After the Castaic Coyotes and West Ranch Wildcats made history last season as California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section finalists, it’s time for a new team to write its chapter in this year’s 2026 playoffs.
This year, four teams from the Foothill League are set to play in the first round of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoffs with three hosting first-round games.
Here’s a look at the first-round matchups:
Hart at Glendora
After the Coyotes lost out on this season’s Foothill League title due to an eligibility violation, the Hawks (16-9, 10-2) enter the Division 2 playoffs as league champions.
On Tuesday, the Hawks hit the road and face the Glendora Tartans (14-4, 3-4), who finished third in the Palomares League.
The Tartans enter the postseason in a bit of a rut as Glendora ended the season with a two-game losing streak. As for Hart, the Hawks have soared their way into the playoffs with the most momentum they could after ending the season with a three-game winning streak.
Tuesday’s first-round matchup between the Hawks and Tartans is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at Glendora High School.
Valencia vs. Temescal Canyon
Following a 9-3 finish in Foothill League play, the Vikings (12-10-3, 9-3) will look to use momentum from the regular season and win their first-round matchup in the Division 3 playoffs.
On Tuesday, the Vikings are set to host the Temescal Canyon Titans of Lake Elsinore, who finished the season 15-3 overall and Mountain Pass League champions with an 8-0 record.
The Titans finished the season with three losses, and the Vikings ended the season ranked higher, according to MaxPreps. The Vikings ended the season as the No. 227 team in California while the Titans are placed as the No. 245 team, according to MaxPreps.
Tuesday’s first-round matchup between the Vikings and Titans is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Valencia High School.
West Ranch vs. Temecula Prep
Although West Ranch (7-10, 6-6) ended the season with a four-game losing streak, the Wildcats have been awarded a home matchup in the first round of the Division 4 playoffs.
On Tuesday, the Wildcats host the visiting Temecula Prep Patriots of Winchester, who finished the season 14-8-2 and South Valley League champions.
The Wildcats will look to come away as winners and continue their recent postseason success after West Ranch ended last season as Division 4 finalist.
Tuesday’s first-round matchup between the Wildcats and Patriots is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at West Ranch High School.
Canyon vs. Hemet
For the first time in program history, the Cowboys (9-6, 6-6) are in the playoffs after the team ended the regular season with an automatic playoff bid.
Even before a snap of flag football is played on Tuesday, history has already been made for the Cowboys this season as the team ended the regular season with a winning record for the first time ever.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys will play host to the Hemet Bulldogs, who finished the season 11-6 overall and winners of three out of their last four games. The Cowboys won four out of their last five games.
Tuesday’s first-round matchup between the Cowboys and Bulldogs is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Canyon High School.
