There is one week left in the North Bay prep football regular season – and the results from Week 10 have certainly led to plenty of discussion.

Cardinal Newman’s 13-3 loss to Marin Catholic in the Redwood Empire Conference’s Adobe Division was the highlight of the biggest game in North Bay this year. What does this mean for the Cardinals?

Casa Grande also picked up a marquee win over American Canyon in a big REC-Valley matchup, Vintage scored a huge upset over San Marino in the REC-Adobe and Ukiah bounced back well against a tough Maria Carrillo team.

Here are our takeaways from these games as well as a look at the updated playoff picture ahead of the final week of the season.

Cardinal Newman Falls Again to Marin Catholic

Disappointing is probably the best way to describe Cardinal Newman’s 13-3 loss to Marin Catholic last week. This is the Cardinals’ fourth straight loss to their Marin rivals and while this loss doesn’t end their season like the last three meetings have, it certainly doesn’t ease the pain.

This is arguably the best Newman team to have been assembled in the last decade and arguably one of the worst – by their standards – Marin Catholic teams over the same period. And yet, it was ultimately Marin Catholic’s defense that stole the show.

The Wildcats held the Cardinals to just three points – 38 below their season average – sacked freshman quarterback Tino “LT” Retamoza four times and knocked him out twice.

Newman’s defense kept the Cardinals in the game, but the offense just couldn’t string much together. Much credit goes to Marin Catholic’s defense, which has now allowed just 10 points with two shutouts in REC-Adobe play and has allowed just 17 points in its last six games.

This was a much more competitive game than the last three meetings, but it’s certainly a disappointing result for the program considering the trajectory Newman has been on this season.

If there’s another positive to come from the loss — besides the fact that it doesn’t end the Cardinals’ season — it’s that Cardinal Newman might get another chance against Marin Catholic in the playoffs. The Cardinals are still ranked above the Wildcats in the North Coast Division, at 4th and 5th, respectively. If that holds, they’ll face off again in the first round of the Open/Division 1 playoffs at Marin Catholic.

-Gus Morris

Casa Grande in the driver’s seat of the valley

The Gauchos passed their biggest league test of the season at American Canyon, beating both the Wolves and the weather as they took control of the REC-Valley title race. Casa could win the title this Saturday against rival Petaluma.

And while it’s hard to take much away from a game that was played in pouring rain from start to finish, one thing is certainly clear: Casa Grande’s defense is as advertised.

Sure, they’ve given up the most points in their last five games (14), but holding an ultra-explosive American Canyon offense to such a low score certainly deserves some flowers. The Wolves also had six turnovers, another credit to Casa’s defense.

This is not to discredit the Wolves’ performance, as their defense did not allow any points in the second half. AmCan will be fine and should have a big bounce-back game Friday at home against Redwood.

Casa now turns its attention to the always-tough Egg Bowl rivalry game against crosstown rival Petaluma, where the Gauchos will attempt to capture the first-ever REC-Valley title. A trip to southwest Petaluma awaits, as does a Trojans team that has won three of its last four games.

Looking ahead, Casa’s win last week could also have huge playoff implications. Although no one knows for sure how the groups will be organized until this Sunday, the Gauchos and Wolves were expected to be in Division 2 by last Friday night. Now, Casa is expected to remain in Division 2 while AmCan will fall to Division 3.

-Kienan O’Doherty

Vintage achieves a major upheaval at Adobe

The Crushers delivered one of the most surprising results of the season last week by defeating San Marino, 17-7. The Mustangs have been one of North Bay’s top programs over the past five years, winning state titles in 2021 and 2022, ranking 8th in the NCS heading into the game and beating Windsor earlier this season.

On a rainy night, Vintage returned to its roots of attacking with ball control. The Crushers ran the ball down San Marino’s throat for 178 yards on 41 carries and had three sacks and two key interceptions on defense.

Coaches who have faced the Crushers this year consider them one of the most underrated teams in the area. Well, the secret might be out. This Vintage team is tough and can beat anyone on any day.