UPDATE: The Bay Area high school football playoffs are heating up this weekend as teams vie for coveted NorCal championship titles. With the stakes high, schools are aiming for a shot at the state championships in Southern California next week. Action kicks off Friday and Saturday as fierce matchups unfold across the region.
In a thrilling weekend, Archbishop Riordan (12-0) is set to clash with Folsom (12-1) on Friday at 7:30 PM, while Pittsburg (11-2) takes on Central East (12-1) on Saturday at 6 PM. Both games promise explosive performances as teams fight for regional supremacy.
Riordan, the Central Coast Section Open Division champion, is entering the NorCal stage for the first time. They travel to the Sierra foothills, where they face a formidable Folsom team led by standout quarterback Ryder Lyons, who has thrown for 3,270 yards and 34 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Riordan’s own Michael Mitchell Jr., bound for Stanford, has amassed an impressive 3,471 yards and 46 touchdowns this season, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the year.
“This game is pivotal for our program. We aim for nothing short of victory,” said Riordan head coach.
On Saturday, Pittsburg will host Central East in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Pittsburg’s offense, featuring a two-quarterback system with JaVale Jones and Carlos Torres, has proven lethal. They recently demolished Cardinal Newman 42-17 in the North Coast Section Division I final. The Pirates’ defense is also on a roll, led by linebacker Japheth Tofaeono.
Central East’s star, Brandon Smith, has amassed 35 touchdowns and 2,334 all-purpose yards this season, setting the stage for an electric showdown. Both teams are eager to secure their spots in next week’s state championships.
Also on the radar is the matchup between Monte Vista and St. Ignatius for the Division 3-AA NorCal title on Friday. Monte Vista has rallied after a rocky start, while St. Ignatius seeks redemption after a tough loss last year. The excitement continues with Menlo-Atherton hosting El Cerrito on Saturday for the 3-A NorCal crown.
As teams gear up for these crucial games, the pressure mounts. De La Salle is already set for the Open Division state title game against Santa Margarita on December 13 in Mission Viejo, giving them a weekend off to strategize.
With the wind at their backs and the eyes of the Bay Area on them, players and coaches are ready for an unforgettable weekend of high school football. Stay tuned for updates as these matchups unfold, and don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making!
