The high school football season has reached its penultimate weekend.
More hardware will be at stake as teams try to add NorCal championship trophies to the section titles they won in their most recent games.
From heavyweights Archbishop Riordan, Pittsburg and Serra to newcomers Lincoln-San Jose and Piedmont Hills, they all have their sights on making it to the final destination:
Next week’s state championships in Southern California.
To get there, they’ll have to win regional titles Friday or Saturday, some in the comfort of their home field and others several hours away.
Central Coast Section Open Division champion Riordan, the highest-rated team from the Bay Area News Group’s coverage area playing this weekend, will travel to the Sierra foothills on Friday to face Sac-Joaquin Section powerhouse Folsom.
North Coast Section Division I champion Pittsburg will be at home on Saturday to face high-powered Central East of Fresno, which won the Central Section Division I championship over Clovis 70-35 on Nov. 21.
The Bengals needed only three quarters to reach 70 points against an opponent that beat CCS Division I runner-up Los Gatos this season.
At least two teams that this news organization covers will join De La Salle in SoCal next weekend.
Monte Vista will visit St. Ignatius on Friday for the Division 3-AA NorCal title. On Saturday, Menlo-Atherton will play host to El Cerrito for the 3-A NorCal crown.
De La Salle was selected by the California Interscholastic Federation to represent the North in the Open Division state title game against Santa Margarita on Dec. 13 in Mission Viejo. So the Spartans have this weekend off.
On to the NorCal matchups:
DIVISION 1-AA: ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN VS. FOLSOM
Records: Riordan 12-0, Folsom 12-1
Kickoff: Friday at Folsom, 7:30 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not met in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: Two of the state’s best quarterbacks will face off in one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. Stanford-bound quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. has been undoubtedly the Bay Area’s best player, throwing for 3,471 yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 67.7% of his throws. Mitchell has an All-Star cast of receivers, a group that includes Cynai Thomas (Oregon State commit), Judge Nash (Harvard) and three-star pass catcher Perrion Williams. Riordan has two blue chip offensive lineman in Oregon commit Tommy Tofi and Michael Langi. On the defensive side, can Riordan stop Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons. The senior has been a star since he became Folsom’s starting quarterback as a sophomore. In 12 games this season, Lyons has thrown for 3,270 yards and 34 touchdowns. His favorite target – four-star receiver Jameson Williams – has caught 72 passes for 13 touchdowns. Riordan is appearing in its first NorCal game. Folsom will be playing in its 11th, seeking its sixth title.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com picks Folsom to win 34-31.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 1-A: CENTRAL EAST-FRESNO VS. PITTSBURG
Records: Central East 12-1, Pittsburg 11-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Pittsburg, 6 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not faced off in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: This game is primed for fireworks as both teams have prolific offenses. Pittsburg, loaded with speed and athleticism, demolished Cardinal Newman 42-17 in the North Coast Section Division I final last week. For a majority of the season, the Pirates have used a two-quarterback system composed of sophomore dual-threat JaVale Jones (1,338 yards, 15 touchdowns) and pinpoint passer Carlos Torres (2,387 yards, 29 TDs). Whoever is under center will have plenty of options to throw to with Arizona-bound RJ Mosely, senior King Wade and speedy sophomore Kenneth Ward. Pittsburg’s defense is playing its best ball as of late, led by linebacker Japheth Tofaeono, Fresno State-bound defensive back Truly Bell and senior defensive end Trevon West. But stopping Central East will be a tall task. Arizona-bound running back Brandon Smith has 35 touchdowns and 2,334 all-purpose yards this season. Jelani Dippel has thrown for 4,096 yards and 52 touchdowns. The Bengals ran through the Central Section Division I playoffs, outscoring their opponents – Clovis East, Buchanan and Clovis – 179-87.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com picks Central East to win 44-38.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 2-AA: SERRA VS. ST. MARY’S-STOCKTON
Records: Serra 8-5, St. Mary’s 11-2
Kickoff: Friday at St. Mary’s, 7:30 p.m.
Series history: Serra is 1-2 against St. Mary’s in the MaxPreps era (2004 to present), beating the Rams 56-28 in 2019, and dropping back-to-back games in 2016 and 2017.
Storylines: Serra represented the North in the Open Division state championship game from 2021 to 2023 but hasn’t appeared in a NorCal regional since 2019. The Padres’ losses this season have come against heavyweights Folsom, De La Salle, St. John Bosco and Riordan twice. In its win over Los Gatos last week for the CCS Division I title, Serra leaned on its running game, throwing just one pass. The Padres have a stable of backs who contribute: Iziah Singleton, Jeovanni Henley and Andrew Takapautolo, with even four-star safety Malakai Taufoou making plays in the run game. St. Mary’s is one of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s storied programs under longtime coach Tony Franks. The Rams have found numerous ways to win during their postseason run, defeating Jesuit 64-55, Manteca 19-14 and Granite Bay 38-24 to reach the regionals. UCLA-bound receiver Kenneth Moore III has 1,724 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns for the Rams.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com predicts a 35-31 win for Serra.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 3-AA: ST. IGNATIUS VS. MONTE VISTA
Records: Monte Vista 8-5, St. Ignatius 7-6
Kickoff: Friday at St. Ignatius, 7 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not met in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: St. Ignatius will try to reach a state championship game after capturing its second straight section title. Last season, the Wildcats lost to Central-Fresno 33-23 in a NorCal regional after winning the CCS Open Division championship. This time, they’ll face another Bay Area team as Monte Vista has heated up at the right time. St. Ignatius got a game-changing pick-six from linebacker Charlie Ball in last week’s CCS Division II final against Sacred Heart Cathedral, plus a walk-off 40-yard field goal from Thomas McKeon and a 91-yard kickoff-return touchdown from Hawkes Packard. Monte Vista found success on the ground in its NCS Division II championship game win over Clayton Valley, as Torin Dunphy rushed for 129 of his team’s 226 rushing yards. QB Ian Ondricek had 60 yards on the ground and completed 3 of 4 passes for 60 yards.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com projects SI will win 28-17.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 3-A: ROSEVILLE VS. MCCLYMONDS
Records: Roseville 11-2, McClymonds 10-2
Kickoff: Saturday at McClymonds, 6 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not met in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: Oakland Section champion McClymonds is back in a NorCal title game once again. Quarterback Berell Staples has been a steady presence for the Warriors as the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo commit brings two years of experience. After sitting out most of the season with an injury, Rahsjon Duncan is back playing wide receiver and cornerback. Wide receiver Prince Staten and running back Dominic Davis complete McClymonds’ explosive offensive attack. On defense, look for McClymonds to lean on San Diego State-bound lineman Koi Taiesei. Roseville averages 31 points per game. The Tigers defeated Escalon, Hughson and East Union-Manteca en route to the SJS Division IV title. Senior quarterback Mason Susnara leads Roseville’s attack.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com picks Roseville to win 21-17.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 4-A: EL CERRITO VS. MENLO-ATHERTON
Records: El Cerrito 11-2, Menlo-Atherton 7-6
Kickoff: Saturday at Menlo-Atherton, 6 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not faced off in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: This matchup pits a pair of teams riding high after winning in their respective Division III section championship games. El Cerrito won North Coast Section D-III after being Dublin, Rancho Cotate and Ukiah by at least 11 points apiece. M-A started the season 0-4 before rallying to finish tied for second in the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division. The Bears have a senior dual-threat quarterback in Teddy Dacey and a strong running back in Evaimalo Ama. El Cerrito has rebounded from a difficult end to its season last year, when the Gauchos forfeited a number of games after playing ineligible players and weren’t in the playoffs.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com projects a 22-20 El Cerrito win.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 5-AA: BISHOP O’DOWD VS. CHICO
Records: Bishop O’Dowd 9-4, Chico 11-2
Kickoff: Friday at Chico, 7:30 p.m.
Series history: First meeting in the MaxPreps era (2004-present)
Storylines: O’Dowd sizzled through the NCS Division VI playoffs after finishing second to James Logan in the WACC Foothill Division. Coach Hardy Nickerson brings a young team to the regionals, led by junior running back Lamar Ellis, sophomore athlete Bryan Edwards and junior quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson. Ellis and Edwards combined for eight touchdowns in a 59-21 rout of Fortuna last week. The Dragons have won eight of their past nine games. Chico reached the regional by winning the Northern Section Division II title, 28-20 over Foothill of Palo Cedro. Zaiveon Patrick ran for 175 of the winner’s 359 rushing yards in the section final. Chico passed for just six yards that game. O’Dowd, in its only previous regional, beat Capital Christian-Sacramento 24-21 for the 5-AA title in 2016. Chico lost to Sacred Heart Cathedral in its only regional appearance, 31-7 in 2021.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com picks Chico to win 27-21.
– Darren Sabedra
DIVISION 5-A: MIRAMONTE VS. CALAVERAS-SAN ANDREAS
Records: Miramonte 8-5, Calaveras 11-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Calaveras, 6 p.m.
Series history: First meeting in the MaxPreps era (2004-present)
Storylines: Battle tested from playing league games against the likes of Acalanes, Clayton Valley and Campolindo, Miramonte has hit its stride in the postseason. The Matadors won the NCS Division IV title last week, rallying from two touchdowns behind to beat top-seeded Hayward 28-21. Lane Dalton, promoted from the JV for the regular-season finale after starter Carson Blair was injured, completed 16 of 23 passes for 235 yards in the section final. Jonah Imberg provides balance to the offense as he rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns against Hayward. Calaveras, appearing in its first regional, has won 10 in a row. The Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII champion advanced to NorCals with a 27-12 win over Linden. Miramonte, in its one regional appearance, lost to Pleasant Valley-Chico 31-12 in the 5-AA title game in 2023.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com picks Calaveras to win 22-21.
– Darren Sabedra
DIVISION 6-AA: LINCOLN-SAN JOSE VS. GRIDLEY
Records: Lincoln-San Jose 10-3, Gridley 13-0
Kickoff: Friday at Lincoln, 7:30 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not met in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: Lincoln’s historic season continues in the NorCal championships, where the Lions have a chance to make a state title game in the same season they won their first CCS title. Kyan Phillips had an incredible game for Lincoln last week, scoring six of the Lions’ seven touchdowns in a 49-21 win over Branham. He should get the ball again plenty this week. Gridley likes to keep the ball on the ground – the Bulldogs have 480 passing yards and 3,751 rushing yards this season. Eli Punzo is the leading rusher with 1,253 yards, but Marcus Duncan is no slouch with 904. Three other players have at least 295 rush yards and two more have at least 144.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com projects a 26-20 Lincoln win.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 7-A: PIEDMONT HILLS VS. BALBOA
Records: Piedmont Hills 10-3, Balboa 10-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Balboa, 12:30 p.m.
Series history: The teams have not met in the MaxPreps era (since 2004).
Storylines: Piedmont Hills will try to keep the good times rolling after winning a CCS Division V title in coach Kelly King Jr.’s first season at the San Jose school. King also won a D-V title at Leland last year. But the Chargers’ season ended with a 42-11 loss to Moreau Catholic, an outcome King is determined to avoid this time around. Quarterback John Palomo had a strong day for the Pirates last week against Sobrato, completing 22 of 30 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Piedmont Hills will try to slow down Balboa star Mekai Smith, who scored six TDs in the San Francisco City Section final last week against Washington.
Computer projection: HSRatings.com projects a 35-28 Balboa win.
– Christian Babcock
Complete schedule
OPEN DIVISION
De La Salle (12-0) vs. Santa Margarita (10-3) at Saddleback College, Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
DIVISION 1-AA
North: Archbishop Riordan (12-0) at Folsom (12-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: Cathedral Catholic (10-2) vs. Los Alamitos (12-2) at Long Beach CC, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 1-A
North: Central East (12-1) at Pittsburg (11-2), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Pacifica, Oxnard (14-0) at Granite Hills (10-3), Saturday, 7 p.m.
DIVISION 2-AA
North: Serra (8-5) at St. Mary’s-Stockton (11-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: La Habra (11-3) at Bakersfield Christian (12-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 2-A
North: Woodcreek, Roseville (12-1) at Sonora (13-0), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Rio Hondo Prep (14-0) vs. Santa Fe Christian (13-0) at Carlsbad HS, Saturday, 6 p.m.
DIVISION 3-AA
North: Monte Vista (8-5) at St. Ignatius (7-6), Friday, 7 p.m.
South: Ventura (12-2) at Arroyo Grande (10-4), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 3-A
North: Roseville (11-2) at McClymonds (10-2), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Kennedy-Delano (11-3) at Carson (10-3), Saturday, 6 p.m.
DIVISION 4-AA
North: Sutter (12-1) vs. Ferndale (13-0) at Cal Poly Humboldt, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: Immanuel-Reedley (13-0) at Barstow (10-3), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 4-A
North: El Cerrito (11-2) at Menlo-Atherton (7-6), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Hillcrest (9-5) vs. Beckman (11-3) at Tustin HS, Saturday, 6 p.m.
DIVISION 5-AA
North: Bishop O’Dowd (9-4) at Chico (11-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: Christian-El Cajon (7-7) at Valley Christian-Cerritos (11-3), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 5-A
North: Miramonte (8-5) at Calaveras (11-2), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Bishop Union (11-3) at South Gate (11-3), Saturday, 6 p.m.
DIVISION 6-AA
North: Gridley (13-0) at Lincoln-San Jose (10-3), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: Valley View-Moreno Valley (9-5) at Valley Center (7-6), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 6-A
North: Winters (12-1) at Minarets-O’Neal’s (13-1), Saturday, 6 p.m.
South: Morse-San Diego (9-4) vs. Grace-Simi Valley (11-3) at Moorpark College, Saturday, 6 p.m.
DIVISION 7-AA
North: Redding Christian-Palo Cedro (13-0) at Middletown (11-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
South: San Fernando (11-3) vs. Woodbridge-Irvine (6-8) at University HS, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION 7-A
North: Piedmont Hills (10-3) at Balboa (10-2), Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
South: Santee (10-4) at South El Monte (10-4), Saturday, 6 p.m.