The postseason is here — and Orange County’s high-school football teams are ready to shine. From powerhouse programs to under-dog stories, this week’s slate of games for the CIF Southern Section could be the springboard to something bigger. Whether you’re a parent, alum, local real-estate pro or game-night fan, here’s your insider’s guide to what’s happening.
Most games kick off at 7:00 PM on Friday, Nov 7, unless noted otherwise — please verify start times with host schools or official brackets.
Division 2
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#16 Corona del Mar Sea Kings (9-1) @ #1 Murrieta Valley Nighthawks (7-3) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Sea Kings ride a standout league season into this road test; Nighthawks as top-seed look to defend home turf.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Held at Murrieta Valley’s stadium—arrive early, expect strong concessions and local pep-band energy. -
#21 Tustin Tillers (8-2) @ #18 Rancho Cucamonga Cougars (7-3) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Tustin brings momentum; Rancho Cucamonga hungry to turn home advantage into a win.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Rancho Cucamonga hosts—ample parking, local food trucks expected, arrive ~6:15 PM. -
#25 Yorba Linda Mustangs (9-1) @ #9 Los Alamitos Griffins (8-2) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
OC-vs-OC showdown: Mustangs’ offense versus Griffins’ disciplined defense.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Hosted at Los Alamitos High — family-friendly fan zone, expect rivalry intensity. -
#19 Downey Vikings (9-1) @ #14 San Juan Hills Stallions (7-2*) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Vikings coming in strong; Stallions looking for redemption at home.
Stadium/Beyond the game: San Juan Hills plays at its on-campus stadium — good for locals in South OC. -
#22 Beaumont Cougars (8-2) @ #20 San Clemente Tritons (6-4) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Cougars quietly consistent; Tritons aim to harness home crowd to make a statement.
Stadium/Beyond the game: San Clemente High’s Thalassa Stadium — beach-town vibe, early arrival recommended. -
#10 Leuzinger Olympians (8-1) @ #15 Crean Lutheran Saints (10-0) — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Undefeated Saints vs disciplined Olympians — classic mismatch or potential upset.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Crean Lutheran hosts — newer facility, premium seating available.
Division 3
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Laguna Beach Breakers @ Notre Dame (North Ridge) Fighting Irish — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Coastal flair vs city toughness; pace and weather could play a factor.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Notre Dame’s campus — expect younger crowd, strong band presence. -
Aquinas Falcons @ Dana Hills Dolphins — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Falcons’ defense looking to clamp down; Dolphins lean on home-field momentum.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Dana Hills’ venue — full bleachers, good lighting, strong community turnout. -
Huntington Beach Oilers @ Edison Wildcats — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Classic rivalry renewed — expect physicality, late-game drama.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Edison’s field — high energy student section; parking fills quick. -
Inglewood Sentinels @ Capistrano Valley Conquerors — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Travel challenge for Sentinels; Conquerors count on familiarity, local support.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Capistrano Valley High — southern OC locale, good for local families.
Division 4
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Villa Park Spartans @ Westlake Warriors — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Spartans bring under-dog energy; Warriors aiming for a deeper run.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Westlake High — ample parking, comfortable stadium amenities. -
Western Warriors @ Cathedral Phantoms — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Defense-heavy matchup — expect low scoring but high tension.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Cathedral High — older facility, crowd thrives on the rivalry feel. -
El Modena Vanguards @ La Habra Highlanders — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Vanguards vs Highlanders: splash plays will determine momentum.
Stadium/Beyond the game: La Habra High — local concessions, family crowd friendly.
Division 5
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Millikan Rams @ Aliso Niguel Wolverines — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Rams back strong; Wolverines lean on playoff-game experience.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Aliso Niguel High — new turf, accessible for families across South OC. -
Orange Panthers @ Troy Warriors — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Tradition meets program hungry for breakthrough — game could swing either way.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Hosted at Troy High — larger crowd expected, early arrival recommended.
Division 6
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El Toro Chargers @ Orange Vista Hawks — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Chargers aim to convert turnovers; Hawks looking to upset on the road.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Orange Vista High — smaller venue, but very spirited local fan base.
Division 7
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Segerstrom Storm @ Victor Valley Falcons — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Storm travel north; Falcons defend home-field and crowd advantage.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Victor Valley campus — significant travel involved, fans should plan accordingly.
Division 8
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Marina Vikings @ Palm Desert Aztecs — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Vikings on the road; Aztecs bring desert momentum at home.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Palm Desert location — invites travel-friendly weekend for families. -
Beckman Patriots @ La Mirada Matadores — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Patriots’ passing attack vs Matadores’ run game; strategic clash.
Stadium/Beyond the game: La Mirada High — large student section, high energy environment. -
La Quinta Blackhawks @ Fullerton Trojans — Thu Nov 6 @ 7:00 PM
Thursday opener adds extra hype; sets the tone for OC fans.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Fullerton High — early kickoff, great for catching pre-game festivity. -
Temecula Valley Wildcats @ Irvine Vaqueros — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Valley speed vs urban discipline — special teams might tip the balance.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Irvine High — accessible for OC families, good for a Friday-night outing. -
Mary Star of the Sea Crusaders @ Brea Olinda Wildcats — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Two underdog programs, both fighting for every possession — high-heart match.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Brea Olinda High — smaller venue, great atmosphere for devoted fans. -
Calvary Chapel (Santa Ana) Stallions @ Quartz Hill Royals — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Faith-based program meets traditional powerhouse — expect grit, community support.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Quartz Hill High — travel-heavy for OC fans, plan accordingly.
Division 10
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Portola Wolves @ Brentwood Eagles — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Wolves make the trek; Eagles defend home conversion rates.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Brentwood School — more remote, but family-friendly turnout expected. -
El Rancho Dons @ Pacifica (Garden Grove) Tritons — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Dons’ passing game vs Tritons’ defensive line — clash of styles.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Pacifica Garden Grove — local game for OC parents, easy commute. -
St. Margaret’s Tartans @ Redlands East Valley Wildcats — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Independent program vs league-driven team — expect surprises.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Redlands East Valley High — further travel for OC fans, car-pool recommended.
Division 12
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Costa Mesa Mustangs @ Yucca Valley Trojans — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Beachside Mustangs travel east; desert Trojans defend home turf.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Yucca Valley High — remote location, plan arrival time accordingly. -
Ocean View Titans @ Santa Paula Mustangs — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Titans lean into their run game; Mustangs rely on aerial attack.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Santa Paula High — scenic setting, but limited amenities, arrive early.
Division 13
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Pacific Seahawks @ Saddleback Bobcats — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Seahawks riding momentum; Bobcats defend the south-OC brand.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Saddleback High — local turnout strong, good for community networking. -
Desert Hot Springs Trailblazers @ Woodbridge Warriors — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Long road trip for Trailblazers; Warriors lean home comfort.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Woodbridge High — larger facility, easier access for OC families. -
Nordhoff Rangers @ Buena Park Lancers — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Small-school grit vs suburban power; lots on the line.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Buena Park High — local to OC, strong fan turnout expected. -
Montebello Oilers @ Rancho Alamitos Griffins — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Griffins rely on playoff experience; Oilers hungry for upset.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Rancho Alamitos High — large venue, expect crowd intensity.
Division 14
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Bolsa Grande Buccaneers @ Ontario Jaguars — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Buccaneers bring culture; Jaguars host with league conditioning.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Ontario High — accessible drive, nice pre-game tailgates. -
Anaheim Hawks @ Webb Warriors — Sat Nov 8 @ 1:00 PM
Saturday afternoon kickoff sets high visibility; good for family outing.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Webb High — midday game, expect warmer temps, early arrival helpful. -
Godinez Grizzlies @ Pioneer Patriots — Fri Nov 7 @ 7:00 PM
Underdog clash where both programs aim to make a statement.
Stadium/Beyond the game: Pioneer High — strong student section, parking fills fast.
Local Talent Spotlight
Spotlighting three standout student-athletes from Orange County to watch during this playoff weekend:
• Vance Spafford, Senior WR, Mission Viejo (CA)
Spafford is one of California’s top returning wide-outs (57 catches, 1,017 yards, 14 TDs last year). His speed and route-running make him a matchup nightmare. SI+1
• Kayden Dixon‑Wyatt, Senior WR, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
A highly-regarded three-star receiver with major college interest, Dixon-Wyatt is known for his separation ability and big-play upside. SI+1
• Mark Bowman, Senior TE, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Although lining up tight end, Bowman displays receiver-like skill and is ranked among the nation’s top TEs. Expect him to be a mismatch weapon in the red zone. SI
This weekend isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about community, shared memories, and the spirit that binds neighborhoods together. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, tagging along with family, or catching the action from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger.
If you’re headed to a game, I’d love for you to tag me on Instagram @ShepherdRealEstateTeam. I’ll be sharing some of the best fan-shots and game-night energy. Let’s rally behind our student-athletes and show what Orange County support really looks like.
Go OC!
Darren Shepherd
Shepherd Collective | eXp Realty
