The 2024 CIF football playoffs are set to ignite the field with an exhilarating opening weekend, featuring a series of compelling matchups across multiple divisions. As teams gear up for the win-or-go-home stakes, fans can expect intense competition and memorable performances that will shape the road to championship glory .
Division 1 Showdowns
In the marquee Division 1 bracket, two high-profile matchups promise to deliver thrilling action:
- Sierra Canyon vs. Servite: This clash between perennial powerhouses is set to be a hard-fought battle, with the winner advancing to face the formidable top-seeded Mater Dei. Both teams are known for their competitive spirit and tactical prowess, making this a must-watch game .
- Santa Margarita vs. Inglewood: Another heavyweight bout that will see the victor take on second-seeded St. John Bosco in the quarterfinals. This matchup is expected to be a showcase of skill and determination, as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
Division 2 Thrillers
Division 2 features several enticing matchups that could go either way:
- Leuzinger at Los Alamitos: Two talented teams collide in what should be a closely contested game. Both teams have shown resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
- Oak Hills at Oaks Christian: This matchup pits two strong programs against each other, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Fans can expect a strategic battle as both teams aim to outmaneuver each other.
- Rancho Cucamonga at Murrieta Valley: Top-seeded Murrieta Valley faces a tough test against a skilled Rancho Cucamonga squad. This game promises to be a showcase of top-tier talent and strategic gameplay .
Division 3 Battles
The Division 3 bracket offers some compelling first-round contests:
- Mira Costa at La Habra: Two well-respected programs square off in what should be a competitive affair. Both teams have a history of strong performances, making this a highly anticipated matchup.
- Millikan vs Crean Lutheran: This matchup pits the Moore League Champion Millikan against a rising Crean Lutheran program that has rapidly climbed divisions in recent years. Both teams have shown they can compete at a high level, making this an intriguing battle.
- Vista Murrieta at Villa Park: This matchup features two teams capable of making deep playoff runs. Fans can expect a high-energy game as both teams aim to advance.
Division 4 to Division 14 Highlights
Across the remaining divisions, fans can look forward to a variety of exciting matchups:
- Division 4: Key games include Cypress at Downey and Tesoro at Yorba Linda, featuring a mix of traditional powerhouses and up-and-coming programs.
- Division 5: Notable matchups such as Chaminade at Alemany and St. Francis at Aquinas showcase the depth of talent in Southern Section football.
- Division 6: Games like Mayfair at Mater Dei Catholic and Crean Lutheran at Huntington Beach often produce some of the most competitive contests in the playoffs.
- Division 7: Interesting matchups include Quartz Hill at Monrovia and Paloma Valley at San Jacinto, featuring teams looking to make deep playoff runs.
- Division 8: Key games such as Burroughs/Burbank at Northwood and Aliso Niguel at Sunny Hills often see closely contested battles throughout the playoffs.
- Division 9: Notable games like Lakewood at Calabasas and Katella at Laguna Beach feature teams eager to prove themselves on the playoff stage.
- Division 10: Interesting matchups such as Schurr at Crespi and Fillmore at Muir often produce surprising results and exciting finishes.
- Division 11: Key matchups like Coachella Valley at Riverside Poly and Ganesha at Cantwell-Sacred Heart showcase the depth of talent across Southern California.
- Division 12: Notable games such as Garey at Arroyo and Pasadena Poly at Whittier Christian often feature closely matched teams and competitive games.
- Division 13: Interesting matchups like Alhambra at Rim of the World and Rosemead at Yucca Valley highlight the diversity of programs in the Southern Section.
- Division 14: Key matchups such as Firebaugh at Temecula Prep and Bosco Tech at Fontana represent just a fraction of the thrilling games taking place across the CIF Southern Section in the opening round.
The playoffs kick off on November 8th, with games continuing through November for the subsequent rounds. As the postseason unfolds, we’re sure to see upsets, nail-biters, and standout individual efforts that will shape the road to the championships in each division