SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEWS : Favorite’s Role Weighs Heavy on Unbeaten Bishop Amat

Mark Paredes, La Puente Bishop Amat football coach, has seen all the seedings, rankings and records. He has heard all the talk and read all the newspaper articles.

And, frankly, he wishes it would all go away.

Such is the price one pays for being No. 1.

When Bishop Amat toppled previously top-ranked Los Angeles Loyola, 28-14, on Nov. 7, the Lancers were suddenly cast in the favorite’s role. Bishop Amat went on to finish the regular season with a 10-0 record, won the Del Rey League championship and was the top-seeded team in the Southern Section Division I playoffs.

As he gets his team ready for an opening-round game against Mission Viejo Friday, Paredes is taking nothing for granted. He knows that in a week or so, Bishop Amat could be watching from the sideline as others battle for the title.

Loyola could be a factor, so could Fontana or Rialto Eisenhower, or even Mater Dei.

“A lot of crazy things happen in the playoffs,” Paredes said. “Being ranked No. 1 has nothing to do with anything. With a few twists we could have three or four losses and some other teams could be undefeated.”

So what has happened over the last 10 weeks means nothing, right?

That’s not entirely true.

The truth is that by playing so well Bishop Amat has earned the No. 1 spot. And by being just a step behind the Lancers, second-seeded Fontana, No. 3 Loyola and No. 4 Eisenhower deserve consideration as others to watch.

And what of Mater Dei, the defending division champion?

Last season, the Monarchs roared through the playoffs on the strength of quarterback Billy Blanton’s right arm. A 35-14 victory over Eisenhower, the nation’s top-ranked team according to USA Today, brought Mater Dei its first section title since 1965.

When Blanton left to begin his college career at San Diego State, Mater Dei’s expectations seemed to return to earth.

Somebody wisely changed the team’s “Red Attitude” motto to “Quiet Thunder.”

Although unseeded, Mater Dei comes into the playoffs with an unassuming 8-1-1 record, and a sophomore quarterback named John Flynn who has started only two games.

At least one coach believes Mater Dei could be a factor, however.

“It’s a matter of timing and who gets hot,” said Eric Patton, coach of unseeded Capistrano Valley (6-3-1). “The other night (in a 35-0 victory over San Clemente), Mater Dei looked real hot.”

Mater Dei opens against Encino Crespi (7-3) Friday at Orange Coast College. Capistrano Valley plays host to Redlands (7-3).

For the moment, Bishop Amat appears to be the best of the 16 teams in the division. But all that could change beginning Friday.

“To be perfectly honest, the team that has the inside track is the team that not only is well-coached and disciplined but also has a little luck,” Paredes said. “It’s a matter of whether the vibes, the stars, are right.”

Division I at a Glance

Defending champion--Mater Dei.

Top teams--Fontana (9-1), Rialto Eisenhower (8-1-1), La Puente Bishop Amat (10-1), Los Angeles Loyola (9-1).

Dark horses--Long Beach Poly (7-3), Mater Dei (8-1-1).

Key players--Clelio Boccato, quarterback, Loyola; Germaine Gray, defensive end, Eisenhower; David Griffin, running back, Fontana; Robert Molina, wide receiver/defensive back, Mater Dei; Rodney Sermons, running back, Bishop Amat; Mike Smith, quarterback, Bishop Amat; Blake Spence, tight end, Capistrano Valley; Nicky Sualua, running back/defensive lineman, Mater Dei.

Best draw--Bishop Amat. The Lancers were unbeatable during the regular season, why should anything change now? Pity Mission Viejo, Bishop Amat’s first-round opponent.

Worst draw--Mission Viejo (5-5).

Notes--Mater Dei won its first section championship since 1965 when it defeated Rialto Eisenhower, 35-14, in Anaheim Stadium last season. Can the Monarchs return to the title game? It’s doubtful. The strength of the division seems to have moved elsewhere this season. Two weeks ago, Bishop Amat and Loyola played what might be a preview of the championship game with Bishop Amat winning, 28-14. It was Bishop Amat’s eighth victory over Loyola in the last nine games. Another possible rematch involves Citrus Belt League rivals Eisenhower and Fontana. On Oct. 30, Fontana defeated Eisenhower, 28-20. To the winner goes a chance to represent the Southern Section against the City Section 4-A champion in the first Reebok Bowl Dec. 18 at Anaheim Stadium.