The seeding committees have spoken, and the table is all set for the North Coast Section playoffs. Let's take an overall look at the divisions, with more detailed break-downs of games to come to come weekly:
DIVISION I
Key Match-ups: Two first round games jump off the page right away. Eighth-seeded James Logan hosts San Ramon Valley in a rematch of a regular-season game won by the Colts, 28-23. The Wolves did not have Dru Samia and a few other starters in that game and will hope to make things different this time around.
Antioch heading to San Leandro is a game that could potentially feature two of the biggest talents in the Bay Area. Antioch's Najee Harris leads the section in rushing yards, and if he is healthy, San Leandro will start UCLA-bound quarterback Stephen Johnson III.
Intriguing possibilities down the road include Liberty at California in the quarterfinals, with two very different styles of play offensively, but two fast and aggressive defenses. A Freedom at Pittsburg rematch in the quarterfinals will happen if the Falcons can get past Monte Vista in the first round. The Pirates needed 17 second-half points to overcome a halftime deficit in the first meeting between the schools.
Pittsburg at Foothill would be the semifinal that many are hoping for, and with the winner facing De La Salle, would almost feel like the section title game before trying to slay the giant.
Players to Watch: De La Salle RB Antoine Custer, Foothill QB Kyle Kearns, Foothill WR Isaiah Langley, California RB Justin Locklear, Pittsburg DE David Lui, Liberty WR Willie Williams, Freedom OL Dominic Frederickson, San Leandro QB Stephen Johnson III, Antioch RB Najee Harris, Logan QB Christian Leota, San Ramon Valley WR JJ Koski, Monte Vista QB Jake Haener, Amador Valley RB Ledre McCullough, Heritage DB Sam Hinn
Sleeper: While identifying a sleeper is usually a lost cause in a bracket with De La Salle, we'll give it a shot with Pittsburg. The Pirates' defense might be the best in Northern California, aside from the Spartans, and could potentially keep them in the game.
Analysis: De La Salle has already easily dispatched the best that the EBAL had to offer, along with signature wins over out-of-state and Southern California opponents. This ultimately still feels like their warm-up for the Open Division state playoff bowl title game. The rest of the games leading up to the final should be more intriguing than the championship game.
“There is definitely a lot of depth and parity this year,” said Pittsburg Vic Galli. “All the teams seem to have big wins but also one or two surprising losses, so it will be exciting to see what happens.”
DIVISION II
Key Match-ups: The potential for a Concord versus Tennyson game in the semifinals would be exciting for anyone that loves offense. Windsor is the three seed, but has lost three straight coming into the playoffs, although it did lead at halftime in all three games. An all-North Bay League quarterfinal between Maria Carrillo and Casa Grande would be an enticing match-up, which the Gauchos won the first time, 19-14. The Pumas would have the right to host as the higher seed, however.
But ultimately, what everyone is anticipating in this division is a rematch in the title game between Concord and Clayton Valley. The Eagles won the first game 48-40, but had to hold off a furious Minutemen rally to do so. That game might get the best crowd of any of the championship games.
Players to watch: Clayton Valley RB Miles Harrison, Clayton Valley RB Justin Zapanta, Clayton Valley LB Rich Peralta, Concord QB Mitch Daniels, Concord RB Malik Blackburn, Concord WR Mason Knight, Mt Eden WR Dominic Williams, Northgate RB Matt Huang, Windsor QB Jalen Roman, Tennyson QB Christian Silva, Tennyson RB Tukai Laginikoro, Hayward QB Juni Moi Moi, Casa Grande RB Spencer Torkelson, Casa Grande LB Casey Longaker, Dublin RB Tyree Williams, Pinole Valley WR Chris Salmeron, American RB Jared Luty
Sleeper: While the chances of Clayton Valley and Concord getting derailed on their way to a rematch appear slim, Tennyson has an explosive offense and is experienced enough to feel confident. The Lancers slumped a little in their last two games, but with tough wins over Bishop O'Dowd and Castro Valley, remain a threat to both Windsor in the quarterfinals and Concord in a potential semi-final game.
Analysis: Ultimately the top two seeds are the only ones who have established themselves. Anything other than a rematch in the title game will be a complete shock.
DIVISION III
Key Match-ups: The first round is full of tense games in what is one of the deepest brackets in the section. Cardinal Newman and Novato battle for bragging rights in the North Bay, while Acalanes takes on a tough Bishop O'Dowd team which took San Leandro to overtime. Rancho Cotate was given the seventh seed, but must travel to face undefeated Kennedy, which might be one of the best 10 seeds this bracket has ever seen. Alhambra hosts a Petaluma team that just pushed Analy to the wire in the SCL title game.
Players to watch: Campolindo RB Nick Fadelli, Campolindo TE Tyler Petite, Cardinal Newman QB Jordan Brookshire, Novato QB Robbie Cassee, Analy QB Will Smith, Analy RB Ja'Narrick James, Acalanes QB Casey Harrington, Bishop O'Dowd QB Chris Hagmaier, Las Lomas RB Zack Fulks, Rancho Cotate QB Gunner Mefferd, Rancho Cotate RB Carlos Franco, Kennedy RB Kaleem Abubukari, Marin Catholic QB Darius Peterson, Tamalpais QB Jack Harris, Alhambra RB James Gonsalves, Petaluma RB Yusef Kawasami
Sleeper: Marin Catholic may have finished in a three-way tie for their league title, but finished the season playing at an extremely high level. Their defense was lights out at the end of the season, which could give it the opportunity to make a deep run and challenge for the title.
Analysis: After going undefeated in league play for the fourth straight season, Campolindo is a heavy favorite. Both Marin Catholic and Las Lomas could play the role of spoiler, though, and a 9-1 Analy team with offensive firepower might be a tough test in the semifinals. The road is not easy for the Cougars, as they will face league champions beginning in the second round with either Cardinal Newman (NBL) or Novato (MCAL).
DIVISION IV
Key match-ups: The 8-9 match-up in the first round has the potential to be a high-scoring contest with contrasting styles of play. Fort Bragg has a prolific passing game led by Kaylor Sullivan, while Moreau's run game has been extremely effective, averaging nearly 250 yards per game.
Outside of the first round, a semifinal game between Piedmont and Justin-Siena would feature two of the surprise teams from different parts of the section. Both teams have strong rushing attacks and play good defense.
Players to watch: St. Mary's RB Tamarick Pierce, St. Mary's RB Stevie Harvey, Piedmont RB Gabriel Watson, Fort Bragg QB Kaylor Sullivan, Fort Bragg WR/DB Lucas Triplett, Moreau Catholic RB/DB Jullen Ison, Moreau Catholic RB Jason Hinton, Lower Lake QB Isazah King, McKinleyville QB Kyle Spalding, McKinleyville RB Bailey Turner, McKinleyville WR Travis Nickols, Justin-Siena RB William Boyd Jr., Piner DL Peter Barbieri
Sleeper: If any team appears physically equipped to challenge St. Mary's for the title, it might be Justin-Siena. The Braves have done a good job of keeping games low scoring, and can control the clock with their veer option offense. Coach Rich Cotruvo has been here many times before as well, and will have his team in the right mindset to handle the pressure.
Analysis: Nothing against No. 4 seed San Marin, which did play well in an early season loss to Justin-Siena, but it appears that three teams have a shot in this division. St. Mary's should get past San Marin or Del Norte to reach the title game, and it would be a shock if someone other than Piedmont or Justin-Siena is waiting for them.
DIVISION V
Key match-ups: The 5-12 game in the first round is a rematch from an early-season game in which Valley Christian-Dublin, the 12 seed, defeated Stellar Prep, 34-24. You don't usually see a much higher seed given a rematch in the first round against a team which beat it the first time.
The other intriguing match-ups all seem to be in the bottom half of the bracket. With three 9-1 teams in the bottom half, the quarterfinals and semifinals could all see some very high-quality football played. No. 2 seed St Bernard Catholic should face either No. 3 St Helena or No. 6 John Swett in the semifinals.
Players to watch: Salesian DB Prentiss Reid, Salesian RB Charles Hillary, Salesian RB Dalonnie Crater, St Bernard QB Noah Davis, St Bernard WR Jack Rice, Berean Christian WR Isaiah Hodgins, Tomales RB Willy Lepori, California School for the Deaf RB Jax Pedersen, Cloverdale RB Luke Bernardi, St Helena QB Jack Preston, St Vincent RB George Sammon, California School for the Deaf QB Zane Pedersen, Valley Christian WR Jairus Woodson, South Fork DL Justice Sherman, John Swett DE Jamonte Moore
Sleeper: Keep an eye on the No. 6 seed, John Swett. Swett allowed more than 18 points just once this season, and the defense posted three shutouts. While a victory in the title game would appear to be a stretch, getting there might not be.
Analysis: Outside of De La Salle in Division I, Salesian is the closest thing to a lock in any of the divisions. The Pride plays teams above their division all year, and their two losses were both to powerhouse programs outside of the section. They have a cast of seniors led by Reid, Hillary, Kyree Harvey, Jordan Cole and Kameron Carr who are motivated to go out on top, and have the ability to do so.
NORTH COAST SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
DIVISION I
1st round
FRIDAY
No. 1 De La Salle (10-0) bye
No. 9 San Ramon Valley (6-4) at No. 8 Logan (8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 13 Heritage (5-5) at No. 4 California (7-3), 7 p.m.
No. 10 Antioch (6-4) vs. No. 7 San Leandro (6-4) at Burrell Field 7 p.m.
No. 3 Pittsburg (8-2) bye
No. 11 Monte Vista (4-6) at No. 6 Freedom (6-4), 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
No. 12 Amador Valley (6-4) at No. 5 Liberty (8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 2 Foothill (8-2) bye
DIVISION II
1st round
FRIDAY
No. 16 Newark Memorial (4-6) at No. 1 Clayton Valley Charter (10-0), 7 p.m.
No. 13 American (7-3) at No. 4 Carrillo (6-4), 7 p.m.
No. 15 Hayward (5-5) at No. 2 Concord (9-1), 7 p.m.
No. 14 Dublin (4-6) at No. 3 Windsor (7-3), 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
No. 9 Mt. Eden (7-2-1) at No. 8 Montgomery (8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 12 Miramonte (3-7) at No. 5 Casa Grande (4-6), 7 p.m.
No. 10 Granada (2-8) at No. 7 Northgate (5-5), 7 p.m.
No. 11 Pinole Valley (4-6) at No. 6 Tennyson (5-4-1), 1 p.m.
DIVISION III
1st round
FRIDAY
No. 16 Ygnacio Valley (3-7) at No. 1 Campo (10-0), 7 p.m.
No. 12 O’Dowd (5-5) at No. 5 Acalanes (7-3), 7 p.m.
No. 7 Rancho Cotate (7-3) vs. No. 10 Kennedy-Fremont (10-0) at Fudenna Stadium, 7 p.m.
No. 11 Petaluma (7-3) at No. 6 Alhambra (7-3), 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
No. 9 Novato (7-3) at No. 8 Cardinal Newman (7-3), 7 p.m.
No. 13 El Cerrito (5-5) at No. 4 Analy (9-0), 7 p.m.
No. 15 Mt. Diablo (3-7) at No. 2 Las Lomas (8-2), 8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 14 Tamalpais (6-4) at No. 3 Marin Catholic (7-3), 1 p.m.
DIVISION IV
1st round
FRIDAY
No. 12 Lower Lake (5-5) at No. 5 Del Norte (8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 15 Kennedy-Richmond (5-5) at No. 2 Piedmont (10-0), 7 p.m.
No. 14 Kelseyville (4-6) at No. 3 Justin-Siena (7-3), 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
No. 1 St. Mary’s (9-1) bye
No. 9 Moreau Catholic (5-5) at No. 8 Fort Bragg (8-2), 7 p.m.
No. 13 Terra Linda (4-6) at No. 4 San Marin (7-3), 1 p.m.
No. 10 El Molino (6-4) at No. 7 McKinleyville (4-6), 7 p.m.
No. 11 Piner (5-5) at No. 6 Fortuna (7-3), 7 p.m.
DIVISION V
1st round
FRIDAY
No. 12 Valley Christian (4-6) vs. No. 5 Stellar Prep (7-3) at Chabot College 7 p.m.
No. 14 South Fork (5-5) at No. 5 St. Helena (9-1). 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
No. 1 Salesian (8-2) bye
No. 8 Cloverdale (6-4) at No. 9 St. Vincent (6-4), 1 p.m.
No. 13 Tomales (7-3) at No. 4 Middletown (7-3), 7 p.m.
No. 15 Ferndale (4-5) at No. 2 St. Bernard (9-1), 1 p.m.
No. 10 California School for the Deaf-Fremont- (8-2) at No. 7 Berean Christian (5-5), 1 p.m.
No. 11 St. Patrick-St. Vincent (3-7) at No. 6 John Swett (9-1), 7 p.m.
