Here are the games for this week. Picks are due by 5:00 PM. I just noticed the SI-Riordan game is at 5 and Palma-Soquel is at 6. Please get your picks in early if possible.

Los Gatos at Pittsburg
Palma at Soquel
Christopher at Santa Teresa
Riordan at St. Ignatius
Summerville at Calaveras
Escalon at Hughson
Twelve Bridges at Yuba City
Sacramento at Rodriguez
Ukiah at Carlmont
East Nicolaus at Pierce

Game of the Week Poll - https://norcalpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/week-7-game-of-the-week-poll.30783/

In a 60-21 win over Sierra, Manteca junior Quinn Martinez had an 18 yard touchdown run, a 26 yard touchdown catch, a 69 yard interception return for a touchdown and a 90 yard kickoff return for a score.

Getting an early start tonight around NorCal.

1. De La Salle (5-0)

The Spartans were off this past week and already in England for its upcoming game against the NFL Academy at Tottenham Stadium. De La Salle has scored at least 35 points in each game this season. Last season, the Spartans only scored at least 35 points twice in the regular season.

2. Folsom (5-1)

The Bulldogs got their 22nd straight win over Oak Ridge, according to the Sacramento Bee, with a 35-7 win in El Dorado Hills. Ryder Lyons threw three of his five touchdown passes to Jameson Powell and Texas defensive line commit Josiah Sharma made his season debut for Folsom. They will host Del Oro this week in the final home game of the regular season.

3. Pittsburg (4-1)

After falling behind 10-0, Pittsburg came back with an all around performance to beat Los Gatos 37-20 in one of the top matchups of the season thus far. Jamar Searcy had two touchdowns, Elijah Bow rushed for more than 100 yards and RJ Mosley caught two of the four touchdown passes from Marley Alcantara. The Pirates now have two Top 20 wins over a victory over Bishop Manogue of Nevada. Pittsburg will host Freedom on Friday.

4. San Ramon Valley (6-0)

Rhett Thompson threw for 206 yards and five touchdowns on 12 completions in a 35-6 win over Granada. Three of his scores went to Owen Scott in the most productive game of the season for the UC Davis commit. The Wolves led 28-0 at the half. The Wolves will host California on Friday.

5. St. Ignatius (4-1)

You couldn’t have asked for a better start to the WCAL than what St. Ignatius has done. A week after beating Serra, the Wildcats overcame a 21-0 deficit to beat Riordan 31-28 and now have wins over the projected top two teams in the league. Soren Hummel threw touchdowns to Quinn Folk and Ty Hicks and Jarious Hogan had a rushing touchdown. Next up is Bellarmine on October 11.

6. Serra (2-3)

Teddy Chung had touchdown runs of 70 yards and 66 yards as part of a Serra rushing attack that went for more than 300 yards in a 29-12 win over Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Padres had to navigate around four turnovers to snap a three game losing streak. Next up is a trip to Mountain View to take on St. Francis in a Top 10 matchup.

7. Rocklin (5-1)

Rocklin ran for nearly 400 yards at 12 yards per attempt in a 42-0 win over Whitney. Rafi Merino was the leader at 131 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Durham had a team high nine tackles. The Thunder, which have scored at least 41 points in each win, will travel to Davis on Friday.

8. St. Francis-Mountain View (4-1)

Another week and another big performance from senior running back Kingston Keanaaina, who rushed for 319 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-27 win at Mitty. It is the second time this season he has surpassed 300 yards after he ran for 328 against McClymonds. The Lancers have a difficult two game stretch starting with Serra on October 11 and St. Ignatius on October 18.

9. Los Gatos (4-1)

Justin Mazzaferro had a touchdown run, Beau Musser had a touchdown catch and the Wildcats got a pair of red zone field goals in a 37-20 loss at Pittsburg. Los Gatos led 10-0 in the first half and trimmed the deficit to 28-20 in the fourth quarter. This week, Los Gatos will take on Menlo-Atherton to begin league play.

10. Grant (4-3)

Five of Grant’s nine passes went for touchdowns, led by three from Luke Alexander, in a 76-0 win over Kennedy-Sacramento. The Pacers led 48-0 at the half. This week, Grant will travel to undefeated West Park in a meeting of the top two teams in the Metro.

11. St. Mary’s-Stockton (4-2)

Osani Gayles had a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown in a 63-0 win over Lodi. The Rams ran for 228 yards with 10 different players getting at least one carry. The defense also forced three turnovers. Next up is an October 11 matchup with Kimball.

12. Riordan (2-3)

Early on, it looked like Riordan was ready to stake its claim as the team to beat in the WCAL, but they gave up a 21-0 lead in losing to St. Ignatius 31-28. Michael Mitchell Jr. threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns with Cynai Thomas being the top receiver with a pair of scores. The Crusaders will travel to Valley Christian, which will look to improve to 3-0 in league play, on October 11.

13. Soquel (3-2)

The Knights led Palma 12-7 at the half, but took control with a 20 point third quarter in a 32-14 win. In the pivotal third quarter, Soquel got a touchdown run from Vaughn Bredy, an interception return from Maverick Muse and a touchdown run from Kelton Forbus. Soquel has won three in a row since opening losses to Top 10 ranked Los Gatos and San Ramon Valley. This week, Soquel will take on Hollister.

14. McClymonds (2-3)

McClymonds finished the non-league with a 46-21 win over Berean Christian. It was a season high in points scored for the Warriors, which will start OAL action on Friday against Fremont-Oakland. All three of their losses have come against Top 12 teams.

15. Cardinal Newman (5-0)

The Cardinals were off this week heading into Redwood Empire-Adobe action, which should be among the best in the region. They start off with fellow undefeated Windsor, which hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game this season.

16. El Cerrito (4-1)

The Gauchos had a bye week following their 35-14 loss to De La Salle. They start league play with three straight road games starting with St. Mary’s-Berkeley on October 12.

17. Downey (6-0)

Carson Lamb threw for 226 yards and four touchdowns with scores going to Joseph Ramirez, Elijah Tamayo, Elias Haynes and Ethan Woodmansee in a 56-3 win over Pitman. Jose Ramos, who also serves as the punter, had a team high 10 tackles. Downey plays Modesto on Friday with a trip to Turlock on October 18.

18. Marin Catholic (3-2)

Marin Catholic will face an old MCAL foe in San Marin on Friday to begin their time in the Redwood Empire-Adobe Division. Last year, San Marin beat Marin Catholic 10-6 in the regular season finale.

19. Manteca (5-1)

Manteca was tied at 14-14 with Sierra after the first quarter, but scored 19 points in the second quarter en route to a 60-21 win. Quinn Martinez had a touchdown run, a touchdown catch, a kickoff return for a score and took an interception back for a touchdown. The Buffaloes will host Mountain House on Friday.

20. Oak Ridge (2-4)

Phoenix Hester connected with Kaleb Edwards on a first half touchdown pass, but Oak Ridge couldn’t solve the Folsom puzzle in a 35-7 loss. Oak Ridge trailed 14-7 at the half and 21-7 through three quarters. The Trojans will host Jesuit this week and have a regular season ending trip to Rocklin.

Something that seems to becoming more and more common each year is taking summer or fall tournaments and utilizing them as officiating camps at the same time. This weekend for instance at CRC you had a bunch of top flight teams playing and being officiated by literal first time junior high/ 9th grade level officials. It was embarrassing to watch not just for the teams but throwing these beginning refs out into elite varsity games isn’t doing them any favors either. I’m surprised these teams agree to pay a large entry fee which should be going to cover official costs. So CRC doesn’t have to pay for officials and whoever is running the ref camp is making 100-200 of each ref to come out and learn.

I have questions...

How many teams make it to the Open?

4? 6? 8?

And is it like basketball where if u make the Open u automatically make it to Norcals?

If not automatically make it..how many do?
Winner only? Top2 only? Top 4?

Please only reply if u have the definite answer thanks

As predicted before he ever played a game in college, he is making his first of many transfers in college

Excerpts from 2 different articles:

Sacramento State has announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art football and multi-use stadium that will replace the current temporary stands at Hornet Stadium, providing the University with a venue to leverage its location in one of the top 20 media markets in the nation.

The multi-sport facility will be designed to host football, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s rugby. The stadium will also host collegiate, professional and international competitions, NCAA championships, concerts, club sports and other events including Commencement and Convocation.

The campus has secured architecture firm Populous to design the stadium, which will be constructed at the site of the current Hornet Stadium. The stadium will accommodate a minimum of 25,000 attendees and feature a horseshoe design including student sections, premium seating and boxes. Renderings will be released in the coming weeks.

Sacramento State to build 25,000 seat stadium in hopes to join FBS

Sacramento State has announced plans for a new 25,000 seat football stadium as the school looks to obtain an invitation to an FBS conference.

sactownsports.com

Click to expand...

Wood and Orr added that corporate signage would replace the name Hornet Stadium on the venue.

The plan, the two campus leaders said, is to start taking down Hornet Stadium at the end of this football season with the aim of having the new facility ready by the start of the 2028 football season. Sacramento State would continue to play home games at Hornet Stadium, Orr said.

“It’s about time, right,” said Orr, the Sacramento-raised AD who was showing off his Hornets green tie. “It’s about time we build a stadium worthy of its campus and community. It’s time for something new. When President Wood first got here last year, he asked me what we need to be the best of the best in athletics. We need a new football stadium, new facilities, more athletic scholarships. The first step of the plan was to get a football stadium and today, we’re announcing that. That’s a tremendous, tremendous step.”

Officials said Kansas City-based sports architectural giant Populous would design the stadium, which would be built on the current stadium’s footprint and would “accommodate a minimum of 25,000 attendees.” Officials said the design would be in a horseshoe design that would include a “student sections, premium seating and boxes.”

Renderings were not released Thursday but were expected to be shown “in the coming weeks.”

It’s unclear what the price tag on the stadium would be, though Wood told Sac State employees that “there will be many announcements about the stadium in the coming months, including naming partners, co-tenants, entertainment partners, and other sources of funds associated with this capital project,” adding that the school had “multiple funding sources,” from money earmarked for student athletics, donor funds and sponsorships.

What about basketball?

Last year, Wood announced a similar project to replace the Nest, the school’s basketball arena that was 69 years old.

In November, Wood said funding has been approved to create an events center just beyond Hornet Stadium in The Well fitness and health facility that would replace the Nest.

https://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article293047689.html

Click to expand...

^^ Time will tell whether or not shovels eventually hit the ground and the project completed, but this by far the most smoke and progress ever made toward a stadium project. Also, lots of talk for the past 2 weeks about the Hornets jumping from FCS to FBS and the timing of this announcement seems to support it. Looks like the Mountain West could possibly be a destination, but the SAC-12 has been pushing for PAC-12 membership. The 2028 upgrade timeline probably kills whatever long shot chance they had of achieving that goal, but if they do get these things done -- there should be more than a few conferences interested at that time in a top 20 media market.

We shall see. All I know is, this is GREAT news regardless.

I've been saying it for 25 years now. Sac State is a sleeping giant with the right vision and progress. It's in the heart of a sports-crazed metro area with only one professional team (2 for at least the next 3-4 years) and zero D1 FBS programs in the immediate area. Closest ones are UC Berkeley (80 miles from downtown), Stanford (120 miles from downtown) San Jose State (120 miles from downtown), and University of Nevada Reno (132 miles from downtown).

As we've seen with Sac's current 5-year run in the Big Sky, the valley is chock full of talent. Promoting to FBS with some brand new facilities and continued growth could keep a lot more of our local talent in house, along with drawing in more out of area talent (especially those from SoCal looking to move away from home).

Where can it be found?

he’s a 2028 kid from SF

Anyone know what school he’s going too?

Riordan?
SI?

See yall there!!

Let me preface my "nominee" by stating that I have no skin in the game- and that my "expertise" is mainly with the southern portion of the CCS.
If this kid was playing at a more prominent program- you would have heard of him earlier in the season. He is Brody Edmunds out of Pacific Grove High School. An old school 3 sport athlete- Brody split time as a sophomore last year and now is in full control as a junior. A lanky 6'5"- 6'6"- he is able to make all the throws and is extremely accurate even on the run. He seems to also have that "it' factor. Plays shortstop and pitches ( reports say he is touching 90 on the bump ) in the spring and basketball in the winter. If and when his body catches up to his raw skills- his ceiling will be unlimited.

If I understand it correctly.... No longer is it possible in CCS for an "A -league" team to play a " B-league " team in post season play.

If this is truly the case what would HMB's post season look like?

Could we be looking at another Sutter vs HMB in the NORCAL FINAL?

Ole Miss offered 2026 Archbishop Riordan players:
OL - Tommy Tofi
WR - Cynai Thomas
WR/DB - Judge Nash
QB - Mike Mitchell Jr.

He has missed the past two games, according to the Bay Area News Group. No reason was given for why he was on leave

Windsor High School is looking for a scrimmage on Saturday Nov. 9 or either of the following two weeks on Tuesday or Wednesday. Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20. We would love to host but can travel if in the greater North Bay, ie, Sonoma, Napa or Marin County.

Joe

PCAL Week 6

Note: I loved Cal Preps, and I used it a lot to get scores and schedules. It is a shame it is no longer operational. I will be curious to see what CCS and other sections do to help determine rankings/points. (it works again!!!!)

Last week 10-2 Overall 69-21

Gabilan (Hollister Bye)- Salinas took care of business vs a tough Palma team. Next year things maybe different, as Palma seems to have a loaded Sophomore class. Monterey also got back to form in an easy win vs Alvarez. The biggest surprise was Hollister over Aptos. Not that Hollister won, but with how much ease they won by. I thought it would be a much closer game. This week Palma goes from Salinas to other league favorite Soquel. The Gabilan can be a gauntlet...

Thursday, October 3, 2024
Everett Alvarez at Salinas 7:30PM- Salinas should have no problem with Alvarez. This game should give the cowboys an opportunity to get some good playing times for the reserves. Salinas 38-7

Friday, October 4, 2024
Monterey at Aptos 7:00PM- Aptos was humbled by Hollister, while Monterey easily dispatched of Alvarez last week. I will be curious to see if Aptos can keep this close. Monterey 28-14

Palma at Soquel 7:30PM -Soquel is coming off a bye, while Palma had an emotional loss vs Salinas. I am interested to se how this young Palma team reacts. Unfortunately, Soquel is very, very good. Palma will keep it close. But.. Soquel 21-7

Mission North-(N. Monterey County Bye) -North Monterey County gets a week off to enjoy their big win vs Scott’s Valley. This win should put them in firm control of 1 of 2 Playoff spots. The rest of the Division?. Scott’s Valley is obviously down, MVC and their high powered offense were beaten up by crosstown rival Watsonville. St. Francis and their 28 man roster beat Seaside and their 22 dressed players. I truly do not know what going to happen in the division form one week to another.

Friday, October 4, 2024
Seaside at Scotts Valley 3:30PM- Both these teams are having roster and health issues. Hard to believe last year they were the to 2 teams in the division. Early start for a Friday game favors the home team. Scott’s Valley 17-7

Monte Vista Christian at Alisal 7:30PM - MVC almost seems more concerned over passing stats than W’S & L’s. Alisal’s new open up offense is not working as well as coaches had hoped, but good news is MVC does not like defense. Alisal 34-21

St. Francis S.C.P. at Watsonville 7:30PM- A win by either one of these teams sets them up for a playoff push. Both had good wins last week. This is a toss up game. Watsonville 21-20

Mission South (Soledad Bye) If any team stay with in 25 points of Carmel in this division it should be considered a moral victory. The battle is for 2nd place. North Salinas is in control after their victory over Greenfield. But PG could give them a challenge. Ranch San Juan looks to come off the bye and hopefully get their offense going (only 2 TD this year). KC's early victory over St. Francis keeps looking better, but they continue to make to many miscues for a serious playoff run.

Thursday, October 3, 2024
Pacific Grove at Greenfield 7:30PM – PG needs to win here if they want to set up a showdown with North Salinas for a possible playoff birth. Greenfield needs a win here and help down the road for a chance at the post season. PG 20-13

Friday, October 4, 2024
Rancho San Juan at North Salinas 7:30PM @ Rabobank Stadium- North Salinas should have no problem, Vs a very poor Rancho Team. The question will be if Rancho’s offense can get some points after last weeks bye. North Salinas 28-0

Carmel at King City 7:30PM – King City needs to not turn the ball over if they want to avoid a running clock in the 2nd half. Carmel is just on a different level this year than their division contemporaries. Carmel 48-14

Santa Lucia (Marina Bye)- SLV is still undefeated, makes you wonder if their new helmets have a headset in them (its funny if you know). This division should come down to 3 teams RLS, SLV and Gonzales. This weekend 1 of these teams should be eliminated as RLS and Gonzales clash. The rest of the division, is just looking to improve from week to week.

Friday, October 4, 2024
Stevenson at Gonzales 7:30PM @ Monterey Peninsula College- RLS caught a huge break as this game was moved from South County to the Peninsula. So now instead of 1+ bus ride to Soledad (Gonzales home this year) they drive 15 mins down the street. Meanwhile Gonzales has to make the long bus ride for a home game. If RLS avoids the slow start they should be ok. RLS 35-25

Saturday, October 5, 2024
Pajaro Valley at Santa Cruz 7:30PM -Santa Cruz program is trending back in the right direction, as the kids are learning and scoring points. Still some growing pains after hitting rock bottom last year. This should be a pretty good match up between 2 evenly matched teams Pajaro 24-20

San Lorenzo Valley at Harbor 7:00PM -SLV is probably the biggest surprise of the PCAL this year. They are playing some good consistent football. Harbor is about where I expected, middle of the pack Santa Lucia team. SLV 44-14

Word has it that Greg Clink is Going after the Athletic Directors job at Chico State.
This means if he gets it, they will be in for a quick change as to a new Coach.
Good for him, but a real change up as to who would take the new spot.

Here's wishing you great hoops

The Royals swept the Orioles in the Wild Card Series with a trio of NorCal pitchers closing out the games:

Sam Long (Del Campo): 1.2 IP, OR, 1K
Kris Bubic (Mitty): 1.2 IP, OR
Lucas Erceg (Westmont): 2.1IP, OR, 3K