2. Mission Bay (San Diego) vs. Serra (Gardena), 2009
MaxPreps Player of the Year Dillon Baxter didn't get a chance to show his talents at the Home Depot Center in 2009, as Serra (Gardena) was the choice.
Photo by Steven Silva
Led by All-American Dillon Baxter, Mission Bay went 13-0 on the season and won the San Diego Section Division IV championship. Baxter was a one-man wrecking crew, rushing for 2,974 yards and 50 touchdowns and throwing for 1,922 yards and 25 scores. However the selection committee went with Serra, a team that featured future college All-Americans Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, along with quarterback Conner Preston, who threw for 3,437 yards. Serra finished the regular season 14-0, but most importantly it had an impressive 42-41 win over Oaks Christian on its resume.
Serra beat Marin Catholic, 24-20 in the Division III Bowl Game. Baxter, Woods and Lee all ended up at USC, although Baxter was later dismissed from the team.
