For three straight years, a local high school baseball program has brought a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section title home to the Santa Clarita Valley. And after the Southern Section released its playoff pairings on Friday for all divisions, seven teams will vie for the ultimate crown with first-round competition set to begin Thursday.
Here’s a look at the first-round matchups:
West Ranch vs. Warren
After winning the Division 2 title under Ryan Lindgreen last year, the Wildcats are back in the postseason but with Trevor Brown at the helm leading West Ranch.
For the first round, the Wildcats, who are co-champions of the Foothill League alongside Castaic, are set to host the Warren Bears of Downey in Division 3.
The matchup between the Bears and Wildcats is set to begin on Friday at West Ranch High School with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Castaic vs. Monrovia
In 2023, the Coyotes won not only a CIF championship but also a SoCal regional title with head coach Darrell Davis.
This season, the Coyotes are back in the postseason in the Division 4 bracket in what will be Davis’ last playoff run with Castaic as he is set to step down at the end of the season.
In the first round, the Coyotes will host the Monrovia Wildcats, who finished second in the Rio Hondo League.
The matchup between the Coyotes and Wildcats is set to begin on Thursday at Castaic High School with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Saugus vs. Walnut
The Centurions, who finished third in the Foothill League standings, enter the postseason with a home first-round matchup in the Division 4 bracket to start their playoff push.
In the first round, the Centurions are set to welcome the Walnut Mustangs to Saugus High School.
The matchup between the Centurions and Mustang is set to begin on Thursday at Saugus High School with first pitch schedule for 3:15 p.m.
Valencia at Canyon of Anaheim
After winning the team’s last six out of seven Foothill League games to clinch a berth into the playoffs, the Vikings are set to begin pursuing their title hopes in the Division 4 bracket.
The Vikings are one of only two teams from the SCV to be on the road in the first round.
For the first round, the Vikings are set to match up against the Canyon Comanches of Anaheim, who finished second in the Freeway League.
The contest between the Comanches and Vikings is set to begin on Thursday at Canyon High School in Anaheim with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Trinity Classical Academy at Orange
The Knights, who ended the season winning their fifth consecutive Heritage League title, will hit the road for the first matchup in what will be a contest between league champions.
The Orange Panthers, who won the Grove League title, will welcome the Knights in the first round of the Division 6 playoffs.
The matchup between the Knights and Panthers is set to begin on Thursday at Orange High School with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Golden Valley vs. University Prep (Victorville)
For the first time in school history, the Golden Valley baseball team is in the playoffs.
After ending the regular season 13-12, the Southern Section awarded the Grizzlies an at-large berth into the Division 7 playoffs and a home first-round matchup.
For the first round, the Grizzlies are set to host the University Prep Jaguars of Victorville, who ended the season losing six out of their last nine games.
The matchup between the Grizzlies and Jaguars is set to begin on Thursday at Golden Valley High School with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Santa Clarita Christian at Academy for Academic Excellence (Apple Valley)
The Cardinals, who ended the season in second place in the Heritage League standings, were placed into the Division 8 bracket and will hit the road for the first round.
For the first round, the Cardinals will matchup against the Academy for Academic Excellence Knights of Apple Valley, who ended the year 20-4 overall.
The contest between the Cardinals and Knights is set to begin on Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
