The CIF Southern Section football playoffs have officially set the stage, with both Bishop Amat and Charter Oak earning the coveted top seeds in their respective divisions. Released on Sunday, the playoff pairings feature Bishop Amat (6-4) as the top seed in Division 3, ready to host Murrieta Mesa (7-3) in the first round. This marks a significant return for Bishop Amat, which struggled last season with only two victories.
Bishop Amat secured its position by defeating Serra 24-7 on Friday, finishing in a tie for second place in the Mission League with Chaminade. Murrieta Mesa, the Big West League lower division champion, will travel to Bishop Amat for their opening matchup, scheduled for Friday at 19:00, unless otherwise agreed upon.
In a notable achievement, Charter Oak (9-1) received the top seed in Division 4. After concerns that the team might be placed in Division 3 based on computer rankings, they are set to face Muir (9-1), the Pacific League champions, in a highly anticipated rematch. Charter Oak clinched the Sierra League title with a 23-6 victory over Bonita last Friday, having previously handed Muir its only loss of the season in a thrilling game on September 6, winning 34-33 with a last-minute rally.
Other Teams in the Playoffs
La Habra (7-3), which finished third in the competitive Epsilon League, earned the No. 2 seed in Division 4. They will host El Modena (4-5) in the first round. Meanwhile, Damien (8-2), after a challenging finish in the Baseline League, will travel to face Vista Murrieta (7-2), an at-large team from the Big West North.
Division 5 also features several local teams, including Bonita (6-4), which will meet Northview (8-2) in a rematch after winning against them in the previous year’s playoffs. St. Paul (3-6), who experienced a rough start to the season, will have a home game against Etiwanda (5-5), which secured an at-large spot from the Baseline League.
Undefeated Rio Hondo Prep (10-0) has made a significant leap to Division 5 and will face Thousand Oaks (8-2), the Conejo Coast League runner-up. La Serna (7-3), champions of the Del Rio League, will host Lakewood (6-4) in another exciting matchup.
In Division 6, Los Altos (10-0), who claimed the Hacienda League title, will encounter a challenging first-round game against Upland (2-8), which made the playoffs despite a tough season.
The Division 7 playoffs feature West Covina (7-3), who shared the Valle Vista League title, hosting La Canada (9-1), who finished second in the Rio Hondo League. Schurr (7-3), the Almont League champions, will face Saugus (8-2) on the road, while La Mirada (4-6) received an at-large berth in Division 8 and will host Beckman (7-3).
Rowland (10-0), also undefeated and the Gano League champions, will welcome San Dimas (5-5) in the first round of the Division 9 playoffs. Monrovia (7-3) is set to host Hillcrest (5-5) after earning an at-large berth from the Rio Hondo League, while Pasadena (6-4), the previous Division 13 titleholder, will travel to face Santa Monica (6-4).
El Rancho (6-4), who finished second in the Del Rio League, will also be on the road against Garden Grove Pacifica (7-3). South Pasadena (6-4), champions of the Rio Hondo League, earned the No. 2 seed in Division 11 and will host San Marcos (4-6).
Baldwin Park (6-4), who secured a playoff spot as an at-large team, will host Maranatha (7-3) in an exciting all-area matchup. In the same division, El Monte (8-2), winners of the Mission Valley League, will take on top seed Long Beach St. Anthony (3-7).
In Division 12, Nogales (7-3), champions of the Montview League, will travel to face Bellflower (6-4), while Ganesha (8-2), winners of the Miramonte League, will compete against Colton (5-5).
The playoffs promise to deliver thrilling matchups, showcasing the talent and determination of high school football teams across the region. As teams prepare for the challenges ahead, fans can look forward to an exciting postseason filled with competition and camaraderie.
