Previewing California (CIF) high school football championships: Southern Section edition

A quick look at each Southern Section football team's CIF State final matchup

The high school football season is coming to an end. 

The final weekend of competition will be on Friday and Saturday when top teams from Northern and Southern California face off for CIF State championships in Southern California at one of three designated locations: Saddleback, El Camino and Pasadena College.

Here is a quick look at each final that includes a CIF Southern Section team.

OPEN DIVISION

Serra, San Mateo (12-0) vs. Mater Dei (12-1), Saturday, 8 p.m. at Saddleback College

This game will serve as the grand finale to the 2023 high school football season in California. The question everyone is asking is: Can San Mateo keep it close?

Mater Dei quarterback Elijah Brown will start his final game 41-2 as a starter with two CIF Southern Section titles and CIF State title under his belt. However, the Monarchs' defense is the foundation to their success. A few defense players could end up playing on Sundays.

Last time the two met was in 2021, Mater Dei won 44-7.

Mater Dei rolls St. John Bosco to win CIF Southern Section Division 1 title

DIVISION 1–AA

De La Salle (11-2) vs. Mission Viejo (12-3), Friday, 8 p.m. at Saddleback College

No corner has been able to contain sophomore wideout Vince Spafford, who now has 21 touchdown receptions and 1,510 yards receiving this season. The kicker is the Diablos play with two quarterbacks in Luke Fahey and Draiden Trudeau.

De La Salle is on an 11-game winning streak after starting the season 0-2, including a loss to Orange Lutheran. 

The Spartans like to run the ball and have scored 38 touchdowns on the ground.

Birmingham, Banning, Fairfax mark City Section football history at 2023 CIF State finals

DIVISION 1–A

Folsom (12-2) vs. St. Bonaventure (12-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at Saddleback College

The Seraphs have a balanced attack with QB Anthony Wolter, RB Koen Glover and WR DJ Doss along with a tout defense led by sophomore LB Jeremiah Barrios. And of course, the clutch kicking from George Mann, who's kicked game-winning field goals the last two weeks.

St. Bonny will have its hands full with the athletes at Folsom, but it won't be anything the Seraphs haven't seen before, especially after playing teams like Oaks Christian, Etiwanda, Cajon and Warren in five out of six weeks.

St. Bonaventure shocks St. Augustine 21-20 in regional final

DIVISION 2–AA

Grant (12-2) vs. La Serna (12-3), Friday, 4 p.m at Saddleback College

CJ Ceron is the magic man. The nifty quarterback threw for 191 yards and two TDs in the regional final win over Orange Vista, but he also added 192 yards rushing. He will be the key for Lancers offensively, along with two-way standout Owen Long.

The key for La Serna is containing Grant wideout Kingston Lopa, who's 6-foot-5 and has 18 college offers to pick from. Grant's running back Wayshawn Parker is a Washington State commit and QB Luke Alexander has thrown for 42 TDs this season.

Tough one for the Lancers Friday afternoon.

DIVISION 3–A

Marin Catholic (13-1) vs. Mayfair (12-3), Saturday, 7 p.m. at El Camino College

Mayfair football embracing 'uncommon' circumstances en route to first CIF State final

DIVISION 4–AA

Soquel (12-2) vs. Jurupa Hills (9-6), Friday, 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College

Jurupa Hills is battle-tested. The Spartans began the season 1-4, taking on teams just above their weight class, but now are reaping the benefit of those games with a spirited postseason run.

Seniors Caleb Ruiz (QB), Jordan Pernillo (RB) and Jaylen Ephraim (WR) lead the offense. Sophomore Daniel Maccharles anchors the defense.

Soquel is led by 6-foot-4 running back and linebacker Justice Grauel-Tebong.

DIVISION 5–AA

Pleasant Valley (10-3) vs. Ramona, Riverside (10-5), Friday, 8 p.m. at El Camino College

All eyes will be on Pleasant Valley running back Lucas Benton, who has 20 touchdown rushes as a junior. Ramona's chances increase if it can stop Benton.

Calpreps.com predicts Pleasant Valley will win 31-21.

DIVISION 7–A

Strathmore (11-4) vs. Bell Gardens (10-5), Saturday, 11 a.m. at Pasadena City College

The tale of two backs. Strathmore's Jacob Poole versus Bell Gardens' Daniel Tovar.