The high school football season in the Bay Area is approaching its climax as teams prepare for a pivotal weekend filled with championship aspirations. Several local squads are set to compete for regional titles, aiming to secure their spots in the state championships scheduled for next week in Southern California. This weekend’s matchups feature a mix of seasoned contenders and rising programs, all determined to capture prestigious NorCal championship trophies.
The Central Coast Section Open Division champion, Archbishop Riordan, boasts an impressive record of 12-0 and will travel to face Folsom, a powerhouse from the Sierra foothills, on Friday at 19:30. This matchup marks a significant challenge for Riordan as they face Folsom, which holds a record of 12-1. The teams have not previously met since the MaxPreps era began in 2004.
Another highlight of the weekend is the matchup between Pittsburg and Central East of Fresno. Pittsburg, the North Coast Section Division I champion, will host Central East on Saturday at 18:00. Central East, which recently demolished Clovis with a score of 70-35, is highly regarded for its explosive offense, led by quarterback Jelani Dippel, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards this season.
In addition, Monte Vista will visit St. Ignatius on Friday for the Division 3-AA NorCal title, while Menlo-Atherton will host El Cerrito in the 3-A NorCal championship on Saturday. These matches are expected to draw significant attention, particularly as De La Salle has already secured its place in the Open Division state title game against Santa Margarita on December 13.
Key Matchups to Watch
The game between Archbishop Riordan and Folsom features two of the state’s top quarterbacks. Riordan’s Michael Mitchell Jr., headed to Stanford, has thrown for 3,471 yards and 46 touchdowns this season. He will face Folsom’s Ryder Lyons, who has also excelled, amassing 3,270 yards and 34 touchdowns. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams possess formidable offensive weapons.
Pittsburg’s clash with Central East is equally intriguing. Pittsburg’s two-quarterback system has proven effective, with both JaVale Jones and Carlos Torres contributing significantly to the team’s success. Meanwhile, Central East’s Brandon Smith and Dippel are poised to challenge Pittsburg’s defense, making this game one to watch.
Another exciting contest will occur in the Division 2-AA championship, where Serra faces St. Mary’s-Stockton. Serra, with an 8-5 record, aims to reclaim its position as a top contender after participating in the state championship from 2021 to 2023. They will need to rely on their strong running game, led by players such as Iziah Singleton and Jeovanni Henley, to overcome the Rams’ formidable defense.
Other Noteworthy Matchups
In the Division 3-AA final, St. Ignatius will take on Monte Vista, both teams looking to secure a spot in the state championships. St. Ignatius, having recently captured its second consecutive section title, hopes to build on its momentum against a resurgent Monte Vista team.
In the Division 6-AA showdown, Lincoln-San Jose, fresh off winning its first CCS title, faces Gridley. This matchup will be crucial for Lincoln as they continue their historic season, while Gridley remains undefeated and will look to maintain its perfect record.
As the weekend approaches, the anticipation builds for these high-stakes matchups. With regional titles on the line, teams will leave everything on the field in pursuit of their championship dreams. The results will not only determine who advances to the state championships but also provide thrilling moments for fans and players alike.
