2026 fall sports review: League champions emerge across football, flag football, volleyball and water polo
The first fall season of the revamped Rio Pacific Conference brought new matchups, competitive league races and championship celebrations across the region.
With schools competing in the Arroyo, Boulder and Crest leagues, the 2026 season offered teams an opportunity to establish themselves in a new conference structure. Burbank and Burroughs were among the programs making their mark, while several schools celebrated league titles across multiple sports.
Football
La Cañada captured the Arroyo League championship, finishing 8–2 overall and undefeated in league play at 3–0. Muir placed second at 6–4 overall and 2–1 in league, followed by Burbank at 5–5 and 1–2. Monrovia finished fourth at 5–5 and 0–3.
South Pasadena claimed the Boulder League title with an 8–2 overall record and a perfect 5–0 league finish. San Marino followed at 9–1 overall and 4–1 in league. Crescenta Valley placed third at 6–4 and 3–2, while Burroughs finished fourth at 3–7 and 2–3. Gabrielino and Pasadena rounded out the standings. Pasadena finished in last place with an 0-10 overall record and a league record of 0-5.
Arcadia won the Crest League championship at 7–3 overall and 3–0 in league play. Hoover, Glendale and Temple City each finished 1–2 in league, with Hoover listed second, Glendale third and Temple City fourth.
Girls flag football
San Marino earned the Arroyo League championship with a 13–5 overall record and a 10–2 league mark. La Cañada finished a close second at 13–4 overall and 9–3 in league.
Gabrielino placed third at 13–8 and 8–4, followed by Monrovia at 10–8 and 7–5. Burroughs finished fifth at 9–7 overall and an even 6–6 in league play. Temple City and South Pasadena completed the standings.
Girls volleyball
Crescenta Valley led the Arroyo League, finishing 30–11 overall and 7–1 in league play. La Cañada placed second at 19–11 and 5–3, followed by Arcadia at 24–13 and 4–4. Burroughs finished fourth at 17–15 and 3–5, while South Pasadena placed fifth at 13–15 and 1–7.
Temple City claimed the Boulder League championship with a 16–8 overall record and a reported 7–2 league mark. San Marino finished second at 25–10 and 6–2. Marshall, Gabrielino and Monrovia rounded out the league.
Pasadena swept through Crest League play with a perfect 10–0 record, finishing 21–12 overall. Burbank earned second place at 16–18–2 overall and 8–2 in league. Glendale placed third, followed by Hoover, Blair and Muir.
Boys water polo
Crescenta Valley captured the Arroyo League championship with a 20–2 overall record and an undefeated 4–0 league finish. San Marino placed second with a 16-9 record and a league record of 4-1 in League, followed by Arcadia, Temple City and Hoover.
La Cañada won the Boulder League title at 18–9 overall and 5–0 in league play. Burbank finished second at 12–9 overall and 4–2 in league, followed by Glendale and Muir.
Burroughs celebrated the Crest League championship, finishing 11–8 overall and undefeated in league play at 5–0. South Pasadena placed second at 10–9 and 4–2, followed by Pasadena and Monrovia.
Looking ahead
Conference schools will be reevaluated for the 2027 fall season, with final CIF rankings for each sport helping determine league placement. Some programs may remain in their current leagues, while others could move as the conference adjusts its competitive groupings.
After an inaugural fall filled with new rivalries and championship moments, the Rio Pacific Conference now turns toward its next chapter.
Follow the Rio Pacific Gazette for continued coverage of the conference’s teams, athletes and coaches.
