Northern Section football playoffs: Paradise rises to 4th seed; West Valley top seed

It took only 10 minutes for coaches and CIF Northern Section committee members to fill the playoff brackets.

The most intriguing decision made by the playoff committee was having undefeated Paradise rise from being a No. 8 seed to No. 4 seed in Division III Northern Section bracket.

The move to bump Paradise doesn't come without some controversy. 

The program did not play a league game this season and the most competitive opponent Paradise faced was East Nicolaus, which plays in a lower division. But when looking at how Paradise went undefeated, it's easy to see why the committee moved the Bobcats up. They dominated opponents by beating them by an average of 42 points per game while posting five shutouts.

Coach Rick Prinz deserves all the credit for keeping this program together even after the devastation left by last November's Camp Fire, which left many wondering if the town of Paradise would ever recover, much less still have a football team that could be considered one of the North State's elite.

With Paradise moving up in Division III, that means U-Prep gets pushed down to the seventh seed to face Sutter on the road.

Divsion III top-seeded West Valley plays No. 8 Wheatland at home in the first round.

All Division III first-round games will start Friday at 7 p.m.

The only CIF Northern Section Division II first round playoff game will pit No. 4 seed Foothill against No. 5 Enterprise on Friday in Palo Cedro.

The winner will face top-seeded Chico in the semifinals Nov. 22.

Second-seed Shasta and No. 3 Pleasant Valley each have a bye and will meet in the other Division II semifinal Nov. 22.

Shasta won the first meeting 21-20 after Pleasant Valley kicker Dante Jackson missed the potential game-winner at Shasta.

All games will be  at 7 p.m.

Final Regular Season Power Rankings

1. West Valley: The Eagles are the clear favorites to win the CIF Northern Section Division III title after completing their first undefeated regular season in program history. Senior Cade Lambert has done more than what was asked of him throughout the year. Not only does he set the tone offensively in the run game, but he is one of the area's best tacklers. Junior running back Josh Aguilar, meanwhile, has turned into one of Shasta County's top athletes in the area. Not only can he power through contact but he's developed uncanny footwork and has next-level speed in the open field. Of course a good run game isn't without a stout offensive line, which has been led by senior Jacob Johnston. Lambert and Garrett Thibodeau provide the foundation for a defense that has fed off each other's big plays all season long. Senior defensive end Wyatt Reginato has been a nightmare for opposing offenses and junior defensive tackle Chris Whitney has become a consistent force.

2. Shasta: Whether this team is fueled by corndogs, Damburgers or post-weight-room protein shakes: the Wolves are ready to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Wolves will have an extra week to recover with starting quarterback Derek Myers and running back Johari Woods each nursing injuries. Junior running back James Weaver is playing his best football of the season and the defense, led by Keiton Spengler, plays fast and can create turnovers. 

3. Foothill: Foothill came back to form against Chico despite falling on the road and might have the best chance to beat the Almond Bowl champions out of any team in Redding. But first Foothill must get past Enterprise, which scored its first win of the season against Red Bluff. Senior quarterback Brandon Merryman and wide receiver Tyler Carey have been the best deep threat duo in the area this season. Defensive tackle Cody Sisco should be ready to go for this week's game against Enterprise and linebacker Dylan Wiegand is a consistent run stopper. Next Friday will show whether Enterprise will attempt to adjust its game plan after the Cougars shut down Enterprise's rush attack in their first matchup.

4. U-Prep: U-Prep didn't want to end the regular season on a sour note with a loss to East Nicolaus, but there are plenty of reasons for the Panthers to feel hopeful heading into its Divison III first-round matchup against Sutter. The Panthers were able to convert on timely third downs using tight end Trayton Laustalot against the Spartans, but they will need to be patient and stay committed to the run to pull off what would be a monumental upset against Sutter.

5. Enterprise: Nothing but good news for Enterprise this week as long as the program can forget about the first nine weeks. A win against Red Bluff was a step in the right direction. The Hornets are capable of beating Foothill, but it will come down to what adjustments can be made to help ease the pressure on junior running back Eli Cortinas. Senior Pierce Embury has been unlucky at times during the season when throwing to talented but very raw and inexperienced wide receiver Jahari Johnson. If Johnson can play to his full potential and not let the game get too big, there's a chance Enterprise wins the second matchup.