Full Breakdown
CIF Southern Section Football Playoffs: Quarterfinal Upsets and Semifinal Matchups
11/15/2025, 8:26:10 PM
Heavy Rainfall and Unexpected Outcomes
The CIF Southern Section football playoffs experienced significant upsets during the quarterfinals held on November 14, 2025, amid heavy rainfall that affected gameplay across Southern California. The inclement weather contributed to muddy fields and altered strategies, leading to surprising results in several matchups.
Notable Quarterfinal Results
In the Division 1 quarterfinals, Orange Lutheran, seeded eighth, achieved a stunning victory over the top-seeded St. John Bosco with a score of 20-19. This marked a significant upset, as St. John Bosco had been ranked No. 1 nationally just weeks prior. The Lancers capitalized on two missed extra points by St. John Bosco's kicker, CJ Wallace, which proved crucial in the narrow defeat. Orange Lutheran's junior quarterback Raegan Toki threw for two touchdowns, including a pivotal 67-yard pass that shifted the momentum in the fourth quarter.
Mater Dei also showcased their dominance by shutting out Mission Viejo 20-0, with running back Malachi Roby scoring two touchdowns. The Monarchs' defense was particularly effective, limiting Mission Viejo's offensive opportunities.
In other divisions, Santa Margarita defeated Sierra Canyon 21-9, while Los Alamitos triumphed over San Juan Hills 35-10, propelled by standout performances from running back Lenny Ibarra, who scored four touchdowns.
Semifinal Matchups
The outcomes of the quarterfinals set the stage for several exciting semifinal matchups scheduled for November 21, 2025. Key matchups include:
- Division 1: Orange Lutheran will host Santa Margarita.
- Division 2: Los Alamitos will face Murrieta Valley.
- Division 3: Palos Verdes will take on Edison after edging Dana Hills 14-13 in a closely contested game.
Criticism and Reflections
The heavy rainfall and resulting field conditions drew mixed reactions from coaches and players. St. John Bosco's coach, Jason Negro, expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities and the team's inability to meet their performance standards. "Super disappointing," he stated, reflecting on the team's two-game losing streak to end the season. In contrast, Orange Lutheran's coach, Rod Sherman, praised his team's resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The CIF Southern Section playoffs have proven to be unpredictable, with several top seeds falling to lower-ranked teams. As the semifinals approach, teams will look to build on their momentum while addressing the challenges posed by weather and competition. The outcomes of these upcoming games will determine which teams advance to the finals, continuing the excitement of high school football in Southern California.
