I spoke to Bishop Amat QB Rio Ruiz’s (Nine) father Rudy in the wake of Amat winning the coin toss to reach the PAC-5 playoffs and Nine’s status remains in doubt for Friday’s first round.

“It’s up to his therapist,” Rudy Ruiz said. “He feels good. He feels a helluva lot better than he did last Friday. I don’t know if he’ll get released by his doctor, but he’s been talking all week about how he wants to be out there.”

Ruiz hasn’t played since suffering a sprained knee against Loyola on Oct. 28. Sophomore Koa Haynes got the start last week against Notre Dame.

Aram’s take: Time for Amat to unveil the Santiago Offense. Nine in the shotgun. Very little moving around, gets ball out quick. Folds up like a cheap chair if there’s some heat on him. Hands off to Jalen most of the night. Anyway, just very happy Amat got in no matter who they play. It wouldn’t be a postseason in the SGV without the Lancers in it. This team deserved a little luck and got it.