The highschool soccer season has reached its penultimate weekend.
Extra {hardware} will likely be at stake as groups attempt to add NorCal championship trophies to the part titles they received of their most up-to-date video games.
From heavyweights Archbishop Riordan, Pittsburg and Serra to newcomers Lincoln-San Jose and Piedmont Hills, all of them have their sights on making it to the ultimate vacation spot:
Subsequent week’s state championships in Southern California.
To get there, they’ll must win regional titles Friday or Saturday, some within the consolation of their house subject and others a number of hours away.
Central Coast Part Open Division champion Riordan, the highest-rated group from the Bay Space Information Group’s protection space enjoying this weekend, will journey to the Sierra foothills on Friday to face Sac-Joaquin Part powerhouse Folsom.
North Coast Part Division I champion Pittsburg will likely be at house on Saturday to face high-powered Central East of Fresno, which received the Central Part Division I championship over Clovis 70-35 on Nov. 21.
The Bengals wanted solely three quarters to succeed in 70 factors in opposition to an opponent that beat CCS Division I runner-up Los Gatos this season.
A minimum of two groups that this information group covers will be a part of De La Salle in SoCal subsequent weekend.
Monte Vista will go to 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 chosen by the California Interscholastic Federation to symbolize the North within the Open Division state title recreation in opposition to 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
Information: Riordan 12-0, Folsom 12-1
Kickoff: Friday at Folsom, 7:30 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t met within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: Two of the state’s finest quarterbacks will face off in one of the vital extremely anticipated video games of the 12 months. Stanford-bound quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. has been undoubtedly the Bay Space’s finest participant, throwing for 3,471 yards and 46 touchdowns whereas finishing 67.7% of his throws. Mitchell has an All-Star solid of receivers, a bunch that features Cynai Thomas (Oregon State commit), Choose Nash (Harvard) and three-star go catcher Perrion Williams. Riordan has two blue chip offensive lineman in Oregon commit Tommy Tofi and Michael Langi. On the defensive aspect, can Riordan cease Folsom quarterback Ryder Lyons. The senior has been a star since he grew to become Folsom’s beginning quarterback as a sophomore. In 12 video games this season, Lyons has thrown for 3,270 yards and 34 touchdowns. His favourite goal – four-star receiver Jameson Williams – has caught 72 passes for 13 touchdowns. Riordan is showing in its first NorCal recreation. Folsom will likely be enjoying in its eleventh, searching for its sixth title.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com picks Folsom to win 34-31.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 1-A: CENTRAL EAST-FRESNO VS. PITTSBURG
Information: Central East 12-1, Pittsburg 11-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Pittsburg, 6 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t confronted off within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: This recreation is primed for fireworks as each groups have prolific offenses. Pittsburg, loaded with velocity and athleticism, demolished Cardinal Newman 42-17 within the North Coast Part Division I last final 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 beneath middle can have loads of choices to throw to with Arizona-bound RJ Mosely, senior King Wade and speedy sophomore Kenneth Ward. Pittsburg’s protection is enjoying its finest ball as of late, led by linebacker Japheth Tofaeono, Fresno State-bound defensive again Really Bell and senior defensive finish Trevon West. However stopping Central East will likely be a tall activity. Arizona-bound operating again Brandon Smith has 35 touchdowns and a couple of,334 all-purpose yards this season. Jelani Dippel has thrown for 4,096 yards and 52 touchdowns. The Bengals ran via the Central Part Division I playoffs, outscoring their opponents – Clovis East, Buchanan and Clovis – 179-87.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com picks Central East to win 44-38.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 2-AA: SERRA VS. ST. MARY’S-STOCKTON
Information: Serra 8-5, St. Mary’s 11-2
Kickoff: Friday at St. Mary’s, 7:30 p.m.
Sequence historical past: Serra is 1-2 in opposition to St. Mary’s within the MaxPreps period (2004 to current), beating the Rams 56-28 in 2019, and dropping back-to-back video games in 2016 and 2017.
Storylines: Serra represented the North within the Open Division state championship recreation from 2021 to 2023 however hasn’t appeared in a NorCal regional since 2019. The Padres’ losses this season have come in opposition to heavyweights Folsom, De La Salle, St. John Bosco and Riordan twice. In its win over Los Gatos final week for the CCS Division I title, Serra leaned on its operating recreation, throwing only one go. The Padres have a steady of backs who contribute: Iziah Singleton, Jeovanni Henley and Andrew Takapautolo, with even four-star security Malakai Taufoou making performs within the run recreation. St. Mary’s is among the Sac-Joaquin Part’s storied applications beneath longtime coach Tony Franks. The Rams have discovered quite a few methods to win throughout their postseason run, defeating Jesuit 64-55, Manteca 19-14 and Granite Bay 38-24 to succeed in the regionals. UCLA-bound receiver Kenneth Moore III has 1,724 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns for the Rams.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com predicts a 35-31 win for Serra.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 3-AA: ST. IGNATIUS VS. MONTE VISTA
Information: Monte Vista 8-5, St. Ignatius 7-6
Kickoff: Friday at St. Ignatius, 7 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t met within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: St. Ignatius will attempt to attain a state championship recreation after capturing its second straight part title. Final season, the Wildcats misplaced to Central-Fresno 33-23 in a NorCal regional after successful the CCS Open Division championship. This time, they’ll face one other Bay Space group as Monte Vista has heated up on the proper time. St. Ignatius acquired a game-changing pick-six from linebacker Charlie Ball in final week’s CCS Division II last in opposition to Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral, plus a walk-off 40-yard subject aim from Thomas McKeon and a 91-yard kickoff-return landing from Hawkes Packard. Monte Vista discovered success on the bottom in its NCS Division II championship recreation win over Clayton Valley, as Torin Dunphy rushed for 129 of his group’s 226 speeding yards. QB Ian Ondricek had 60 yards on the bottom and accomplished 3 of 4 passes for 60 yards.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com tasks SI will win 28-17.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 3-A: ROSEVILLE VS. MCCLYMONDS
Information: Roseville 11-2, McClymonds 10-2
Kickoff: Saturday at McClymonds, 6 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t met within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: Oakland Part champion McClymonds is again in a NorCal title recreation as soon as once more. Quarterback Berell Staples has been a gradual presence for the Warriors because the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo commit brings two years of expertise. After sitting out many of the season with an harm, Rahsjon Duncan is again enjoying extensive receiver and cornerback. Extensive receiver Prince Staten and operating again Dominic Davis full McClymonds’ explosive offensive assault. On protection, search for McClymonds to lean on San Diego State-bound lineman Koi Taiesei. Roseville averages 31 factors per recreation. The Tigers defeated Escalon, Hughson and East Union-Manteca en path to the SJS Division IV title. Senior quarterback Mason Susnara leads Roseville’s assault.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com picks Roseville to win 21-17.
– Nathan Canilao
DIVISION 4-A: EL CERRITO VS. MENLO-ATHERTON
Information: El Cerrito 11-2, Menlo-Atherton 7-6
Kickoff: Saturday at Menlo-Atherton, 6 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t confronted off within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: This matchup pits a pair of groups using excessive after successful of their respective Division III part championship video games. El Cerrito received North Coast Part D-III after being Dublin, Rancho Cotate and Ukiah by a minimum of 11 factors apiece. M-A began the season 0-4 earlier than rallying to complete tied for second within the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division. The Bears have a senior dual-threat quarterback in Teddy Dacey and a powerful operating again in Evaimalo Ama. El Cerrito has rebounded from a tough finish to its season final 12 months, when the Gauchos forfeited a variety of video games after enjoying ineligible gamers and weren’t within the playoffs.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com tasks a 22-20 El Cerrito win.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 5-AA: BISHOP O’DOWD VS. CHICO
Information: Bishop O’Dowd 9-4, Chico 11-2
Kickoff: Friday at Chico, 7:30 p.m.
Sequence historical past: First assembly within the MaxPreps period (2004-present)
Storylines: O’Dowd sizzled via the NCS Division VI playoffs after ending second to James Logan within the WACC Foothill Division. Coach Hardy Nickerson brings a younger group to the regionals, led by junior operating again Lamar Ellis, sophomore athlete Bryan Edwards and junior quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson. Ellis and Edwards mixed for eight touchdowns in a 59-21 rout of Fortuna final week. The Dragons have received eight of their previous 9 video games. Chico reached the regional by successful the Northern Part Division II title, 28-20 over Foothill of Palo Cedro. Zaiveon Patrick ran for 175 of the winner’s 359 speeding yards within the part last. Chico handed for simply six yards that recreation. O’Dowd, in its solely earlier regional, beat Capital Christian-Sacramento 24-21 for the 5-AA title in 2016. Chico misplaced to Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral in its solely regional look, 31-7 in 2021.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com picks Chico to win 27-21.
– Darren Sabedra
DIVISION 5-A: MIRAMONTE VS. CALAVERAS-SAN ANDREAS
Information: Miramonte 8-5, Calaveras 11-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Calaveras, 6 p.m.
Sequence historical past: First assembly within the MaxPreps period (2004-present)
Storylines: Battle examined from enjoying league video games in opposition to the likes of Acalanes, Clayton Valley and Campolindo, Miramonte has hit its stride within the postseason. The Matadors received the NCS Division IV title final 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, accomplished 16 of 23 passes for 235 yards within the part last. Jonah Imberg offers steadiness to the offense as he rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Hayward. Calaveras, showing in its first regional, has received 10 in a row. The Sac-Joaquin Part Division VII champion superior to NorCals with a 27-12 win over Linden. Miramonte, in its one regional look, misplaced to Nice Valley-Chico 31-12 within the 5-AA title recreation in 2023.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com picks Calaveras to win 22-21.
– Darren Sabedra
DIVISION 6-AA: LINCOLN-SAN JOSE VS. GRIDLEY
Information: Lincoln-San Jose 10-3, Gridley 13-0
Kickoff: Friday at Lincoln, 7:30 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t met within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: Lincoln’s historic season continues within the NorCal championships, the place the Lions have an opportunity to make a state title recreation in the identical season they received their first CCS title. Kyan Phillips had an unbelievable recreation for Lincoln final week, scoring six of the Lions’ seven touchdowns in a 49-21 win over Branham. He ought to get the ball once more a lot this week. Gridley likes to maintain the ball on the bottom – the Bulldogs have 480 passing yards and three,751 speeding yards this season. Eli Punzo is the main rusher with 1,253 yards, however Marcus Duncan is not any slouch with 904. Three different gamers have a minimum of 295 rush yards and two extra have a minimum of 144.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com tasks a 26-20 Lincoln win.
– Christian Babcock
DIVISION 7-A: PIEDMONT HILLS VS. BALBOA
Information: Piedmont Hills 10-3, Balboa 10-2
Kickoff: Saturday at Balboa, 12:30 p.m.
Sequence historical past: The groups haven’t met within the MaxPreps period (since 2004).
Storylines: Piedmont Hills will attempt to hold the great occasions rolling after successful a CCS Division V title in coach Kelly King Jr.’s first season on the San Jose college. King additionally received a D-V title at Leland final 12 months. However the Chargers’ season ended with a 42-11 loss to Moreau Catholic, an final result King is set to keep away from this time round. Quarterback John Palomo had a powerful day for the Pirates final week in opposition to Sobrato, finishing 22 of 30 passes for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns. Piedmont Hills will attempt to decelerate Balboa star Mekai Smith, who scored six TDs within the San Francisco Metropolis Part last final week in opposition to Washington.
Pc projection: HSRatings.com tasks a 35-28 Balboa win.
– Christian Babcock
Full schedule
OPEN DIVISION
De La Salle (12-0) vs. Santa Margarita (10-3) at Saddleback School, 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 Lengthy Seaside 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.
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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 Middle (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 School, 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 College 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.
