South Coast League Receives Seeding Snub

There were no South Coast League teams ranked in the Division II polls this season, so it wasn’t a big surprise that league champion San Clemente wasn’t seeded. “It’s not like it’s an outrage,” San Clemente Coach Eric Patton said. “But we don’t feel like the South Coast League got enough recognition or credit all season.” . . .

Most teams would jump at the chance to play a 4-6 team in the first round, but not Palos Verdes Peninsula. Gary Kimbrell, coach of the second-seeded Panthers, is wary of Mission Viejo. “I think it’s a tough draw,” he said. “I know their record isn’t good. But looking at their tapes, they’re not bad. They play everybody pretty tough.”

Peninsula was an upset victim last season, falling to a 5-5 Upland team in the first round. Peninsula’s closest game this year was a 10-7 victory over Esperanza. The Panthers have rotated senior quarterbacks Matt Hively and Brian Smith every series. Smith also plays tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, safety and kicker. . . .

South Coast League teams are making their Division II debut. The league dropped from Division I when Mater Dei was moved to the Serra League. “This is where we belong, but it’s tough not knowing anything about the other teams,” Patton said. “It’s kind of like groping in the dark.” . . .

The most compelling and awkward coaching matchup of the first round is Culver City at Upland, where brothers Tommy and Tim Salter will meet. Tommy is in his first year at Culver City after five years at La Puente Bishop Amat. Tim, in his sixth year at Upland, said he would rather be playing someone else Friday. “You want to win, but you don’t want to see your brother lose,” he said.