PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIF State Championship Weekend Edition

CIF Division 2-AA State Championship: St. Mary’s (Stockton) @ Bakersfield Christian

Friday – 4:00 PM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck • Reporter: Justin Lee

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

Championship Weekend opens Friday afternoon with a Northern California power making the trip south as St. Mary’s (Stockton) clashes with undefeated Bakersfield Christian in the CIF Division 2-AA State Championship — a matchup featuring explosive offensive playmakers, elite efficiency at quarterback, and two defenses that delivered in last week’s Regional Finals.

St. Mary’s arrives after a physical, grind-it-out win over Junipero Serra, 31–24, where the Rams leaned on a balanced attack and a defense that came up with key plays late. Senior quarterback Jaden Galvan was sharp under pressure, throwing for 265 yards and a touchdown, consistently attacking matchups downfield and finding rhythm in the intermediate game. Senior running back Diego Hernandez powered the ground attack with 95 yards and two scores, providing the physical downhill presence that stabilized the offense.

But the star of the night was senior receiver Ivan Huerta, who erupted for 178 receiving yards on seven catches, averaging a staggering 25.4 yards per reception. His ability to stretch the field vertically and win contested matchups transformed the Rams’ passing game and will be a central storyline entering Friday.

Defensively, St. Mary’s delivered one of its best all-around efforts of the season. The Rams produced 55 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception — highlighted by Mason Eagal’s seven-tackle night and a key fourth-quarter pick that halted Serra’s momentum. Their ability to generate pressure from multiple fronts, combined with consistent pursuit speed on the perimeter, helped close out a tight contest.

Bakersfield Christian enters fresh off a dramatic 24–21 win over La Habra, where the Eagles again showcased their balance, discipline, and offensive efficiency. Senior quarterback Lincoln Adame completed an exceptional 23 of 26 passes (88.5%) for 249 yards and a touchdown, operating with precision in the quick passing game while controlling tempo all night. The Eagles complemented that efficiency with Darriyon Page’s 81 rushing yards, providing vital early-down production against a physical Highlander front.

Defensively, the Eagles’ front delivered under championship pressure. Senior defensive end Arnez Lee dominated off the edge with 3.0 sacks and six quarterback hurries, while Bakerfield Christian finished with 10 hurries, multiple drive-ending pressures, and two interceptions — including a first-half turnover that swung momentum.

Both teams enter with offenses built on efficiency and star playmakers, but this matchup tilts toward the defense that can disrupt timing and force mistakes. With both quarterbacks playing high-level football, the battle in the trenches — particularly St. Mary’s interior protection against Bakersfield Christian’s edge pressure — will be decisive.

JP’S PICK:

St. Mary’s 30, Bakersfield Christian 24

St. Mary’s carries offensive momentum into Friday, leaning on another strong outing from J. Galvan and big-play production from I. Huerta. The Rams capitalize on red-zone opportunities and deliver enough defensive pressure late to secure the program’s first CIF State Championship since the modernization of the state format.

CIF Division 1-AA State Championship: Folsom @ Cathedral Catholic

Friday – 8:00 PM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck • Reporter: Justin Lee

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

Championship Friday closes with a heavyweight showdown as Folsom travels to Saddleback College to take on Cathedral Catholic in a rematch years in the making. These two programs last met on the state stage in 2021, when Cathedral Catholic powered its way to a 33–21 victory in the Division 1-AA State Championship — a loss that still fuels Folsom’s climb back to this moment.

Three seasons later, the Bulldogs return to Championship Weekend with one goal: finish the job.

Folsom enters riding the momentum of a 42–38 shootout win over Archbishop Riordan, showcasing one of the most efficient offensive performances of the entire postseason. The Bulldogs’ two-quarterback system was nearly flawless, as Ryder Lyons and Brody Rudnicki combined to complete 31 of 36 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns, attacking every level of the field with confidence and rhythm.

Senior receiver Jameson Powell delivered one of the biggest playoff performances in California this year — 14 receptions, 171 yards, and three touchdowns — while Folsom’s run game added 176 yards, highlighted by Lyons and Rudnicki combining for 125 on the ground. The Bulldogs turn this into a track meet when they dictate tempo, and no one has truly slowed their passing attack since October.

This stage is familiar, too. Folsom played for the 2023 Division 1-A State Championship, and with a roster heavy on playoff experience, the Bulldogs enter Saddleback looking like a team ready to reclaim its place atop the state landscape.

Across the field, Cathedral Catholic arrives fresh off a dominant 42–21 win over Los Alamitos, powered by a near-perfect outing from senior quarterback Brady Palmer, who threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Junior receiver Isaac Cook exploded for 213 yards and three scores, consistently winning deep and flipping field position with chunk plays. Combined with Honor Faalave’s 135 rushing yards, the Dons’ balance remains their defining strength.

Defensively, Cathedral Catholic was relentless — 84 tackles, 3 sacks, and 6 pass breakups — overwhelming the Griffins with pressure and physicality.

But this matchup is different. Folsom’s pace, efficiency, and explosive receiving corps present a challenge few defenses have been able to handle this season. The question becomes which side can impose its style — Cathedral Catholic’s downhill physicality or Folsom’s high-speed offensive engine.

Revenge, history, and two elite offenses take center stage under the lights in Mission Viejo.

JP’S PICK:

Folsom 45, Cathedral Catholic 41

In a high-scoring classic, Folsom’s passing attack proves the difference as the Bulldogs earn long-awaited revenge for 2021 and capture the 2025 CIF Division 1-AA State Championship.

CIF Division 2-A State Championship: Sonora @ Rio Hondo Prep

Saturday – 11:30 AM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck • Reporter: Justin Lee

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

Championship Saturday opens with a clash of unbeaten heavyweights as Sonora (14–0) and Rio Hondo Prep (15–0) meet on the biggest stage for the Division 2-A State Championship — a battle built on physicality, discipline, and two of the most efficient run games in California.

Sonora arrives after a dominant 41–14 win over Woodcreek in the Northern Regional Final, showcasing a rushing attack that overwhelmed from start to finish. The Wildcats piled up 340 rushing yards, led by senior workhorse Brody Speer, who delivered 122 yards on the ground, added 17 receiving yards, and anchored the defense with 11 tackles and 2 sacks. He remains one of the most impactful two-way players in the state.

Quarterback Eli Ingalls was sharp and efficient, going 2-for-2 for 41 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing score. Running backs T. Sutton (117 yards, 2 TDs) and Cash Byington (65 yards) gave Sonora a three-man backfield that consistently broke tackles and extended drives. Defensively, the Wildcats dominated the line of scrimmage, posting 58 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and an interception by senior Steven Morfoot.

But while Sonora brings explosive depth, they now face a program that thrives on controlling pace, minimizing mistakes, and wearing opponents down over four quarters.

Rio Hondo Prep enters at 15–0, having survived a gritty 26–21 win over Santa Fe Christian in a game defined by toughness and patience. The Kares continued to lean on their signature ground attack, rushing for 263 yards, highlighted by junior fullback Nathaniel Shine’s 117 yards and Christian Lee’s 102 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Kares don’t just run the ball — they dictate games with it.

Defensively, Rio Hondo Prep was just as impressive, posting 54 total tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2 sacks, and a key interception by senior linebacker Calogero Chico. Junior linebacker Troy Seto was everywhere, finishing with 10 tackles and 1.5 TFL, while senior Rainn Pollock added 5 tackles and one of the team’s two sacks. Their ability to play downhill and tighten in the red zone has carried them through multiple tight postseason finishes.

This matchup becomes a battle of offensive identity:

• Sonora: fast tempo, multi-back explosiveness, pressure-heavy defense

• Rio Hondo Prep: patient, methodical, punishing, and impossible to rattle

Rio Hondo Prep has been in these games before, thrives in low-possession battles, and has the front seven to disrupt Sonora’s interior run game. If the Kares control field position and maintain their clock-chewing rhythm, they can force Sonora into a style they haven’t played all season.

Everything points toward a physical, old-school state championship — and one that Rio Hondo Prep is built for.

JP’S PICK:

Rio Hondo Prep 24, Sonora 21

Rio Hondo Prep’s disciplined run game, red-zone defense, and postseason poise give the Kares the edge in a bruising, possession-driven championship battle. They finish a perfect 16–0 and claim the 2025 CIF Division 2-A State Championship.

CIF Division 1-A State Championship: Central East @ Pacifica

Saturday – 3:30 PM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Reporter: Justin Lee • Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

Championship Saturday delivers a heavyweight showdown as Central East returns to the biggest stage — their second straight appearance in the Division 1-A State Final after falling to Edison a season ago — now taking on undefeated Pacifica, one of California’s most balanced and physical teams.

Central East punched its ticket with a 55–36 win over Pittsburg in a game that showcased the Bengals at their absolute best offensively. Junior quarterback Jelani Dippel threw for 202 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding another on the ground, but senior standout Brandon Smith powered the entire operation. Smith erupted for 257 rushing yards on 36 carries, added 19 receiving yards, and still contributed 6 tackles defensively in one of the strongest two-way postseason performances in the state.

Senior Bayon Harris stretched the field for 96 yards and two scores, while the defense produced three interceptions and four sacks, including multiple late-game stops that sealed the win. Central East arrives with playoff experience, big-game confidence, and an offense operating at full speed.

Pacifica (15–0) comes in riding a wave of momentum after a 42–35 win at Granite Hills, leaning on a monster performance from junior star Isaiah Phelps, who piled up 208 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 21 total tackles, and 4 tackles for loss — a truly dominant two-way display. Quarterback Taylor Lee added 185 passing yards and 2 scores along with a rushing touchdown, while receiver Alijah Royster hauled in 7 catches for 85 yards and two TDs.

Defensively, Pacifica was relentless, stacking up 93 tackles, 10 TFL, and 3 sacks, including 2 from Julian Villegas. Their physical front and ability to make timely stops have defined their undefeated run.

This matchup pairs two elite rushing attacks, two quarterbacks capable of creating off-script, and two defenses that thrive in clutch spots. Central East enters with revenge and experience on their side. Pacifica arrives with discipline, balance, and an unbeaten record.

Expect a four-quarter fight and a championship decided at the line of scrimmage.

JP’S PICK:

Pacifica 38, Central East 34

Pacifica’s physicality, depth, and second-half defensive consistency give the Tritons the edge in a tight championship battle.

CIF Open Division State Championship: De La Salle @ Santa Margarita

Saturday – 8:00 PM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Reporter: Justin Lee •  Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

The CIF State Championship weekend closes under the lights in Mission Viejo as De La Salle, undefeated and representing the North after a dominant postseason run, travels south to face Santa Margarita, the breakout Southern Section powerhouse making its return to the Open Division final.

Both teams arrive well-rested and fully prepared — De La Salle hasn’t played since November 21, while Santa Margarita has been idle since November 28 — adding another layer of anticipation to a matchup loaded with star power, physicality, and state-title pedigree.

De La Salle punched its Open ticket with a methodical 24–17 win over Pittsburg, powered by one of the strongest rushing attacks in the state. Senior quarterback Brayden Knight controlled the tempo with 77 rushing yards and a touchdown, while senior running back Jaden Jefferson exploded for 118 yards on 10 carries, averaging an eye-popping 11.8 yards per touch with a touchdown of his own.

Senior Brady Smith — one of the most versatile two-way players in Northern California — delivered 70 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 7 tackles defensively. The Spartans finished the night with 298 rushing yards, pounding Pittsburg’s front from start to finish.

Defensively, De La Salle was relentless, stacking 71 total tackles, 5.0 TFL, and 3.0 sacks, highlighted by senior linebacker Bubba Vargas (14 tackles, 1 TFL) and sophomore standout Landon Miller, who added 9 tackles and 2.0 sacks.

Santa Margarita arrives off a statement performance in the Southern Section championship, dismantling Centennial 42–7 in one of the most complete efforts of the postseason. Senior quarterback Trace Johnson was sensational, throwing for 386 yards and 4 touchdowns on 64% passing, while star wideout Trent Mosley delivered one of the all-time CIF championship performances — 10 catches for 293 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 91-yard strike.

Freshman running back Adrian Petero added physicality with 24 hard yards and a receiving score, while the Eagle defense completely overwhelmed Centennial, finishing with 76 total tackles, 13 TFL, and 7 sacks. Senior captain Dash Fifita set the tone with 12 tackles and 3.5 TFL, while junior defensive tackle Isaia Vandermade was unblockable with 3 sacks and 19 yards lost.

This matchup pits the North’s most disciplined, run-heavy system against the South’s most explosive aerial attack. De La Salle’s power and tempo vs. Santa Margarita’s speed and vertical offense creates the perfect contrast for an Open Division finale worthy of prime time.

Which identity prevails — the Spartans’ trademark physicality, or the Eagles’ dynamic balance and big-play firepower?

JP’S PICK:

Santa Margarita 31, De La Salle 24

The Eagles’ explosive pass game and disruptive defensive front tilt the matchup late, giving Santa Margarita the edge in a title fight that stays competitive deep into the fourth quarter.