SOUTHERN SECTION
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DIVISION III: Valencia (11-2) vs. Newhall Hart (12-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30--Valencia is 0-7 against its Foothill League rival, but the Vikings are encouraged because their defense has reached peak form in the playoffs, shutting down pass-happy Crescenta Valley and shutting out run-oriented Palmdale in the last two weeks. Defensive end Brandon Fuselier has 19 sacks. Hart’s offense has been equally impressive during the playoffs. Crucial to the Indians’ success could be the play of underrated tailback Mickey Mercado, who can take pressure off quarterback Matt Moore. Valencia running back Charles Burnley was a non-factor in Hart’s 26-0 victory earlier this season and must come through in third-down situations. Hart is seeking its fourth consecutive Division III championship and hasn’t lost a playoff game since losing to Peninsula in the 1997 semifinals.
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