Gabilan- Soquel clearly separated itself from the rest of the PCAL this year finishing undefeated and really not having to many close games. Soquel is so methodical; it is very impressive. They are patient on offense with a QB that can hurt you if you let him and just a solid running game. Their defense is similar, nothing flashy, but they will shut you down and put you in 3rd and long situations. Salinas finished 2nd but had some really close games with Monterey and Palma. Monterey had a great season with a smaller roster, in addition they knocked off Palma and Hollister with modified offense due to their QB1 going out. Aptos returns to the playoffs this year, not the same program from a few years ago, but still managed to finish 4th. by beating Palma and Alvarez. A young Palma squad was able to overcome some disappointing losses an d keep the playoff streak alive, and a “Helter-Skelter” Hollister team round out the 6 playoff qualifiers from the Gabilan.
Fri 11/15 Hollister (CA) vs Capuchino (San Bruno, CA), 7:00pm D III Playoffs -Hollister just cant be trusted. On any given weekend they can beat some of the CCS elite, but I also think they could lose to Harbor. Capuchino has played an easier schedule, but also much more consistent football. Capuchino 24-14
Fri 11/15 Menlo-Atherton (Atherton, CA) vs Monterey (CA), 7:00pm D II Playoffs -Hat’s off to Monterey and their coaching staff. This team has improved this year despite losing their very talented QB1. They know Menlo-Atherton having lost to them in week 2. I think they fix what went wrong and get revenge. Monterey 24-23
Fri 11/15 St. Ignatius College Prep (San Francisco, CA) vs Salinas (CA), 7:00pm DI/Open- The good new is that this is the most competitive DI/open bracket in the CCS that I have seen in a long time. I believe all 8 teams have a chance. Bad news is Salinas is the 8th seed, but more good news SI is a very “beatable” #1 seed. Salinas 35-31
Fri 11/15 Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep (San Francisco, CA) vs Palma (Salinas, CA) D II Playoffs. Palma received a Good draw for their playoff run. I just think this team is a little young. Stack the box to stop the run and force the Soph QB to beat you. SHC 24-17
Fri 11/15 Willow Glen (San Jose, CA) vs Aptos (CA), 7:00pm D III Playoffs- I like this match up. Willow Glenn is undefeated but has not played the toughest schedule. Aptos is 5-5 and has played well some games and really bad others. But all vs much tougher competition. Aptos 28-21
Sat 11/16 Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco, CA) vs Soquel (CA), 1:00pm DI Open Playoffs -I think this might be the worst possible match up for Soquel. Riordan is very athletic and they will try to run you off the field. The good news is that on the defensive side of the ball they are not as dynamic. Soquel must slow the pace down and control tempo, and they may do that better than any one in the CCS. Soquel 21-17.
Mission North- NMC and Alisal emerged as the 2 playoff teams form this division. Congratulations to NMC, great year for them. After the upset loss to MVC I thought this team may fold down the stretch. They didn’t. Alisal made it much more difficult than it had to be, but they managed to hold onto 2nd place. MVC QB and WR put up some ridiculous stats this year, and St Francis was oh so close to beating Alisal for 2nd Place.
Fri 11/15 Alisal (Salinas, CA) vs Overfelt (San Jose, CA), 7:00pm D V Playoffs- Alisal received a very favorable playoff draw by being placed in DV. They will be playing against some smaller less physical schools. I see them making a nice run here. Well, until they lose next weekend to RLS. Alisal 28-10
Fri 11/15 Branham (San Jose, CA) vs North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) D IV Playoffs -The playoff bump at Cal preps is pretty bad. Branham is a good team, and they may win but if they do it wont be 17 points. More bulletin board for NMC. NMC 20-16
Mission South – First off if you read these on a regular basis you know my feelings about PG. I tip my hat to you Breakers, that was one hell of game vs Carmel last week. Way to finish strong. I won’t be surprised if the Shoe is back in PG come 2025. Lots of discussion on the PCAL week 11 thread about Carmel and their competition and all of that. Carmel sailed (except for PG game) through the division and was rightfully placed as the DIII #1 seed. North Salians was the 2nd best team and has a 2nd straight playoff appearance. Next year Carmel should fall back to the rest of the division
Fri 11/15 North Salinas (Salinas, CA) vs Burlingame (CA), 7:00pm D IV Playoffs – most years I would take Burlingame, but this team is inconsistent. Impressive win over Wilcox but a blow out loss to San Mateo? Full homer mode. North Salinas 20-17
Fri 11/15 Carmel (CA) vs San Mateo (CA), 7:00pm D III Playoffs -Lets see if that PG game was a wake up a call or precursor of things to come. Not a great matchup for Carmel as San Mateo likes to run and Carmel does not like to tackle. Carmel needs to score quickly and maybe try to steal a possession to get up by a couple scores as early as possible. If they fall behind, San Mateo may be able to grind out the clock. Carmel 38-28
Santa Lucia- Was there ever any doubt? 2024 Santa Lucia Champions RLS Pirates!. Now lets go get a CCS DV Banner! Next year RLS should be moved up with Rancho San Juan being moved down. If Seaside continues to see an attrition of players they may also join the Santa Lucia with either SLV or Gonzalez moving up. Rest of the division will probably stay the same. Seeing bright futures at Pajaro and Santa Cruz. Would love to see Marina get better next year as they will have their own facility, finally.
Fri 11/15 Leland (San Jose, CA) vs Stevenson (Pebble Beach, CA), 7:00pm DV Playoffs- If healthy at the beginning of the year this RLS team is probably undefeated. Still, they will be a very tough out. Leland has played a tougher schedule and has a good win over Sobrato. On paper Leland is the favorite, but you already know where my pick is going. RLS 28-27
CCS Bonus Picks:
DI/Open
Valley Christian at St. Francis
Los Gatos at Serra
D2
Santa Teresa at Wilcox
Menlo School at Christopher
D3
Half Moon Bay at Palo Alto
D4
Live Oak at Piedmont Hills
Kings Academy at. Sacred Heart Prep
D5
Gunderson at South San Francisco
Gunn at Sequoia
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