CIF So Cal Regional Final Preview and Predictions

Granite Hills @ Edison

CIF D1-A SoCal Regional Final

Saturday, 12/7, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Dean Ferguson

Watch Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW

CIF State Regionals have arrived, and our top game of the week features the Edison Chargers (10-4) hosting the Granite Hills Eagles (11-2) at Cap Sheue Field on the campus of Huntington Beach High School. Catch all the action live on Spectrum SportsNet.

The Chargers come into this matchup on fire, outscoring their playoff opponents 125-35. They’ll also welcome back star senior running back Julius Gillick, who missed last week due to suspension. In his absence, quarterback Sam Thomson led the team to their first Southern Section championship since 2016, completing 10 of 16 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Thomson also contributed on the ground with 13 carries for 81 yards. Senior wide receiver Aidan Brown made a significant impact as well, hauling in five receptions, including a key touchdown.

The last time Edison reached a regional final was in 2016, where they suffered a narrow 39-35 loss to league rival San Clemente and has yet to reach a State Final. This time, under head coach Jeff Grady, the Chargers are determined to secure a victory and advance to their first ever D1-A State Championship at Saddleback College next weekend.

Granite Hills is no stranger to state regionals. Under head coach Kellan Cobbs, the Eagles have reached their third consecutive regional final. Last season, they fell to Mission Viejo in the D1-AA regional final (49-21), but they rebounded to win the D2-A State Championship in a thrilling 31-24 overtime victory at Saddleback College.

This season, the Eagles have outscored their playoff opponents 95-60, including a dominant 42-25 win over the No. 1 seed in the San Diego Section Division 1 Championship two weeks ago. Sophomore quarterback Zachary Benitez shined in that game, completing 9 of 10 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was powered by senior running back Max Turner, who delivered an incredible performance with 32 carries for 242 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

JP’S PREDICTION

Edison advances to its first-ever State Championship next weekend with a commanding 35-14 victory over Granite Hills.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Edison cruises past Granite Hills with a 40-20 win and advances to the CIF-SS D1-A state championship.

Bakersfield Christian @ Palos Verdes

CIF State D2-A Regional Final

Saturday, 12/7, 7 PM

South Torrance High School

Photographer: Richard Do | Reporter: Isabella Lyons

Watch live on NFHS Network

PREVIEW

The CIF SoCal Regional Finals bring us to South Torrance High School, where the Palos Verdes Sea Kings (9-5) will host the Bakersfield Christian Eagles (11-2).

The Sea Kings enter this matchup as CIF-SS Division 5 Champions, riding the momentum of an incredible postseason run. After clinching a playoff spot with a dramatic 20-13 overtime victory over Mira Costa, they went on to defeat Brea Olinda, Mayfair, Foothill, and La Serna in last week’s Southern Section D5 Championship. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Rakowski contributed both through the air and on the ground, completing 4 of 6 passes for 58 yards and adding 6 carries for 2 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, junior Camren Hughes was a standout, recording 2 interceptions—including a pick-six—and 2 solo tackles. Palos Verdes is chasing history, seeking their first-ever Regional Final victory.

Meanwhile, the Eagles arrive as CIF Central Section champions after an impressive playoff run that saw them defeat Garces Memorial, St. Joseph, Sunnyside, and Central Valley Christian. In last week’s 28-7 win over Central Valley Christian, junior quarterback Brayden Johnson completed 9 of 13 passes for 117 yards and 1 touchdown. Junior running back Talen Mather led the ground attack with 126 yards on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns, while junior linebacker Michael Smith anchored the defense with 9 solo tackles. Bakersfield Christian is aiming to continue their dominant postseason and punch their ticket to the state championship.

JP’S PREDICTION

The Palos Verdes Sea Kings will make history, advancing to their first-ever state championship with a narrow 24-21 victory over the Bakersfield Christian Eagles.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Palos Verdes advances to the State Championship with a 21-14 victory