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CIF STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL FINALS
DIVISION 2-AA
La Habra (11-3) vs. Bakersfield Christian (12-0)
Where, when: Bakersfield Christian High, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Live coverage: NFHS Network (stream)
Outlook: The Highlanders advanced to the regional finals for the first time since 2015 by defeating San Jacinto 27-13 in Menifee for the CIF-SS Division 4 crown. In 2015, La Habra lost at Camarillo 63-49 in the Division 2-AA regional final. La Habra will play its third consecutive road game in the playoffs.
The Highlanders, under eight-time section championship-winning coach Frank Mazzotta, have turned to their ground attack in the postseason. Junior running back Kevika Mata’utia-Martinez has averaged 162.3 yards on 27 carries in the playoffs.
The Highlanders’ ground-and-pound strategy fits well their strong offensive line and dual-threat quarterback DJ Mitchell. The junior has rushed for 689 yards and 11 TDs.
The Highlanders’ leading receiver, Bryce Vasquez, was injured during last week’s game and didn’t return. The junior said he was hopeful to play this week. He leads La Habra with 62 catches for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdown. Junior Blake Rogers has 47 receptions for 905 yards and nine scores.
La Habra’s defense has played its best in the postseason. In the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs, the unit allowed 8.5 points per game. The strength of the defense is at linebacker with leading tacklers Noah Barajas, Barrett Blied and Mata’utia-Martinez.
Bakersfield Christian defeated Liberty 38-16 on Nov. 21 to capture the Central Section Division 1A title as the No. 1 seed. The Eagles are led by dual-threat QB Lincoln Adame (2,337 yards passing) and wide receiver Michael Smith (43 catches, 1,144 yards and 16 TDs). Arnez Lee has 21 sacks to anchor the defense.
The team is coached by Darren Carr, the brother of former NFL quarterbacks Derek and David Carr.
The winner of this game will play the winner of the Northern California Regional final (Serra of San Mateo vs. St. Mary’s) in next week’s state championship game.
Prediction: La Habra. The Highlanders are playing physically on both sides of the ball and have improved on defense.
