What to know about the 4 CIF-SS quarterfinal playoff matchups involving High Desert teams

Four of the seven local football teams to qualify for the CIF-Southern Section emerged victorious in the first round. 

Serrano was the only one of the three remaining 11-man squads projected to win by CalPreps.com. Serrano did so, winning a playoff game for the first time since the 2021 CIF-SS Div. 8 title game. The Diamondbacks are the High Desert's last 11-man squad to capture glory.

Silverado also secured its first playoff win since 2021, rallying to beat Linfield Christian in Div. 10 action last week.

But both teams — which played at home last week — will be on the road for the second round. 

Apple Valley, back in the quarterfinals for the second straight season, is home in the Game of the Week. The Sun Devils host Culver City, which is led by a dynamic quarterback in Seth Shigg, who threw for 291 yards, three touchdowns, and also ran for 226 yards and two more touchdowns in the first round against Capistrano Valley. 

But for a team that plays just a few miles from the beach, Friday night's projected temperatures in the High Desert could mean a true home-field advantage.

The high temperature in Apple Valley is expected to be 54, with a low of 29, according to the National Weather Service. Winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, are also expected throughout the day. 

High Desert football:Complete coverage and everything you should know for the 2024 season

The NWS predicts a temperature of 42 degrees at kickoff, which is set for 7 p.m. 

Here’s a look at four quarterfinals games, involving High Desert teams. 

Division 4 — Apple Valley (7-3) vs. Culver City (8-3)

CalPreps.com rankings: Apple Valley 36.4; Culver City 33.7

CalPreps.com projection: Culver City 28-27

If the Sun Devils win: They will be home against either St. Bonaventure or Redondo Union. 

What happened last week: Apple Valley routed Charter Oak 35-6; Culver City beat Capistrano Valley 38-25. 

Game notes: This is a matchup of high-octane offenses. Culver City averages 31.4 points a game, while Apple Valley is just behind at 30.2 points a game. But defensively, Apple Valley seems to have the advantage. The Sun Devils have allowed 159 points this season, for a point differential of 143 points. Culver City’s point differential is 51 points as the defense has allowed 294 points on the season. In last week's victory, Apple Valley's offense ran 44 plays. Just six of those plays were passes. Apple Valley ran the ball 38 times for 323 yards. 

Division 8 — Serrano (7-3) at Hemet (10-1)

CalPreps.com rankings: Serrano 9.3; Hemet 13.8

CalPreps.com projection: Hemet 31-30

If the Diamondbacks win: They will be home against either Beckman or Lancaster. 

What happened last week: Serrano beat Norte Vista 28-21; Hemet routed Rancho Christian 58-19. 

Game notes: The Diamondbacks will have their hands full with a high-powered offense that averages 39.4 points a game. Hemet has outscored opponents 433-182 on the season. Serrano averages 29.9 points a game and has outscored opponents 299-233. 

Division 10 — Silverado (6-5) at Chino (5-6)

CalPreps.com rankings: Silverado -0.1; Chino -0.8

CalPreps.com projection: Silverado 24-22

If the Hawks win: They will be home against either South Pasadena or Valley View. 

What happened last week: Silverado rallied to beat Linfield Christian 52-35; Chino beat San Marcos 14-13. 

Game notes: The Hawks were down 21-7 in the first half last week, and then held Linfield Christian to just seven points in the second half. Silverado enters the matchup having outscored opponents 299-276 on the season. Chino, which averages 18.8 points a game, has been outscored 280-207. 

8-man Division 2 — Hesperia Christian (5-4) vs. Avalon (4-5)

CalPreps.com rankings: Hesperia Christian 8.7; Avalon 15

If the Patriots win: They will be home against Coast Union or on the road against Cornerstone Christian. 

What happened last week: Hesperia Christian beat Desert Christian 80-42; Avalon shut out United Christian Academy 47-0. 

Game notes: This quarterfinal matchup, set for Saturday night, is a rematch of the 2022 championship match between the programs. Hesperia Christian beat Avalon 48-22 to capture the Div. 2 title. Entering this matchup, the teams share two opponents in common. Both of those resulted in losses. Hesperia Christian lost 41-24 to Mammoth on Sept. 20, while Avalon lost 30-18 on Sept. 13. Against the California School for the Deaf, Hesperia Christian lost 60-6 on Oct. 3, while Avalon lost 68-26 on Sept. 7.