Southern Section championships put on the biggest show

In Indiana, state championships in basketball are worshiped. In Texas, state championships in football get a coach a $100,000 salary, new cowboy boots and a parade.

But in California, state championships haven’t achieved such acclaim. I think it’s because most people in Southern California hardly care about beating a school from Northern California.

The real passion in high school football comes out when taking on a neighbor or a familiar rival in a championship setting.

That’s why this weekend’s City Section and Southern Section championships will draw more fan interest than next weekend’s state championship bowl games.

In Orange County, where crowds of more than 20,000 have come out for Servite-Mater Dei games, the Pac-5 matchup Saturday between Servite (12-1) and Edison (13-0) ought to shut down the communities of Anaheim and Huntington Beach. Well, at least cause the surfers of Huntington Beach to put away their boards for a few hours and inspire large numbers to come out to Angel Stadium.

There’s so much respect between players and coaches from the schools that it has all the makings of a classic, because friends play so much harder against each other, seeking bragging rights for 2009 and beyond.

When it comes to character, Servite and Edison players have it. When they’re hit and fall down, they get back up. When the going gets tough, they play harder. When the pressure rises, they thrive.

Maybe it’s because of their coaches, Troy Thomas at Servite and Dave White at Edison, but I have no doubt no matter which team emerges victorious, fans will be proud to have watched the game because these programs are examples of everything that’s good about high school sports.

But since I’m a sportswriter and everyone asks, “Who’s going to win?” I have to make a prediction.

Edison has been unbeatable since summer passing tournaments started in June. Everyone thought once the pads came on and linemen were added, the Chargers would lose a game. It hasn’t happened yet. Mater Dei came closest, taking the Chargers into overtime.

Edison’s offense has so many weapons that defenses think one minute they have them stopped, then suddenly the Chargers are driving for a touchdown.

Servite has the hottest quarterback in Southern California in Cody Fajardo, and quarterbacks are the ones who deliver championships in the Pac-5. His ability to improvise and turn what seems to be a bad situation into a good one is a skill that can’t be taught. It’s his gift. And it’s the biggest worry for Chargers fans. Yes, Edison linebacker Jordan Zumwalt is playing better than anyone else on defense, but Fajardo is doing the same on offense.

Both teams keep finding ways to win. Servite keeps winning without two injured defensive linemen, Troy Niklas and Kirifi Leuta-Taula. Edison won last week without its 14-sack defensive end Charles Burks.

Edison beat Servite, 23-9, back on Sept. 25 when Zumwalt played with one hand -- his other was in a cast because of a broken bone -- so picking a winner is difficult, but here it is: Edison 24, Servite 21.

Just a guess. Don’t bet the puppy.

I’m going to the game to work, but having seen and spoken to these players all season, I can say it’s going to be a pleasure to watch them in a championship atmosphere supported by their loyal fans. They exude class.

Rising from despair

After Harbor City Narbonne lost its final Marine League game to Wilmington Banning, dropping its record to 5-5, Coach Manuel Douglas remembers returning to his classroom and wanting the season to be over.

“It was very disheartening,” he said. “I was distraught.”

His team had underachieved and seemed to be going nowhere. But on Saturday at the Coliseum, it will be Narbonne (8-5) taking on Crenshaw (13-0) for the City Section Division I championship. The Gauchos have resurrected their season and regained their confidence.

“We’ve seemed to hit our stride during the playoffs,” Douglas said.

Quarterback Chad Dashnaw has passed for 3,252 yards and 31 touchdowns. Running back Melvin Davis has rushed for 1,542 yards.

The team should feel no pressure because they’re heavy underdogs, and those sometimes are the most dangerous teams.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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