CCS Football Playoffs 2025: First-Round Matchups Set This Weekend

UPDATE: The 2025 CCS Football Playoffs are set to kick off this weekend with thrilling first-round matchups across all divisions. Fans can expect intense action starting Friday, as teams vie for a chance to advance in the postseason.

In the Open Division, No. 8 Salinas (7-3) will face off against the undefeated No. 1 Archbishop Riordan (10-0) on Saturday at 1 p.m. Also on Saturday at 1 p.m., No. 7 Archbishop Mitty (6-4) takes on No. 2 Serra (6-4). Meanwhile, No. 6 St. Francis (5-5) clashes with No. 3 Los Gatos (7-3) on Friday at 7 p.m., and No. 5 Soquel (9-1) faces No. 4 Palma (10-0) at the same time.

Why It Matters: These matchups are crucial as the winners will continue their journey toward the championship. The top half of the bracket will compete for the Open Division championship in Week 2, with the losers advancing to battle for the Division I championship in Week 3.

In Division II, No. 6 North Salinas (5-5) faces an uphill challenge against the undefeated No. 3 Santa Teresa (10-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.. On Saturday at 1 p.m., No. 7 Wilcox (6-4) meets No. 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral (4-6) at City College of San Francisco, while No. 5 The King’s Academy (9-1) goes against No. 4 Menlo School (8-2) on Saturday at 1 p.m. No. 8 Alisal (5-5) will battle No. 1 St. Ignatius (4-6) on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Division III round features No. 6 Stevenson (9-1) visiting No. 3 Menlo-Atherton (4-6) on Friday at 7 p.m.. No. 7 Sacred Heart Prep (5-5) will take on No. 2 Carmel (6-4) at Monterey Peninsula College, also on Friday at 7 p.m.. Additionally, No. 5 King City (9-1) faces No. 4 Live Oak (8-2) at 7 p.m., and No. 8 San Mateo (7-3) will challenge the undefeated No. 1 Woodside (10-0) on Friday evening.

In Division IV, fans can look forward to No. 6 Scotts Valley (8-2) visiting No. 3 Lincoln-San Jose (7-3) on Friday at 7 p.m.. No. 7 San Lorenzo Valley (8-2) will compete against No. 2 Willow Glen (8-2) at the same time. The matchups continue with No. 5 Half Moon Bay (7-3) at No. 4 Burlingame (6-4) and No. 8 Christopher (5-5) facing No. 1 Branham (5-5), both scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m.

Finally, in Division V, No. 6 South San Francisco (5-5) will clash with No. 3 Terra Nova (7-3) on Friday at 7 p.m.. Saturday’s action includes No. 7 Santa Cruz (7-3) against No. 2 Sobrato (6-4) at 1 p.m., and No. 5 Pioneer (6-4) visiting No. 4 Jefferson (8-2), also on Friday at 7 p.m.. The round wraps up with No. 8 San Jose (7-3) challenging No. 1 Piedmont Hills (7-3) on Friday at 7 p.m.

As the playoffs begin, excitement is palpable among players and fans alike. With every game carrying the weight of high stakes, this weekend promises to deliver unforgettable moments in high school football. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes and what lies ahead in the CCS playoffs!