The Bay Area high school football playoffs delivered thrilling action in Week 13, with several teams competing for a chance at championship glory. Notable performances came from Archbishop Riordan, De La Salle, and St. Ignatius, each securing significant victories in their respective divisions.
CCS and NCS Championship Results
In the Central Coast Section (CCS) Open Division, top-ranked Archbishop Riordan claimed a decisive 33-13 victory against second-seeded Serra. The game, held at San Jose City College, marked a successful culmination of Riordan’s efforts in the playoffs, showcasing their strength after a previous matchup against Serra two weeks earlier.
Meanwhile, in the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division, De La Salle triumphed over Pittsburg with a score of 24-17. This win secured De La Salle’s 33rd consecutive NCS title. Despite Pittsburg’s strong offensive play, which included controlling time of possession and achieving eight fourth-down conversions, De La Salle’s defense proved resilient. Notably, North Carolina commit Jaden Jefferson played a pivotal role, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown.
In the CCS Division II, St. Ignatius dominated Menlo School, winning 42-6. Quarterback Caedon Afsharipour threw for five touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to the championship game against the winner of the Santa Teresa-Sacred Heart Cathedral match. This victory marks St. Ignatius’ second consecutive CCS title game appearance and the first under coach JaJuan Lawson.
Notable Performances Across Divisions
In NCS Division II, second-seeded Monte Vista defeated third-seeded California 35-21, advancing to the finals against Clayton Valley. Senior quarterback Ian Ondricek contributed significantly with two touchdowns, while junior Justin Grisham added another rushing score. Monte Vista established an early lead and maintained it throughout the match, showcasing their determination to capture their first NCS title since 2016.
The NCS Division III semifinal saw El Cerrito continue its impressive season with a 26-9 win over Rancho Cotate. After a challenging previous year marred by ineligible player forfeitures, El Cerrito’s resurgence included two rushing touchdowns and a blocked punt returned for a score.
In CCS Division IV, top-seeded Branham triumphed over Half Moon Bay in a high-scoring affair, winning 56-45. Branham’s Michael Murphy stood out with three touchdowns, helping the team advance to a rematch for the CCS Division IV title.
The NCS Division IV featured a commanding performance from top-seeded Hayward, which defeated fourth-seeded Granada 41-18. Running backs Maurice Hall and Lamont McDonald excelled, combining for over 300 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns. Hayward’s defense effectively limited Granada’s offensive opportunities.
In a defensive showcase, Miramonte secured a spot in the finals by shutting out seventh-seeded Redwood 20-0. The victory was highlighted by strong defensive plays and a solid offensive performance from junior quarterback Lane Dalton, who passed for 204 yards and contributed a touchdown.
Lastly, in NCS Division V, third-seeded Bishop O’Dowd overwhelmed second-seeded St. Helena 49-26. The Dragons’ offense was bolstered by Lamar Ellis, who rushed for four touchdowns, while the defense added a pick-six from OC Lehner.
As teams gear up for the championship matches next week, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the high school football season in the Bay Area.
