Full Breakdown
CIF Southern Section Football Playoffs: Semifinal Results and Championship Matchups
11/22/2025, 4:52:09 PM
Overview of the Semifinals
The CIF Southern Section football playoffs reached a pivotal stage with the semifinals held on November 24, 2023. This year's playoffs have been marked by significant upsets, notably the absence of traditional powerhouses St. John Bosco and Mater Dei in the Division 1 final for the first time since 2011. The semifinals showcased a series of competitive matchups across various divisions, culminating in the championship pairings set for November 28 at the Rose Bowl.
Semifinal Results
In Division 1, Santa Margarita secured a decisive 31-6 victory over Orange Lutheran, while Corona Centennial edged out Mater Dei with a dramatic 28-27 win, highlighted by a walk-off blocked field goal attempt by Mater Dei. This sets up a championship clash between Santa Margarita and Corona Centennial at the Rose Bowl.
Division Results
- Division 1:
- Corona Centennial 28, Mater Dei 27
- Santa Margarita 31, Orange Lutheran 6
- Final Matchup: Santa Margarita vs. Corona Centennial at the Rose Bowl
- Division 2:
- Los Alamitos 23, Murrieta Valley 10
- San Clemente 35, Leuzinger 7
- Final Matchup: Los Alamitos vs. San Clemente
- Division 3:
- Pacifica/Oxnard 42, Chino Hills 24
- Palos Verdes 23, Edison 10
- Final Matchup: Pacifica vs. Palos Verdes
- Division 4:
- San Jacinto 18, Villa Park 15
- La Habra 20, Oaks Christian 7
- Final Matchup: La Habra vs. San Jacinto
- Division 5:
- Redondo Union 21, Loyola 7
- Rio Hondo Prep 35, La Serna 6
- Final Matchup: Rio Hondo Prep vs. Redondo Union
- Division 6:
- St. Pius 39, Roosevelt 6
- Ventura 28, Agoura 14
- Final Matchup: Ventura vs. St. Pius
- Division 7:
- Barstow 28, Palm Springs 7
- Apple Valley 21, Saugus 7
- Final Matchup: Barstow vs. Apple Valley
- Division 8:
- Beckman 28, Palm Desert 14
- Brea Olinda 28, Irvine 12
- Final Matchup: Beckman vs. Brea Olinda
- Division 9:
- Ramona 40, Hesperia 13
- Valley Christian/Cerritos 28, San Dimas 12
- Final Matchup: Ramona vs. Valley Christian
- Division 10:
- Tahquitz 41, Santa Monica 35
- Hillcrest 39, Pacifica/Garden Grove 20
- Final Matchup: Tahquitz vs. Hillcrest
- Division 11:
- Baldwin Park 27, Western Christian 14
- Valley View 28, South Pasadena 21
- Final Matchup: Baldwin Park vs. Valley View
- Division 12:
- Grace 49, Coachella Valley 42
- Santa Paula 17, Bellflower 14
- Final Matchup: Santa Paula vs. Grace
- Division 13:
- Woodbridge 24, Saddleback 21
- Montebello 43, La Puente 36
- Final Matchup: Woodbridge vs. Montebello
- Division 14:
- South El Monte 13, AB Miller 7
- Pioneer 14, Anaheim 6
- Final Matchup: South El Monte vs. Pioneer
Implications of the Results
The outcomes of the semifinals have reshaped the competitive landscape of California high school football, particularly in the Southern Section. The absence of St. John Bosco and Mater Dei in the finals opens the door for new champions, reflecting a shift in parity among the top teams. The upcoming championship games promise to be highly contested, with teams like Santa Margarita and Corona Centennial vying for the prestigious title at the Rose Bowl.
What's Next
The championship matchups will take place on November 28, 2023, at the Rose Bowl, where the finalists will compete for the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title, marking a significant moment in California high school football history.
