It’s Championship Weekend Again

Football championship games in two City Section divisions and 12 Southern Section divisions will be played Friday and Saturday.

Here is a look at each game and the teams that have survived three rounds of the playoffs to earn the chance to play for a title.

CITY SECTION 4-A DIVISION

Woodland Hills Taft (12-0)

vs. San Pedro (12-1)

Friday, 8 p.m., at Coliseum

Although these are the same schools that played in last year’s final--won by San Pedro, 22-20--most of the leading characters are new. Taft quarterback Steve Alvarado has completed 116 of 213 passes for 2,008 yards and 18 touchdowns. Tailback Marquis Brignac has rushed for 1,347 yards for top-seeded Taft, which has never won a City football title. San Pedro had plenty of motivation after it was seeded sixth despite winning the Southern Pacific Conference--the City’s toughest--with one loss. The Pirates have increasingly relied on running back Holmon Wiggins, who has gained 1,176 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

CITY SECTION 3-A DIVISION

Carson (6-5-2)

vs. Woodland Hills El Camino Real (9-4)

Friday, 5 p.m., at Coliseum

Top-seeded Carson hasn’t quite rolled through the playoffs like second-seeded El Camino Real, which has outscored its three opponents, 131-12. El Camino Real running back Quincy Wright has gained 611 yards and scored nine touchdowns in the playoffs. Carson switched from a spread offense to a conservative two-back set in the playoffs to minimize problems caused by muddy fields. The Colts have a balanced attack. Maurice Miller, coming off a 215-yard performance against Chatsworth, has rushed for more than 1,200 yards. Quarterback Ed Nabayan has passed for more than 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION I

Santa Ana Mater Dei (13-0)

vs. Long Beach Poly (13-0)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Coliseum

Defending-champion Mater Dei brings a 27-game winning streak into the final and is trying to become the first team to win consecutive Division I titles since the divisions were formed in 1988. The Monarchs, led by senior running back Mike McNair (2,527 yards, 32 touchdowns) and quarterback John Leonard (2,330 passing yards, 21 touchdowns), are trying to win their fourth title of the ‘90s under Coach Bruce Rollinson. Long Beach Poly is a perennial power but has not won a section title since 1985, when it was co-champion with Huntington Beach Edison in the Big Five Conference. The Jackrabbits are balanced. Multitalented junior quarterback Chris Lewis can give the ball to 1,000-yard rushers Larry Croom and Herman Ho-Ching or he can throw to four speedy receivers.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION II

Palos Verdes Peninsula (13-0)

vs. Chino Hills Ayala (11-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Cal State Fullerton

Top-seeded Peninsula is playing for its first Division II title. The Panthers won the Bay League championship and dispatched Canyon Country Canyon, Downey Warren and Newhall Hart en route to the championship game. Andrew Peeke, Brad Durbin and Cabot Denny are three outstanding running backs for Coach Gary Kimbrell’s team. Ayala, under Coach Mark Pasquarella, suffered its only loss against Division I Bishop Amat. Senior quarterback Mike Frost and junior receiver Mike Snyder form one of the best passing combinations in the Southland. The Bulldogs cruised through the Sierra League then beat Littlerock, Hawthorne and Antelope Valley to reach the final.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION III

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (11-2)

vs. Arroyo Grande (9-3)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Pierce College

Notre Dame, which lost to Camarillo in last year’s championship game, has won seven consecutive games and relies on an undersized but gritty line and tailback Justin Fargas, who has rushed for 2,738 yards and 35 touchdowns. Quarterback Dave DeMartinis has thrown for 2,028 yards and 20 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Tony Arredondo is the top receiver with 51 catches for 691 yards and four touchdowns. Arroyo Grande, the Northern League’s fourth-place finisher and a wild-card entry, upset top-seeded Newbury Park in a first-round game. The Eagles rely on a six-back rotation and a misdirection ground attack. Top runners include Corey Lawrence and Mike McCreery, both seniors.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION IV

Riverside North (12-1) vs. Chino (11-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Citrus College

North is looking for its second division title in three years under Coach Mark Paredes, a familiar face in the San Gabriel Valley from his days as coach at Bishop Amat. The Huskies, led by quarterback Dan Garcia and defensive lineman Abraham Trevino, won the Ivy League and beat Norco, Corona and Rancho Cucamonga to reach the final. Chino running back Josh Levi gained more than 2,000 yards running behind a big and talented offensive line. The Cowboys are seeking their first title since 1948. Chino won the Baseline League and defeated Riverside Poly, Alta Loma and Corona to reach the final.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION V

Tustin (13-0)

vs. Santa Margarita (13-0)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Cal State Fullerton

These teams have been on a collision course since the season began. Last year, Santa Margarita beat Tustin in the semifinals on its way to the title. Quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver John Minardi lead an offense that has helped the Eagles win by an average of 36.2 points a game. Nick Cappelletti, son of Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti, is a standout linebacker for the Eagles. Tustin last won a section title in 1948 and is making its first appearance in a final since 1991. Senior running back DeShaun Foster has gained 3,020 yards and scored 53 touchdowns for the Tillers, who have beaten opponents by an average of 35.3 points.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VI

Hacienda Heights Wilson (12-1)

vs. Bell Gardens (12-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Cerritos College

Wilson, the defending champion, forfeited its opener for using an ineligible player but the Wildcats have not lost on the field in 28 games. Quarterback Chris Ulibarri, a member of Bishop Amat’s 1995 Division I championship team, is seeking his third section championship. Running backs Jeremy Drake and Percy Arceneaux are standout linebackers. Wilson defeated California, South El Monte and Garey to reach the final. Bell Gardens, champion of the Almont League, is led by quarterback Ramon Lopez, a three-year starter. Running back Ernie Rivera has gained more than 1,400 yards for the Lancers, who beat Rosemead, Charter Oak and Arroyo in the first three rounds.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VII

Bloomington (11-2)

vs. Yucaipa (12-1)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Yucaipa

Bloomington is seeking its second consecutive Division VII title and third section championship in four years. Montise Mallory, a running back and defensive back, spurred the Bruin playoff victories over Palm Desert, Rim of the World and Victor Valley. Yucaipa, champion of the San Andreas League, flexed its muscles early in the season with a victory over Division I Redlands. Coach Jim Taylor’s Thunderbirds are led by running back Alan Taylor, who gained 1,912 and scored 31 touchdowns in the regular season. Yucaipa beat Temescal Canyon, Barstow and Pacific en route to the final.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VIII

La Mirada (13-0)

vs. Laguna Hills (12-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., at La Mirada

La Mirada quarterback Robert Herndon and receiver Tim Lemon are among the best passing combinations in the Southern Section. Herndon passed for 2,175 yards and 30 touchdowns in the regular season. La Mirada has been virtually unchallenged in the playoffs, outscoring Troy, South Hills and Covina by a combined 139-22. Laguna Hills is led by senior running back Michael Jones, who has gained 2,315 yards and scored 35 touchdowns this season. Laguna Hills won the Division VII title in 1991 but has not been in a championship game since.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION IX

Monrovia (12-0-1)

vs. Manhattan Beach Mira Costa (11-2)

Saturday, 7:30, at El Camino College

Mira Costa is making its second consecutive appearance in the division final. Last year, the Mustangs lost to Atascadero. Quarterback Robert Hodge and running back Hussein Meadows lead the Mustang offense. Receiver Michael Ainsworth and tailback Akil Harris are the biggest offensive threats for Monrovia, which scored 42 points or more in each of its three playoff victories. Monrovia has never won a Southern Section football championship.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION X

St. Monica (10-3)

vs. Moorpark (12-1)

Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Moorpark

Moorpark won one of the biggest games in school history last week, defeating Carpinteria, 33-0, and ending a 51-game losing streak against the Warriors that dated to 1935. Linebacker-fullback Shane Brogdon and quarterback Chad Willis lead the Musketeers, who had never advanced past the quarterfinals. St. Monica is led by James Dunn, who has 74 catches for 1,175 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Mariners have never won a section title.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION XI

Lancaster Paraclete (12-1)

vs. Banning (9-4)

Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Nicolet Middle School

Banning, the at-large entry from the Skyline League, is making its first appearance in a section final since the football program began in 1929. Paraclete has not been to a championship game since 1969. In the first round, Banning upset top-seeded L.A. Baptist, 51-45, in six overtimes. Derrick Lee and Larry Armstrong have rushed for more than 1,000 yards each. Nose guard Ricky Lynn has set a state record with 42 sacks this season. Dominic Washington has rushed for 1,696 yards and 22 touchdowns for Paraclete.

SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION XII

Brentwood (11-2)

vs. Arrowhead Christian (10-3)

Friday, 7:30 p.m. at University of Redlands

Arrowhead Christian is the defending champion and is led by running back Trevor Wilson, who gained 1,612 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in the regular season. Steve Wharry and Brandon Camacho are the leading tacklers for the Eagles. Brentwood, the Prep League champion, was not seeded in the playoffs, but beat top-seeded Boron to reach the final. Linebacker Alex Merino, defensive end Byron Bradley and fullback Jason Swartz are team leaders.

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Staff writers Gary Klein, Mike Lazarus, Paige A. Leech, Tris Wykes, Mike Terry, Paul McLeod, Dave McKibben and correspondents Dave Desmond and Mike Bresnahan contributed to this report.