As undefeated Seaside prepares to host Menlo tonight in the CCS-Division IV semifinals, there is still a possibility that the Spartans' season could extend beyond the CCS finals.
Seaside may have to win these next two games decisively in order to get a berth in the play-in game. However, there are a couple of scenarios that could help not only the Spartans if they win out, but Sacred Heart Prep or Menlo if either is able to win CCS-Division IV.
Monterey could find itself in the conversation if Seaside loses in the D-IV championship game and Monterey is able to upset Valley Christian in the CCS-Division III championship game, assuming each team gets past its semifinal opponent this weekend. However, the chances are fairly slim for the Toreadores. Still, some of the CCS teams still playing in D-III and D-IV do have hope.
If Sutter gets upset tonight by West Valley in the Northern Section, this would go a long way to give the CCS D-IV champ a shot for the play-in game. Undefeated Sutter has a huge win against NS power Enterprise. According to Calpreps, Enterprise is ranked much higher than any team Seaside, SHP or Menlo has beaten or even played. West Valley (11-1) is a very tough team that should give Sutter everything it can handle tonight. If West Valley pulls the upset, it would definitely insert itself into the conversation.
The CCS would be further assisted if Central Catholic wins the San Joaquin Section Division IV championship. The reason for this is that CC will qualify for the Nor-Cal D-IV play-in game if it wins the section because of its school size. This is not a long shot, as Central Catholic is favored to take it.
There are a couple of tough Central Valley public schools in Los Banos and Escalon, the 2010 D-III state champs, that stand in their way. They will face Center of Antelope tonight for a chance to advance to the SJS D-IV championship game. Escalon will have a good shot of making the play-in if it is able to come out on top of the SJS D-IV bracket.
The NCS D-III champ is almost assured a spot. The meat grinder of the final four for that section includes the upstart Analy Tigers (11-0) vs. the super athletic El Cerrito Gauchos (11-0), as well as NCS Catholic school powers Marin Catholic and Cardinal Newman. Whichever of these teams survive will most certainly advance to the play-in game.
This weekend will be chalk full of exciting games that will have some serious implications for the selection of the Nor-Cal D-III play-in game. If one of the final four teams from the CCS D-IV playoffs can stand out in the next couple of weekends, we could see a local small school in the play-in game.
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Matt Murphy is a former assistant football coach at Seaside High School. He was part of the staff that led the Spartans to the 2009 CCS Division III title. If you would like to submit content on high school sports in your area, please contact us at info@prep2prep.com or tweet us @Prep2PrepSports.
