Records: Miramonte 8-3; St. Bernard's 9-3

Kickoff: Saturday at Acalanes High School, 7 p.m.

Series history: The programs have never met in the MaxPreps era (2004 to present).

Storylines: Miramonte is appearing in its second consecutive NCS title game after losing to San Marin in last season's Division V final. … Miramonte is seeking its first section title since 2013 … After being pass-happy last season with quarterback Luke Duncan, now at UCLA, the Matadors have been much more balanced this fall as Charlie Hwang, Carson Blair and Gabe Roman have all rushed for at least 350 yards … Blair, the team's new quarterback, has thrown for 18 touchdowns and completing 61 percent of his passes … The Matadors started the season 6-0, then lost to DAL Foothill powers Acalanes, Las Lomas and Campolindo to close the regular season. … In the playoffs, Miramonte beat San Rafael 48-0 and Alhambra 34-17 to reach the title game. … Luke Milmoe leads Miramonte in tackles with 97. He is one of 14 players to record at least half of a sack this season for the Mats. … St. Bernard's beat Terra Linda 45-7 and Analy 49-0 in the first two playoff rounds. … St. Bernard's will take the 285-mile, five-and-a-half-hour trip from Eureka to the Bay Area. … Miramonte could have its hands full trying to contain St. Bernard's running back Wyatt Simoni, a battering ram who has rushed for 30 touchdowns.

Computer projection: Calpreps.com predicts St. Bernard's will win 28-21. 


https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/11/23/bay-area-high-school-football-2023-ncs-oakland-championship-weekend-preview/