Ahead of CIF-SS showdown, see all our coverage of Apple Valley, Barstow

The finish line is near. We’ve just about hit the end of the 2025 football season as two teams remain standing.

It’s been quite a journey for the Apple Valley and Barstow football teams. Both teams have endured three-game losing streaks this season. They’ve lost to a team during the regular season but avenged those losses this month in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

Here they are now, standing tall, about to square off for the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 championship.

It’s just the second time in the history High Desert football that two local teams will square off for a CIF-SS championship. This rare occurrence last happened a decade ago when Oak Hills hosted Serrano in the Eastern Division title game.

Apple Valley will host Barstow in the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 championship on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

Kick off is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Apple Valley High School’s Newton T. Bass Stadium.

Before then, here’s a look at the coverage of both teams from Daily Press.

The coverage began back in August as both teams were highlighted in our preseason coverage. The teams were covered multiple times throughout the season with game reports and photo galleries. Here’s a look at our 2025 coverage of the Apple Valley and Barstow football teams.

2025 preseason coverage

Apple Valley: 2025 Season Preview, Schedule

What to know about the MRL: Players to watch, list of coaches, fun facts and past champs

Barstow: 2025 Preview, Schedule

What to know about the DSL: Players to watch, list of coaches, fun facts and past champs

2025 game coverage

Week 0: Apple Valley football’s defense leads the way past Orange Vista in season-opener

Week 1: Barstow loses a close battle to Serrano

Week 3: Victor Valley football beats Apple Valley to snap a 16-year Bell Game drought

Week 6: Apple Valley kicks off MRL action in the High Desert with a shutout against Hesperia

Week 6: Barstow beats Victor Valley to keep the Axe another year

Week 7: Running game leads Oak Hills past Apple Valley in a MRL showdown

Week 9: Apple Valley football secures a playoff berth with a victory over Serrano

Week 9: Barstow football sits atop the DSL standings with a victory over Silverado

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs Coverage

Playoff brackets are set: These are the High Desert’s matchups

‘Thankful to be playing another week’: High Desert football coaches ready for the playoffs

100 Players: Keep an eye on these High Desert players during the playoffs

Thanksgiving Talk: High Desert football players share what they are thankful for, what food excites them the most

Revenge: Barstow beats Serrano in first round, first postseason victory since 2008

Revenge Part 2: Apple Valley avenges Bell Game loss to Victor Valley, moves on to semifinals

Quarterfinals: Barstow routs La Canada to reach the semifinals

Semifinals: Apple Valley’s defense leads the way past Saugus

Semifinals: Barstow football overcomes sluggish start, tops Palm Springs

Championship Week Coverage

Apple Valley vs. Barstow: What to know about the CIF-SS Div. 7 championship game

All the champs: Which team will join this list of High Desert football champions

Family ties: Head coaches discuss family ahead of the Division 7 title game

Have you picked a winner yet?: See our staff’s picks for the Division 7 championship game

Daily Press reporter Jose Quintero may be reached at 760-951-6274 or JQuintero@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Instagram at @760Varsity or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @J0seQuintero.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Preview coverage of Apple Valley, Bronson in CIF-SS division final