HS FOOT: Alemany qualifies for first-ever football final

Alemany qualified for its first Southern Section football final in the school's 53-year history Friday, and the Warriors did it the old-fashioned way, playing tough defense and using crisp execution on offense in a 35-24 victory over visiting Dominguez of Compton in the Western Division semifinals before a crowd of about 4,500.

"I feel great. This is the first time we've ever made it to the final, and I'm part of it," running back Malcolm Marable said.

In fact, Marable was a big part of it.

A four-year starter who saved one of his best performances, Marable rushed for 120 yards and four touchdowns in 23 carries.

Alemany (10-3) plays at home next Friday in the championship game against tonight's semifinal between Palmdale (10-2) and host Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach (10-2).

"I think now that we've made it to a CIF final, there's no stopping us," Marable said.

It was anyone's game after the teams were tied 14-14 at halftime, but in the second half Alemany finally figured out how to slow Dominguez's power-pitch offense, and the Warriors eventually pulled away thanks to three Marable touchdown runs over the final two quarters.

Alemany coach Dean Herrington signed on four years ago after Alemany had won 16 games over the previous six seasons, and after one rebuilding season in 2006, Alemany advanced to the quarterfinals in 2007 and the semifinals last year.

"Coach Herrington deserves 100 percent of the credit. I admire him a lot," Marable said.

Alemany's Vernon Adams completed 5 of 6 passes for 139 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown to Chike Mbanefo, and Adams added 80 yards rushing on eight carries.

Dominguez's Will Gregory rushed for 141 yards on 19 carries, scoring on two 1-yard runs. Devonte Carter added 95 yards on 14 carries, and Chris Brown completed 6 of 8 passes for 49 yards.

Alemany totaled 379 yards, including 240 on the ground.