North Bay Football Rankings
Cardinal Newman maintains the top spot in the North Bay high school football rankings.
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Key Points
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Cardinal Newman came within seconds of an upset at Folsom, with a potential go-ahead 32-yard field goal blocked with 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter before Folsom pulled away in overtime 23-17.
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Newman's 2026 schedule features an ambitious nonleague slate against state, NorCal and section powerhouses, built in part by an influx of out-of-area transfers to bolster the roster.
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Under the North Coast Section's new playoff format, Newman is essentially locked into the Open/Division 1 bracket due to its strength and its placement in the REC-Adobe division.
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Week 1 in the Redwood Empire Conference's Adobe and Bay divisions yielded several other early wins, including American Canyon, Casa Grande, Vintage, Montgomery and Justin-Siena, signaling strong depth in the region.
Cardinal Newman remains the top team in the North Bay after a dramatic Week 1 loss to Folsom that came down to the final seconds. Newman's potential go-ahead 32-yard field goal was blocked with just 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter before Folsom pulled away 23-17 in overtime SI. The close defeat showcased Newman's ambitious 2026 schedule, built on out-of-area transfers meant to compete against state and NorCal powerhouses.
Behind Newman, Marin Catholic sits in second place as several North Bay teams battle for position in the Redwood Empire Conference. Early Week 1 winners like American Canyon, Casa Grande, Vintage, Montgomery and Justin-Siena signal strong depth across the region SI. The new North Coast Section playoff format essentially locks Newman into the Open/Division 1 bracket based on roster strength and REC-Adobe placement.
Newman's Close Call Against Folsom Signals Strength
Cardinal Newman came within seconds of pulling off an upset against Folsom on the road. The team's drive down the stretch led to a 32-yard field goal attempt with 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter SI. The kick was blocked, sending the game to overtime where Folsom secured the 23-17 win.
Despite the loss, Newman's performance proved the team belongs with elite regional programs. The close margin suggests Newman's roster upgrades are working. Out-of-area transfers brought in to boost talent helped keep the game tight against a state power SI.
Ambitious Schedule Built on Transfer Influx
Newman's 2026 nonleague slate features a slate of state, NorCal and section powerhouses designed to test the roster early. School leadership deliberately scheduled elite opponents to prepare for playoff competition SI. The ambitious approach mirrors programs trying to make deep postseason runs.
An influx of out-of-area transfers bolstered Newman's roster specifically to compete at this level SI. The team invested in depth at key positions. This strategy paid dividends in Week 1, even though Folsom pulled away in the extra period.
Crowded North Bay Rankings With Strong REC Depth
Week 1 results across the Redwood Empire Conference's Adobe and Bay divisions revealed strong depth throughout the region. American Canyon, Casa Grande, Vintage, Montgomery and Justin-Siena all posted early wins SI. The convergence of winning teams signals competitive balance that could shape playoff seeding.
Marin Catholic's position at No. 2 reflects its own strong start SI. Several other North Bay programs are jockeying for ranking position behind the top two teams. The week set the stage for key rivalries and showdowns as the season unfolds across the region.
Open Division Lock-In Under New Playoff Format
The North Coast Section's new playoff format essentially guarantees Newman a spot in the Open/Division 1 bracket SI. Newman's strength of schedule and placement in the competitive REC-Adobe division sealed this positioning after just one week. The new structure rewards strong programs with top-tier competition.
This lock-in means Newman will face the region's toughest opponents throughout the playoffs SI. The early format certainty allows coaches to game-plan accordingly. Newman's ambitious nonleague schedule aligns perfectly with the bracket expectations.
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