VICTORVILLE — The Victor Valley Union High School District is proudly sending all three of its high school football teams to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs this week, as Silverado, Adelanto, and Victor Valley will attempt to make title runs in their respective divisions.

Superintendent Carl Coles said having all three teams make the playoffs is a point of pride for the VVUHSD community. 

“It’s more than a game,” Coles said. “Athletics can unite a school, and in this case, an entire district. Having all three teams in the playoffs is not something that happens every year. It’s the culmination of the hard work of the players, coaches, teachers and staff, which began in the summer. We are extremely proud of them and looking forward to cheering them on this week.” 

Adelanto High will kick off the action at 7 p.m. Thursday night, as the Saints travel to Riverside to take on Norte Vista. The Saints posted a 3-1 Desert Sky League record to finish second in the league, earning an automatic playoff bid in Division 9.

Victor Valley, meanwhile, nabbed an at-large bid in Division 12 on the strength of the Jackrabbits’ victory over Barstow in the 99th Axe Game and a pair of non-league wins. They’ll host Valley High School (Santa Ana) at Ray Moore Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.

Friday’s game will be bittersweet for Silverado, as the Hawks will play without 2021 DSL Defensive Player of the Year Richard Reed. The 17-year-old senior linebacker, running back and punter was the victim of an apparent homicide on Sunday night.

“Some of the players are still taking it rough,” Silverado Head Coach Keron Jones said. “I think once they are back in the element of football, it will help them to cope.”

The Hawks, unbeaten in the DSL, will wear helmet stickers honoring Reed as they host St. Francis of La Canada at Hawk Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. in a Division 5 game. St. Francis also plans to wear helmet stickers in honor of Reed. The Jackrabbits will also wear helmet stickers for Reed in their game against Valley High. 

“In the face of such a tragic and heartbreaking loss,” Coles said, “we know the kids will be playing for more than just a win.” 

PHOTOS: 

Top: Silverado running back Fredrick Hunter carries the ball against Victor Valley High School in a Desert Sky League game earlier this season. Both teams reached the CIF playoffs along with Adelanto High School as all three Victor Valley Union High School District teams are competing in the playoffs this week.  

Middle: Adelanto High School’s Keith Reynolds carries the ball against Victor Valley High School in a Desert Sky League game last week. Credit: James Quigg, Victorville Daily Press

Bottom: Victor Valley High School’s Maximus Jenkins carries the ball against Adelanto High School in a Desert Sky League game last week. Credit: James Quigg, Victorville Daily Press