL outright. But first, they have to get back on track versus Fulton this week.
10. Van Nuys Wolves (5-4)
    Like Elco, the Wolves are a program fighting through depth issues and relying on youth this season. It seems to have only galvanized the group and made them stronger. They’ll play their regular season finale on the road at Panorama this week.