UPDATE: The CIF state football playoffs are set to kick off this weekend, with crucial matchups determining which teams will advance to the regional championships. Bay Area high school teams, including Los Gatos, Serra, and St. Ignatius, are poised for action on November 21, 2025, as they battle for prestigious titles and playoff spots.
Heavyweights like Pittsburg, Clayton Valley Charter, and Sacred Heart Cathedral will also be in competition, aiming to extend their seasons and secure glory on the field. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes that will shape the future of high school football in the Bay Area.
The Central Coast Section finals feature pivotal showdowns:
Division I Final: Los Gatos vs. Serra
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 between two storied programs will decide the Division I championship. Historically, Los Gatos has dominated this matchup, winning both playoff meetings since 2004. With a chance to add to their 16 CCS titles, the Cats are looking to capitalize on their powerful offense led by quarterback Callum Schweitzer.
Division II Final: Sacred Heart Cathedral vs. St. Ignatius
On Saturday at 1 p.m., No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral (6-6) will take on No. 1 St. Ignatius (6-6) at San Jose City College. This Bruce-Mahoney classic rematch is set to deliver intense rivalry action. St. Ignatius aims to avenge their recent regular-season loss and build on the momentum from their convincing playoff win against Menlo School.
Division III Final: San Mateo vs. Menlo-Atherton
Saturday’s action continues with No. 8 San Mateo (9-3) squaring off against No. 3 Menlo-Atherton (6-6) at MacDonald HS at 7 p.m.. San Mateo’s Cinderella story could culminate in a championship, while Menlo-Atherton looks to reclaim glory after a strong playoff showing.
Division IV Final: Lincoln-San Jose vs. Branham
At the same time, No. 3 Lincoln-San Jose (9-3) will battle No. 1 Branham (7-5) at San Jose City College for the Division IV title. Lincoln seeks its first title in school history, while Branham aims to overcome past disappointments in the finals.
Division V Final: Sobrato vs. Piedmont Hills
In a pivotal Division V clash, No. 2 Sobrato (8-4) faces No. 1 Piedmont Hills (9-3) at MacDonald HS on Saturday at 1 p.m.. Both teams are hungry for their first championship, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
North Coast Section Highlights
The North Coast Section playoffs also feature vital matchups:
On Friday at 7 p.m., No. 2 Pittsburg (10-2) will battle No. 3 Cardinal Newman (11-1) at Diablo Valley College. Pittsburg looks to secure its fifth consecutive Division I crown, while Cardinal Newman aims to maintain its winning streak.
Simultaneously, No. 2 Monte Vista (7-5) takes on No. 4 Clayton Valley Charter (7-5) at Dublin HS, also at 7 p.m.. Monte Vista seeks its first championship in nearly a decade against a formidable Clayton Valley squad.
The stakes are high as teams vie for glory, and fans are poised for an unforgettable weekend of high school football. Stay tuned for live updates and results as the Bay Area’s best compete for championship titles!
