San Marcos and Dos Pueblos, co-league champions of the Channel League, learned their CIF draws on Sunday and both will host games in Thursday’s opening round.
The Royals, the league’s No. 1 seed by virtue of a coin flip, will host San Clemente while Dos Pueblos gets Villa Park. The two local teams are on opposite sides of the bracket.
The San Marcos game begins at 4:15 p.m. while Dos Pueblos and Villa Park get started at 5 p.m.
“I was surprised to have to play the ninth-ranked team in the first round, but after that it’s as expected,” said Royals head coach Jeff Ashton of his team’s draw. “It’s definitely a tougher first-round game than I anticipated but if we get through that I feel pretty good with our chances in the quarters.”
Foothill is the No. 1 team in Division 2 while Dana Hills is the No. 2 seed.
If Dos Pueblos advances, the Chargers will meet the winner between Palos Verdes and No. 3 Los Osos in the second round on Saturday.
If San Marcos advances, the Royals will see the winner between No. 4 Mira Costa and Santiago on Saturday.
