In a show of strength on the gridiron, the South Bay has landed five teams in championship games this weekend.
In an all-Bay League Northern Division final, third-seeded and league champion Palos Verdes (10-3) will host West Torrance (10-3) Saturday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined since Palos Verdes does not have lights at its stadium.
Palos Verdes is coming off an impressive playoff run while outscoring opponents 148-74 including a 50-33 win at second-seeded Valencia last Friday. Matt Lopes rushed for 199 yards and four touchdowns and quarterback Bryan Scott three for three more as the Sea Kings advanced to take on league rival West, a team Palos Verdes routed 47-14 on Oct. 19.
Despite its fourth-place finish in the Bay League, West earned an at-large berth and has made the most of its opportunity. After eliminating Mira Costa in a 49-42 shootout, the Warriors dominated host Atascadero 37-6 in the semifinals. West has outscored its playoff opponents 131-68.
In the Northwest Division, fourth-seeded North Torrance (11-2) handed top-seeded Bishop Diego its first loss of the season with a 28-14 semifinal win at home. The Saxons will be looking for their first CIF title in four championship appearances when they host second-seeded Nordhoff at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday evening, the Western Division will be determined when fourth-seeded Serra (11-2) hosts second-seeded Chaminade (12-1).
In the L.A. City Section Division 1 championship game, Narbonne (13-0) will take on Crenshaw (12-1) Saturday at East L.A. College. The Gauchos are looking for their second consecutive title against second-seeded Crenshaw.
