SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Division VII: : Laguna Hills vs. Trabuco Hills

RECORDS--Trabuco Hills (8-4-1), Laguna Hills (9-3-1).

SITE--Mission Viejo High School.

LAGUNA HILLS UPDATE--The Hawks, making their first appearance in a championship game, have won six consecutive games since losing to Pacific Coast League rival Trabuco Hills, 34-21, on Oct. 25. And the Hawks remember that game: They fell behind, 13-0, in the first three minutes and trailed, 28-14, at halftime. Tailback Dave Webber, who had 145 yards and a touchdown against the Mustangs, has been on a rampage throughout the playoffs, rushing for 609 yards and nine touchdowns in three victories. He has 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns for the season. “He’s a difficult guy to tackle,” Trabuco Hills Coach Jim Barnett said. “It’s hard to stop Webber and (Laguna Hills tight end Sergio) Jimenez.” Part of Laguna Hills’ success can be attributed to sophomore quarterback Justin Vedder, who took over before the league season when starter Mike Maceranka broke his collarbone.

TRABUCO HILLS UPDATE--Big games are nothing new to Trabuco Hills. The Mustangs are playing in their third title game in four years, having won Division VIII championships in 1988 and ’89. The passing game made the difference for Trabuco Hills. Quarterback Pat Barnes has completed 164 of 315 passes for 2,714 yards and 18 touchdowns. His favorite target is wide receiver Cordell Graham, a junior who has 54 catches for 872 yards. “They don’t hide what they do best, pass the ball,” Laguna Hills Coach Steve Bresnahan said. “But I think they run the ball much better than the first time we played them. The running game has given their offense an added dimension.” That added dimension is Jeff Clayton, who has rushed for 356 yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs, including 215 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-10 victory over Arroyo Grande in the second round.

KEY TO THE GAME--Trabuco Hills must stop Webber, which sounds much easier than it is. Laguna Hills needs to contain Barnes, keep him from rolling out and throwing to Graham and Jason Teno. The Hawks also need another big game from Vedder and DeFelice to win.

CONSENSUS--Laguna Hills will have Webber and the revenge factor, but Trabuco Hills has too many talented skill players to lose this one. Trabuco Hills by a touchdown.