The Daily News’ previews of the featured high school football playoff games on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Laguna Beach (9-1) at Notre Dame (5-5), D3
This game carries some luster — for a multitude of reasons. But first, we’ll address the records and where the game is … Welcome to competitive equity.
Despite Laguna Beach winning the Foxtrot League and finishing the season 9-1, the Beach Breakers will be on the road to a Notre Dame team that just made it into the postseason by way of an at-large berth out of the Mission League.
Due to strength of schedule, Notre Dame is ranked higher in HSratings.com, which is the computer system used to place teams in the playoffs. The system is working in two ways in this scenario: Laguna Beach has played itself into a division it probably shouldn’t be and Notre Dame has somewhat dropped down to play against other programs it’s not used to facing in the postseason.
Advantage: Notre Dame. The Knights are more battle-tested and have played a far superior schedule that will have them ready for anything the Beach Breakers present, including standout QB Jack Hurst (2,560 yards, 41 TDs).
Notre Dame had drama this week when star basketball player Tyran Stokes withdrew from the school. He was also a wideout on the football team. But coach Evan Yabu won’t let the distraction cost the Knights a second-round berth.
Tarek’s pick: Notre Dame
Palos Verdes (7-3) at Valencia (9-1), D3
This game will be a tale of two QBs. Palos Verdes’ Ryan Rakowski and Valencia’s Brady Bretthauer — both dual-threat signal callers.
The Sea Kings play in a much more challenging league, the Bay League, and will likely have a more well-rounded approach. The Vikings tend to be challenged in high divisions. The last time Larry Muir had success in a Division higher than 3 was when he took the Vikings to a Division 2 final in 2017 and lost to Oaks Christian.
That Valencia team would beat this year’s Valencia team by two touchdowns. Times have changed.
Tarek’s pick: Palos Verdes
Villa Park (6-4) at Westlake (10-0), D4
This was a bad draw for Westlake, which relies on its speed and athleticism. Villa Park is a physical, fundamental team. Imagine Westlake being a traditional Pac-12 program and Villa Park is a traditional Big Ten program.
In November, the team that controls the line of scrimmage generally finds success. It’s possible Westlake can out-athlete Villa Park, but the Warriors are not big up front and may struggle stopping the run.
I gotta see it to believe it, sorry Rick.
Tarek’s pick: Villa Park
St. Bonaventure (5-5) at Oaks Christian (4-6), D4
A rematch. St. Bonny won this Marmonte League duel at home on October 17, 19-0. As hard as it is to beat a team again, I think the Seraphs are in a good place to do it. St. Bonaventure is balanced offensively and is led by Jason Homan defensively (138 tackles, 3 INTs).
Oaks Christian does have star power, though. If the Lions are going to advance, they’ll need running back DeShonne Redeaux to have a monster game. He did not play in the first meeting, and he could make the difference.
Redeaux is a USC commit.
Tarek’s pick: Oaks Christian
Dorsey (5-5) at El Camino Real (6-4), City DI
Coach Rick Hayashida has already turned things around at El Camino Real. ECR hasn’t had a winning season since 2019. Hayashida steps back into the fold and here we are. …
That said, he’s got a tall task Friday with Dorsey, which is very athletic, fast and returns some healthy players from injury. El Camino Real will have to lean on a senior-freshman running back tandem in Shane Bogacz and Raul Berdon, who’ve combined for more than 1,200 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.
Toss up.
Tarek’s pick: ECR. Discipline wins the day.