There’s one week left in the regular season in North Bay prep football — and the Week 10 results certainly provided plenty to talk about.

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

Casa Grande also secured a remarkable win over American Canyon in a big REC-Valley matchup, Vintage scored a massive upset over San Marin in REC-Adobe and Ukiah bounced back well against a tough Maria team Carrillo.

Here are our takeaways from those games, along with a look at the updated playoff picture heading into the final week of the season.

Cardinal Newman falls to Marin Catholic again

Disappointment is probably the best way to describe Cardinal Newman’s 13-3 loss to Marin Catholic last week. It’s the Cardinals’ fourth straight loss to their rivals from Marin, and while this loss doesn’t end their season like they have in the last three meetings, it certainly doesn’t dampen the complexion.

This is arguably the best Newman team to be assembled in the last decade, and arguably one of the worst — by their standards — Marin Catholic teams over the same period. And yet, in the end, Marin Catholic’s defense stole the show.

The Wildcats held the Cardinals to just three points – a season average of 38 – sacking freshman Tino “LT” Retamoza four times and sacking him twice.

Newman’s defense kept the Cardinals in the game, but the offense just couldn’t connect much. A lot of credit goes to Marin Catholic’s defense, which has now allowed just 10 points with two shutouts in the REC-Adobe game 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 given the trajectory Newman has had this season.

If there’s one other positive from the loss — other than not ending the Cardinals’ season — it’s that Cardinal Newman could get another shot at Marin Catholic in the playoffs. The Cardinals are still ranked above the Wildcats in the North Coast Section at no. 4 and 5, respectively. If it stands, they will face off again in the first round of the Open/Division 1 playoffs at Marin Catholic.

—Gus Morris

Casa Grande in the Valley driver’s seat

The Gauchos passed the biggest league test of the season at American Canyon, defeating both the Wolves as they took control of the REC-Valley title race. Home could clinch the title this Saturday against rival Petaluma.

And while it’s hard to take much 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 to hold an ultra-explosive American Canyon offense to that low score certainly deserves some flowers. The Wolves also had six turnovers, another credit to Casa’s defense.

Not to discredit the Wolves’ performance though, because their defense allowed zero points in the second half. AmCan will be fine and should have a big bounce-back game Friday at home against Redwood.

The house now looks to the always-tough Egg Bowl rivalry game at rival Petaluma, where the Gauchos will try to win their first REC-Valley title. A trip to 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. While no one knows for sure how the brackets will be set up until Sunday, both the Gauchos and Wolves were projected to be in Division 2 by last Friday night. Now, Casa is projected to stay in Division 2, while AmCan drops down to Division 3.

— Kienan O’Doherty

Vintage is causing a lot of upset for Adobe

The Crushers delivered one of the most surprising results of the season last week, defeating San Marin, 17-7. The Mustangs have been one of the top programs in the North Bay over the past five years, winning state titles in 2021 and 2022, were ranked No. 8 in the NCS before the game and defeated Windsor earlier this season.

On a rainy night, Vintage went back to the roots of the ball-control offense. The Crushers ran the ball down San Marin’s neck for 178 yards on 41 carries and had three sacks and two key interceptions on defense.

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