The California Interscholastic Federation announced it will hold state football title games for all 15 divisions at neutral sites.
The locations, all in Southern California, are El Camino College in Torrance, Pasadena City College and Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.
In recent years, the top divisions — Open, Division I-A, Division I-AA, Division II-A and Division II-A — had met at Saddleback College in Southern California while the remaining games were hosted by home sites that varied from Northern and Southern California on a year-to-year basis.
The change is, in part, due to outcry from the one coach and subsequent legislation brought forth to level the playing field for all 15 divisions.
A bill introduced by state Sen. Melissa Hurtado proposed all games be played at neutral sites. This was in response to complaints from
Shafter head coach Jerald Pierucci, who took to social media to complain about playing conditions after the Generals' 20-7 loss to
Orland in the 5-A title game at a muddy Orland Stadium.
All 2023 CIF Regional Championship Bowl Games will be held at host sites and announced Nov. 26 after the selection meeting.
Division venues and game schedules will be announced Dec. 3 after the Northern and Southern winners are finalized.
The CIF announced all 15 state football championships will be held at neutral sites. The change is in part due to outcry from a muddy 5-A title game in 2022 at Orland in which the Trojans beat Shafter 20-7. (Photo: Ralph Rath)
