Prep football finals: The players and the picks

Northern Division

Westlake Village Westlake (12-1) at Westlake Village Oaks Christian (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Fox Sports West. These two powerhouse football programs are so near each other that when the stadium lights are on, fans can see each other’s fields. Westlake won the first meeting on Oct. 1, 31-12. The Lions had no answer for Westlake quarterback Nick Isham’s ability to change plays and recognize open receivers. This time, healthy defensive end Dillon van der Wal (18 sacks) hopes to lead an improved Oaks Christian defense. And the Lions’ offense is much better because of more experience in the offensive line and the play of running back Ishmael Adams. But Westlake is 25-1 the last two years, and the Warriors only need to keep doing what they’ve been doing to win this Northern Division final. The pick: Westlake.

Inland Division

Vista Murrieta (12-1) at Corona Centennial (13-0), 7:30 p.m. This Inland Division final comes down to whether Vista Murrieta has the offensive firepower to keep pace with the high-scoring Huskies. Centennial’s offense is averaging 54.6 points. Running back Barrinton Collins has rushed for 2,026 yards and 37 touchdowns. Vista Murrieta quarterback-punter Derrick Brown will need to use all of his versatility to keep his team in the game. The pick: Centennial.

Western Division

Arroyo Grande (11-2) at Gardena Serra (13-0), 7 p.m. Serra is on the verge of back-to-back Western Division championships, and Arroyo Grande is going to be making the long drive from the Central Coast for the privilege of taking on one of the most talented teams in the Southland. The Cavaliers have two of the most dynamic, explosive two-way players in receiver-defensive backs George Farmer and Marqise Lee, and quarterback Conner Preston isn’t bad, either. Arroyo Grande will try to control the clock with its running attack, but at some point, Farmer & Co. must be stopped. The pick: Serra.

City Section Division II

Los Angeles Fairfax (9-3-1) vs. Chatsworth (11-2) at East Los Angeles College, 7 p.m. Can Chatsworth stop Fairfax running back Matt Bowen? Bowen has rushed for 2,180 yards and 24 touchdowns and is the key player to watch in this City Section Division II final. The pick: Fairfax.