NOTEBOOK : 3-A Playoffs Will Include Magnet Champs

For the first time in City Section history, the Magnet Conference champion will be included in the playoffs.

In the past, Magnet schools have competed for a separate championship because the City Section felt their enrollment was too small to compete with regular public schools.

This season the Magnet Conference champion will be added to the 3-A Division playoffs.

“The Magnet schools feel they can be very competitive in the City Section 3-A Division playoffs and this year they will be given their chance to shine,” City Commissioner Barbara Fiege said.

The City Section, meanwhile, is looking for a new venue to stage the finals for the boys’ and girls’ 3-A and 4-A championship games on Feb. 24 because of scheduling conflicts at the usual site, the Sports Arena. Fiege said a decision will be made this week.

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Washington quarterback Amar Brisco signed with Nevada Las Vegas on Feb. 1. Brisco (6-0, 175) also received interest from USC, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, Notre Dame and UCLA.

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Kevin Pearson, an assistant football coach at South Gate for four years, was named head coach at Cathedral last week.

Pearson, 29, replaces Tony Barragan, who was dismissed before the last game of the season. The Phantoms finished 5-5.