CVCHS, DLS to NCS playoffs

The Battle of Concord in the high school football playoffs is coming Nov. 18. Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle will battle in the first-ever North Coast Section Open Division football playoff game next Friday at Owen Owens Field on the Spartans campus. The two Concord schools have faced one another only once before (1986) in the NCS playoffs and last met in the 2013 season opener where DLS pulled away in the second half for a 34-14 victory. Pictured, CVCHS junior quarterback Kenny Gardner Jr. (5) tried to outrun three Campolindo defenders as the Ugly Eagles won the inaugural Diablo Athletic League Foothill Conference championship 50-15. Tight end Dino Marraccini (17) looked to give his QB a block. (Jason Rogers photo.) See page 10 for complete story.