Division II second round

Santiago/Corona (22-6) at JSerra (17-9), 3:15

Prediction: The host Lions hope to make a deep playoff run but first they need to get past a solid Santiago team, which finished second to Riverside Poly in the Big 8. Both teams had a bye in the first round, so this one could be action-packed. But the rugged Trinity League and an improved nonleague schedule have prepared the Lions, who notch their first victory in CIF waters.

JSerra's boys water polo team this morning won a coin-flip for SECOND place in the Trinity League, leaving Santa Margarita and Servite to play for third place. That match will be played Friday at SERVITE at 4 p.m.

The Eagles forced the three-way tie by upsetting No. 8 JSerra on Wednesday. But by winning the coin-flip, the Lions helped minimize the damage.

In a 70-6 victory against Brethren Christian, Murayama rushed for seven touchdowns - in the first three quarters.

He just missed the Orange County record for most touchdowns in the game. Former Los Amigos running back Andrew Niumata scored a county-record in 1998 against Bolsa Grande.

I saw Murayama play last season and he runs hard. The bad news for the competition is he is only a junior and is his being coached by a man who puts his players in the position to excel. Harry Welch spread the field and has the scheme to cause teams a lot of problems - like tonight.

Oh, and the Tartans have won 36 straight.

1. St. Margaret's (Academy) 7-0

2. Maranatha (Alpha) 7-0

3. Brentwood (Alpha) 6-1

4. Twentynine Palms (De Anza) 6-2

5. Aquinas (Christian) 6-1

6. Fillmore (Frontier) 7-1

7. Desert (High Desert) 6-2

8. Santa Paula (Frontier) 5-2

9. Malibu (Frontier) 6-1

10. Big Bear (De Anza) 4-2-1

Others: Arrowhead Christian (Christian) 5-2; Western Christian (Christian) 5-2

RELATED:

• All new CIF football polls (Oct. 27)
• All CIF football polls for the season
• O.C. football Top 25

In the game, St. Margaret's football coach Harry Welch is vying for his 200th career coaching victory. Welch is 20-0 in 1 1/2 seasons at St. Margaret's.

He earned the majority of his victories as the longtime coach at Canyon of Canyon Country.

In his 20th overall season, Welch's career record is an impressive 199-48-2 going into today's game.

Babovic, a foreign exchange student from Serbia, has been cleared by the Southern Section to play junior varsity but was seeking to play varsity.

As it was late in Tuesday's session, the definition of enrollment loomed large in the decision by Judge Steven L. Perk.

The Southern Section and state CIF argued that enrollment starts when a student begins to attend class.

Babovic's attorney, Richard Bridgford, argued that enrollment started when Babovic's registration process was completed at Corona del Mar in March and his spot at the school was secured. The senior arrived in the United States in August and began taking classes in September.

In the end, Perk sided with the Southern Section and state CIF's definition, meaning that Babovic had inappropriate contact before enrolling.

"They (CIF) won a technicality based on an interpretation of enrollment," said Bridgford, also the father of Mission Viejo quarterback Allan Bridgford.

Perk emphasized that Corona del Mar administrators should have known the eligibility rules better.

Babovic played for Corona del Mar in a tournament in Hungary in July. James Watson, the father of the family hosting Babovic, said Corona del Mar's administration approved the participation.

But Perk also said that he believed Babovic was not recruited by the school and was a random placement. Watson took victory in that part of Perk's findings.

Watson said he was "thrilled" his family's name was cleared. But there was disappointment, too. He said he was disappointed that a "tragic comedy of errors" prevented Babovic from playing "varsity ball."

State CIF attorney Diane Marshall-Freeman was pleased with the ruling. "We're just pleased the judge upheld the rules of the CIF," she said.

Bridgford said he has not decided whether to appeal.

1. Faith Baptist

2. Windward

3. Santa Clarita Christian

4. Avalon

5. Thacher

6. Sierra Canyon

7. Hesperia Christian

8. Calvary Chapel/MV

9. Montclair Prep

10. Excelsior Education Center

Division II

1. Big Pine

2. Desert Chapel

3. Trona

4. Rolling Hills Prep

5. North County Christian

6. Hope Centre Academy

7. Lighthouse Christian

8. Southlands Christian

9. Cuyama Valley

10. Desert Christian/BD

ANAHEIM - The JSerra football team created opportunities on defense and capitalized on good field position in a 35-2 victory over Katella in a nonleague game played Friday at Glover Stadium.

The Lions (5-0) will head into Trinity League play next week with an unblemished record against nonleague opponents.

“It was a good tune up for league,” JSerra coach Jim Hartigan said of Friday’s victory. “It wasn’t our best performance but I’ll take it. I’m proud of our kids.”

In the first quarter, a 57-yard punt pinned the Knights (1-4) deep in their own territory and the JSerra defense kept them there.

The Knights were forced to punt from their own 8, giving the Lions field position inside the Katella 30.
Four plays later, a 2-yard scoring run by Logan Welbaum gave JSerra a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Colby Goldschmied’s 7-yard touchdown run gave JSerra a 14-0 lead.

Katella fumbled the ensuing kickoff return giving the Lions a short field on the 19.

JSerra quarterback completed an 18-yard pass to Bobby Brown and then tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to Otto Behrle to make the score, 21-0.

The Lions put the game out of reach with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

JSerra’s defense jammed the line of scrimmage and never allowed the Knights offense to gain momentum.

Aside from a safety, the Knights only other scoring opportunity was a missed 52-yard field goal try.

Dries is arguably the best field player in Orange County and certainly is a player to watch in the USA Water Polo pipeline.

A natural center, she has great size, speed and power.

Stanford got an absolutely gem who will be a force on the collegiate level.

In other recruiting news, Laguna Beach senior goalie Sarah Zuziak has committed to UC Santa Barbara. The Breakers have two other recruits to watch, so yes, they'll again be a team to watch.

Junior Alex Wherry and senior Nathan Caulum each finished with three goals.

 On a night when Mater Dei's man-advantage went 2 for 10 and its offense started slow, it was defense and speed going the other way that turned this one in favor of the Monarchs.

Servite started strong but didn't score for the final 9:04.

Third period

The visiting Monarchs and Friars are tied, 5-5, after three periods. Mater Dei outscored Servite, 4-1, in the third.

First half

Servite's water polo team leads reigning Trinity League champion Mater Dei, 4-1, at halftime. The Friars scored the first four goals and the Monarchs are 0 for 7 on extra. Pool deck packed.