The final matchups for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Football Championships are now set following a weekend of intense Southern California regional finals. High school football teams from across the state will compete for titles on December 12 and 13 at three designated venues in Southern California, culminating in a highly anticipated Open Division showdown between De La Salle and Santa Margarita.
The championship games will be held at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Fullerton Union High School District Stadium, and Buena Park High School Stadium, providing a grand stage for the state's top programs.
Key Takeaways
- The CIF State Football Championships will take place on December 12-13 across three Southern California locations.
- The marquee Open Division final features undefeated De La Salle (12-0) against Santa Margarita (10-3).
- Santa Margarita, led by first-year head coach Carson Palmer, recently secured the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title.
- A total of 15 state championship games will be played across various divisions.
Open Division Showdown: A Clash of Titans
All eyes will be on the Open Division championship game, which pits Northern California powerhouse De La Salle against Southern California's Santa Margarita. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College and will be available for streaming on Spectrum News.
De La Salle enters the contest with a perfect 12-0 record, continuing its legacy as one of the most dominant high school football programs in the nation. Their consistent excellence and disciplined play make them a formidable opponent for any team.
On the other side, Santa Margarita comes in with a 10-3 record and significant momentum. The team is in its first year under the leadership of head coach Carson Palmer and is fresh off a victory in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 final. This matchup represents a classic battle between an established dynasty and a surging program looking to make its mark.
A Tale of Two Programs
The Open Division final presents a compelling narrative. De La Salle's long-standing national reputation for excellence contrasts with Santa Margarita's recent ascent under a new, high-profile coach. This game will not only decide the state's top team but also serve as a major test for both programs.
Highlights from the SoCal Regional Finals
The path to the state championships was paved with thrilling victories in the Southern California regionals. Several games were decided by a single score, showcasing the competitive balance across divisions.
In Division 2-AA, Bakersfield Christian edged out La Habra in a tight 24-21 contest. Similarly, Rio Hondo Prep secured its spot in the state final with a narrow 26-21 win over Santa Fe Christian in Division 2-A. These close games underscored the determination of teams vying for a championship berth.
Other notable results include Cathedral Catholic's dominant 42-20 victory over Los Alamitos in Division 1-AA and Pacifica of Oxnard's high-scoring 42-35 win against Granite Hills in Division 1-A. The variety of scores, from defensive struggles to offensive shootouts, highlighted the diverse strengths of the qualifying teams.
Undefeated Contenders
Several teams will enter the championship weekend with perfect records on the line. In addition to De La Salle (12-0), Pacifica of Oxnard (15-0), Bakersfield Christian (13-0), Sonora (14-0), and Redding Christian (14-0) will all be looking to cap off undefeated seasons with a state title.
Complete CIF State Championship Schedule
The championship weekend features a full slate of games across 15 divisions, spread across three venues. Fans can plan for two full days of high-stakes football action.
Friday, December 12 Schedule
At Saddleback College:
- Division 2-AA: St. Mary’s, Stockton (12-2) vs. Bakersfield Christian (13-0) at 4 p.m.
- Division 1-AA: Folsom (13-1) vs. Cathedral Catholic (11-2) at 8 p.m.
At Fullerton Union High School District Stadium (FUHSDS):
- Division 6-AA: Lincoln, San Jose (11-3) vs. Valley Center (8-6) at 4 p.m.
- Division 3-AA: St. Ignatius, S.F. (8-6) vs. Ventura (13-2) at 8 p.m.
At Buena Park High School Stadium (BPHS):
- Division 5-AA: Bishop O’Dowd, Oakland (10-4) vs. Christian, El Cajon (8-7) at 4 p.m.
- Division 4-AA: Sutter (13-1) vs. Barstow (11-3) at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 Schedule
At Saddleback College:
- Division 2-A: Sonora (14-0) vs. Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) at 11:30 a.m.
- Division 1-A: Central East, Fresno (13-1) vs. Pacifica, Oxnard (15-0) at 3 p.m.
- Open Division: De La Salle (12-0) vs. Santa Margarita (10-3) at 8 p.m.
At Fullerton Union High School District Stadium (FUHSDS):
- Division 7-AA: Redding Christian, Palo Cedro (14-0) vs. Woodbridge, Irvine (7-8) at 11 a.m.
- Division 5-A: Calaveras, San Andreas (12-2) vs. Bishop Union (12-3) at 3 p.m.
- Division 3-A: McClymonds, Oakland (11-2) vs. RF Kennedy, Delano (12-3) at 7 p.m.
At Buena Park High School Stadium (BPHS):
- Division 7-A: Balboa, San Francisco (11-2) vs. South El Monte (11-4) at 11 a.m.
- Division 6-A: Winters (13-1) vs. Morse, San Diego (10-4) at 3 p.m.
- Division 4-A: El Cerrito (12-2) vs. Beckman, Irvine (12-3) at 7 p.m.
How to Attend the Games
For those interested in attending the 2025 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, it is important to note that tickets will not be sold at the venues. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
The CIF has partnered with GoFan for exclusive online ticket distribution. Fans are encouraged to visit the official GoFan website to secure their tickets for their desired games and locations before they sell out. This digital-only approach aims to streamline entry and manage crowd capacity effectively.