Southern Section playoffs: Santa Margarita is favored, but watch out for Sierra Canyon

Santa Margarita earned the No. 1 seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs following a 10-0 regular season, making the Eagles favorites to repeat as champions. However, columnist Eric Sondheimer argues that the No. 2 seeded Sierra Canyon, also 10-0, poses the strongest threat to challenge the reigning champions after falling to Trinity League opponents in three consecutive postseasons.

Sondheimer highlights Sierra Canyon's improved line play led by Kasie Currie and Marcus Fakatou, as well as the steady play of quarterback Demarco Hernandez. Other Division 1 contenders seeded third through eighth include Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Orange Lutheran, Corona Centennial, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente in the eight-team bracket.