McClymonds, Marin Catholic, South San Francisco among Saturday section champions: NorCal Coast live roundup
The section finals have already brought big plays, big wins and a whole lot of Gatorade showers.
Here's a rundown of the Northern California Coast — CIF sections Oakland, San Francisco, North Coast and Central Coast — and championship game results/schedule
San Francisco Section
No. 1 seed Lincoln 35, No. 2 Balboa 0
Postgame records: Lincoln (9-3), Balboa (7-5)
Jamelle Newman scored on the second play, a 76-yard sprint down the left sideline at Kezar Stadium, and that's all the Mustangs would need to win their second straight SFS title game, third in four seasons and 14th overall. Newman rushed 21 times for 172 yards and two touchdowns, quarterback Andrias Allanigue and Kevin Zhao connected on two touchdown passes and the defense gave up just 82 yards en route to Lincoln coach Phil Ferrigno's 10th section title since he took over in 2002. See game story below.
PREPGAME
SFS titles (last won): Lincoln 13 (2022), Balboa 10 (2021)
Oakland Section
No. 1 McClymonds 56, No. 4 seed Oakland Tech 0
Postgame records: McClymonds 9-2, Oakland Tech 5-6
The Warriors won their 12th consecutive Silver Bowl and Oakland Section championship with another lopsided victory. It was the last OAL game for McClymonds coach Michael Peters, who announced before the season this would be his last. Peters was a longtime assistant in the program who reluctantly took over the head duties in 2013 and never lost an OAL game, going 50-0 in league play, not counting the league playoffs. Mack also won four state titles since 2016 during his tenure. The father of NFL All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters, the Mack coach cited general fatigue for his reason for stepping down. According to Joseph Dycus of the San Jose Mercury News, Redmani Albert scored four touchdowns and Tajir Golden added three, one on a pick 6. Mack won its five games against OAL opponents 251-0.
PREGAME
The Silver Bowl/Oakland Section championship has taken a few twists with Oakland Tech penciled in as Mack’s opponent even after losing a 27-20 semifinal game to Castlemont. Oakland Athletic League commissioner Frany Navarro confirmed Tuesday that Castlemont used an ineligible player, giving Tech the victory. McClymonds advanced to the finals after Skyline forfeited after its first year head coach Jonathan Carroll was fired the week of the game. The Silver Bowl is annually played at Laney College but was changed to McClymonds in order to accommodate its head coach Michael Peters, who announced this would be his last season. A ceremony for the highly successful coach was planned at McClymonds for the game with Skyline but because it was canceled, OAL officials changed sites. McClymonds beat Oakland Tech 40-0 on Nov. 9.
North Coast Section
Division 1
No. 3 Pittsburg 37, No. 2 San Ramon Valley 21
Jamar Searcy was everywhere.
The junior running back and linebacker from Pittsburg was in on many of the big plays to key the Pirates' resounding NCS Division 1 championship win Friday over San Ramon Valley at Dublin High.
Searcy rushed for three touchdowns, intercepted a pass leading another and forced a fumble inside the San Ramon Valley 10 which prevented seven more and that the Pirates (13-0) cashed into a field goal. All told he had a direct hand in 31 of his team's 37 points.
The biggest play of the game, however was a 99-yard touchdown pass from Marley Alcantara to Bobby Shaw as the Pirates, upset at being the third seed behind No. 2 San Ramon Valley, moved into next week's CIF Regional Bowl Championships, against an opponent to be named on Sunday.
See game story below. Also check out the photo gallery. And game video highlights at top of page.
Postgame records: Pittsburg 13-0, San Ramon Valley 10-3
Pregame
NCS titles (last won): San Ramon Valley 4 (2022), Pittsburg 5 (2022)
This haymaker has has been anticipated all season. The Pirates were not pleased that San Ramon Valley got the second seed over them, but probably worked in favor, not having to face a very physical De La Salle like the Wolves. Both of SRV’s losses have come to De La Salle, 33-27 and 17-7, while Pittsburg hasn’t won by less than three touchdowns Sept. 29, a 37-27 home victory over Los Gatos. Pittsburg has won four of five meetings over the Wolves since 2008, the last a 16-7 victory in 2017. Great matchups of quarterbacks, SRV’s Luke Baker (3,661 total yards, 39 TDs) and Pittsburg’s Marley Alcantara (2,430, 36). Three two-way juniors are high college prospects: Pittsburg’s Jadyn Hudson and Jewelous Walls and SRV’s Marco Jones.
Division 2
No. 1 El Cerrito 34, No. 2 Windsor 31
There's no whoops about it, but they did it again.
The last two years, these teams have played two of the most exciting NCS title game playoff games in recent memory and Friday they made it three in a row at Diablo Valley College. Like both games, this one featured a furious comeback, but in this case the Gauchos prevailed with a near miraculous victory capped with a 15-yard run by Jayvon Bolds after taking a pitch by Michael Vanhook and 41 seconds remaining. "They just told me to get the ball and try to get into the end zone," Bolds told Mike Lefkow of the Mercury News. Windsor looked to be going in for the dagger, up 31-27 and driving deep in El Cerrito territory. But a fumble and El Cerrito recovery at its own 21 kept the Gauchos hopes up. It was one of five turnovers for Windsor. Sophomore Gary Youngblood had a 68-yard touchdown catch and two interceptions (one a pick 6) for El Cerrito, which lost to Windsor 33-32 in the 2021 semifinals before beating the Jags 34-27 last season in the championship. Youngblood's pick 6 gave EC a 6-0 lead before Windsor scored 17 straight. The Gauchos countered with two quick touchdowns before the half and then Windsor swung back on the third and fourth TD passes by Judson Anderson. His brother Hayden caught three of them to go up 31-21. Vanhook's 1-yard TD keeper made it 31-28 with 8:05 remaining. On the game-winning driving, Washington State bound Kamani Jackson had a 26-yard run followed by a 15-yard Windsor penalty. Micah Avery finished with 18 carries and 144 yards.
Postgame records: El Cerrito 12-1, Windsor 10-2-1
PREGAME
NCS titles (last won): Windsor 2 (2021), El Cerrito 2 (2022)
The teams meet for the D2 title after splitting two previous thrilling D3 games the last two seasons. Windsor won a 33-32 in semifinal game in 2021 before El Cerrito hung 34-27 last season in the finals. Washington State-bound defensive back Kamani Jackson bailed out El Cerrito last season with the second of his two interceptions late, thwarting Windsdor’s big rally.
Division 3
No. 1 Marin Catholic 24, No. 3 Cardinal Newman 3
Postgame records: Marin Catholic 12-1, Cardinal Newman 11-2
At San Rafael High School, senior quarterback Peter Macaulay accounted for two touchdowns and Charles Williams added a 50-yard touchdown run and his seventh interception of the season as Marin Catholic won its 14th NCS championship with a convincing victory. Macaulay completed a TD passes to Jordan Rogers and added a 5-yard touchdown run, leading to a 17-3 halftime lead. Charles Lewis added a 32-yard field goal. Newman, which boasts 2,300-yard rusher Zachary Homan, who came in with 36 touchdowns, was held without a touchdown. Newman was also trying to win its 14th NCS title.
PREGAME
NCS titles (last won): Cardinal Newman 13 (2019), Marin Catholic 13 (2022)
These North Bay super powers have met seven times in section play since 2012, this time for the D3 crown. Marin Catholic has won six times, including 2021 (42-7) and 2022 (48-22). Newman’s lone win was 2019 (13-10). Great matchup of running backs: Newman's Zachary Homan (2,340 yards, 36 touchdowns) versus Marin Catholic's Charles Williams.
Division 4
No. 2 Acalanes 24, No. 1 San Marin-Novato 7
Postgame records: Acalanes 9-4, San Marin 12-1
At Santa Rosa City College, the Dons turned the table on a 27-20 season-opening loss to San Marin, the defending two-time section, regional and state champion. Paul Kuhner, a sprinter on Acalanes' track team, returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a score and the visitors were off an running. After All-Northern California quarterback Dom Ingrassia scored on a 6-yard run, Acalanes scored 17 straight on short touchdown runs by Niko White and Sully Bailey and Cal-bound receiver Trevor Rogers kicked a 42-yard field goal. The defense did the rest to stop San Marin's 17-game win streak over two seasons. It was Acalanes' first section crown.
PREGAME
NCS titles (last won): Acalanes 0, San Marin 5 (2022)
This NCS D4 title game is a rematch of the season opener for both teams, a 27-20 San Marin home win. It was the first of three narrow losses for the Dons, who went on to win seven straight before a 25-24 loss to Campolindo-Moraga. Great matchup of Marin County Athletic League Offensive Player of the Year Dom Ingrassia, of San Marin, versus athletic defensive backs Trevor Rogers (Cal commit) and Paul Kuhner, who both star also at wide receiver.
Division 5
No. 1 Miramonte-Orinda 42, No. 2 St. Bernard's 20
Postgame records: Miramonte 9-3, St. Bernard's 9-4
At Acalanes High School, the Matadors won their ninth section title but first since 2013 with a resounding win over the second seed.
PREPGAME
NCS titles (last won): St. Bernard 5 (2019), Miramonte 8 (2013)
Senior Wyatt Simoni has rushed for 1,853 yards and 30 touchdowns for St. Bernard's, which averages almost 200 yards per game on the ground and 150 via the pass. This is its first meeting ever with Miramonte, which runs by committe and utilizes two quarterbacks, though sophomore Carson Blair (1,453 yards, 18 touchdowns) has done most of the work. Miramonte has won eight section titles, but the last was 2013. St. Bernard
Division 6
No. 1 St. Vincent 48, No. 3 Salesian 12
Postgame records: St. Vincent 11-2, Salesian 10-3
At Rancho Cotate, this one was never in doubt as the top seed raced to a 42-0 lead by the middle of the third quarter after a touchdown run by the versatile Jack Davis, who entered the game with 14 TD catches and 11 via the rush. Gabe Casanovas threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Chelew to go up 21-0, according to West Coast Preps. Coached by Trent Herzog, the Mustangs have now won nine NCS titles.
PREGAME
NCS titles (last won): Salesian 7 (2021), St. Vincent 8 (2021)
The Pride avenged an earlier defeat to Moreau Catholic with a 26-15 semifinal victory. Salesian has won two previous games with the Mustangs, winning 48-6 in 2014 and 42-21 in 2013. St. Vincent has a beautifully balanced offense with sophomore QB Gabe Casanovas throwing for 2,376 yards and 32 touchdowns and the team rushing for 2,297 yards, led by another sophomore Mason Caturegli (802 yards). Jack Davis has scored 25 touchdowns, 14 via reception (67 catches, 1,115 yards) and 11 on the ground in just 47 carries (294 yards).
Division 7
No. 5 Ferndale 14, No. 2 Willits 7
Postgame records: Ferndale 9-4, Willits 9-4
According to the HumboldtSports.com, the Wildcats fought back from a 7-0 deficit to score on a 30-yard pass play from Tanner Pidgeon to Braeden Rice to tie the game and Trent Titus added the game-winner with a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. It was the 14th NCS title for Ferndale, but the first since 2012. Willits, which got a touchdown run by Finn Lessner, was after its second section crown, and first since 1991. Lessner's 1-yard TD plunge is the only TD Ferndale has allowed in 10 quarters.
PREGAME
NCS titles (last won): Ferndale 13 (2012), Willits 1 (1991)
Ferndale will try to impose its longstanding will on the Wolverines, who are looking for their first title in 32 seasons. Junior Finn Lessner leads a strong rushing attack for Willits, while Ferndale, going after its first crown in 11 seasons, has won five of six, three by shutout over Hoopa Valley (50-0 and 49-0) and McKinleyville (34-0). The teams have played nine times since 2004 with Ferndale winning the last eight, the last time 2019 (35-7). Willits won in 2004, 21-0.
Central Coast Section
Division 1
No. 4 Los Gatos 49, No. 7 Wilcox-Santa Clara 14
The Los Gatos Wildcats may as well have given head coach Mark Krail his Gatorade bath at halftime.
Jaylen Thomas scored four first-half touchdowns—two receiving, one rushing and one on an 82-yard kick return—as the Wildcats routed league rival Wilcox 49-14 and rolled to the CCS Division I Championship Friday, their 16th section title in program history.
“It’s pure elation,” Krail said. “Just pure elation for these guys and for our program.”
Fans expecting a nail-biter after the Wildcats’ last-second 24-21 win over the Chargers five weeks earlier were in for a rude awakening as Los Gatos (11-2) recovered four fumbles, scoring repeatedly off short fields to take a 42-7 halftime lead in a definitive rout. (Read rest of story below)
Postgame records: Los Gatos (11-2), Wilcox (8-5)
PREGAME
CCS titles (last won): Wilcox 3 (2021), Los Gatos 15 (2019)
These longtime rivals have regularly played for league titles, but never for a CCS Division 1 title like Friday. They played earlier this season with Los Gatos pulling out a 24-21 win on Oct. 27, the Wildcats’ fourth straight in the series after Wilcox had won three in a row. Great matchup of disciplined squads and head coaches, Los Gatos’ Mark Krail and Paul Rosa, of Wilcox, which is led by QB Tyson Bonilla (2,160 total yards, 20 TDs). Los Gatos is led by running back Boxer Kopcsak-Yeung, QB A.J. Minyard and two-way star Jaylen Thomas.
Division 2
No. 1 Soquel 28, No. 8 Christopher 0
Postgame records: Soquel 11-2, Christopher 11-2
At San Jose City College, Braylon Noble rushed for touchdowns of 30 and 10 yards, wo 10-yard touchdowns, Jordan McCord sprinted home from 67 yards out and Tyrels Lundy powered home from the 1 as the Knights won their first CCS title. The defense, which has given up just 137 points all year was extremely impressive against a Christopher offense that that had averaged more than 300 yards and scored 391 coming in. The Cougars hadn't scored less than 21 points in any game before Saturday.
PREGAME
CCS titles (last won): Christopher 1 (2017), Soquel 0
In the first meeting between the schools, QB Jaxen Robinson is a specimen for Christopher. At 6-5, 220 pounds, Robinson is a big dual threat. Soquel has made two other finals' appearances, losing in 1984 and 1987. They are led by RB Cruz Ferris and QB Sam Whelan.
Division 3
No. 4 Palma 38, No. 7 Alisal 20
Postgame records: Palma 9-4, Alisal 11-2
At Rabobank Stadium in Salinas, freshman Eli Dukes rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns and Logan Saldate added three catches for 65 yards and another score as the Chieftains won their 12th section title, but first in 12 years. Courtesy of John Devine of the Monterey Herald, Thomas Nunes added 144 yards rushing and two scores and threw for 65 yards and another score. Damion Gonzales had 60 yards rushing and two touchdowns for Alisal, which was after its first section title.
PREGAME
CCS titles (last won): Alisal 0, Palma 11 (2011)
It's been a long dry spell for Palma, which is led b senior quarterback Thomas Nunes (106 of 185, 1,612 yards, 17 touchdowns, 572 yards rushing, seven touchdowns). Freshman Eli Dukes has rushed for 644 yards and 10 touchdowns and senior receiver Logan Saldate (58 catches, 1,104 yards, 14 TDs). Alisal has outscored opponents 413-242 and won seven straight since back-to-back losses to Palma (421-5) and Carmel (37-34).
Division 4
No. 1 Palo Alto 34, No. 2 Mountain View 33
Postgame records: Palo Alto 8-5, Mountain View 6-7
The Vikings won their second straight title, this at the D4 level, with a narrow win at San Jose City College. Palo Alto rallied from a 20-14 deficit entering the fourth quarter following back-to-back touchdown runs by Arturo Hernandez of 11 and 4 yards. Hernandez entered with 1,259 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Palo Alto rallied behind senior quarterback Declan Packer, who opened the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jason Auzenne. It was the sixth CCS title for the Vikings, while Mountain View was after its second title and first since 1975. According to the San Jose Mercury News' Darren Sabedra, Hernandez scored his third TD on a 1-yard run with 42 seconds left and Mountain View coach Tim Lugo went for a two-point conversion to win, and Palo Alto linebacker Anthony Landa Mendoza thwarted the potential halfback pass to even be thrown. Auzenne also scored on a 1-yard run and a 74-yard yard catch and run, to help Palo Alto go up 27-20. A 65-yard TD from halfback Viliami Sekona to Lex Silver tied the game with 6:02 left. Jeremiah Madrigal put Palo Alto up 34-27 four plays later on a 39-yard run. Hernandez' 1-yard plunge capped a 65-yard drive but Mendoza spoiled the potential game-winner.
PREGAME
CCS titles (last won): Mountain View 1 (1975), Palo Alto 5 (2022)
Palo Alto is led by senior quarterback Declan Packer (148 of 238, 2,241 yards, 21 touchdowns) and running back Jeremiah Madrigal (132, 722, 10). Mountain View is after its first title in nearly 50 years. It didn't seem possible after going 0-5 in PAL Bay play. Senior RB Arturo Hernandez has rushed for 1,259 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Division 5
No. 3 South San Francisco 13, No. 4 Santa Teresa 7
Postgame records: South San Francisco 12-1, Santa Teresa 6-7
One of the great Bay Area comeback stories in recent memory as the Warriors won their first CCS title since 1989 just two seasons removed from shutting down their program due to a lack of players. According to Glenn Reeves of the San Jose Mercury News, Marcus Mercurio scored on a 3-yard run midway through the third quarter to put South City up 13-7. The Warriors' defense did the rest. South City's defense didn't give up a single point as Santa Teresa took a 7-0 lead on a blocked punt recovered in the end zone. The Warriors ran for a touchdown in the second quarter, but a botched extra point, left Santa Teresa ahead 7-6 at halftime.
PREGAME
CCS titles (last won): Santa Teresa 2 (1989), South San Francisco 2 (1989)
South San Francisco's story is remarkable. In the middle of a 26-game losing streak over four seasons, the Warriors shut down the program in 2021 due to lack of players. Longtime coach Frank Oross came out of retirement last year to get them to .500 at 6-6 and this season they breezed to a PAL Lake title at 7-0. They are led by junior RB Elijah Fields, who has rushed for 21 touchdowns. Santa Teresa is led by versatile Joseph Tapia, who plays three positions, including quarterback.
