The CIF Southern Section Division 1 bracket in Southern California is recognized as the toughest high school football playoff bracket in the nation. It features five MaxPreps Top 25 teams, including number one Mater Dei, who is set to compete in the quarterfinals against other ranked opponents. Texas's 6A Division 1 bracket also stands out with four Top 25 teams, while Georgia's AAAAAA and AAAAA brackets follow closely behind. Other notable tough brackets span across states like Florida, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina.

By the Numbers
  • CIF Southern Section Division 1 has 5 MaxPreps Top 25 teams.
  • Texas's 6A Division 1 features 4 MaxPreps Top 25 teams.
  • Georgia's AAAAAA bracket contains 7 teams in the expanded top 100.
  • Ohio Division II has 4 teams in the top 100 rankings.
State of Play
  • The quarterfinals for CIF Southern Section Division 1 and Texas 6A Division 1 are upcoming.
  • Seven teams from Georgia's AAAAAA bracket are vying for top positions.
  • Multiple brackets are showcasing high-stakes matches among ranked teams.
What's Next

The playoff matchups will begin this Friday, with key games that could lead to shifts in rankings as teams compete for state titles. Projections suggest close contests as top teams face off, potentially impacting future seeding and recruitment opportunities.

Bottom Line

The CIF Southern Section Division 1 bracket is the most challenging in the country, underscoring the level of talent and competition in high school football this postseason. Teams must be prepared for fierce battles as they aim for championships amidst elite competition.