Football for area schools, in terms of participation, is over except for the annual 605 all-star game and perhaps a smattering of individuals who might be invited to other all-star contests.
La Habra High School put a capper on it by bringing home the Southwest Division championship to go with the Southeast Division crown the Highlanders captured in 2007.
And they did it glorious fashion.
When the game was over, there was no doubt as to which was the better team. The teams played the way they’ve played all year and with the players they’ve played with all year.
There were no “what ifs” or “should-coulda-wouldas” left on the table.
And that’s the way it should be. …
All things considered, it was a good season.
It might have been even better had Pioneer not lost starting quarterback Ronnie Palacios, the Del Rio League’s returning offensive MVP from 2007, to a back problem before the season started.

And if California had not had to play down the stretch with an injured quarterback and running back.

And if Santa Fe had a healthy Aaron Turner playing instead of standing relatively immobile on the sideline with a heavily-taped ankle when the Chiefs lost to Burbank in the first round of the playoffs.

And if La Serna had not been without at least two key players who had been disciplined and were missing in the second-round loss to Rowland.

And if Whittier running back Alex Gonzalez hadn’t suffered an ankle injury (reportedly broken?) just as he was on the verge of a breakout season and set to couple with Daniel Enriquez to provide the Cardinals with the DRL’s best running back tandem.

And if El Rancho hadn’t suffered the same fate, losing half of it’s ground game when Marcus Aldecoa went down with a leg injury leaving Marcus Galan to fend for himself (which he did most valiantly) for a good chunk of the season.

Youthful La Mirada finally settled on a quarterback just in time to win its way into the playoffs, and can’t wait to get started for next season.

And neither, probably, can the rabid fans who have followed the area’s teams this fall.