The high school football season is nearing its end, with teams vying for playoff seedings and positions this Friday night. As the regular season wraps up, the Northern Section has updated its playoff points standings.
In Division II, Chico High holds a strong position with an 8-1 record, complemented by a 3-1 mark in the Eastern Athletic League (EAL). They are followed by Pleasant Valley at 6-3 and 4-0 in EAL, Red Bluff at 7-2 and 2-2 in EAL, and Las Plumas. Foothill currently sits at 4-5 with a 2-2 EAL record, while Enterprise stands at 3-6 and 1-3 in EAL, and Shasta at 2-7 with an 0-4 EAL record. The only team in Division I outside of the EAL is the Thunderbirds, also at 2-7 and 0-4 in EAL, competing in the Westside League.
Despite the competition, Pleasant Valley has virtually secured the EAL Championship after defeating Chico, the only team that could potentially tie them for first place. The Vikings are set to conclude their regular season at home against Shasta.
As the final week approaches, it is likely that Chico will finish as the second seed, with Foothill likely securing the third seed due to their recent overtime win against the Spartans in Redding. This scenario would position the Spartans as the fourth seed, the Thunderbirds as the fifth, and Enterprise and Shasta in the sixth and seventh spots, respectively.
The Spartans have a chance to improve their position by defeating Chico in their season finale in Red Bluff. A victory could elevate them to 3-2, tying them with the Panthers, and possibly Las Plumas, who will host Enterprise on Friday night. In that case, the league would need to break the three-way tie to determine the final rankings.
Meanwhile, Division III presents a more complex picture. Gridley leads the division and will close out its season at home against Corning. A win against the Cardinals would likely secure the top seed for the Bulldogs. Lassen High School occupies the second seed, closely followed by unbeaten Pierce. Orland, coming off a victory in the inaugural West Side Rumble, is currently the fourth seed, while Corning ranks fifth, setting the stage for a rematch in Orland.
In Division IV, Winters holds the top seed, with unbeaten Hamilton right behind. East Nicolaus is the third seed, and Durham High sits at fourth, with Colusa, Mount Shasta Trinity, and Williams rounding out the top eight.
In Division V, defending champion Los Molinos currently ranks sixth, trailing Quincy. However, a recent win over Quincy could change their fortunes. If this occurs, it might lead to the Bulldogs, currently positioned fifth, facing fourth seed Fall River in the playoff opener. Unbeaten Redding Christian leads the division, followed closely by Maxwell in second place. Biggs holds the third seed, while Modoc and Portola complete the top eight in Division V.
As Los Molinos wraps up its regular season against a non-league opponent in Etna, teams across all divisions remain focused on securing their playoff aspirations.
