URGENT UPDATE: History is being made this Friday as Lincoln-San Jose hosts its first-ever CIF NorCal regional championship game, welcoming Gridley. The Lions secured their place in this monumental matchup after a resounding 49-21 victory over Branham in the Central Coast Section championship, powered by an astonishing six touchdowns from standout player Kyan Phillips.
This Friday at 7 PM, the Lincoln Lions (10-3) will take on the undefeated Gridley Bulldogs (13-0) at San Jose City College. Coach Kevin Collins expressed excitement, hoping for a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of the CCS championship, where alumni and a passionate student body rallied behind the team. “I’m very happy about a home game,” Collins said, emphasizing the community support that has propelled the Lions to this historic moment.
As the Lions prepare for this pivotal clash, Collins is gathering intel on Gridley’s gameplay, noting similarities to their previous opponent, Wilcox. He described the challenge as akin to “playing a team from another universe,” as they gear up for what promises to be a high-octane showdown.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburg Pirates are set to face Central East in the NorCal Division I-A title game this Friday. After a dominant 42-17 victory over Cardinal Newman in the NCS Division I title match, Pittsburg will face a formidable opponent in Central East, who boasts a 12-1 record and has averaged over 49 points per game this season. Quarterback Jelani Dippel has thrown for an astonishing 4,096 yards and 52 touchdowns, and running back Brandon Smith has rushed for 1,790 yards and 27 touchdowns.
In another exciting matchup, the Serra Padres are back in the state spotlight after a rebuilding year. They travel to face St. Mary’s-Stockton in the NorCal Division 2-AA regional championship on Friday night. Coach Patrick Walsh acknowledged the challenge posed by St. Mary’s, a well-coached team known for its resilience. The Padres aim to advance to the state finals, seeking their first championship title since 2017.
Bishop O’Dowd, under coach Hardy Nickerson, will also compete in a NorCal regional game for the first time since 2016. They face Chico in the 5-AA championship after a convincing 59-21 victory over Fortuna. With a young and promising roster, Nickerson expressed optimism for their future, saying, “We’re excited about tonight and today and winning this championship.”
As the high school football scene heats up, all eyes are on these teams as they strive for glory in the NorCal championships. The outcomes of these games could reshape the playoff landscape and provide unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
Stay tuned for live updates and results as these thrilling matchups unfold this Friday night!
