UPDATE: The final week of the high school football regular season has kicked off in the Bay Area, featuring thrilling matchups that could determine league champions and playoff seeding. Key games include the highly anticipated clash between Archbishop Riordan and Serra for the West Catholic Athletic League title, along with other exciting matchups across the region.
Tonight, at 7 p.m., the spotlight is on Half Moon Bay (6-3) as they take on Terra Nova (7-2) in the annual Skull Game. This rivalry is intense, with Terra Nova leading the series at 12-10 since 2004. Both teams are riding high; Terra Nova has clinched the Peninsula Athletic League El Camino Division title, while Half Moon Bay is coming off a dominant 35-13 victory where star player Paxton Holden rushed for 161 yards and four touchdowns.
In another major matchup, the undefeated Archbishop Riordan (9-0, 6-0) faces Serra (6-3, 6-0) tonight at 7 p.m.. This game is not just about bragging rights; it will likely secure the top seed in the Central Coast Section playoffs. Riordan’s quarterback, Michael Mitchell Jr., has made waves this season with an impressive 38 touchdowns. The game is projected to end with a 34-24 victory for Riordan, marking their first league title since 2000.
Also at 7 p.m., St. Ignatius (3-6, 2-4) battles Sacred Heart Cathedral (4-5, 2-5) at Kezar Stadium. The stakes are high as this storied rivalry, known as the Bruce-Mahoney game, could swing in favor of SHC, projected to win 31-24. Legend Williams is on the cusp of reaching 1,000 rushing yards this season, making this game even more compelling.
On Friday night, Oakland (8-1, 4-0) faces off against No. 7 McClymonds (7-2, 4-0) at 7 p.m.. This matchup will decide the Oakland Athletic League title, and Oakland aims to disrupt McClymonds’ dominant streak against them, having only won once in their last 29 meetings. HSRatings.com projects a 28-14 victory for the McClymonds.
Another highlight includes Sobrato (6-3, 4-0) visiting Willow Glen (7-2, 4-0) at 7:15 p.m.. Willow Glen seeks to defend its Blossom Valley Athletic League title, while Sobrato aims to prove itself against a senior-laden team. This matchup is projected to end in a 27-13 win for Willow Glen.
Saturday brings two significant games: the Little Big Game featuring Burlingame (6-3, 3-1) at San Mateo (6-3, 3-1) at 11 a.m., and the Big Little Game with Antioch (7-2, 3-1) visiting No. 3 Pittsburg (8-1, 3-1) at 1:30 p.m.. Both games hold playoff implications, with Burlingame looking to extend its historical dominance in the series.
As the Bay Area news group covers these thrilling matchups throughout the weekend, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and analysis. Sign up for a digital subscription to support ongoing coverage of high school sports in the region.
The energy is palpable as teams battle for glory and playoff positioning. Who will rise to the occasion in this final week? Stay connected for the latest developments.
