HS FOOT: Mims is da man for Palmdale

Brandon Mims is having an MVP-type season for Palmdale (11-1) heading into Friday's Southern Section Western Division semifinal at Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach (9-3). The senior quarterback has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,527 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he has rushed for 621 yards and six touchdowns. Plus, Mims has 36 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a defensive back.

Mims is confident about advancing past Mira Costa, as the Falcons are seeking their first football championship in the school's 52-year history.

"If we just come out and execute on every play, it should be an easy game," Mims said. "We're hoping our defense can shut down their run and force them to pass. We've got to take Mira Costa seriously and respect them because they've worked hard to get here."

Mims is the first to concede the Golden League does not get much respect, though league mate Quartz Hill also has qualified for the semifinals.

"People hear you're from the Golden League, and they think it's the whackest league you could ever think of," Mims said. "But there is a lot of talent out here and people don't realize that. The teams out here can play with people."

Quartz Hill (11-1), which plays host to Alemany of Mission Hills (11-1) on Saturday night, has come a long way after going 3-7 two years ago. Like Palmdale, the Rebels have never won a football title, coming closest by finishing as a Div. I runner-up in 1990.

"Football has always been the downer sport at Quartz Hill, but now people are starting to respect the football team," Quartz Hill quarterback Josh Firm said. "I've seen the team grow, and we're doing a lot better, and we have a lot more confidence."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com