OAKLAND, Calif. (WHN) – High school football championship weekend has arrived in the Bay Area, with North Coast and Central Coast Section titles on the line as top-seeded teams face off in highly anticipated rematches and legacy-defining contests.
NCS Open/Division I Championship
De La Salle High School prepares to defend its dynasty. The Spartans (10-2) will host San Ramon Valley (10-2) for the North Coast Section’s top prize.
A victory would secure De La Salle’s 31st consecutive section championship. It would also extend the program’s unbeaten streak against Northern California opponents, a run of 317 games dating to 1991, according to media reports.
The Spartans defeated San Ramon Valley 33-27 in a double-overtime game earlier this season. Running back Derrick Blanche Jr. was a key factor in that victory, rushing for 251 yards and three touchdowns.
San Ramon Valley enters the final seeking its first-ever win against the Concord powerhouse. The Wolves are led by junior quarterback Luke Baker, who has thrown for 3,556 yards and 44 touchdowns this season.
The team is “extremely excited for the opportunity,” said San Ramon Valley coach Aaron Pherrin. “We know what we’re up against.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Dublin High School. The winner will advance to a California Interscholastic Federation state bowl game.
CCS Division I Championship
In the Central Coast Section, unbeaten Serra High School (12-0) faces West Catholic Athletic League rival Archbishop Riordan (9-3) for the Division I title.
The matchup is a rematch. Serra defeated Riordan 49-7 on Oct. 28.
Serra has maintained its status as the top-ranked team in the Bay Area all season. The Padres’ offense is powered by running back Jabari Mann and quarterback Maealiuaki Smith, who have led the team to score an average of 39 points per game.
Riordan is making its first appearance in a CCS top-division final since 1990. The Crusaders, under first-year coach Adhir Ravipati, rely on playmakers including athlete Chris Lawson and running back Mike Mitchell Jr.
Ravipati acknowledged the challenge ahead. “We have a lot of respect for Serra. They’re the best team in Northern California for a reason,” Ravipati stated. “We’re excited for the challenge.”
The game is set for 7 p.m. Friday at San Jose City College.
Other Key Title Games
The weekend features several other section finals with state bowl implications.
In the NCS Division II final, Acalanes (9-4) will play top-seeded San Marin (12-1). The game is a rematch of last year’s championship, which San Marin won 35-14.
The CCS Division II championship pits Los Gatos (10-2) against St. Ignatius (8-4). Los Gatos secured a 28-0 victory over St. Ignatius during the regular season. St. Ignatius coach John Regalia’s team has won four straight games since that loss.
Los Gatos coach Mark Krail noted the evolution of both squads. “They’re a different team,” Krail said of St. Ignatius. “We’re a different team as well.”
El Cerrito (11-1) faces Windsor (10-2) in the NCS Division III championship game. The contest will take place Saturday night at Benicia High School.
