CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS

SOUTHERN SECTION

DIVISION IX: Anaheim Western (12-1) vs. Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro (11-2) at Orange Coast College, 7

Expect conflicting offensive styles when these programs try for their first section titles. Top-seeded Western likes to pick up yardage with its double-wing rushing attack, while second-seeded Tesoro features a more wide-open offense. Tesoro quarterback Nick Nelson, a three-year starter, has thrown a touchdown pass in every game but one. He has 2,198 yards and 24 touchdowns through the air and ran for nine more scores. Western running back Devonte Merrifield is 145 yards shy of 2,000 for the season.

DIVISION X: North Torrance (12-1) vs. Encino Crespi (9-4) at Pierce College, 7:30

Fourth-seeded Crespi has come a long way since combining for a 1-19 record in 2000 and 2001. The Celts advanced to their first section final in 18 years with a 25-8 semifinal victory over top-seeded Lompoc, ending the Braves’ 23-game winning streak. In the last two games, Randle Harris has rushed for 273 yards and Martin Ciccolini has intercepted four of his team-high 11 passes for Crespi. North Torrance, seeded second in Division X, is led by running back Ruddy Irving, who has rushed for 1,613 yards and 22 touchdowns.