DIVISION IX

2001 champion: Brea Olinda (has moved to Division VI).

League favorites: Fullerton (Freeway), Fountain Valley Los Amigos (Garden Grove), Anaheim Western (Orange), Irvine University (Pacific Coast), Covina Northview (Valle Vista).

Contenders: Buena Park (Freeway), Garden Grove Pacifica (Garden Grove), Anaheim Savanna (Orange), Corona del Mar, Irvine Northwood (Pacific Coast), Covina, Pomona (Valle Vista).

Key dates: Oct. 3, Los Amigos vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande High; Oct. 11, University vs. Northview at Covina District Stadium; Oct. 17, University vs. Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor High; Oct. 18, Fullerton at La Habra, Northview at Covina; Oct. 24, Savanna at Western; Nov. 1, La Habra at Buena Park; Nov. 8, Northview vs. Pomona at Ganesha High; Nov. 18, Fullerton at Buena Park.

The scoop: Defending champion Brea and the division’s 1999 champion, La Verne Bonita, are in Division VI. The 2000 division champion, West Covina South Hills, is in Division VII. Last year, section runner-up Buena Park won its first playoff game in 45 years, and the Coyotes should be hungry to continue their success. They’re more athletic than last season’s team, and that’s a good start. Pomona moved into the Valle Vista League from the Miramonte, where it faced powers Charter Oak and Los Altos. Though Northview remains the Valle Vista favorite, Pomona could become a player.