For high school athletes in Northern California, the North Coast Section (NCS) championships are a critical milestone. These championships give athletes the opportunity to excel and qualify for state-level competitions.
Changes to the NCS Layout
“The NCS course has been the same since 2004 at Hayward High School, but due to recent construction, the layout has changed, making the course faster than it used to be,” said track and field coach Jason Oswalt.
The NCS course layout isn’t the only thing that has evolved. The division structure has also undergone adjustments, aligning more closely with the Southern Section’s larger school sizes to balance competition. This shift has also made it easier for teams to compete fairly across divisions.
“I’d say the biggest change in distance running is that it has become more popular, so there’s more good runners than we are used to. The tournament has gotten tougher for a couple of reasons – just the way that it’s structured and the level of competition,” said Oswalt.
Increased Competition Across Sports
With evolving high school athletics, the stakes have risen, creating a more challenging environment for all teams.
“Football is the ultimate team game. Although you expect your best players to make their best plays in the biggest games, it’s ultimately about the team working together,” said varsity football coach Danny Jones.
Transforming High School Football in California
NCS has evolved significantly over the years, transforming the competitive landscape of high school football in California. Coaches and athletes have witnessed this shift firsthand, impacting their experiences on and off the field.
“Qualifying for NCS was much more challenging in my high school days, often requiring teams to be league champions,” said Jones.
This exclusivity made participation in NCS feel special, but the landscape has changed. More teams now qualify, allowing greater access to high-level playoff football and diverse competition.
“Historically, the East Bay League (EBAL) is one of the top leagues in all of California. It’s awesome to play those top-tier schools from different leagues in NCS,” said Jones.
