HS FOOT: Southern Section finalists celebrate championship week in style

LONG BEACH -- It's championship week in high school football, and the Southern Section hosted its annual luncheon Monday at The Grand, as players and coaches from the finalists in all divisions enjoyed a well-executed keynote speech from former NFL quarterback Jay Schroeder - who did a good job remaining impartial because he also happens to be an assistant for Northern Division finalist Oaks Christian.

A few tables away from Oaks Christian sat the players from co-finalist Westlake, while few tables away from East Valley finalist Sierra Canyon sat the players from division rival Paraclete.

Everyone was in a great mood - especially the players, who got a rare opportunity to miss school - and there was a strong sense of honor and achievement, as Schroeder reminded everyone they may not remember the name of their 10th-grade math teacher, but they will always remember their high school football coach.