Wheatland sophomore quarterback Joseph Franklin (26) throws a pass on Friday, Oct. 17 during the Pirates’ 27-6 win on Oct. 17. Photo by Steven Bryla

YUBA-SUTTER AREA, CA (YSBC) - The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section released the football postseason brackets and bowl schedule on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The Yuba-Sutter area had three bowl eligible teams and two football squads that made the top-8 in their respective divisions under the new SJS format that was implemented a month ago.

Bowl games on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Lindhurst at Bear River - Lindhurst gets an opportunity to rewrite the story of their season as they end it with the exact team they faced off with in Week 0.

The Blazers opened the 2025 with a three-point loss to Bear River on August 22, but both teams are clearly better and different than the opening matchup.

The Bruins started the year 3-1 but dropped four of their last six games during a virtual Pioneer Valley League schedule. 

Lindhurst sophomore Valentino Trevino (32) combines with one another for a tackle during the Blazers' 43-35 win on Oct. 10 versus Highlands. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Lindhurst finished out their preseason strong with wins over Oroville and Dixon, but struggled to open Sierra Delta League play as they had losses to Golden Sierra and Woodland Christian.

The Blazers dealt with nagging injuries week-to-week, but picked up four-straight SDL wins, including one over a loaded Esparto roster after transfers and grades came out.

Lindhurst is a complete unit and will be ready to go at kickoff. The Blazers finally got rewarded to get the opportunity to play in November.

Esparto at Marysville - The Marysville Indians dropped their final four games of the season and Pioneer Valley League play, including two one-possession games.

Despite the losing record, the strength of schedule was a huge factor in Marysville being able to host a bowl game. The Indians will host Esparto, who comes into the matchup with one victory.

Marysville and other people should not assume an automatic victory over the Spartans as they are a different team after transfers and academic ineligible athletes became eligible to play.

The Indians will be led by junior quarterback Karter Ellyson and senior running back Andrew Salguero. Salguero gets the final opportunity to show off the Orange and Black one final time.

Marysville senior running back Andrew Salguero (24) rushes the ball during the Indians’ 42-18 loss to Lincoln on Oct. 30. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Antelope at Yuba City - Yuba City closed out the regular season with a walk off touchdown against Nevada Union and ended it with a .500 record.

Honkers head coach Jonah Lessard was ecstatic and expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that he is excited for his club to get one final game this season.

Yuba City sophomore wide receiver Dante Lepe showed the section a glimpse of what they’ll be seeing over the next couple seasons as Lepe hauled in seven receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

The Honkers will host an old foe as they welcome the Antelope Titans as they have played a similar schedule of teams throughout 2025 as members of the Metropolitan league.

Both teams have a similar offensive mindset and Lessard said that the game is huge going into next season with some great momentum. 

Playoff games on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

Yuba City senior running back Ryan Corus (4) rushes into thfe end zone for one of his four rushing touchdowns in the Honkers' 33-14 win over River Valley on Sept. 19. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Division V

Rosemont (Sacramento) at Sutter - The Sutter Huskies fell to the third seed after they suffered their own loss on Halloween to the top-seeded Casa Roble Rams.

Sutter hosts the Rosemont Wolverines, who finished third in the Sierra Valley Conference. The Huskies prolific offense accumulated over 300 yards of offense in the loss to Casa Roble.

Sutter will attempt to return to the SJS D-V title game the second-straight year as they look for their first section title in the SJS since moving over from the Northern Section.

The Huskies will get over a week to prepare for Rosemont as they had to rest up and clear up health in the time.

Sutter head coach Ryan Reynolds expressed to YSBC that it’s time to get to work and finish the first part of their goals from the regular season.

Sutter defensive lineman Troy Bowens (0) makes a tackle on Friday, Oct. 31 in the Huskies’ 22-9 defeat to Casa Roble. Photo by Steven Bryla

Division VI

Wheatland at Sonora - The Wheatland Pirates defense lost a heartbreaker against Oakmont as they allowed 10 unanswered points in the final three minutes of the game.

Wheatland was given the eight seed and will travel to the top-rated team in Sonora.

Sonora has been running through everyone and they earned the right to put the rest of the Section on notice.

The Pirates are a scrappy group and they are more than capable of pulling off the upset as there is no shortage of talent.

Wheatland has the determination and work ethic to pull off the “upset” and have the capability to connect on all cylinders against Sonora.

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Sutter junior safety Deegan Parks makes a tackle during Huskies' 22-9 defeat on Oct. 31 against Casa Roble. Photo by Steven Bryla