The Daily News previews the featured high school football playoff games in the CIF-SS and L.A. City on Friday:
GAME OF THE WEEK
Santa Margarita (7-3) at Sierra Canyon (10-0), Division I
It’s time to put up or shut up — end of story. Sierra Canyon’s next phase of its journey to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship is officially underway Friday night when new coach Carson Palmer and his Eagles come to town.
The two teams are nearly mirror images. Both have crippling defenses that have anchored their 2025 success. Santa Margarita’s defense was foundational in its 7-6 win over Mater Dei. Sierra Canyon’s defense has been dominant all year long, posting five shutouts.
Something’s gotta give.
So, what’s the x-factor? Especially with rain in the forecast. Two touchdowns could win this game.
Here’s the difference: Sierra Canyon does have more consistent weapons on offense compared to Santa Margarita, which relies on USC commit Trent Mosley heavily. If the Trailblazers can run the ball effectively with Jaxsen Stokes and Jerod Terry Jr. to free up Laird Finkel in the pass game, it will bode well for the Trailblazers.
Tarek’s pick: Sierra Canyon
Calabasas (6-5) at Saugus (9-2), Division 7
This is a fun, double-local matchup with a trip to the semifinals on the line.
In theory, these teams have different philosophies offensively. Saugus likes to air it out with senior quarterback Jake Nuttall. Calabasas wants to run it with Kayne Miller, who ran for 195 yards and a touchdown in the team’s opening-round win over El Segundo.
But each team can also pivot if needed. Calabasas junior QB Dominik Hardy tossed three touchdowns last week. Saugus running back Ty Hall has over 1,000 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns this season.
Sounds like, maybe, the first team to 40 wins Friday night.
Tarek’s pick: Saugus
Chino Hills (9-2) at Notre Dame (6-5). Division 3
This is a heavyweight matchup. Chino Hills had a stellar year in a very competitive Baseline League that includes programs like Damien and Rancho Cucamonga. Traditionally, the Huskies are known as a basketball school (ever heard of the Ball brothers?). So, this team is always playing with a chip on its shoulder to prove the football program is a winner, too.
Notre Dame will meet its match Friday night after beating Laguna Beach last week, a program that was competing at a lower level all season. Will the rigors of the Mission League have the Knights prepared for a chippy, versatile Chino Hills team?
Toss up.
Tarek’s pick: Chino Hills
Kennedy (9-1) at Birmingham Charter (7-3), City Open Division
Kennedy broke into the Open Division playoffs for the first time, which is a great accomplishment. It’s like getting a berth to the NCAA Tournament from a low-major conference. But the problem is the Cougars are the equivalent of a No. 15 or 16 seed.
Think Cal State Northridge from the Big West getting in and having to play Duke.
Birmingham is a blue blood City program with a winning streak that’s up to 54 straight over City Section opponents. Not to mention, four straight Open titles in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The Patriots will simply be too much, unless Kennedy’s Diego Montes has the night of his life … which isn’t out of the question. Can Kennedy be this year’s Cinderella story?
Tarek’s pick: Birmingham
Dorsey (6-5) at Eagle Rock (8-3), City Division I
Dorsey already took out El Camino Real (26-8) in the opening round. Can the Dons slow the passing attack of QB Liam Pasten and Eagle Rock? Dorsey certainly has the skill and speed to do it.
Whenever Eagle Rock’s size, strength and defense is tested, it makes things more challenging. Eagle Rock is averaging 439 yards per game on offense which is equalling 42 points per contest. I don’t think Dorsey can keep up unless its physicality can hinder Eagle Rock.
Unstoppable force. Immovable object. Great City matchup.
Tarek’s pick: Eagle Rock
LA Daily News high school football playoff schedule Friday, Nov. 14