Our staff picks for the CIF-SS high school football playoffs in the High Desert
LI3 weeks ago7 min read13 comments
Alright, folks, let's huddle up and talk about the real drama unfolding in the High Desertâthe CIF-Southern Section football playoffs are heating up, and itâs getting personal. Picture this: the 2025 season is winding down, but the weekly picks battle between sports reporter Jose Quintero and freelance journalists Todd Hadler and Jason Reed is still going strong, with nothing but pure bragging rights on the line.Itâs like the final minutes of a tight game where every call counts, and this season, theyâve thrown a curveball by bringing in a local legend from Instagram, @HighDesert_FootballReport, to join the fray. After the first round, Reed is sitting pretty at the top with a 90-28 record, holding a slim two-game lead over Quintero and Hadlerâthink of it as LeBron holding off Steph in the playoffs; itâs that kind of nail-biter.Now, as we dive into the second round, the stakes are higher than ever, with local teams vying for CIF-SS titles and the picks leaderboard tracking every move until the last whistle blows. But this isnât just about scores; itâs about the heart of high school football in communities where Friday night lights are a way of life.The High Desert has always been a hotbed for raw talent, where underdogs rise and legends are born, much like those Cinderella stories in March Madness that keep us glued to our screens. Remember last yearâs upset when that unranked squad pulled off a shocker? Yeah, thatâs the energy here.And letâs not forget the social media buzzâfans are chiming in on Instagram @760Varsity and X @J0seQuintero, debating picks and sharing highlights like itâs a group chat full of die-hards. Itâs this blend of local passion and digital camaraderie that makes high school sports so relatable; itâs not just about the game, but the stories behind itâthe kids grinding it out, the coaches strategizing like generals, and the communities rallying behind their teams.In the broader context, the CIF-SS playoffs are a microcosm of Californiaâs sports culture, where youth athletics serve as a pipeline for college recruits and even future pros. Experts often point to how these playoffs shape character, teaching lessons in resilience and teamwork that extend far beyond the field.As we look ahead, the consequences are clear: a misstep here could end a season, while a win could ignite a championship run. So, grab your popcorn and follow alongâthis is more than just picks; itâs a slice of High Desert life, served up with all the intensity and humor of a locker room chat.
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#second round
#local teams