CIF LA City Section Week 10: Top Matchups and Predictions

Week 10 of the California high school football season has arrived, and for the CIF Los Angeles City Section, the stakes have shifted from mere wins to playoff positioning and historic firsts. From undefeated streaks on the line to the quest for inaugural league titles, the upcoming slate of games serves as the final litmus test before the postseason grind begins.

The race for league championships is now the primary driver for several programs. While some teams are fighting to maintain perfect records, others are attempting to cement their status as new powerhouses in a league traditionally dominated by established legacies. For the athletes and communities involved, these games are about league championships and CIF Los Angeles City Section playoff positioning in the Open Division and Division 1.

Carson and Mary Star Clash for South Bay Dominance

The most anticipated matchup of the week pits the No. 1 ranked program in the LA City Section, Carson, against an undefeated Mary Star squad. It is a collision of two different types of momentum. Mary Star enters the contest at 9-0, riding the wave of a Camino Real league championship. Their offense is anchored by a dangerous senior receiving duo in Demetris Evans and Damoni Lair, complemented by a breakout freshman quarterback, Ian Ditch, who represents a volatile element for any defense to prepare for.

Physically, Mary Star holds a significant advantage in the trenches. Senior offensive tackle Sione Finau, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound prospect committed to Arizona State, provides the kind of blind-side protection that allows a young quarterback to thrive. However, Carson isn’t intimidated by the undefeated record. The Colts are currently on a six-game winning streak and boast a schedule that has been objectively more grueling. Carson’s camp believes they are more battle-tested, having faced more established programs throughout the season.

In a game where both sides possess elite athleticism and size, the margin for error is razor-thin. The outcome likely rests on which team can minimize mental mistakes in high-pressure moments. While Mary Star has the perfect record, Carson’s ranking and strength of schedule make them the favorite to take this one.

King/Drew Chases a Historic First Against Dorsey

Friday night brings a fascinating contrast in program DNA as No. 3 King/Drew faces No. 11 Dorsey for the Coliseum League Championship. Dorsey is the embodiment of football tradition in Southern California. The program’s legacy is exemplified by Head Coach Stafon Johnson, who played for Dorsey before moving on to USC and a professional career in the NFL. For decades, Dorsey has been a pipeline to Division 1 college football and the NFL.

King/Drew, by contrast, is a modern phenomenon. Their football program is only five seasons old, yet their ascent has been meteoric. After winning the Division 1 title in 2024 and entering the open division as an 8th seed in 2025, the Golden Eagles are now positioned to be a top-four seed in the Open Division this year. Head Coach Joe Torres is attempting to replicate the national powerhouse success he previously achieved at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore.

CIF LA City Section Week 10: Top Matchups and Predictions

The disparity in history is stark, but the current trajectory favors the newcomers. King/Drew has spent the season knocking off established names, including a victory over LA Cathedral. Dorsey has struggled with inconsistency this year, leaving the door open for King/Drew to secure the first league title in program history. The motivation for the Golden Eagles to solidify their status as a City Section contender makes them the pick for this matchup.

Marshall Eyes Perfection Against Eagle Rock

While the South Bay and Coliseum leagues battle for prestige, Marshall is playing for history. Currently 9-0, the Barristers are one win away from completing a perfect regular season. They are facing the reigning Northern League champions, Eagle Rock, but the momentum is firmly in Marshall’s corner.

Marshall’s rise has been fueled by an explosive offensive attack led by senior quarterback Nate Cadet. The team has consistently put up 50+ points in multiple games this season, creating a scoring ceiling that Eagle Rock—currently enduring a down year—will find difficult to match. For Marshall, this game is about more than just a record; it is about claiming the Northern League title and proving they are legitimate contenders for the Division 1 championship.

Playoff Seeds and League Trophies Depend on Week 10

Beyond the marquee matchups, several other games will determine the fate of playoff seeds and league trophies across the city.

Matchup	Key Factor	Prediction
Hamilton (4-5) at Fairfax (3-6)	Stopping Fairfax’s Tru’Warrior Casas (nation’s 2nd leading rusher)	Hamilton
Arleta (7-2) at Sun Valley Poly (8-1)	Sun Valley Poly’s 8-game winning streak	Sun Valley Poly
Maces (8-1) at Hollywood (7-2)	Central League Championship; both 4-0 in league play	Hollywood
Locke (3-5) at Lincoln (2-7)	Locke fighting for a Division 3 playoff spot	Lincoln

The clash between Maces and Hollywood is particularly high-stakes, as both teams enter the game undefeated in Central League play. While Maces has a better overall record, Hollywood is viewed as the more battle-tested squad in tight contests. Meanwhile, the matchup between Locke and Lincoln is a survival game; a win for Locke secures a postseason berth, but Lincoln’s experience in the tougher Northern League may be the deciding factor.

As the final whistles blow on Week 10, the narrative of the LA City Section will shift from who is “rising” to who can survive the brackets. The transition from the regular season to the playoffs is where the “battle-tested” nature of these teams will actually be measured.