playoff

Nov. 11, 2026 8:54 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS WATER POLO PLAYOFFS
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
SOUTHERN SECTION
Semifinals

DIVISION 1
Mira Costa 13, Buena 10
Dos Pueblos 14, Laguna Beach 11

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION FINALS
At Palisades

OPEN DIVISION
#2 Cleveland at #1 Palisades, 7 p.m.

DIVISION I
#2 Eagle Rock at #1 Granada Hills, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE
SOUTHERN SECTION FINALS
At Mt. San Antonio College

OPEN DIVISION
Newport Harbor vs. JSerra, 1:30 p.m.

DIVISION 1
Mira Costa vs. Dos Pueblos, 4:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Damien vs. St. John Bosco, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 3
Troy vs. Elsinore, noon

DIVISION 4
Foothill Tech vs. Liberty, 6 p.m.

DIVISION 5
Montebello vs. California, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 11, 2026 9:36 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS
SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Semifinals

DIVISION 1
Mira Costa 11, Corona del Mar 7
Portola 10, Orange Lutheran 8

DIVISION 2
Campbell Hall 9, Irvine University 9 (Campbell Hall wins on games)
Cate 9, Calabasas 9 (Calabasas wins on games)

DIVISION 3
Pasadena Poly 11, San Marino 7
Flintridge Prep 10, Burbank 8

DIVISION 4
Capistrano Valley 11, Dos Pueblos 7
CAMS 11, Western Christian 7

DIVISION 5
Laguna Blanca 11, Esperanza 7
Santa Barbara 10, Simi Valley 2

DIVISION 6
Carpinteria 11, Segerstrom 7
Orange County Pacifica Christian 9, St. Margaret’s 9 (Pacifica Christian wins on games)

DIVISION 7
Mayfair 11, Redlands East Valley 7
Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 10, AGBU Canoga Park 8

DIVISION 8
Foothill Tech 13, Granite Hills 5
Nordhoff 19, Canyon Springs 5

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE
Finals
At University of Redlands

DIVISION 1
Portola vs. Mira Costa, 3:15 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Campbell Hall vs. Cate, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 3
Flintridge Prep vs. Pasadena Poly, 12:15 p.m.

DIVISION 4
Capistrano Valley vs. CAMS, 12 p.m.

At The Claremont Club

DIVISION 6
Carpinteria vs. Orange County Pacifica Christian, 11:45 a.m.

DIVISION 7
Mayfair at Santa Monica Pacifica Christian, 11:15 a.m.

DIVISION 8
Foothill Tech vs. Nordhoff, 1:30 p.m.

At Cate
Laguna Blanca vs. Cate, 1 p.m.

UCLA moves up in the CFP rankings

Undefeated UCLA earned its highest College Football Playoff ranking Tuesday night, ascending to No. 4 in the latest top 25 released Tuesday night.

The Bruins (9-0) are coming off a decisive 34-20 win at Minnesota and moved up four spots.

UCLA will host Illinois on Friday, at Michigan on Nov. 21 and at the Rose Bowl against crosstown rival USC.

The Trojans (7-2) are coming off a bye week and were ranked No. 18, moving up two spots.

USC will play at No. 9 Indiana on Saturday and host Maryland Nov. 21 before what could be an especially high stakes rivalry showdown with UCLA.

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Players union can’t walk away from cap

From Bill Shaikin: In the hours before Game 1 of the World Series, as the Violent Femmes played “Kiss Off” before their hometown fans in Milwaukee, Bruce Meyer talked about getting blown off by baseball’s owners.

He didn’t put it quite that way. But Meyer, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Assn., expressed his frustration that months of collective bargaining over dozens of issues has boiled down to what he sees as one gigantic, inflexible roadblock: “They’ve made clear they’re not willing to talk about anything outside of their cap system.”

The league and its owners are willing to talk about key issues for the union: higher minimum salaries, fewer years to free agency, an end to the qualifying offers that can dampen the market for free agents. But the price would be a salary cap.

The players have made clear they’re not willing to consider the salary cap that owners insist would underpin everything else in what would be a radical new economic system. That could backfire: a wonky provision in labor law could give the owners the option to adopt a salary cap no matter what the players want.

With three weeks left before the collective bargaining agreement expires — and with the owners planning to lock out players immediately thereafter — player representative and former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs called the negotiations“a complete waste of time” and “a charade.” He told the Philadelphia Inquirer the owners continue to present proposals “with the salary cap attached to every single proposal.”

So why wouldn’t the union just walk away from the bargaining table and tell the owners to call when they get serious?

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Brandon Gomes discusses Dodgers’ offseason plans

From Maddie Lee: Standing outside of a packed conference room, half a day into General Managers meetings, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said none of his conversations leading up to or since arriving in Las Vegas had painted a clear picture of how the free agent or trade markets would play out over this month.

The Dodgers are going to take a “business as usual” approach to the offseason, prepared to react whenever those markets reveal themselves. But even if Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Freidman aren’t ready to predict how threat of a lockout — expected to go into effect when the current CBA expires on Dec. 1 — will affect their offseason, it will surely color this transaction window.

The Dodgers don’t have any gaping holes to fill this winter, but they still need to fortify their roster if they hope to reclaim their spot at the top of the league.

Their most pressing needs are their bullpen and bench, areas that often draw less fanfare. But the Dodgers also have a track record of splashy offseason moves.

Here are takeaways from Gomes’ media availability Tuesday:

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Rams quiet at trade deadline

From Gary Klein: High-profile trades before the season showed their fans and the rest of the NFL that with Super Bowl LXI to be played at SoFi Stadium, the Rams were unquestionably all in.

But as the league’s trade deadline came and went Tuesday, the injury-ravaged Rams made only one minor move, essentially saying they’ll handle this all internally.

While the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers added veteran receiver Keenan Allen, the Rams — with Davante Adams on injured reserve and Puka Nacua expected to be sidelined for an extended period — brought back receiver Xavier Smith, whom they released in October.

That is a far cry from moves the Rams made in previous Super Bowl seasons. In 2018, they traded for edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. In 2021, they signed free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and traded for edge rusher Von Miller.

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Chargers make one deal

From Sam Farmer: The Chargers traded linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, the Chargers announced.

Henley, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, was dealt just before the NFL’s 1 p.m. PST trade deadline. He has been a defensive fixture for the Chargers, who at 0-8 are the NFL’s only winless team.

The Chargers had indicated that they were not planning any dramatic moves at the deadline, such as trading defensive lineman Khalil Mack, injured safety Derwin James Jr. or receiver Ladd McConkey.

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Clippers routed by Suns

Jordan Goodwin scored 18 points in his return from a calf injury, Devin Booker added 17 and the Phoenix Suns cruised past the Clippers 133-110 on Tuesday night.

Phoenix shot 22 of 43 (51%) from three-point range and had seven players score in double digits, including five who came off the bench. Luke Kennard had 14 points, Jalen Green scored 13 and Collin Gillespie added 12 points and eight assists while Khaman Maluach contributed 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Suns had a 17-point halftime lead and pushed the advantage to 91-59 with four minutes left in the third quarter. They have a 3-2 record so far on their season-long, seven-game homestand.

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Clippers box score

NBA standings

USC women win by 61 points

Saniyah Hall and Jazzy Davidson scored 24 points each, JuJu Watkins added 20 and No. 3 USC routed Charleston 105-44 on Tuesday night.

The Trojans (3-0) have scored 100 points or more in each win.

Hall had a 7-0 run of her own in the third quarter, capped by a three-pointer that started on the other end with Davidson’s block and defensive rebound. USC then ran off nine in a row, with Hall scoring four around Davidson’s steal and fast break layin.

Davidson and Watkins combined to score USC’s final eight points and send the Trojans into the fourth leading 86-35. Sitaya Fagan had nine rebounds and Hall had eight as USC controlled the boards, 52-36.

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USC box score

Kings shut out by Nashville

Filip Forsberg scored two goals, Juuse Saros made 30 saves in his 28th career shutout and the Nashville Predators extended their winning streak to five games with a 3-0 victory over the Kings on Tuesday night.

Nils Hoglander had two assists and Adam Wilsby got an empty-net goal in the Predators’ opener of a five-game West Coast trip. Saros finished his first shutout of the season with 13 saves in the third period against the Kings’ improved effort.

Anton Forsberg stopped 27 shots for the Kings, who were shut out for the first time this season. They dropped to 2-3-0 on their seven-game homestand with back-to-back losses.

Kings summary

NHL standings

Former Angels catcher Bob Boone dies

From Steve Henson: Bob Boone, a four-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner who spent much of his career with the Angels, has died, his son Bret announced Tuesday via social media. He was 78. No cause of death was shared.

The sturdy catcher was the middle man in one of the most accomplished three-generation Major League Baseball families. He caught more games than all but two catchers in history.

Boone’s father, Ray, and his sons Aaron and Bret also enjoyed successful playing careers. But Bob’s stood out primarily because he was as durable as a cast-iron skillet, catching 2,225 games in 19 seasons.

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This day in sports history

1911 — Carlisle Indian School of Carlisle, Pa., led by Jim Thorpe, beats nationally ranked Harvard 18-15 before 25,000 in Cambridge, Mass. Thorpe scores all the points for Carlisle, a touchdown, extra point and four field goals.

1939 — Texas Tech and Centenary (La.) play to a 0-0 tie in a torrential downpour in Shreveport, La. There are an NCAA-record 77 punts in the game (39 by Tech and 38 by Centenary).

1944 — The New York Rangers beat the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 to end their NHL record of 25 straight games without a win (0-21-4) over two seasons.

1978 — Eddie Lee Ivery rushes for 356 yards to lead Georgia Tech to a 42-21 victory over Air Force.

1981 — The Minnesota North Stars score eight goals in the second period of a 15-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

1981 — Dodgers starter Fernando Valenzuela becomes first MLB rookie to win a Cy Young Award; Milwaukee Brewers’ Rollie Fingers takes AL Award.

1995 — Eddie George rushes for a school-record 314 yards in 36 carries and scores three TDs as Ohio State routs Illinois 41-3.

2001 — In his sixth career start, Shaun Alexander has 266 yards rushing in 35 carries and an 88-yard touchdown run as Seattle beats AFC West-leading Oakland 34-27.

2002 — The Oakland Raiders, behind record-setting performances, beat the Denver Broncos 34-10. Rich Gannon completes 21 straight passes and Jerry Rice becomes the first player to score 200 career touchdowns.

2004 — Earl Boykins, at 5-foot-5, becomes the smallest player in NBA history to reach 30 points, scoring a career-high 32 in Denver’s 117-109 victory over Detroit.

2006 — Wake Forest beats Florida State 30-0 to become the first team to shutout the Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Bobby Bowden’s 31 seasons as coach.

2007 — Brett Favre joins Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw for 60,000 yards in a career during the second quarter of Green Bay’s 34-0 win over Minnesota.

2008 — Jockey Julien Leparoux has a record-tying day at Churchill Downs. The 25-year-old Frenchman ties Hall of Famer Pat Day’s track record with seven wins. Day set the record on June 20, 1984.

2011 — Faulkner defeats Union (Ky.) 95-89 in triple overtime to set an NAIA football record. The 184 combined points, smashes the previous mark of 141 set in 1994 when Southwestern (Kan.) defeated Sterling (Kan.) 79-62.

2012 — Antron Brown becomes the first Black champion in any NHRA pro series when he wins the Top Fuel title at the season-ending event.

2012 — Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez catches the 100th TD pass of his career, a 2-yarder from Matt Ryan in the Falcons 31-27 loss at New Orleans. He adds another score on a 6-yard pass and becomes the first tight end with 100 TD receptions.

2013 — Novak Djokovic claims back-to-back ATP World Tour Finals tennis titles with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final in London, England.

2017 — Lamar Jackson accounts for four touchdowns and 342 yards while establishing an NCAA milestone in beating Virginia 38-21. Jackson, the Heisman Trophy winner, becomes the first player in NCAA history to post two seasons with 1,000 yards rushing and 3,000 yards passing.

2017 — Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski becomes the first men’s Division I basketball coach to win 1,000 games at one school, when his top-ranked Blue Devils beat Utah Valley 99-69.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
CIF SOCAL REGIONALS
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
First Round

DIVISION I
#1 Harvard-Westlake d. #16 Francis Parker, 25-17, 25-19, 25-19
#8 San Juan Hills d. #9 Newport Harbor, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-19
#5 Murrieta Valley d. #12 Corona Centennial, 25-20, 20-25, 23-25, 27-25, 15-12
#4 Redondo Union d. #13 Corona del Mar, 25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-23
#14 Coronado d. #3 Long Beach Poly, 19-25, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 15-11
#11 Sherman Oaks Notre Dame d. #6 Frontier, 15-25, 25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 15-13
#7 San Luis Obispo d. #10 Orange Lutheran, 21-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-12
#15 Bishop’s d. #2 Marymount, 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 15-13

DIVISION II
#16 Mission College Prep d. #1 Bakersfield Centennial, 20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-21, 15-11
#8 Bakersfield Liberty d. #9 Cerritos Valley Christian, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23
#5 Santa Fe Christian d. #12 Arroyo Grande, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17, 26-28, 17-15
#13 Vista Murrieta d. #4 La Jolla Country Day, 25-17, 12-25, 25-18, 25-30
#14 Glendora d. #3 San Dieguito Academy, 19-20, 27-25, 25-14, 20-25, 19-17
#6 Newbury Park d. #11 Mission Vista, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22
#10 Westview d. #7 Crescenta Valley, 25-23, 25-15, 25-23
#2 North County San Marcos d. #15 Portola, 25-13, 25-18, 25-23

DIVISION III
#1 Santa Barbara d. #16 Villa Park, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15
#9 Steele Canyon d. #8 Venice, 25-15, 25-22, 14-25, 23-25, 15-5
#5 Woodland Hills Taft d. #12 Oceanside, 21-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 15-11
#4 Helix d. #13 Palisades, 25-22, 25-17, 19-25, 25-23
#3 Sage Creek d. #14 La Serna, 25-11, 25-21, 25-23
#6 Cleveland d. #11 El Toro, 19-25, 25-12, 28-26, 25-19
#10 Westridge d. #7 Atascadero, 27-25, 25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 15-13
#2 Point Loma d. #15 Winchester Liberty, 25-16, 22-25, 26-24, 25-21

DIVISION IV
#1 El Camino Real, bye
#8 Placentia Valencia d. #9 Sherman Oaks CES, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21
#5 Chatsworth d. #12 Tri-City Christian, 26-24, 25-14, 25-15
#4 Granada Hills d. #13 Tustin, 28-26, 23-25, 16-25, 25-14, 15-11
#3 Castaic d. #14 San Pedro, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20
#11 Fullerton d. #5 Eagle Rock, 3-1
#7 Capistrano Valley d. #10 Granada Hills Kennedy, 25-10, 25-16, 20-25, 25-19
#2 Lakewood d. #15 Northview, 26-24, 25-22, 25-14

DIVISION V
#1 Rio Mesa, bye
#8 San Diego Hoover d. #9 Narbonne, 27-25, 25-11, 25-23
#5 Bakersfield North d. #12 San Fernando Arroyo, 3-0
#4 Strathmore d. #13 El Monte Arroyo, 25-15, 25-10, 25-13
#3 Desert Christian Academy d. #14 Tarbut V’ Torah, 25-11, 25-17, 25-15
#6 Maywood CES d. #11 Orange, 3-0
#7 Rancho Mirage d. #10 Huntington Park, 25-15, 25-22, 25-11
#2 San Gabriel Academy d. #15 La Quinta, 25-22, 25-21, 14-25, 25-19

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE
First Round

OPEN DIVISION
#8 Los Alamitos at #1 Mater Dei
#5 Mira Costa at #4 San Diego Cathedral
#6 Santa Margarita at #3 Torrey Pines
#7 Oaks Christian at #2 Sierra Canyon

Note: Quarterfinals (Divisions I-V) Nov. 12 at higher seeds; Semifinals (all divisions) Nov. 14 at higher seeds; Finals (all divisions) Nov. 17 at higher seeds; State Finals Nov. 20 at Santiago College.

Nov. 10, 2026 10:42 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS WATER POLO PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
SOUTHERN SECTION
Semifinals

DIVISION 2
Damien 13, Murrieta Valley 12
St. John Bosco 10, Crescenta Valley 8

DIVISION 3
Troy 17, Norco 14
Elsinore 10, Los Altos 8

DIVISION 4
Liberty 7, Buena Park 6
Foothill Tech 9, El Toro 5

DIVISION 5
Montebello 12, Anaheim 11
California 8, Montclair 7

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE
SOUTHERN SECTION
Semifinals

DIVISION 1
Buena at Mira Costa, 5 p.m.
Laguna Beach at Dos Pueblos, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION FINALS
At Palisades

OPEN DIVISION
#2 Cleveland at #1 Palisades, 7 p.m.

DIVISION I
#2 Eagle Rock at #1 Granada Hills, 5 p.m.

Note: Southern Section Finals (all divisions) Saturday, Nov. 14 at Mt. San Antonio College.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame football coach Evan Yabu pulled off a rare feat — he changed what had been working during the regular season with a new strategy for the playoffs.

All season, Tahj Skinner, the team’s best athlete and starting safety, had been playing quarterback. Notre Dame qualified for the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs and faced Corona del Mar on Friday.

That’s when Yabu made a big change. He put in freshman West Dunton, a junior varsity player, to be the starting quarterback to free up Skinner to play receiver and also focus more on defense. Dunton kept his poise to deliver a 20-19 victory. Skinner caught 10 passes.

Yabu said Dunton had been preparing well on junior varsity and it gave the Knights the opportunity to use Skinner’s other skills.

Next up for the Knights is a Friday showdown against top-seeded Chaparral at home.

Call it bold what Yabu did but it worked, and Skinner can always return to quarterback if needed for his running skills.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

Nov. 9, 2026 8:33 PM PT

MONDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION

Semifinals

DIVISION I

#1 Granada Hills 17, #4 LACES 9

#2 Eagle Rock 9, #3 Birmingham 5

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SOUTHERN SECTION

Semifinals

DIVISION 2

Murrieta Valley at Damien, 5 p.m.

Crescenta Valley at St. John Bosco, 5 p.m.

DIVISION 3

Norco at Troy, 5 p.m.

Elsinore at Los Altos, 5 p.m.

DIVISION 4

Buena Park at Liberty, 5 p.m.

El Toro at Foothill Tech, 5 p.m.

DIVISION 5

Montebello at Anaheim, 5 p.m.

Montclair vs. California at El Rancho, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SOUTHERN SECTION

Semifinals

DIVISION 1

Buena at Mira Costa, 5 p.m.

Laguna Beach at Dos Pueblos, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION FINALS

At Palisades

OPEN DIVISION

#2 Cleveland at #1 Palisades, 7 p.m.

DIVISION I

#2 Eagle Rock at #1 Granada Hills, 5 p.m.

Note: Southern Section Finals (all divisions) Saturday, Nov. 14 at Mt. San Antonio College.

Nov. 9, 2026 8:23 PM PT

SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Quarterfinals

DIVISION 2

Campbell Hall 11, Santa Ana Foothill 7

Irvine University 11, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 7

Calabasas 11, Cerritos 7

Cate 11, Agoura 7

DIVISION 3

San Marino 12, West Torrance 6

Pasadena Poly 11, Fountain Valley 7

Burbank 9, Corona Santiago (Burbank wins on games)

Flintridge Prep 10, Archer 8

DIVISION 4

Capistrano Valley 12, Mission Viejo 6

Dos Pueblos 12, Westridge 6

CAMS 10, Keppel 8

Western Christian 10, Arlington 8

DIVISION 5

Esperanza 10, Golden Valley 8

Laguna Blanca 10, Long Beach Wilson 8

Simi Valley 11, La Salle 7

Santa Barbara 13, Thacher 5

DIVISION 6

Segerstrom 9, Montclair 9 (Segerstrom wins on games)

Carpinteria 10, Katella 8

St. Margaret’s 11, Maranatha 7

Orange County Pacifica Christian 16, Downey 2

DIVISION 7

Redlands East Valley 10, Royal 8

Mayfair 14, Castaic 4

Canoga Park AGBU 13, Cajon 5

Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 9, Milken 9 (Pacifica Christian wins on games)

DIVISION 8

Granite Hills 12, Carter 6

Foothill Tech 11, Santa Paula 7

Canyon Springs 9, Lakeside 9 (Canyon Springs wins on games)

Nordhoff 10, Rosemead 8

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

(Matches at 2 p.m. unless noted)

Semifinals

DIVISION 1

Mira Costa at Corona del Mar

Orange Lutheran at Portola

DIVISION 2

Irvine University at Campbell Hall

Cate at Calabasas

DIVISION 3

Pasadena Poly at San Marino

Flintridge Prep at Burbank

DIVISION 4

Dos Pueblos at Capistrano Valley

CAMS vs. Western Christian at The Claremont Club

DIVISION 5

Esperanza at Laguna Blanca

Simi Valley at Santa Barbara

DIVISION 6

Carpinteria at Segerstrom

St. Margaret’s at Orange County Pacifica Christian

DIVISION 7

Mayfair at Redlands East Valley

Santa Monica Pacifica Christian vs. AGBU Canoga Park at Balboa Sports Center

DIVISION 8

Foothill Tech at Granite Hills

Canyon Springs at Nordhoff

Note: Finals (Divisions I-4) Friday, Nov. 13 at University of Redlands. Finals (Divisions 5-8) Friday, Nov. 13 at The Claremont Club.

SEATTLE — Albert Rusnak scored in the first minute, then notched an assist and the Seattle Sounders clinched a postseason spot with a 2-1 victory over LAFC on Saturday.

Seattle (12-12-10) began the day on the outside looking in, but finished eighth in the Western Conference and will host Real Salt Lake in the wild-card match with the top-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps awaiting the winner in the best-of-three first round.

LAFC (12-11-11) finished sixth in the West and will not have the home-field advantage in a first-round matchup with No. 3-seed St. Louis City.

Seattle grabbed the lead 51 seconds into the match when Rusnak took a pass from Cristian Roldan and scored the Sounders’ earliest goal this season. It was the fifth netter for Rusnak and the sixth assist for Roldan.

It was the fourth fastest goal in “Decision Day” history. Former Sounders midfielder Nico Lodeiro holds the record for a regular-season finale, scoring in 24 seconds for Seattle in 2022.

Rusnak added an assist when he set up rookie forward Sebastian Gomez in the 31st minute for his third netter and a two-goal lead. It was the seventh start and 20th appearance for the 20-year-old Gomez.

LAFC made things interesting when defender Eddie Segura used his head to score in the 82nd minute. Segura’s first goal of the season came with assists from defender Ryan Porteous — the second of his career — and Leo Walta — his first in his fifth league appearance.

Andrew Thomas turned away seven shots for Seattle — none better than one on a point-blank shot by Son Heung-min to keep it 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Rookie Cabral Carter had one save for LAFC in his second start and third appearance of the season..

Seattle’s Jordan Morris left in the 24th minute with a quadriceps injury.

The Sounders have missed the postseason just once since joining the league in 2009. It was only the second time the club had to wait until “Decision Day” to decide its playoff fate.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

(Games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

CITY SECTION

Quarterfinals

OPEN DIVISION

#8 Palisades at #1 Carson

#5 King/Drew at #4 Birmingham

#6 Crenshaw at #3 Cleveland

#7 Dorsey at #2 San Pedro

DIVISION I

#9 L.A. University at #1 Granada Hills Kennedy

#12 Sun Valley Poly at #4 Wilmington Banning

#6 Garfield at #3 Venice

#10 El Camino Real at #2 L.A. Hamilton

DIVISION II

#8 Arleta at #1 Jefferson

#12 Marquez at #4 Franklin

#11 Eagle Rock at #3 San Fernando

#10 Panorama at #2 Sylmar

DIVISION III

#8 Contreras at #1 L.A. Roosevelt

#5 San Fernando Arroyo at #4 Lincoln

#6 Westchester at #3 Van Nuys

#7 L.A. Wilson at #2 South East

SOUTHERN SECTION

Quarterfinals

DIVISION 1

San Clemente vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College

Orange Lutheran at St. John Bosco

Corona Centennial vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium

Mission Viejo at Sierra Canyon

DIVISION 2

Chaparral at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

San Juan Hills at Rancho Cucamonga

Inglewood at Palos Verdes

Chaminade at Oxnard Pacifica

DIVISION 3

La Serna at San Jacinto

Villa Park at Newport Harbor

Murrieta Valley at Great Oak

Edison at Long Beach Poly

DIVISION 4

Chino Hills at Dana Hills

Downey at Cajon

Cathedral at La Habra

Quartz Hill at Riverside King

DIVISION 5

Muir at Mary Star of the Sea

Moorpark at Aquinas

Charter Oak at Agoura

Temecula Valley at Simi Valley

DIVISION 6

Calabasas at St. Francis

Laguna Beach at Santa Ana Foothill

Summit at Beaumont

Santa Barbara at Baldwin Park

DIVISION 7

St. Monica at Paramount

Desert Christian Academy at La Mirada

Citrus Valley at Oak Park

Millikan at Barstow

DIVISION 8

Segerstrom at Fillmore

El Rancho at Rio Hondo Prep

Santa Monica at Corona Santiago

Bellflower at Rancho Verde

DIVISION 9

West Covina at Ocean View

Fountain Valley at Riverside North

Moreno Valley at Northwood

Compton at San Marino

DIVISION 10

Nogales at Norte Vista

South Hills at Desert Hot Springs

Ontario Christian at Rancho Mirage

Granite Hills at Dos Pueblos

DIVISION 11

Los Amigos at South Torrance

Schurr at Crescenta Valley

Dominguez at Montclair

Viewpoint at Xavier Prep

DIVISION 12

Ontario at Lakeside

Arroyo Valley at Costa Mesa

Artesia at Loara

Big Bear at Carter

DIVISION 13

Rialto at Hacienda Heights Wilson

Irvine University at Montebello

Whittier Christian at Whittier

Anaheim at Fontana

DIVISION 14

Silver Valley at San Gabriel

Compton Centennial at Knight

Bassett at Anza Hamilton

Hoover at Santa Ana Valley

8-MAN

DIVISION 1

California School for the Deaf Riverside at Faith Baptist

Wildomar Cornerstone Christian at Calvary Baptist

Trinity Classical Academy at Chadwick

Thacher at Sage Hill

DIVISION 2

Southlands Christian at Santa Clarita Christian

Lancaster Baptist at Lighthouse Christian

United Christian Academy at Pasadena Poly

Hesperia Christian vs. Laguna Blanca, site TBA

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION

8-MAN

Semifinals

#8 TEACH Tech at #5 Stella, 7 p.m.

#3 Animo Robinson at #2 Valley Oaks CES, 7 p.m.

Nov. 8, 2026 12:06 AM PT

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION

Semifinals

OPEN DIVISION

Newport Harbor 13, Oaks Christian 8

JSerra 13, Harvard-Westlake 11

MONDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION

Semifinals

DIVISION I

#4 LACES at #1 Granada Hills, 3 p.m.

#3 Birmingham at #2 Eagle Rock, 3 p.m.

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

Semifinals

SOUTHERN SECTION

(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)

DIVISION 2

Murrieta Valley at Damien

Crescenta Valley at St. John Bosco

DIVISION 3

Norco at Troy

Elsinore at Los Altos

DIVISION 4

Buena Park at Liberty

El Toro at Foothill Tech

DIVISION 5

Montebello at Anaheim

Montclair vs. California at El Rancho, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SOUTHERN SECTION

Semifinals

DIVISION 1

Buena at Mira Costa, 5 p.m.

Laguna Beach at Dos Pueblos, 5 p.m.

Note: City Section Finals Thursday, Nov. 12 at Palisades (Division I at 5 p.m., Open Division at 7 p..m.); Southern Section Finals (all divisions) Saturday, Nov. 14 at Mt. San Antonio College.

Nov. 7, 2026 1:42 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ TENNIS

SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

First Round

DIVISION 1

Corona Del Mar, bye

Mira Costa 10, Harvard-Westlake 8

Orange Lutheran 10, Palos Verdes 8

Portola 12, Westlake 6

Second Round

DIVISION 2

Foothill 14, Sage Hill 4

Campbell Hall 15, Ayala 3

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Woodbridge

Irvine University 15, Marlborough 3

Calabasas 12, Aliso Niguel 6

Cerritos 10, Mater Dei 8

Cate 13, Newport Harbor 5

Agoura 10, Tesoro 8

DIVISION 3

San Marino 14, Long Beach Poly 4

West Torrance 10, Cypress 8

Fountain Valley 10, Oak Park 8

Pasadena Poly 13, Brentwood 5

Corona Santiago 10, West Ranch 8

Burbank 11, Walnut 7

Flintridge Prep 12, Diamond Bar 6

Archer School 9, Troy 9 (Archer wins on games)

DIVISION 4

Capistrano Valley 13, Culver City 5

Mission Viejo 16, Valencia 2

Westridge 13, Liberty 5

Dos Pueblos 13, Riverside North 5

Keppel 13, Yucaipa 5

CAMS 10, Chaminade 8

Arlington 10, La Serna 8

Western Christian 12, Rowland 6

DIVISION 5

Golden Valley 9, Buckley 9 (Golden Valley wins on games)

Esperanza 11, Bishop Montgomery 7

Long Beach Wilson 14, Cerritos Valley Christian 4

Laguna Blanca 13, Burbank Burroughs 5

La Salle 14, Chaparral 4

Simi Valley 10, Village Christian 8

Thacher 11, San Marcos 7

Santa Barbara 15, La Canada 3

DIVISION 6

Montclair 10, Century 8

Segerstrom 12, Western 6

Carpinteria 9, Brea Olinda 9 (Carpinteria wins on games)

Katella 11, Glendale 7

St. Margaret’s 13, Ridgecrest Burroughs 5

Maranatha 14, Westminster 4

Orange County Pacifica Christian 10, Lakewood St. Joseph 8

Downey 10, Gahr 8

DIVISION 7

Redlands East Valley 11, Garden Grove Santiago 7

Royal 12, El Modena 6

Castaic 12, Alhambra 6

Mayfair 13, Corona 5

Canoga Park AGBU 18, Temescal Canyon 0

Cajon 9, Summit 9 (Cajon wins on games)

Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 12, Tahquitz 6

Milken 14, Azusa 4

DIVISION 8

Granite Hills 11, YULA 7

Carter 10, Pasadena 8

Santa Paula 11, Riverside Notre Dame 7

Foothill Tech 12, de Toledo 6

Lakeside 10, Palm Springs 8

Grand Terrace at Rio Mesa

Canyon Springs 10, Grand Terrace 8

Nordhoff 10, Costa Mesa 8

Rosemead 12, Magnolia 6

Note: Quarterfinals (Divisions 2-8) Nov. 9 at higher seeds; Semifinals (all divisions) Nov. 11 at higher seeds; Finals (Divisions 1-4) Nov. 13 at University of Redlands. Finals (Divisions 5-8) Nov. 13 at The Claremont Club.

Ryan Rakowski approached Friday night’s Southern Section Division 2 opener like it was the last of his high school career.

Palos Verdes’ senior quarterback assured it would not be by completing 11 of 14 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-20 triumph over visiting Gardena Serra. He also ran for a three-yard score and was subbed out midway through the fourth quarter with his team comfortably ahead.

“It comes down to one week at a time and the goal tonight was to be one of the eight,” said Rakowski, who committed to Nevada in June. “Whether it’s ugly or pretty, just get it done.”

Palos Verdes running back Christian Reis is shoved out of bounds in the first half against Gardena Serra on Friday.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

The win was the 200th for coach Guy Gardner, the Sea Kings’ head coach since 2009, and afterward his players sang happy birthday to senior wide receiver and defensive back Kevin Owens — a testament to how close knit the team has grown.

“The competitiveness on this team is unmatched,” added Rakowski, who led the Sea Kings to the Southern Section Division 5 title as a sophomore and to the Division 3 final last season. “It helped having played them already. We looked back at the film and were prepared even though they changed some things.”

The teams met in the first week of the season Aug. 21 and Palos Verdes won. 17-14. The Sea Kings will have another rematch next Friday when they host Inglewood in the quarterfinals. The Sentinels dealt Palos Verdes (10-1) its only loss 26-23 in Bay League action Oct. 9.

Palos Verdes was in command from the start Friday, On the first play from scrimmage, Rakowski threw a sideline pass to Jackson Reese, who faked out a defender and raced 53 yards for a touchdown.

Palos Verdes’ Joseph Sarmiento and Jeremey Roe sack Gardena Serra quarterback Hassi Houston for a loss on Friday.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Rakowski’s three-yard run capped a 10-play, 89-yard drive to make it 14-3 and his eight-yard strike to Jalen Flowers capped a 12-play, 78-yard march that upped the lead to 18 points. Jovany Barragan’s second field goal — a 35-yarder on an untimed down — cut Serra’s deficit to 21-6 at halftime.

Rakowski connected with Aaden Brady on a 17-yard score on Palos Verdes’ first possession of the third quarter, Niko Dragin kicked a 30-yard field goal and Weston Reis returned an interception 25 yards to the house after the ball popped into the air on a punishing hit.

Darlington Nzenwa caught a 38-yard pass from Malik Tunai in the third quarter and Quintin Washington closed the scoring on a 30-yard fumble return with 2:35 left for Serra (5-6).

Serra’s star running back AJ McBean was hoping to return after sitting out the last two games because of a hamstring injury first suffered Oct. 2 against Bishop Amat.

Palos Verdes receiver Jackson Reese eludes a Gardena Serra defender near the sideline Friday.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

“I feel pretty good, man!” the 6-0, 215-pound Stanford commit said as he took the field for pregame warmups but he remained in uniform on the sideline all game.

Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter.

Nov. 5, 2026 9:45 PM PT

SOUTHERN SECTION FINALS

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

At Rio Mesa

DIVISION 8

Rio Mesa d. San Gabriel Academy, 3-0

At Tarbut V’Torah

DIVISION 11

Tarbut V’ Torah d. El Monte Arroyo, 3-0

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 5

El Toro (22-10) vs. Westridge (21-7-5), 7 p.m.

DIVISION 6

Villa Park (16-12) vs. Lakewood (21-12), 4 p.m.

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE

At Cerritos College

DIVISION 1

Sierra Canyon (32-1) vs. Mater Dei (38-1), 6:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2

Redondo Union (21-11) vs. Long Beach Poly (28-7), 3 p.m.

DIVISION 3

Newbury Park (32-9) vs. Corona del Mar (25-9), 12 p.m.

At Vista Murrieta

DIVISION 4

Glendora (19-12) vs. Vista Murrieta (17-16), 2 p.m.

At Fullerton

DIVISION 7

Placentia Valencia (17-13) vs. Fullerton (20-14), 6 p.m.

At Rancho Mirage

DIVISION 9

Desert Christian Academy (16-7) vs. Rancho Mirage (21-9), 6 p.m.

At Orange

DIVISION 10

La Quinta (15-16) vs. Orange (18-16), 6 p.m.

CITY SECTION PLAYOFFS

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

Quarterfinals

OPEN DIVISION

#1 Carson 26, #8 Franklin 13

#4 San Pedro 48, #5 L.A. Wilson 19

#2 Narbonne 41, #6 Lincoln 12

#7 Wilmington Banning 14, #2 Eagle Rock 13

DIVISION III

#1 Maywood CES 6, #9 RFK Community 0

#4 Santee 12, #5 Torres 0

#3 Palisades 13, San Fernando Arroyo 7

#2 Sotomayor 19, #7 Hawkins 0

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

Quarterfinals

DIVISION I

#8 Cleveland at #1 Panorama

#5 Birmingham at #4 El Camino Real

#6 King/Drew at #3 Garfield

#7 GALA at #2 Granada Hills Kennedy

DIVISION II

#9 Westchester at #1 Bell

#5 Taft at #4 Arleta

#6 Fremont at #3 North Hollywood

#10 Huntington Park at #2 Foshay

DIVISION IV

#9 New Designs University Park at #1 South East

#5 Chatsworth at #4 Crenshaw

#14 Bernstein at #6 Monroe

#7 Port of LA at #2 South Gate

Note: Semifinals (all divisions) Tuesday, Nov. 10 at higher seeds; Finals (all divisions) Saturday, Nov. 14.

Nov. 3, 2026 4:24 PM PT

UCLA coach Bob Chesney and the Bruins are ranked No. 8 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, a remarkable turnaround for a program that recorded three wins last season.

Chesney has led a revival in his first season that has the Bruins on track to host a playoff game if they can navigate formidable games at Minnesota on Saturday, at home against Illinois on Nov. 13, at Michigan on Nov. 21 and at home against crosstown-rival USC on Nov. 28.

The Trojans (7-2) were ranked No. 20 in the poll after their defiant 30-18 win over No. 12 Ohio State Saturday at the Coliseum.

USC has a bye this week before playing at No. 4 Indiana on Nov. 14, against Maryland on Nov. 21 and then the UCLA showdown. If the Trojans sweep those games, they likely would be in the mix for a spot in the 12-team playoff.

Miami was ranked No. 1 in the poll, followed by No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Utah and No. 4 Indiana.

Boise State was ranked No. 25 and the only Group of Six team included, putting the Broncos on track to succeed Chesney’s former James Madison squad as the small conference representative in the playoff.

The College Football Playoff rankings will be released every Tuesday until the final rankings and 12-team playoff bracket are revealed on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. PST. The selection committee voting on the rankings includes six current athletic directors, four former head coaches, two former All-American football players and one former sportswriter.

1. Miami (8-0)

2. Georgia (7-1)

3. Utah (8-0)

4. Indiana (8-1)

5. Alabama (6-2)

6. Kentucky (7-1)

7. Texas (6-2)

8. UCLA (8-0)

9. BYU (7-1)

10. Ole Miss (6-2)

11. Notre Dame (7-1)

12. Ohio State (6-2)

13. Tennessee (6-2)

14. LSU (6-2)

15. Texas Tech (7-1)

16. Wake Forest (7-1)

17. Houston (6-2)

18. Missouri (6-2)

19. Iowa (6-2)

20. USC (7-2)

21. South Carolina (5-3)

22. Arizona (6-2)

23. Oregon (5-3)

24. Florida (5-3)

25. Boise State (7-1)

A look at two of this week’s top high school football games in the Southland:

Friday

Gardena Serra (5-5) at Palos Verdes (9-1), 7 p.m. Somehow Serra upset Sherman Oaks Notre Dame last week, then won a coin flip to finish in third place in the Mission League. The reward is a rematch against a Palos Verdes team it lost to 17-14 in the season opener on Aug. 14. All eyes will be on AJ McBean, the star Serra running who played sparingly in league play because of a hamstring injury. Will he play? Serra will be doing everything possible to make sure the duo of Ryan Rakowski and Jalen Flowers stays quiet. The pick: Palos Verdes.

Sun Valley Poly (9-1) at Marshall (10-0), 2 p.m. Two league champions meet in a City Section Division 1 opener. Marshall quarterback Nathaniel Cadet left its win over Eagle Rock with a shoulder injury and will try to get back into the lineup. Poly won the East Valley League title, and coach Boo Williams is hoping his team’s speed advantage helps. The pick: Marshall.

A year ago, during the Southern Section football playoffs, Trent Mosley became so exceptional that Santa Margarita High ran the table and looked unbeatable by season‘s end en route to winning Southern Section and state championships.

Which player is capable of pulling a Trent Mosley to be a difference-maker during the postseason of 2026?

The candidates:

Palos Verdes High standout Jalen Flowers, a receiver and defensive back, celebrates after making a play during a game earlier this season.

(Nick Koza)

• Jalen Flowers, Palos Verdes. He has become so fast, strong and instinctive that at any moment he can make a big play at receiver, returning a kickoff or punt or making a play on defense at safety. Any opponent in the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs cannot let him have the ball in the open field or it’s a touchdown. He’s as close to a Mosley-like player as there is this season.
• Chris Fields III, Carson. No team’s fortunes are more tied to a single player than Carson’s. Yes, the offensive line has to block, the receivers have to get open and the defense has to stop the run, but the Colts’ ambitious focus on winning City Section and state titles depends on Fields, a senior quarterback who can beat teams with his arm and legs.

  As the playoffs begin in high school football, this is really the first time in years that there’s no certain No. 1 quarterback in the Southland based on performance and team achievement. Past ones have been Luke Fahey, Bryce Young, Brady Smigiel, Elijah Brown. Let’s see who…

  — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 2, 2026

• Jaxsen Stokes, Sierra Canyon. There’s always been a Trinity League roadblock to prevent the Trailblazers from reaching the championship game of the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs. Stokes, a running back, is the player who must be protected at all costs. His rushing skills open the passing game. Combined with a great defense, he’ll need to deliver for the Trailblazers to finally break through the Trinity gauntlet.

  

  Jaden Walk-Green of Corona Centennial outduels Kayden Dixon-Wyatt of Mater Dei last season for interception.

  (Craig Weston)

• Jaden Walk-Green, Corona Centennial. Absent for much of the season while recovering from offseason knee surgery, Walk-Green has returned to bring back all the little things he does well — tackle, intercept passes, kick field goals, catch passes, kick PATs, return kickoffs and punts. Take him for granted at your own peril during the Division 1 playoffs.
• Koa Malau’ulu, St. John Bosco. The junior quarterback is facing lots of pressure to avoid interceptions and lead his team to the Division 1 championship. He’s been a starter for three seasons. He’s in the same position that former quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was in trying to deliver a big-time win. Uiagalelei rallied the Braves from 34 points down in his senior year to beat Mater Dei in the final.
• Caden Jones, Crean Lutheran. The senior quarterback has the ability to run or pass, making him one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Southland. It will be his judgment that can carry his team far in Division 2.
• Michael Farinas, Chaparral. Maybe he’s underestimated because he’s a 5-foot-9 receiver, but Farinas is a big play waiting to happen. On a team that is suddenly healthy, Farinas has five touchdowns rushing, nine touchdowns receiving and one touchdown on a kickoff.

  

  Huntington Beach’s Dylin Bruce (2) uses his speed to be a big-play weapon.

  (Jeremy Westerbeck)

• Dylin Bruce, Huntington Beach. Speed matters in playoff games, and Bruce has it, with the ability to turn short gains into touchdowns. He has six touchdowns receiving, two touchdowns on interceptions, two on punt returns and one on kickoff return. In other words, he’s like Flowers for unbeaten Huntington Beach.
• Star Thomas III, Orange. With more than 3,600 yards passing for 38 touchdowns and almost 500 yards rushing for eight touchdowns, the junior quarterback had the best regular season of any quarterback in the Southland. If he keeps it going in the playoffs for 10-0 Orange, they’ll build a statue for him. He faces a tough opener at No. 1-seeded Chaparral in the Division 2 playoffs.
• Lucas Rhoa, Orange Lutheran. During games, it’s tough to notice the impact a single offensive lineman can have, so take a moment to watch Rhoa. He simply pushes people around, and with Rhoa’s ability to lead the way, the Lancers stunned top-seeded St. John Bosco last season in the Division 1 playoffs and must not be overlooked even though there are injuries at the quarterback position.

  

  Garfield running back Ceasar Reyes set a school record with 420 yards rushing and four touchdowns in win over South Gate

  (Nick Koza)

• Ceasar Reyes, Garfield. Given class relief by being put in City Section Division 1, Garfield intends to hop on Reyes’ back and see how far he takes them. He has rushed for close to 2,500 yards and 39 touchdowns while being rested at times to save him for the playoffs. He loves ice baths to recover from bumps and bruises after hard-fought games, so get ready for lots of ice to keep him going.
• Gatsbee Gumban, Nogales. Averaging 10 yards per carry with nearly 2,000 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns, the senior running back should be the player to watch in the Southern Section Division 10 playoffs for the 10-0 Nobles.

  

  Brothers Trent and Grant Mosley last season for Santa Margarita.

  (Craig Weston)

• Grant Mosley, Santa Margarita. Yes, there’s another Mosley at Santa Margarita. This junior receiver didn’t play until the Eagles’ fifth game because of an injury, but all signs point to him back in football shape and doing things only players with a Mosley gene can do.
• Elija Harmon, Inglewood. At 6-3 and nearly 300 pounds, the senior defensive lineman teams up with 6-3, 287-pound Myels Smith to form an unbreakable brick wall on defense, which makes for a huge first-round Division 2 opener between Inglewood and unbeaten Huntington Beach with standout quarterback Brady Edmunds.

Nov. 3, 2026 11:16 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
CITY SECTION PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
Semifinals

OPEN DIVISION
#4 Taft d. #1 Venice, 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 15-12
#3 Cleveland d. #2 Palisades, 25-16, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21

DIVISION I
#1 SOCES d. #4 San Pedro, 25-20, 25-15, 25-22
#2 Granada Hills Kennedy d. #11 Lincoln, 3-0

DIVISION II
#1 South East d. #5 Alliance Levine , 25-23, 19-25, 16-25, 28-26, 15-12
#11 Maywood CES d. #7 Verdugo Hills, 14-25, 25-14, 25-23, 25-20

DIVISION III
#4 Wilmington Banning d. #9 Marquez, 25-16, 27-25, 19-25, 25-23
#3 Narbonne d. #18 L.A. Wilson, 25-7, 25-7, 25-23

DIVISION IV
#8 Arleta d. #12 Fairfax, 3-0
#3 Huntington Park d. Legacy, 25-15, 25-17, 25-21

DIVISION V
#8 San Fernando Arroyo d. #21 Discovery, 3-1
#7 Lakeview Charter d. #6 Angelou, 3-1

Note: Finals (all divisions) Fri., Nov. 6 or Sat., Nov. 7 (sites and times TBD).

Nov. 3, 2026 11:33 PM PT

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS WATER POLO
SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
Second Round

DIVISION 2
Murrieta Valley 12, Palos Verdes 11
Redondo Union 7, Royal 5
Damien 13, Dana Hills 11
La Habra 13, Northwood 11
St. John Bosco 9, Pasadena Poly 5
El Segundo 18, Capistrano Valley 10
Alta Loma 13, Bonita 7
Crescenta Valley 13, Santa Monica 11

DIVISION 3
Norco 12, Camarillo 10
La Serna 9, Millikan 5
Ayala 10, Walnut 9
Troy 17, Brentwood 13
La Canada 6, Flintridge Prep 5
Elsinore 8, Redlands 7
Los Osos 14, Trabuco Hills 12
Los Altos 14, Cathedral 13

DIVISION 4
Liberty 8, San Dimas 4
Aquinas 12, Carpinteria 10
Temescal Canyon 14, Sunny Hills 11
Buena Park 8, West Covina 4
El Toro 6, Yorba Linda 5
Warren 15, Western 12
Foothill Tech 12, Pasadena 9
Laguna Hills 9, Arlington 5

DIVISION 5
Montebello 12, Keppel 5
Torrance 13, San Bernardino 5
Riverside North 10, Norte Vista 8
Anaheim 15, San Gorgonio 9
Oxnard 10, Whittier 9
Montclair 8, Lakewood 7
Hacienda Heights Wilson 10, Heritage 9
California 25, Palm Springs 9

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)
Quarterfinals

DIVISION 1
Mira Costa at Westlake
Mater Dei vs. Buena, site TBA
Huntington Beach at Laguna Beach
Yucaipa vs. Dos Pueblos, site TBA

Note: Quarterfinals (Divisions 2-5) Friday, Nov. 6 at home sites; Semifinals (Open Division) Saturday, Nov, 7 at home sites; Semifinals (Divisions 2-5) Tuesday, Nov. 10 at home sites; Semifinals (Division 1) Wednesday, Nov. 11 at home sites; Finals (all divisions) Saturday, Nov. 14 at Mt. San Antonio College.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. I’m Eric Sondheimer. The football playoff pairings have been announced. It’s prediction time.

Prediction time

Quarterback Thaddeus Breaux of No. 2-seeded Hamilton in City Section Division I.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

It’s that time of year to make football playoff predictions. Let’s start with the City Section because there’s one certainty: Carson will win the Open Division.

Carson worked hard in the off season getting better on the offensive and defensive lines to support quarterback Chris Fields III. If any team wants to get close, they need to control the clock. Cleveland can be that team to at least make the Colts sweat if the Cavaliers reach the final.

In Division I, No. 2-seeded Hamilton has been making progress and its passing attack looks ready to deliver a championship. The others: Division II, watch out for 1-9 Marquez, which had a great strength of schedule. Division III, South East.

In the Southern Section, all signs are pointing toward a Santa Margarita vs. Sierra Canyon final despite lots of obstacles ahead for both teams. If it happens, Santa Margarita’s defense always finds a way to come through.

In Division 2, Chaparral is seeded No. 1 and has the chance to take advantage of being healthy and having played a tough 10-game schedule to take home the title.

Division 3 is wide open. There’s former Division 1 champions Long Beach Poly, Edison and Crespi to deal with. Poly outscored its weak Moore League opponents 199-0, so it’s hard to say if the Jackrabbits have turned things around since quarterback Trevor Scott became eligible. If it’s not an illusion, then the Jackrabbits can win it all.

Division 4: This is about who gets hot. Dana Hills, Cathedral, La Habra and Cajon all have the opportunity to be that team. La Habra went 0-5 in the tough Bravo League, but quarterback DJ Mitchell is capable of a four-game win streak.

Division 5: Mary Star let the cat out of the bag by taking Carson to the very end before losing 45-42. Oaks Christian has started playing like the Oaks Christian of old, so watch out.

Division 6: Quarterback Jack Hurst is back for Laguna Beach.

Division 7: Paramount loaded up on transfers and now gets to win a title.

Division 8: Never choose against Rio Hondo Prep.

Division 9: Lawndale has former Crenshaw coach Robert Garrett as an assistant and is 9-1. Don’t underestimate 1-9 Western. They’ve played much tougher opponents.

Division 10: Top-seeded Nogales is unbeaten for a reason. It can run and pass.

Division 11: Viewpoint is better than people think.

Division 12: Rancho Alamitos will find a way.

Division 13: Rialto is finally healthy and got an ideal division placement.

Division 14: If San Gabriel wins, it will be front page news in the San Gabriel Valley.

Mater Dei’s sideline, led by coach Raul Lara, erupts in celebration after the Monarchs pulled out a 36-35 win over St. John Bosco.

(Craig Weston / For The Times)

The final regular-season game between Mater Dei and St. John Bosco had a classic ending to another memorable rivalry game, with Mater Dei winning 36-36 on a successful two-point conversion with 7.5 seconds left. Here’s the report.

Mission Viejo won the Alpha League title over San Juan Hills. Here’s the report.

Valencia rallied to defeat Hart for the Foothill League title. Here’s the report.

Long Beach Poly didn’t allow a single point in Moore League play, outscoring its opponents 199-0.

Hoover earned its first playoff berth since 1987.

Freshman Deon’Dre Smith is having a terrific season for Bellflower at receiver. Here’s the report.

The Coliseum League ended in a three-way tie for first place among King/Drew, Dorsey and Crenshaw after Dorsey upset King/Drew, requiring all three to go to the City Section Open Division playoffs.

Here’s top performances from last week.

Here’s Southern Section playoff pairings.

Here’s City Section playoff pairings.

Here’s the top 25 rankings by The Times.

Coach perseveres

Marshall coach Jose Razo with his 11-year-old son, Adrian. He spent 18 years as a football assistant at Marshall.

(Aida Alrafe)

Rejected twice after interviews for head football coach at Marshall, Jose Razo decided to stay as an assistant coach. When the job opened again in 2025, he was promoted to head coach. Now the team is 10-0 and Northern League champions.

Here’s a look at why he refused to abandon his alma mater.

JSerra quarterback Kate Meier throws while being blitzed by Huntington Beach defender Olivia Quick during the CIF Southern Section Open Division flag football semifinals on Oct. 31, 2026.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Unbeaten JSerra will play Newport Harbor for the Southern Section Open Division flag football title Saturday at Huntington Beach.

JSerra will enter with a 55-game winning steak. Here’s a report from the Lions’ semifinal win over Huntington Beach.

Carson is seeded No. 1 and Eagle Rock No. 2 for the City Section Open Division playoffs that begin on Thursday. Here are the pairings.

Girls volleyball

The top two seeds, Mater Dei and Sierra Canyon, have advanced to play for the Southern Section Division 1 championship Saturday at Cerritos College.

They’ve been considered the top two teams all season.

Mater Dei is 38-1 with its only loss coming to Santa Margarita. It has a tournament win over Sierra Canyon, which is 32-1. Also No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the state. The time will be announced early this week.

Here are the semifinal results.

The City Section will hold its finals at Venice and Birmingham this weekend. In Tuesday’s semifinals, Venice will host Taft and Cleveland is at Palisades.

Palisades wins in tennis

Palisades High freshman Aila Monahan won her three sets at No. 1 singles in the City Section girls’ tennis finals.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Palisades continued its domination in girls tennis with another City Section girls title.

Here’s the report of the Dolphins’ win over Granada Hills.

Notes . . .

Nick Welch Jr, is a senior at Rolling Hills Prep.

(Craig Weston)

Nick Welch Jr., a 6-foot-9 center at Rolling Hills Prep, has committed to TCU, which is coached by former Sherman Oaks Notre Dame star Jamie Dixon. ….

Junior outfielder Dru Wilson of Sierra Canyon has committed to UCLA. He played the last two seasons at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame….

Senior outfielder Griffin Fien from Chaparral has committed UC Riverside….

Pitcher Easton Sarmiento of Ayala has committed to Texas….

Pitcher Ethan Costarella of Arcadia has committed to Azusa Pacific….

Jonah Boyd from Ayala has committed to Cal Poly for baseball….

Pitcher Striker Pence from Corona Santiago has committed to Texas A&M….

Standout junior pitcher Tyler George from Santa Margarita has committed to USC….

Outfielder Messiah White of Mater Dei has committed to UC Riverside….

Richelle Whiting has resigned as girls volleyball coach at Aliso Niguel….

Jaylee Moore of Etiwanda has committed to Hawaii women’s basketball….

Basketball teams from St. Francis, Crespi, Crossroads and Campbell Hall will be competing at the Hoop Hall Classic in Springfield, Mass., in Janaury….

The Southern Section water polo playoffs continue. Here’s an update on results and schedules....

The Southern Section girls’ tennis playoffs begin…

From the archives: Matt Leinart

Matt Leinart (center) in 2019.

(Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

Former Mater Dei and USC quarterback Matt Leinart remains heavily involved in sports as a TV analyst and Mater Dei supporter. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and his son, Cole, is a quarterback at SMU.

Here’s a story from 1999 when Leinart led Mater Dei to a comeback win over Servite.

Here’s a story from 2000 and another comeback win over Servite directed by Leinart.

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It has been a week since Angel City qualified for the NWSL playoffs. On Sunday, the team found out who and where it would be playing.

With a 4-1 victory over Boston Legacy, Angel City finished the regular season fifth in the standings and will travel to Kansas City on Saturday to meet the Current in its second-ever trip to the postseason. And it will enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the NWSL, riding a league-best 10-game unbeaten streak.

The goals Sunday came from Nealy Martin in the first half and Evelyn Shores, Sveindis Jonsdottir and Claire Emslie in the second. Boston’s only score came from Brazilian striker Amanda Gutierres just before intermission.

Angel City began the final game of the regular season with a chance to finish as high as third in the table, earning the right to open the playoffs at home. But to do that it, it needed a win and it needed the two teams directly ahead of it, Kansas City and Washington, to lose.

Neither the Current nor Spirit cooperated, leaving the standings mostly frozen where they were at the start of the week. Not that it really mattered, attacker Ally Sentnor said before the game.

“You have to beat the best to win a championship. You have to beat everyone, so doesn’t really matter who you play at the beginning,” she said. “Every team in the playoffs is a great team, so I think we are just focused on us and what we’re doing on the field and what we are going to produce on the field.

“We just take every game as it comes.”

Although Sunday’s match was a home game for Angel City (15-8-7), it wasn’t played at home. LAFC is the primary tenant at BMO Stadium and when MLS moved the team’s game with Minnesota United from Saturday to Sunday to avoid competing with USC’s football game at the Coliseum, Angel City was forced to relocate 12 miles down the freeway to Dignity Health Sports Park.

An enthusiastic crowd of approximately 15,000 followed the team to Carson for the “Decision Day” match.

But the move left Angel City playing a home game on the road in an effort to avoid the road and play at home in the playoffs. Not that the home-field advantage has meant much to the team this season: Angel City was 6-5-3 at BMO Stadium this season — the worst home record for an NWSL playoff team —- and 9-3-4 everywhere else.

However four of those five home losses came under former coach Alexander Straus. Interim manager Leif Smerud said this is a different Angel City team.

“We are good both home and away,” he said. “If I can choose, I would of course play at home in front of a fantastic crowd. And all the logistics would be a bit simpler as well.

“But that’s not up to me to decide and control.”

Ariadina Alves Borges of Angel City dribbles the ball against Alba Caño of Boston in the first half Sunday.

(Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images)

It’s unlikely Angel City would be playing anywhere in the postseason if not for the June coaching change that saw it replace Straus.

The team won just one of its final eight games under Straus and was 12th in the 16-team NWSL table at the time of the change. It has lost just twice in 19 games since, setting franchise records for wins (15), goals (54), points (52) and goal differential (a league-best plus-22).

Martin opened the scoring with the first goal of her six-year NWSL career in the 17th minute. Given tons of time and space just outside the penalty area, she settled a short pass from Sentnor, then patiently chipped forward a right-footed shot that Boston defender Deja Davis inadvertently headed into the net.

Boston (9-15-6) pulled that back in the 37th minute on a blistering right-footed strike from the edge of the box by Gutierres, her 11th goal of the season. That ended a 144-minute scoreless streak for Angel City keeper Angelina Anderson.

But Angel City went ahead to stay eight minutes into the second half when Shores headed in a long cross from Jonsdottir for her fourth goal of the season. Jonsdottir put the game away with her franchise-record 10th goal of the year on a breakaway in the 72nd minute and Emslie closed the scoring 12 minutes later with her first goal since September 2024. Taylor Suarez assisted on both goals.

NWSL playoff pairings
Quarterfinals

Friday
No. 2 San Diego Wave, 18-8-4 vs. No. 7 Utah Royals, 14-11-5, 5 p.m., Prime Video

Saturday
No. 4 Kansas City Current, 16-9-5 vs. No. 5 Angel City, 15-8-7, 9 a.m., CBS/Paramount+

Sunday
No. 1 Gotham FC, 18-5-7 vs. No. 8 Seattle Reign, 14-11-5, 9:30 a.m., ABC
No. 3 Washington Spirit, 17-9-4 vs. No. 6 Portland Thorns, 14-8-8, noon, ABC