SOUTHERN SECTION

DIVISION I: Long Beach Poly (11-1) vs. Huntington Beach Edison (11-0-1) at Edison Field, 7:30 p.m.--If Edison is to upset top-seeded Poly, Bryan Meers, Jon Simpson & Co. will have to hold their own along the offensive line to give quarterback Tommy Grady time to throw quick slants and medium-range passes. It’s no secret that running back Hershel Dennis leads a Poly team seeking its third consecutive title. Edison hasn’t been in a title game since 1985, when it tied Poly, 14-14, but Charger Coach Dave White noted that the Chargers have never lost in the four championship games in which they have appeared. Still, he said, it would take “a perfect game” to beat the Jackrabbits. If the Chargers are able to slow Dennis, they will still have to contend with quarterback Brandon Brooks, who has completed 59.6% of his passes, and a receiving corps that includes tight end Marcedes Lewis (16.5 yards per catch, nine touchdowns). Edison’s A.J. Martinez brings four ways to beat an opponent--as a running back, receiver, defensive back and kicker.

*

DIVISION II: Mission Viejo (13-0) vs. Chino (12-0) at Edison Field, 2 p.m.--These teams played last season in a second-round playoff game that Mission Viejo tailback Robbie Dubois would rather forget. Dubois was stopped three times on short-yardage situations in the fourth quarter as Chino held on for a 17-7 victory. One reason Dubois came up short was the absence of blocking back Ryan Powdrell, who was out because of a broken leg. Powdrell is back this time to lead the way for Dubois (2,529 yards, 33 touchdowns). Powdrell could also make a difference at linebacker, where he has recorded a team-best 84 tackles. Chino, which won a section title in 1997 and was runner-up in ’98 and last year, is led by running backs Kes Olomu (1,559 yards, eight touchdowns) and Jacob Flowe (1,045 yards, 15 touchdowns). USC-bound receiver Chris McFoy has caught 42 passes for 777 yards and five touchdowns. Mission Viejo, which last won a section title in 1981, hasn’t been to a championship game since 1985.