URGENT UPDATE: The high school football playoffs kick off this weekend across the Bay Area, with teams vying for section championships and a shot at the NorCal regionals on December 5-6. With the regular season wrapping up, the stakes couldn’t be higher as athletes face off for their chance to compete in the state title games on December 12-13.
This weekend, thrilling matchups are set for both Friday and Saturday, promising action and excitement for fans. The Bay Area’s top contenders will clash in highly competitive brackets, especially in the North Coast and Central Coast sections.
KEY MATCHUPS:
– **Friday, 7 p.m.:** No. 7 Liberty (8-2) faces No. 2 Pittsburg (9-1) in the NCS Open/Division I playoffs. In their previous encounter on October 17, Pittsburg dominated with a 29-12 victory, marking their eighth consecutive win over Liberty. HSRatings.com projects a close game, favoring Pittsburg to win 35-20.
– **Friday, 7 p.m.:** No. 5 Marin Catholic (5-5) takes on undefeated No. 4 Acalanes (10-0). Acalanes, riding a wave of momentum after two championship wins in the past two seasons, will be tested by the powerhouse Marin Catholic, a 14-time NCS champion. HSRatings.com predicts Acalanes to secure a 31-22 victory.
– **Friday, 7 p.m.:** No. 6 St. Francis (5-5) will battle No. 3 Los Gatos (7-3) in a rematch of last year’s CCS Division I championship, which St. Francis won decisively. Los Gatos aims to reverse that outcome with a projected win of 31-24 according to HSRatings.com.
– **Friday, 7 p.m.:** No. 7 Amador Valley (4-6) at No. 2 Monte Vista (5-5) promises to be a nail-biter. Amador won their last matchup on Halloween, and HSRatings.com forecasts a tight finish with Amador advancing 28-27.
– **Friday, 7 p.m.:** No. 8 San Mateo (7-3) faces No. 1 Woodside (10-0), who has enjoyed a breakout season. HSRatings.com predicts Woodside will maintain its perfect record with a projected score of 28-17.
– **Saturday, 1 p.m.:** No. 7 Archbishop Mitty (6-4) will visit No. 2 Serra (6-4), where a challenging environment awaits. Last month, Serra edged past Mitty, and HSRatings.com expects them to continue this trend with a win projected at 31-14.
In addition to these matchups, the playoff schedule includes numerous essential games in various divisions, with teams from across the region battling for supremacy. Notably, the first-round winners in the top brackets will advance to the Open Division championship in Week 2.
Fans and families are eager to see these high-stakes games unfold, as the players’ dreams of state titles hinge on their performance this weekend. The Bay Area News Group will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the playoffs.
Be sure to tune in for live updates and results as the excitement unfolds!
