Southern Section football playoffs promise excitement

The top teams might not necessarily have a clear path to title games, as a few dark horses are ready to pounce.

The Southern Section football pairings were released Sunday, so it's time to evaluate the top divisions and project which teams and players are going to be busy on Thanksgiving and beyond.

Pac-5

Top seedings: 1. Huntington Beach Edison (10-0); 2. Mission Viejo (10-0); 3. Anaheim Servite (9-1); 4. Lakewood (9-1).

Best opening matchup: Santa Ana Mater Dei (6-4) at La Puente Bishop Amat (9-1).

Most underrated player: Running back Kyle Middlebrooks, Fountain Valley. He's one of the fastest teenagers in California, and any kind of good blocking creates the opportunity for a long gain.

The scoop: "Edison is the cream of the crop," Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said. He's right, but the Chargers may have to go through a private-school gauntlet to win it all. Servite has a smoother path to the final.

The pick: Servite.

Inland

Top seedings: 1. Redlands East Valley (10-0); 2. Vista Murrieta (10-0); 3. Norco (9-1); 4. Moreno Valley Rancho Verde (10-0).

Best opening matchup: Corona Roosevelt (8-2) at Temecula Chaparral (7-3).

Most underrated player: Quarterback Derek Brown, Vista Murrieta. At 6 feet 3 and 230 pounds, Brown is big enough to play on the line. But the junior has a strong arm and booms punts so high you need binoculars to keep track.

The scoop: Everybody's eyes are on unseeded Corona Centennial (8-2), which could face Rancho Verde in the second round. The Huskies figure to be a big factor before this division is decided.

The pick: Vista Murrieta.

Western

Top seedings: 1. Manhattan Beach Mira Costa (8-2); 2. Culver City (9-1); 3. Mission Hills Alemany (7-3); 4. Palmdale (8-2).

Best opening matchup: West Torrance (7-3) at Warren (9-1).

Most underrated player: Quarterback Marquel Carter, Culver City. Yes, he speaks fluent Japanese, but he also has passed for 2,495 yards and 27 touchdowns, and rushed for 15 touchdowns.

The scoop: Mira Costa has played a tough schedule and has the most playoff experience. Alemany is a dangerous team with speed and a Division I mentality.

The pick: Mira Costa.

Northern