UPDATE: The race for the CIF state football playoffs kicks off this weekend as teams across the Bay Area vie for section championships! Action-packed matchups scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, will determine who advances to the regional rounds.
Among the teams to watch are heavyweights like Pittsburg, Serra, and Los Gatos, each looking to extend their seasons. The stakes are high as only the best will secure their spots in the prestigious CIF NorCal regional playoffs, with matchups announced on Sunday.
In the Central Coast Section Division I final, No. 3 Los Gatos (9-3) faces off against No. 2 Serra (7-5) at San Jose City College on Friday at 7 p.m.. This clash of titans promises excitement as Los Gatos seeks to capture its 17th CCS title, while Serra aims to bounce back after a tough loss to Archbishop Riordan in the CCS Open championship last week.
Los Gatos boasts a formidable offense led by quarterback Callum Schweitzer and a dynamic backfield. Meanwhile, Serra’s freshman quarterback William Orr hopes to regain form after inconsistent performances. HSRatings.com projects a nail-biting 28-22 victory for Serra.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., the Division II final presents a fierce rivalry as No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral (6-6) battles No. 1 St. Ignatius (6-6) at San Jose City College. This rematch of the legendary Bruce-Mahoney classic is set to ignite passions, especially after a recent clash ended with a 23-14 win for St. Ignatius. With both teams hungry for glory, expect fireworks!
The Division III final on Saturday at 7 p.m. showcases No. 8 San Mateo (9-3) against No. 3 Menlo-Atherton (6-6) at MacDonald High School. San Mateo, the underdog, looks to cap off a Cinderella run after upsetting higher seeds in previous rounds. Menlo-Atherton aims for its first CCS title since 2018.
Meanwhile, in the North Coast Section, No. 2 Pittsburg (10-2) goes head-to-head with No. 3 Cardinal Newman (11-1) at Diablo Valley College on Friday at 7 p.m.. After a narrow loss to De La Salle, Pittsburg is determined to secure its fifth consecutive Division I crown against a formidable Cardinal Newman squad fresh off a commanding semifinal victory.
In Division II, No. 2 Monte Vista (7-5) faces No. 4 Clayton Valley Charter (7-5) at Dublin High School on Friday at 7 p.m., while No. 3 El Cerrito (10-2) takes on No. 5 Ukiah (8-4) at American Canyon High School the same night.
As the weekend unfolds, the excitement builds for the potential upsets, dramatic plays, and unforgettable moments that make high school football a beloved spectacle across the Bay Area. Stay tuned as we bring you updates and results from these crucial matchups!
