Overview

Cerritos High School is set to join a new 20-school conference starting in the 2026-2027 school year as part of the Foothill Area releaguing. This marks the third instance of releaguing for local schools since the 2018-2019 academic year, involving schools from the 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League, and Mid-Cities League.

The Dons have a history of transitioning between leagues, with this being their fourth move in three decades. Cerritos has been part of the 605 League since its formation and is hopeful that the new conference will provide similar competitive advantages.

Key details

  • The new conference will consist of 20 schools.
  • It will begin in the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Schools involved are from the current 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League, and Mid-Cities League.
  • This is the third releaguing for area schools since the 2018-2019 school year.
  • Cerritos High has moved leagues four times in the past 30 years.
  • Previous league transitions included moving from the Mission Valley League to the Suburban League in 1998-1999, then to the 605 League.
  • Cerritos has won 44 league championships in various sports while in the 605 League.
  • The school has finished in second place 21 times across different sports.
  • Cerritos has experienced significant success in the 605 League, contrasting with earlier struggles in the Suburban League.
  • There were attempts to expand the Suburban League that were voted down multiple times.
  • Cerritos' athletic director, Todd Denhart, emphasized the importance of competitive equity in the formation of leagues.
  • Denhart recalls the dominance of La Mirada and Mayfair High in the Suburban League before the creation of the 605 League.

Context

The history of league transitions for Cerritos High reflects broader trends in local high school athletics, where competitive balance is a key consideration in forming conferences. The new 20-school conference aims to address these issues on a larger scale.

What happens next

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, Cerritos High will prepare for its transition into the new conference, focusing on maintaining its competitive edge and fostering a positive perception within the athletic community.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific schools that will comprise the new conference and the exact structure of the competition have not been confirmed.