UPDATE: The Bay Area high school football playoffs are heating up as teams gear up for a critical weekend of matchups. With regional championships on the line, teams are vying for a shot at the state titles in Southern California next week.
As the season nears its climax, Archbishop Riordan, Pittsburg, and Serra are among the heavyweights looking to add NorCal championships to their trophy cabinets. Newcomers like Lincoln-San Jose and Piedmont Hills are also in contention, eager to make their mark.
The stakes are high this weekend, with regional titles up for grabs. Notably, De La Salle has already secured its spot in the Open Division state championship against Santa Margarita, set for December 13 in Mission Viejo, giving the Spartans a weekend off to prepare.
Key Matchups This Weekend
Friday Night Showdowns:
- Division 1-AA: Archbishop Riordan (12-0) visits Folsom (12-1) at 7:30 p.m. The Bay Area powerhouse, led by Stanford-bound quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr., faces off against Folsom’s standout Ryder Lyons.
- Division 2-AA: Serra (8-5) takes on St. Mary’s-Stockton (11-2) at 7:30 p.m. After a series of tough losses, Serra aims to reclaim its former glory.
- Division 3-AA: Monte Vista (8-5) battles St. Ignatius (7-6) at 7 p.m. St. Ignatius looks to continue its momentum after winning consecutive section titles.
Saturday Highlights:
- Division 1-A: Central East-Fresno (12-1) visits Pittsburg (11-2) at 6 p.m. This matchup promises fireworks as both teams boast high-scoring offenses.
- Division 4-A: El Cerrito (11-2) heads to Menlo-Atherton (7-6) at 6 p.m. Both teams are looking to build on their recent section championship successes.
- Division 7-A: Piedmont Hills (10-3) faces Balboa (10-2) at 12:30 p.m. The Chargers aim to extend their winning streak under first-year coach Kelly King Jr.
What to Watch For
As the playoffs unfold, the spotlight will be on standout players like Brandon Smith of Central East and RJ Mosely from Pittsburg, both of whom have had explosive seasons. With regional glory on the line, teams are ready to leave it all on the field.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate these pivotal games, which will determine who moves on to the state championships. Will the established powerhouses maintain their dominance, or will newcomers rise to the occasion?
Stay tuned for live updates and results from this weekend’s high-stakes matchups as the Bay Area teams pursue their championship dreams. The thrill of high school football has reached a fever pitch, and every play counts!
