Sacred Heart Cathedral's football team is headed to the postseason, earning a home game in the CCS Open Division I playoffs in head coach Darius Bell's first season at the helm.

The Fighting Irish (5-5, 3-4 WCAL) earned the No. 4 seed and will host No. 5 Los Gatos (9-1, 5-0 PAL Bay Division) on Saturday, November 14, at 1 pm at City College of San Francisco (CCSF).

SHC enters the postseason with momentum following a comeback victory over Valley Christian in its regular-season finale. Wide receiver Chase Jenkins '27 delivered an all-around performance, with over 100 scrimmage yards and the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The victory capped Bell's first regular season at SHC, and the team now has a chance to build on that momentum in front of a home crowd at CCSF.

The two programs are closely matched in the MaxPreps California rankings. Sacred Heart Cathedral enters the playoffs ranked No. 66 in the state, while Los Gatos sits at No. 70. The Irish have the advantage and experience of navigating a challenging WCAL schedule, preparing them for the competition they will face at the top level of the CCS Playoffs.

Jenkins leads a talented group of Irish offensive playmakers, including wide receivers Germaine Powell '28 and Zion Secrease '27, along with versatile athletes Prince Parham '27 and Bruce Hightower III '27. Cornerback Isaiah Glover '28 is another key contributor for the Irish defense.

Los Gatos enters Saturday's game with an impressive record, having lost just once this season, led by a balanced offense that averages 375.6 yards per game. Quarterback Jack Siri '27 has thrown for 1,686 yards and 19 touchdowns, and his backfield teammate, running back Devonte Troutt '27, has rushed for 1,167 yards and 18 scores.

Slowing down the Wildcats' offense will be a challenge, but the Irish defense has proven itself a core strength all season. SHC allows just 18.8 points per game, and its run defense has been particularly impressive, surrendering only 62 rushing yards per contest. That sets up one of Saturday's most intriguing matchups, as SHC's run defense will face a Los Gatos ground attack that averages nearly 190 yards per game.

For Bell and the Irish, earning a spot in the CCS Open Division I playoffs is a significant achievement in the first year of a new era for SHC football. With a chance to play a playoff game at home, the Irish aim to build on their regular-season finale and carry that momentum into Saturday's CCS opener.

Go Irish!