PREP EXTRA : SOUTHERN SECTION : Top Catholic Schools Put in Two Leagues

Football championships in 66 leagues and 15 divisions will be up for grabs this season in the Southern Section.

The biggest change is in Division I, where realignment has put Catholic schools Santa Ana Mater Dei, Santa Margarita, Bellflower St. John Bosco and Anaheim Servite in the newly formed Serra League, and La Puente Bishop Amat, Loyola, Santa Fe Springs St. Paul and Alemany in the Del Rey League.

Each team in the Serra League will play two nonleague games against Del Rey League opponents, and vice versa.

Here is a look at 10 teams to watch:

1. SANTA ANA MATER DEI (DIVISION I)

The Monarchs have five returning starters on offense and four on defense from a team that beat Long Beach Poly, 33-26, in the Division I title game and finished 13-1.

Senior Matt Grootegoed, a top college prospect as a defensive back, will start the season at quarterback. But no one will be surprised if he finishes it at running back. Last year, he gained 1,238 yards as a tailback.

Mater Dei might have the toughest schedule in the state with games against Clovis West, Concord De La Salle, Banning, Santa Fe Springs St. Paul, Loyola and Santa Margarita.

2. SANTA MARGARITA (DIVISION I)

The Eagles are stepping up to Division I after winning two Division V titles and finishing second in Division IV in the last three years.

It shouldn’t be a problem for a team that features transfers Chris Rix, Jimmy Herzog and Dave Doomey.

Rix, a quarterback who has committed to Florida State, passed for 1,700 yards last season at Bishop Amat. Herzog rushed for 1,502 yards for Costa Mesa and Doomey ran for 1,149 yards for Irvine.

3. LOYOLA (DIVISION I)

The Cubs, under Coach Steve Grady, have plenty of speed to go with their usual muscle up front.

Running backs Taylor Williams, Syga Thomas and Justin Wesson give quarterback Eric McClenahan three weapons in the backfield. Michael Schneiders is the top receiver, Keith Ornelas the top offensive lineman.

Thomas, who also plays defensive end, linebacker Nathan Dyce and free safety Matt Ware lead the defense.

4. LONG BEACH POLY (DIVISION I)

The Jackrabbits lost the core players from teams that went 27-1 the last two seasons, but Long Beach Poly is never short of quality replacements.

Defensive lineman Raymond Tago and free safety Marley Tucker lead the defense.

Quarterback Brandon Fasavalu, a transfer from St. Louis High in Hawaii, and running backs Keith Williams and Herschel Dennis are expected to be key offensive performers.

5. LA PUENTE BISHOP AMAT (DIVISION I)

Mike DiFiore is the new coach of the Lancers, replacing Tom Salter, who left to become coach at Culver City.

The loss of Rix and graduation of talented running back Mike Wagner and receiver/defensive back Dennis Wyrick will be offset by the return of 10 starters.

Defensive backs Jason Jones and Jason Leach are regarded as top college prospects.

6. RIALTO EISENHOWER (DIVISION I)

The Eagles were forced to forfeit eight victories last season for using an ineligible player, but they have 12 starters returning and are one of the favorites to win the Citrus Belt League.

Senior running back Mario McDowell rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season.

7. DIAMOND BAR (DIVISION II)

The Brahmas won the Division II championship last season with a team that featured several talented juniors.

Twelve starters, including quarterback Don Sizemore and running back Jason Wright, are back for a team that finished 13-1, beating defending champion Chino in the championship game.

8. COMPTON DOMINGUEZ (DIVISION II)

The Dons are ranked second behind Diamond Bar in the Southern Section preseason poll. Fourteen starters return from a team that lost to Division II champion Diamond Bar, 43-22, in the semifinals.

Linebacker Kevin Burnett and offensive lineman Brandon Lockheart are two of the most talented players at their positions in the Southland.

9. SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME (DIVISION III)

Defensive end Travis Johnson is regarded as one of the top players at his position in the nation. He’s part of a defense that features nine returning starters from a team that beat Loyola and lost only to Bishop Amat in the regular season and was defeated by eventual champion Mater Dei in the Division I quarterfinals.

Notre Dame was not involved in the realignment of parochial schools and thus opens the season ranked No. 1 in Division III.

10. NEWHALL HART (DIVISION III)

Pat Norton, a fullback and linebacker who has committed to UCLA, leads the Indians, who must find a way to make up for the loss of All-American quarterback Kyle Boller.

Junior Kyle Matter takes over for Boller in a program that has produced 14 consecutive All-Southern Section players at the position.