Prep2Prep CCS Rankings
THROUGH WEEK 12
A stunning week of CCS first-round action necessitates quite a few changes in the rankings, headlined by Wilcox's move following its big win over Saint Francis. Four of the six WCAL teams suffered defeats in the first round and as we head into the CCS semifinal round, the only thing that appears inevitable is a repeat Open championship from No. 1 Serra.
Note: Last week's rankings in parentheses
As expected, Serra had no trouble with Salinas, rolling to a 47-0 lead before settling for a 47-7 victory in the first round of the Open Division playoffs. The Padres will be huge favorites against Wilcox even though the Chargers stunned No. 2 seed Saint Francis.
Los Gatos was tied with Archbishop Riordan at halftime of its first-round CCS Division 1 matchup and based on what has occurred in the past two postseasons, it would have been natural for the Wildcats to fear the worst. However, after losing heartbreakers in back-to-back seasons to WCAL members Valley Christian and Archbishop Mitty, Los Gatos shut Riordan down in the second half and emerged with a 28-14 win to advance to the semifinals. Senior Boxer Kopcsak-Yeung ran for 168 yards and QB AJ Minyard threw for 232 yards and hit Jaylen Thomas for the go-ahead 33-yard score. Los Gatos takes on another WCAL foe St. Ignatius in the semifinals.
It certainly had to be considered an upset when news came out that Wilcox had defeated Saint Francis. But what made it even more stunning was the dominance the Chargers displayed in the second half. Down 28-24 early in the second half, Wilcox reeled off 28 unanswered points for a shocking 52-28 victory over the Lancers, who lost just one game in the powerful WCAL - to invincible Serra. Senior RB Elijah Walker ran for 220 yards and scored 5 touchdowns in the win. Next up for Wilcox is the most daunting task of all, a matchup against No. 1 Serra for the Open title. But much like a basektball player at the line in a tie game with no time left, the Chargers have two shots to make one, as even with a loss, they will get to face the Los Gatos-SI winner for the DIvision 1 title.
Although the season didn't end the way the Lancers had hoped, it was still a very successful season as they finished 6-1 in a very challenging WCAL and finished 7-4 overall against one of the toughest schedules in Northern California. Senior Kingston Keanaaina ran for three touchdowns in his high school finale.
The Crusaders announced themselves as a team to contend with this season, finishing 5-2 in the WCAL before falling in the CCS Division 1 playoffs against Los Gatos. Riordan ended its season 7-4 overall.
For the second time this season, SI edged WCAL rival Valley Christian in the waning moments of the game. This time the Wildcats waited until the final 10 seconds when quarterback Soren Humme rolled right andl hit Monroe Barnum for the winning 5-yard score with 7.8 seconds left. SI takes on Los Gatos Friday in the Division 1 semifinals.
It was a terrific bounceback season for the Warriors, whose season ended in a 21-17 last-second loss to WCAL rival St. Ignatius. Valley Christian finished 6-5 overall but gave Serra its toughest team and only one game by more than 11 points.
After finishing undefeated in the PCAL-Gabilan, Salinas was dealt a difficult draw and not surprisingly fell 47-7 at Serra. The Cowboys finish the season 7-4.
Soquel defeated Carmel 35-14 to advance to the Division 2 semifinals, setting up a rematch with PCAL-Gabilan rival Monterey Friday night at Soquel.
Christopher got a 10-yard run from William Rizqallah in the final minute for a 32-28 win over Archbishop Mitty. The Cougars advanced to the Division 2 semifinals and will travel to Atherton to take on Menlo.
Monterey knocked off Sacred Heart Prep, 38-24 to move into the Division 2 semifinals. The Dores will take on Soquel Friday night.
Sacred Heart Prep's season ended in a 38-24 loss to Monterey in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs.
Menlo advanced to the Division 2 semifinals with a 30-28 win over Live Oak. The Knights will host Christopher Saturday afternoon.
Mitty's season ended in a 32-28 loss to Christopher in the Division 2 semifinals.
Live Oak's season ended in a 30-28 loss to Menlo in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs.
Palma advanced to the Division 3 semifinals with a 38-10 win over PCAL-Gabilan rival Hollister. The Chieftains will visit Menlo-Atherton Friday night.
Hollister's season ended in a 38-10 loss to Palma in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs.
Bellarmine did not qualify for the CCS playoffs and finished the season with a 2-8 record.
Scotts Valley advanced to the Division 3 semifinals with a 33-21 win over Aragon. The Falcons host Alisal Saturday afternoon.
Menlo-Atherton advanced to the Division 3 semifinals with a 49-37 win over Hillsdale. The Bears host Palma Friday night.
Carmel's season ended with a 35-14 loss to Soquel in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs.
Aptos did not qualify for the CCS playoffs and finished the season with a 2-8 record.
Alisal advanced to the Division 3 semifinals with a 20-17 win over Capuchino. The Trojans will travel to Scotts Valley Saturday afternoon
Branham advanced to the Division 4 semifinals with a 41-14 win over Greenfield. The Bruins visit Mountain View Friday night.
Leigh advanced to the Division 4 semifinals with a 21-20 win over North Salinas. Next up for the Longhorns is a trip to Palo Alto Friday night.
