High school football: City and Southern Section semifinal playoff schedules

High School Football Semifinals: Your Guide to the Upcoming Games

As the high school football season reaches its climax, excitement unfolds in the City and Southern Sections with thrilling semifinal matchups scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Teams are vying for glory as they battle for a coveted place in the finals. This article provides an overview of the upcoming games, key matchups, and what to expect under the Friday night lights.

City Section Semifinals: Key Showdowns

On Friday night, the City Section hosts an array of must-watch games at 7 p.m. in various divisions. In the Open Division, #5 Garfield is set to face #1 Carson, while #6 Crenshaw takes on #2 Birmingham. Both games promise intense competition, showcasing some of the best talent in the league. Likewise, the Division I matches feature #5 Marquez against #1 Venice and either #11 Dorsey or #3 Eagle Rock squaring off against #2 South Gate, amplifying the stakes for these young athletes.

Division II and III Excitement

The action continues in Division II with #4 Fairfax going up against #1 Cleveland, alongside #6 L.A. Marshall facing #2 San Fernando. Each matchup is pivotal, as teams look to secure their spots in the finals. In Division III, the competition remains fierce with #5 Contreras battling #1 Santee and #3 L.A. Wilson meeting #2 Hawkins. These games are packed with enthusiastic rivalries and the potential for upsets.

Southern Section Semifinals: A Weekend of Action

Heading over to the Southern Section, the atmosphere is just as electric. On Friday, key games include the Division I clash between Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, while Mater Dei takes on Corona Centennial. Both matchups are critical, featuring some of the top-ranked teams in Southern California battling for the ultimate prize. Expect a high level of athleticism and strategy as these teams aim to punch their ticket to the finals.

Other Southern Section Divisions to Watch

In Division II, the spotlight shines on Los Alamitos facing Murrieta Valley and San Clemente battling Leuzinger. Division III sees Oxnard Pacifica take on Chino Hills, and Edison faces Palos Verdes, each match holding significant weight in determining the finalists. Similarly, intense clashes in Divisions IV through IX, including battles like San Jacinto vs. Villa Park and Venturas’ match against Agoura, promise high stakes and fierce competition across the board.

The 8-Man Semifinals: A Unique Format

For those interested in the 8-Man format, semifinal action is also on the Friday schedule with intriguing matchups. In Division 1, Chadwick is set to play Flintridge Prep, while Faith Baptist goes up against Wildomar Cornerstone Christian. Meanwhile, Division 2 sees Calvary Baptist facing Cate and Hesperia Christian battling Lancaster Baptist. This exciting format showcases a different style of play that adds to the high school football experience.

Saturday’s Showdown: City Section Finals

As the dust settles from the Friday night festivities, Saturday will feature the City Section 8-Man finals at Birmingham High School. The matchup will feature #2 Animo Robinson competing against #4 East Valley or #1 Sherman Oaks CES at 5 p.m. Fans are eagerly anticipating this game, expected to be a thrilling conclusion to the week’s high school football events.

With the various semifinal games scheduled, prepare for an action-packed weekend filled with thrilling moments, unexpected twists, and the passion that high school football brings. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the games!