Where to Watch CIF Football Championship Games: Your Complete Guide to the California HS Finals

The pinnacle of California high school football is here. For two days, the state’s best teams will collide under the bright lights, battling for supremacy and the ultimate prize: a CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game trophy. This annual spectacle is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of community, a showcase of future college stars, and the culmination of a grueling season. With fifteen championship contests packed into a single weekend, navigating the schedule and broadcast details is crucial for every fan. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a specific school or a connoisseur of elite prep football, this is your definitive, one-stop guide to watching every snap, hit, and touchdown of the 2023 CIF finals.

CIF State Championship Bowl Games: A Full Schedule Breakdown

The action is concentrated at three premier Southern California venues, creating a festival atmosphere for the sport. The Open Division and select large-school titles will be decided at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, while the historic LA Memorial Coliseum and Pasadena City College will host a slate of thrilling matchups. The marathon of football begins Friday afternoon and runs through Saturday night.

Friday, December 8th

• 1-A: Strathmore vs. Fall River at Pasadena City College – 4:00 PM PT
• 4-AA: Grant vs. Scripps Ranch at Saddleback College – 4:00 PM PT
• 5-AA: University (Irvine) vs. Birmingham at LA Memorial Coliseum – 4:00 PM PT
• 3-AA: Acalanes vs. El Camino at Saddleback College – 8:00 PM PT
• 6-AA: Liberty (Madera Ranchos) vs. St. Bonaventure at Pasadena City College – 8:00 PM PT
• 7-AA: Santa Fe Christian vs. Rio Linda at LA Memorial Coliseum – 8:00 PM PT

Saturday, December 9th

• 7-A: Woodland Christian vs. TBA at Pasadena City College – 12:00 PM PT
• 6-A: Orland vs. Jurupa Hills at Saddleback College – 12:00 PM PT
• 5-A: Colfax vs. Muir at LA Memorial Coliseum – 12:00 PM PT
• 4-A: Soquel vs. Jurupa Valley at Saddleback College – 4:00 PM PT
• 3-A: McClymonds vs. St. Augustine at Pasadena City College – 4:00 PM PT
• 2-AA: Los Gatos vs. Serra (Gardena) at LA Memorial Coliseum – 4:00 PM PT
• 2-A: Liberty (Bakersfield) vs. Mater Dei Catholic at Saddleback College – 8:00 PM PT
• 1-AA: Folsom vs. Serra (San Mateo) at Pasadena City College – 8:00 PM PT
• Open Division: De La Salle vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College – 8:00 PM PT

How to Watch: TV Channel and Live Stream Information

Ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the historic matchups is straightforward. The CIF has partnered with NFHS Network to provide comprehensive live coverage of all fifteen state championship games. This is the official streaming destination for the event.

For the marquee games, linear television coverage is also available. The Open Division championship and the 1-AA title game will be broadcast live on Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports West, bringing the biggest stages to a wider audience. Check your local listings for specific channel numbers.

To access the NFHS Network live stream, you will need a subscription. Fans can sign up for a monthly pass or an annual membership directly on the NFHS Network website. Once subscribed, you can watch on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or connected TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

For the most authoritative updates, previews, and post-game analysis, The Sporting News remains a premier source for national high school football coverage.

Games to Watch: Expert Analysis and Key Storylines

While every team has earned its spot, several matchups carry particularly compelling narratives and high-level talent.

The Open Division National Showcase
All eyes will be on Saddleback College Saturday night for a clash of titans. De La Salle, the iconic program from Concord, brings a perfect 12-0 record and a legacy of excellence. Despite their record seven state titles, the Spartans have been in a rare decade-long drought at this final stage. Their disciplined, physical brand of football will be tested by Santa Margarita, led by first-year head coach and former NFL No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer. The Eagles, ranked 15th nationally by Sporting News, boast a dynamic, modern offense. This is a classic battle of tradition versus a new-era surge, with Palmer aiming to win a title as a coach where he once starred as a player.

Folsom’s Pursuit of History
In the 1-AA game, the Folsom Bulldogs are playing for more than just another trophy. A victory would give the program its sixth state championship, breaking a tie with Mater Dei for second-most all-time and trailing only De La Salle. They are led by the prolific Ryder Lyons, a BYU-commit who has rewritten the state’s record books. Standing in their way is a formidable Serra (San Mateo) team known for its defensive prowess and toughness. This game is a can’t-miss for fans of offensive fireworks versus defensive grit.

McClymonds Aims to Reclaim the Throne
The McClymonds Warriors are a fixture in the CIF bowl landscape. The Oakland powerhouse has competed across multiple divisions and is now in position to claim its fifth overall state title in the 3-A final. Their opponent, San Diego’s St. Augustine, presents a formidable challenge. McClymonds’ journey exemplifies the competitive parity and depth of California football, proving that championship pedigree exists at every level.

Predictions and What’s at Stake

This weekend is about legacy. For De La Salle, it’s about reasserting its primacy after a ten-year wait. The Spartans’ methodical ground game and stifling defense present the ultimate challenge for Santa Margarita. Prediction: De La Salle’s experience in big games and relentless style will control the clock and secure an eighth title in a hard-fought, lower-scoring affair.

In the 1-AA championship, Folsom’s offensive machine, engineered by Ryder Lyons, has been nearly unstoppable. However, Serra (San Mateo) has the defensive line talent to create disruption. Prediction: Folsom’s high-powered attack will eventually find its rhythm. The Bulldogs make history with their sixth championship, but Serra keeps it tense into the fourth quarter.

Look for McClymonds to use its powerful rushing attack and physical defense to wear down St. Augustine in the 3-A game, bringing a fifth championship back to Oakland. Beyond the trophies, these games are vital platforms for student-athletes, with countless college scouts evaluating talent that will shape the future of college football.

Conclusion: A Weekend for the Ages

The CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games represent the thrilling conclusion to the California high school season. From the emerging stories in the early-afternoon games to the nationally significant Open Division finale, every contest carries weight. With clear live stream options via NFHS Network and key games on Bally Sports, fans have unprecedented access to the action. Whether you’re tracking a local team or marveling at the next generation of football stars, this weekend encapsulates the passion, pageantry, and pure competition that make high school sports unforgettable. Set your reminders, secure your subscriptions, and prepare for a spectacular display of California football at its absolute best.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.