2009-12-11 / Sports

Simi High hosting Northern Division football championship

It’s a big night for area high school football teams.

Marmonte League rivals Moorpark and Westlake will clash tonight at 7 p.m. at Simi Valley High for the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division championship.

Oaks Christian is vying for its seventh straight section banner at 7:30 p.m. on the road at Serra in a Northwest Division final.

Potential state bowl berths are on the line for all schools.

The Musketeers (12-1) will hope to avenge a 38-14 loss to the Warriors (13-0) on Nov. 13, the last night of the regular season.

Moorpark has bounced back nicely by outscoring three playoff foes, 119-21. MHS defeated Camarillo in the second round.

“Every game’s been a team effort,” said Moorpark senior linebacker Marc Palacios.

“We’ve been able to man-up on defense. The offense is moving the ball. (Brody) Rohach is throwing the ball. (Brian) Blechen is all over the field. Everything’s been clicking.”

The 13-0 Lions, ranked third among all high school teams in the nation by USA Today , will look to stars like running back/ linebacker Malcolm Jones and quarterback Nick Montana to generate offense.

Jones, the Gatorade California Player of the Year, has 41 total touchdowns.

OCHS will count on its experienced defense to stymie Serra’s speedy playmakers.

Serra’s defensive front has logged 72 sacks.

“This is probably the best team we’ve played since I’ve been at Oaks Christian, with the exception of St. Bonaventure,” said OCHS head coach Bill Redell, who picked up his 200th career victory earlier this season against Skyline of Washington.

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