Introduction to the CIF Southern Section Flag Football Playoffs
The CIF Southern Section flag football playoffs are set to begin on Tuesday, marking the start of a thrilling competition that will see a mix of new programs and established powerhouses vie for championship glory. The playoffs promise to be intense, with teams facing off in a win-or-go-home format.
Overview of the Playoff Seeding
The playoff seeding for schools within the LA Daily News coverage area can be found on cifss.org. This seeding determines the matchups for the first round of the playoffs, with some teams earning home openers while others will start their postseason run on the road.
Division 2 Playoff Matchups
Newbury Park vs Tesoro
Newbury Park had a dream season, culminating in their first Marmonte League title in program history. This achievement earned them a home opener in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs. Senior quarterback Greta Heath will be crucial to Newbury Park’s success, having averaged 71.7 rushing yards per game and thrown 51 passing touchdowns during the season.
Agoura vs Corona Del Mar
Agoura, the Marmonte League runner-up, also secured a home opener for the first round of the Division 2 playoffs. After a disappointing end to last season, which included a first-round exit due to quarterback Claire Hesinger’s injury, Agoura is motivated to make a deeper playoff push. Izzy Greene led Agoura with 102.5 total yards per game and 22 total touchdowns, while also recording 6.7 tackles per game.
Westlake at Mater Dei
Westlake finished third in the Marmonte League and faces a challenging road matchup against Mater Dei in its playoff opener. Despite the tough opponent, Westlake has the potential to make an impact, relying heavily on wide receiver Olivia Elsokary, who averaged 87.9 receiving yards per game and scored 39 total touchdowns.
Notre Dame at El Toro
Notre Dame, under the guidance of head coach Brandon Alexander, won the Mission League title after transitioning from the Marmonte League. However, they open the Division 2 playoffs on the road against El Toro. Notre Dame will depend on Cadi Kuntz, who led the team with 20 passing touchdowns and also had seven interceptions.
Division 3 Playoff Matchups
Moorpark at South Hills
Moorpark, after finishing tied for third in the Channel League, will face South Hills on the road. Despite not winning the league title, Moorpark ended the season on a high note with a 20-7 victory over Oak Park, showing they can compete against tough opponents.
Division 4 Playoff Matchups
West Ranch at Chaparral
West Ranch earned a share of the Foothill League title with Hart but will start its postseason run on the road against Chaparral. West Ranch will rely on Savannah Patton, who led the team with 3.4 tackles per game and finished second on the team with 13 interceptions.
Hart vs Royal
Hart, the co-champion of the Foothill League, earns a home playoff match against Royal, which finished tied for third in the Channel League. Hart is likely to rely on Jessica Gutierrez, who led the team with 58.9 receiving yards per game and 16 total touchdowns. Royal enters the playoffs after a mixed end to the season, losing to Camarillo and beating Oak Park.
Chaminade vs Murrieta Mesa
Chaminade secured a home playoff opener after finishing second in the Mission League. They will face Murrieta Mesa, relying on quarterback Lauren Jesic, who averaged 46.1 rushing yards per game and converted 34 total touchdowns.
Conclusion
The CIF Southern Section flag football playoffs are poised to be highly competitive, with various teams from different divisions looking to make their mark. From Newbury Park’s historic league title to the motivated teams like Agoura and the challenges faced by Westlake and Notre Dame, each matchup promises excitement and unpredictability. As the playoffs progress, teams will have to dig deep and perform at their best to advance to the next round.
FAQs
- Q: When do the CIF Southern Section flag football playoffs begin?
- A: The playoffs are set to begin on Tuesday.
- Q: How can I find the playoff seeding for schools within the LA Daily News coverage area?
- A: The playoff seeding can be found on cifss.org.
- Q: Which teams are competing in Division 2 of the playoffs?
- A: Teams like Newbury Park, Agoura, Westlake, and Notre Dame are part of the Division 2 playoffs.
- Q: What is the format of the playoffs?
- A: The playoffs follow a win-or-go-home format.
- Q: Where can I find more information about the teams and their schedules?
- A: More detailed information about the teams, their schedules, and the playoffs can be found on the official CIF Southern Section website or through local sports news outlets.
