High School Football Showdown: Top 10 Playoff Games of the Week

Mission Viejo vs Centennial - CIF Playoff Battle

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This week’s top high school football games feature intense postseason action. Four games are taking place in California’s Southern Section Division 1 bracket, including the highly anticipated matchup between No. 23 Centennial (Corona) and No. 9 Mission Viejo.

The Southern Section bracket has been ranked as the toughest playoffs in the country.

Other notable games in the bracket include No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) vs. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) at No. 7 St. John Bosco (Bellflower), and No. 16 Orange Lutheran (Orange) vs. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano).

In Michigan, Bryce Underwood led Belleville to a dominant 42-7 victory over Saline in the second round of the Division 1 bracket. They now face 11-0 Catholic Central (Novi) next, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

In Alabama, a significant 7A quarterfinal matchup is set between Auburn and Thompson (Alabaster) on Friday. Auburn, ranked No. 26 in the expanded top 100, just missed the top 25. Thompson, despite three overtime losses by one point each, has made it to the 7A state championship game for six consecutive years.

In Indiana, the two top teams face off with a spot in the 6A semifinals on the line as Brownsburg hosts Lawrence North (Indianapolis). The Wildcats aim to win their first regional championship, while the Bulldogs pulled off an incredible comeback last week, overcoming a 35-7 halftime deficit to win 38-35 against Ben Davis (Indianapolis).

Top 10 Football Games of the Week

1. No. 23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) at No. 9 Mission Viejo (Calif.)

Friday, 7 p.m. (All times local) – Watch live on NFHS Network

25 Centennial
20 Mission Viejo

Top players

Centennial: QB Husan Longstreet (6-2, 200), WR Cory Butler Jr. (5-9, 170), LB Jonathan McKinley II (6-3, 220), WR Noah Westbrook (6-2, 210), DB Cade Paterson (6-2, 190)

Mission Viejo: DB Dijon Lee Jr. (6-4, 190), WR Vance Spafford (5-11, 175), DL Jaden Williams (6-4, 235), WR Phillip Bell III (6-2, 195), DL J.D. Hill (6-2, 245)

Both teams are playing their best football as they head into the Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals. Centennial has won eight in a row after starting the season 0-2. The Huskies have won every game by at least 14 points. Mission Viejo finished the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2019. This will be the third playoff meeting since 2021 with each team winning one. The Diablos won 31-28 in 2022 and the Huskies cruised to a 62-16 win in 2021.

2. Belleville (Mich.) at Catholic Central (Novi, Mich.)

Friday, 7 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

35 Catholic Central
21 Belleville

Top players

Belleville: QB Bryce Underwood (6-4, 215), ATH Elijah Dotson (6-2, 180), DL Rashad Jones (6-4, 240), WR Charles Britton III (5-11, 165), LB Andre Thomas Jr. (6-1, 215)

Catholic Central: OL Danilo Guberinich (6-5, 300), ATH Jaden Pydyn (6-1, 200), WR Samson Gash (6-0, 180), DL Jack McHugh (6-3, 200), OL Benjamin Eziuka (6-3, 305)

This Division 1 quarterfinal matchup features two of the best teams in the state. Underwood has led Belleville to the state championship game every season during his career. The Tigers won it all in 2021 and 2022 while finishing as the runner-up last season. This is the best season Catholic Central has had since 2016 when it went 13-1 and finished as the Division 1 runner-up. The last time these two played was in the 2022 Division 1 quarterfinals and Underwood led the Tigers to a 33-10 win.

3. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) at No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Friday, 7 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

13 Sierra Canyon
33 Mater Dei

Top players

Sierra Canyon: DL Richard Wesley (6-5, 255), DB Madden Riordan (5-11, 165), DB Madden Riordan (6-3, 170), DB Jae’on Young (5-11, 165), RB Jaxsen Stokes (5-10, 175)

Mater Dei: RB Jordon Davison (6-0, 215), DL Tomuhini Topui (6-3, 320), OL Kodi Greene (6-6, 300), DL Nasir Wyatt (6-2, 210), QB Dash Beierly (6-1, 215)

Sierra Canyon notched its first win over a Trinity League opponent last week by beating Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) 38-14 in the play-in. The Trailblazers were 0-3 against Trinity teams this season. Mater Dei has made easy work of a schedule featuring six nationally-ranked opponents, winning every game by at least 11 points. These two played in last year’s Division 1 semifinals and the Monarchs rolled to a 42-14 win.

4. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.) at Auburn (Ala.)

Friday, 7 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

34 Thompson
21 Auburn

Top players

Thompson: DB Anquon Fegans (6-1, 180), DL Jared Smith (6-6, 235), QB Trent Seaborn (6-1, 190), LB Trenton Cheatom (6-2, 200), WR Darion Moseley (5-11, 175)

Auburn: RB Omar Mabson II (5-9, 210), DB La’Mychael Gunn (6-3, 180), WR Peyton Plott (5-9, 165), OL Trinton Pritchett (6-4, 255), QB Jackson Kilgore (6-0, 185)

This will be the third meeting between the two since 2020, with both coming in the 7A state championship. Seaborn led Thompson to a 49-24 win as an eighth-grader in 2022, completing 12 of 14 passes for 207 yards and a 7A title game record five touchdowns. Thompson scored 10 points in the final 18 seconds to pull off one of the wildest comebacks of all-time with a 29-28 win in 2020. The winner advances to face either Enterprise or Baker (Mobile) in the semifinals.

5. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) at No. 7 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)

Friday, 7 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

29 Santa Margarita
31 St. John Bosco

Top players

Santa Margarita: WR Trent Mosley (5-11, 170), WR Jonah Smith (6-0, 175), QB John Gazzaniga (6-7, 230), DL J.J. Hanne (6-4, 290), WR Jack Junker (5-10, 175)

St. John Bosco: WR Madden Williams (6-2, 185), DB Isala Wily-Ava (6-2, 195), DL Dutch Horisk (6-2, 230), DL Epi Sitanilei (6-5, 220), QB Koa Malau’ulu (6-1, 165)

Santa Margarita is a much different team when Mosley plays, going 5-2 with him on the field. The Eagles cruised to a 59-26 win over Inglewood last week to advance to the Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals. Mosley missed the regular season meeting that St. John Bosco won 13-0. The game was scoreless until the fourth quarter and the Braves blocked a punt for a score, then Malau’ulu iced the game with a 28-yard touchdown run. St. John Bosco has won the last 14 contests in the series.

6. Lawrence North (Indianapolis) at Brownsburg (Ind.)

Friday, 7 p.m.

21 Lawrence North
22 Brownsburg

Top players

Lawrence North: WR Davion Chandler (6-0, 170), RB Izayveon Moore (5-9, 175), LB Caleb Beeler (6-1, 200), QB Tanner Aspeslet (6-4, 210), WR Monshun Sales (6-5, 195)

Brownsburg: QB Oscar Frye (6-2, 175), WR Branden Sharpe (5-11, 155), WR Avin Robinson (6-1, 185), DB Quentin Russ (5-11, 170), LB Alex Burke (6-0, 205)

Lawrence North has never reached the state semifinals but can do so with a win here. The Wildcats have won 10 of 11 games by double digits and are coming off an impressive 24-7 win over Cathedral (Indianapolis). Sophomore quarterback Oscar Frye led an improbable Brownsburg comeback last week, erasing a 28-point halftime deficit for a 38-35 win over Ben Davis. He completed 27 of 41 passes for 449 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson and Sharpe combined for 16 receptions for 335 yards and two scores. This will be the first meeting between the two since 2017.

7. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) at No. 16 Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)

Friday, 7 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

20 JSerra Catholic
42 Orange Lutheran

Top players

JSerra: LB Madden Faraimo (6-3, 200), OL Jake Flores (6-6, 285), QB Ryan Hopkins (6-4, 195), ATH Logan Christensen (6-0, 180), DL Simote Katoanga (6-5, 250)

Orange Lutheran: LB Talanoa Ili (6-4, 220), QB T.J. Lateef (6-3, 190), TE A.J. Ia (6-6, 215), OL Samuela Utu (6-5, 310), DB Benjamin Alefaio (6-1, 190)

The regular season meeting was a one-score game until the fourth quarter when Orange Lutheran took a 23-14 lead with 5:56 left. The Lancers held on for a 23-17 win. Arizona State-bound tight end A.J. Ia was a matchup nightmare for the Lions as he finished with seven receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Chavez added 105 yards on the ground and a score. This will be the 20th meeting since 2006 and the Lancers hold a 10-9 edge.

8. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) at Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.)

Friday, 7:30 p.m. – Watch live on NFHS Network

18 Mill Creek
27 Douglas County

Top players

Mill Creek: LB Luke Metz (6-3, 220), DL Devin Ancrum (6-3, 265), RB Daniel Smith (5-9, 170), QB Shane Throgmartin (6-3, 200), LB Gavin Knott (6-0, 190)

Douglas County: WR Aaron Gregory (6-3, 170), DL Jordan Carter (6-4, 235), WR Devin Carter (6-0, 165), QB DJ Bordeaux (6-2, 195), RB Zamarcus Lindley (5-11, 200)

Georgia’s AAAAAA bracket is one of the toughest in the country and this opening round matchup features two of the best teams in the state. Douglas County’s only two losses came against No. 5 Carrollton and No. 12 Buford. The Hawks lost by one score to North Gwinnett (Suwanee) and Collins Hill (Suwanee). Their only other loss came against Buford, 32-7. The winner advances to face either North Cobb (Kennesaw) or Camden County (Kingsland).

9. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) vs. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

Saturday, 12 p.m. at Northeast High School (Philadelphia)

0 Imhotep Charter
42 St. Joseph’s Prep

Top players

St. Joe’s Prep: LB Anthony Sacca (6-3, 225), DL Maxwell Roy (6-4, 265), LB Cameron J. Smith (6-0, 200), DL Alex Haskell (6-3, 230), WR Rameir Hardy (6-2, 185)

Imhotep Charter: RB Jabree Wallace- Coleman (6-0, 205), DL Zahir Mathis (6-6, 225), DL Alvin Yates (6-5, 275), LB Charles Belser (6-2, 215), QB Joey McLeish (6-1, 180)

This is a matchup fans have been wanting to see for a long time and they finally get their wish on Saturday. The winner advances to the PIAA 6A quarterfinals. The Hawks got their revenge on La Salle College (Wyndmoor) and won 21-14 last week. The Panthers won their seventh game in a row with a 28-26 win over Abraham Lincoln (Philadelphia).

10. Skyridge (Lehi, Utah) vs. Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)

Thursday, 2:30 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium

28 Lone Peak
21 Skyridge

Top players

Skyridge: OL Darius Afalava (6-5, 320), OL Ben Howard (6-3, 300), QB Kaneal Sweetwyne (6-5, 205), DL De’Shawn Toilolo (6-1, 230), RB Zaeden Selu (5-9, 180)

Lone Peak: OL Austin Pay (6-7, 290), OL Toby Mealer (6-5, 315), DB Jayden Mayberry (6-0, 175), DL Bott Mulitalo (6-4, 275), QB Kepa Niumeitolu (6-3, 205)

These two played just over a month ago and Skyridge held on for a 21-16 win, the Falcons’ third win in a row against Lone Peak. The last playoff meeting came in the 6A semifinals in 2021 and Lone Peak won 20-0. The Knights went on to win the 6A state title in a 49-42 thriller over Corner Canyon (Draper). The winner will face either No. 20 Corner Canyon or Lehi on Nov. 21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the 6A state championship.

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Athletic Highlights
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
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Athletic Highlights
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper
Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
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Athletic Highlights
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
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