PHOTOS: CIF football playoff brackets reveal exciting first round games, some surprises

(PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

After a 2-8 regular season, Cypress High School’s football team wasn’t expecting to see its season continue, said Coach Rick Feldman.

But the Centurions got some good news Sunday morning when it was announced Cypress will play at St. Pius/St. Matthias (1-9) in the opening round of the Division 8 playoffs. Both teams earned at-large berths.

“Wasn’t expecting to get in,” said Feldman on Sunday. “But if we’re allowed to apply, we’re going to do that. We are playing a team that was competitive against a brutal schedule. They are much better now than their record.”

Cypress was 0-5 in the Delta League. The Centurions earned non-league wins vs. Lawndale and La Mirada.

It will be the ninth straight CIF playoff appearance for the Centurions.

There were some other surprises.

Brea Olinda, which went undefeated in the regular season to capture the Kappa League title, plays at Palos Verdes (5-5) in the Division 5 opener. Palos Verdes is the No. 2 team from the Bay League. The Wildcats are led by quarterback Cullen Doyle.

Saddleback (6-4) is on the road to face La Quinta Thursday at Garden Grove in Division 14. Saddleback was the Zeta League champion, La Quinta is an at-large team from the Tango League.

Saddleback Coach Rob Thompson figured his team had secured a home game for the opener.

“No comment,” he said when asked about the draw.

Under the new playoff system based on Calpreps computer ratings, league champions are not guaranteed first round home games.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Reactions on other games:

CREAN LUTHERAN

The Saints, who finished second in the Epsilon League, play at Long Beach Millikan against the Rams, the Moore League champions.

“Long Beach Millikan is an excellent football team,” said Coach Rick Curtis. “Everyone says it is a tough draw, but everyone in this division is a tough draw. We are excited to play the number one team from the Moore League and will be ready and up for the challenge. 

“Our team has had a great season and we have advanced to the playoffs for the third year in a row, so we have playoff experience. With a win the Saints will face the winner of the Tustin-Loyola game on Nov. 15.” 

BECKMAN

Beckman is top-seeded in Division 8 and hosts Rancho Mirage (6-4) most likely Saturday at Tustin. Beckman plays home games at Tustin and Tustin also has a home game.

Beckman won a share of the Lambda League title, the second in school history.

“Happy to have a home playoff game,” said Coach Marcello Giuliano. “They’re a league champ too with terrific athletes, so this will be a terrific challenge.”

SEGERSTROM

The Jaguars, led by talented running back Noah Tagaloa, are No. 2 seeded in Division 8 and host Paramount (9-1) Friday.

“I am excited to have moved up from last season into Division 8,” said Jaguars Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “This is a testament to our players’ hard work. As far as the seeding and draw go, being a number two seed is nice, but the reality is that the seeds don’t matter as much anymore.

“We were a one seed that got upset by a 16 seed one year and we have been the underdog and done the same in other post season appearances. Everyone who makes the playoffs is talented, so we will have to be ready to play our best football. Our approach this week is going to be no different than usual as we prepare for a talented Paramount team. We are going to put in the work in preparation to be able to compete every snap.”

WESTERN

Coach Dan Davidson’s Western Pioneers earned an at-large berth and will face top-seeded Huntington Beach (5-5) in a Division 5 opener at Huntington Beach.

“Excited to make the playoffs,” Davidson said. “Going to play a quality team and program like Huntington Beach is outstanding for our program. Coach (Brett) Brown and his staff do an amazing job preparing and getting the most out of their teams always. Going to be a tough battle, but I love the opportunity for my guys.”

The Pioneers have a number of top players leading the way.

“Julian Amezcua one of the top wide receivers in the county,” Davidson said. “Malachi Alatorre is a two way guy who leads the rushing game and our middle linebackers who controls our defense. Chance Thomas, our sophomore quarterback, is improving each week leading our offense. 

“It helps having our experienced line with Joel Perez, Carlos Chavarria and Brandon Solloy all three- year starters. Ian Douglas has been a standout defensive linemen and linebackers Jacob Taylor and Kai Hayes have really stepped up for us.

“Mark Williams, a junior, has become our stopper as a shutdown corner that we truly needed. Excited the way he has performed the last several weeks.” 

WOODBRIDGE

Woodbridge, after winning its last two league games, is in the Division 12 playoffs. The Warriors (4-6) will be on the road Friday to face Palmdale Friday.

Woodbridge is being led by former head Warrior basketball coach John Halagan, who replaced Aaron Craver as the acting coach for the last two weeks of the regular season.

“Coach Aaron Craver is serving a suspension levied by CIF,” said Woodbridge Athletic Director Rick Gibson. “The rule has to do with removing a team from the field before a game ends.”

The game was Woodbridge’s league contest vs. Pacifica in which Craver took his team off the field in the fourth quarter.

“It’s nice having a coach like John on staff,” Gibson said. “He brings an expertise dealing with student athletes. His leadership qualities were the whole reason we went with him to lead the team. I have heard from a number of players that they like his coaching style. The whole staff has been unwavering in their support of our student athletes.”

Halagan was the long-time basketball coach and Woodbridge teacher before retiring, but has been an assistant on the football team. Gibson was the long-time head football coach before retiring. But he has stayed on as athletic director.

CENTURY

The Centurions open on the road Friday vs. Arroyo in Division 14.

“We are happy to be in the playoffs and looking forward to playing Arroyo,” said Coach Lance Neal. “Our kids and community are excited for the opportunity.”

CALVARY CHAPEL

The Eagles (4-6) will be home against El Monte in the CIF Division 13 playoffs after finishing third in the Sigma League. Los Amigos defeated the Eagles 17-16 to win the league title.

“Very excited to have a home playoff game,” said Calvary Chapel Coach Jack McInally.

Orange County teams earn high seeds for CIF football playoffs this week (brackets)

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com