"The last team standing will be the one able to execute on offense in a showcase of two aggressive, physically tough defenses. Santa Margarita has an advantage with versatile linebacker Dash Fifita and a defensive line second to none. Coach Carson Palmer twice played in the Rose Bowl as a player for USC. Centennial must find a way to run the ball or quarterback Dominick Catalano will have a long night. The pick: Santa Margarita."
"DIVISION 3 Oxnard Pacifica (13-0) at Palos Verdes (10-3), 7 p.m. Pacifica's speed will cause Palos Verdes problems, especially if quarterback Taylor Lee can get the ball to his playmakers. Any team with quarterback Ryan Rakowski will not go down easily, but Rakowski suffered a broken thumb last week. Backup Giorgio Di Mascio has shown he can fill in when needed. The pick: Pacifica."
"No team has turned around its season quicker than San Clemente, which has gone from unranked to playing in the championship game with a five-game winning streak. And the teams they've beaten were good - Los Alamitos, Edison, Beaumont, Vista Murrieta and Leuzinger. Defense has been key. Patrick Norman leads the team with 109 tackles. The Tritons will have to make sure Los Alamitos running backs Lenny Ibarra and Kamden Tillis are held in check. The pick: San Clemente."
"DIVISION 5 Rio Hondo Prep (13-0) at Redondo Union (9-4), 7 p.m. With a student population of just 150, Rio Hondo Prep faces its toughest challenge yet going for a 17th championship. Coach Mark Carson has schemes and strategies taught to players once they arrive in seventh grade. Running back Noah Penunuri (1,203 yards, 22 touchdowns) is recovering from an ankle injury. Redondo Union, with a student body of nea"
Santa Margarita meets Corona Centennial at the Rose Bowl in a matchup defined by two aggressive defenses, with Santa Margarita advantaged by linebacker Dash Fifita and a dominant defensive line. Oxnard Pacifica’s speed and quarterback Taylor Lee’s ability to reach playmakers threatens Palos Verdes, while Palos Verdes must cope without Ryan Rakowski after a broken thumb and rely on backup Giorgio Di Mascio. San Clemente has surged on a five-game winning streak led by defensive standout Patrick Norman and must contain Los Alamitos’ running backs. Rio Hondo Prep seeks a 17th title despite a small student body, relying on coach Mark Carson’s long-term schemes and running back Noah Penunuri’s recovery from an ankle injury.
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