Southern California football title games with Regional Bowl implications

The finals have finally arrived, and that means we are just one week from the first Regional Bowl Games in California history.

Here are previews of seven section finals from around Southern California (Southern, Los Angeles, San Diego) that have big-time Regional Bowl Game implications. Also be sure to check out the Southern Section score projections, the Regional Bowl Game explanation/projections, California football playoff brackets and California Bowl Game Rankings.

Southern Section Pac-5 Division
Teams: Long Beach Poly (9-3) vs. Mater Dei (Santa Ana) (11-2)
Kickoff: Saturday at Angels Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: One of these teams is essentially supposed to be here. The other, not so much. Mater Dei has been one of Southern California's more consistent programs this season, particularly so after junior Chase Forrest took over the starter's role from senior Ryan McMahon at quarterback. Long Beach Poly, on the other hand, is no slouch. This season was supposed to be one of those rebuilding type of years for the Jackrabbits, who started 1-3. The situation never materialized for them, however, due in large part to the steady play of senior running back Gerard Wicks.
Projection: The Monarchs figure to prevail against Long Beach Poly. Beyond that, the South Division I Regional Bowl appears to be the next destination. It will be difficult for the individuals on the selection committee to ignore a tough schedule that included competitive losses against Narbonne and St. John Bosco along with a win over St. Bonaventure.

Southern Section Inland Division
Teams: Centennial (Corona) (12-1) vs. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta) (13-0)
Kickoff: Friday at Vista Murrieta, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The battle for Inland Empire bragging rights is at stake in this one. Su'a Cravens has willed Vista Murrieta to 13 wins this season and expect the senior defensive back and USC commit to do the same this time around. Junior quarterback Robert Webber has done a serviceable job for Centennial thus far. The spotlight, however, might be a bit much for him to handle.
Projection: Cravens and his teammates will not be satisfied with merely a section title. They have their eyes on bigger and better things, namely an appearance in the Open Division Regional Bowl. The Huskies could end up being a minor distraction along the way.

Los Angeles City Section Division I
Teams: Crenshaw (Los Angeles) (12-1) vs. Narbonne (Harbor City) (13-0)
Kickoff: Saturday at East Los Angeles College, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Narbonne appears poised to run the table. Senior quarterback and Washington commit Troy Williams has been a man on a mission this season and it does not look like anyone can stop the Gauchos. Not even a talented team such as Crenshaw, with seniors Mossi Johnson and Dominique Hatfield, has enough firepower to keep things close against Williams & Co.
Projection: Williams gets the job done. Again. And Narbonne, of course, advances to the Open Division Regional Bowl after defeating a pair of high-profile Pac-5 Division programs this season and one of the best from the Western Division.



Southern Section Western Division
Teams: Chaminade (West Hills) (12-1) vs. Serra (Gardena) (11-2)
Kickoff: Friday at Serra, 8 p.m.
Outlook: These teams are not strangers. Serra will have revenge on its mind after an embarrassing loss to Chaminade earlier this season. Terrell Newby and the Eagles appear more than capable of duplicating the feat this time around.
Projection: Chaminade controls its own destiny. A victory is the only thing standing between it and an all-important berth in the South Division II Regional Bowl. Serra will put up a fight, no doubt about. In the end though, the Eagles will remain alive in the playoffs.

San Diego Section Division II
Teams: Oceanside (11-2) vs. Poway (10-2)
Kickoff: Saturday at Escondido High, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Oceanside figured to go as far as senior quarterback Israel Paopao would take it. Lo and behold, the Pirates are playing for a title. Poway hopes to play the role of spoiler. That figures to be easier said than done at this stage of the game.
Projection: Oceanside has worked too hard to turn back now. An impressive win will help its chances for consideration in the South Division II Regional Bowl. The problem is that Chaminade is in the running for the same position and that could spell trouble.

Southern Section Southwest Division
Teams: Edison (Huntington Beach) (12-1) vs. Villa Park (12-1)
Kickoff: Friday at Angel Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The winner of the ground game in this battle will prevail. Odds are, Edison survives behind the running back-by-committee approach of Marquis Ross, Elijah Herrera and Donald Rice. Villa Park might be able to stop one of the trio, not all three of them.
Projection: Edison has not received much, if any, respect this season. That fact does not sit well with the Chargers either. They are in search of validation and a victory over Villa Park will strengthen their chances of earning a spot in the South Division II Regional Bowl.

Southern Section Mid-Valley Division
Teams: Paraclete (Lancaster) (12-1) at Monrovia (11-2)
Kickoff: Friday at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Atop the division's rankings for a majority of the season, Paraclete is in the position it wants to be at this time of the year. Monrovia, conversely, is just happy to be hanging around, with a chance to win a championship. Something has to give.
Projection: A nod for an all-important invite to the South Division III Regional Bowl is within reach for Paraclete. Letting the opportunity slip away with a loss to Monrovia is not an option, especially after holding the top spot for so long now.