The final week of the high school football regular season in the Bay Area is set to unfold, featuring several pivotal matchups that will shape league standings. Notably, the game between Archbishop Riordan and Serra will determine the champion of the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL), while other significant games include Oakland at McClymonds, Sobrato at Willow Glen, and the historic rivalry games, such as the Big Little Game between Antioch and Pittsburg.
Highlighted Matchups
On Thursday, the action kicks off with Half Moon Bay visiting Terra Nova at 19:00. This matchup, known as the annual Skull Game, sees Terra Nova boasting a 12-10 record since 2004 against Half Moon Bay, but they have struggled in recent years, losing seven of their last nine encounters. Both teams are entering this game with strong seasons; Terra Nova is on a five-game winning streak, recently securing the Peninsula Athletic League El Camino Division title. Half Moon Bay’s Paxton Holden showcased his skills last week with a remarkable performance, rushing for 161 yards and four touchdowns. HSRatings.com predicts a 35-17 victory for Half Moon Bay.
Friday features the highly anticipated match between No. 2 Archbishop Riordan (9-0, 6-0) and No. 5 Serra (6-3, 6-0) at 19:00. This game will not only crown the WCAL champion but also likely determine the top seed for the Central Coast Section Open/Division I playoff bracket. Riordan has demonstrated its strength with senior talents like quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr., who has accounted for 38 touchdowns this season. Conversely, Serra is fielding a younger team with inexperienced quarterbacks Caleb Bandel and William Orr. HSRatings.com projects a 34-24 win for Riordan, which would mark their first WCAL title since 2000.
Another exciting game on Friday will see St. Ignatius (3-6, 2-4) face off against No. 19 Sacred Heart Cathedral (4-5, 2-5) at Kezar Stadium at 18:00. Historically, St. Ignatius holds a 16-6 advantage in this rivalry since 2004. However, Sacred Heart Cathedral may have the edge this year, as they are looking to bounce back from a narrow loss last week. HSRatings.com anticipates a 31-24 win for SHC.
Weekend Showdowns
The weekend’s excitement continues Saturday with the 98th Little Big Game between Burlingame and San Mateo at 11:00. Both teams stand at 6-3 and are tied for second in the Peninsula Athletic League’s De Anza Division. Burlingame leads the overall series but has struggled recently, losing the last two meetings. This season, Burlingame’s Nick Armstrong has shone with 1,125 yards passing, and his brother Will Armstrong has emerged as a key receiver. HSRatings.com projects a close game, with a predicted score of 26-22 in favor of Burlingame.
Following this, the Big Little Game will take place, featuring Antioch (7-2, 3-1) against No. 3 Pittsburg (8-1, 3-1) at 13:30. This matchup is significant not just on the field but also for its off-field context, as Pittsburg prepares to honor its 2026 Hall of Fame class. Antioch is looking to recover from a recent incident involving player misconduct, but a win would secure them a share of the league title. HSRatings.com anticipates a dominant performance from Pittsburg, predicting a 44-10 victory.
As the regular season concludes, the Bay Area high school football landscape is set for an exhilarating finish. Fans and teams alike will be tuned in to these matchups, each carrying implications for league standings and playoff positioning. The Bay Area News Group will provide coverage throughout the weekend, ensuring that supporters are updated on all the action.
