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 Santa Ana's Damian Macias scrambles for yards during the first quarter of his team's CIF semifinal game against Laguna Beach.
Santa Ana’s Damian Macias scrambles for yards during the first quarter of his team’s CIF semifinal game against Laguna Beach.
Associate mug of Kenny Connolly, Anaheim reporter.

Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS /  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

CIF-SS CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL GAMES

DIVISION 13

Santa Ana (13-0) vs. Rancho Christian (11-2)

Where, when: Temecula Valley High, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Live coverage: foxsports.com/west/prepzone

Fan info: General admission, $12; students (with valid school ID) and children, $5.

Outlook: This final was inconceivable a few years ago. In 2013, Santa Ana went 0-10 and a newly formed Rancho Christian program was looking for stability. With Saints coach Charlie TeGantvoort and Eagles head man, Jim Kunau, being hired by their respective schools in 2014, these two teams have been on a steady climb that culminates with tonight’s CIF-SS championship game. Unbeaten Santa Ana has rolled every opponent it has faced since Week 9, which was when senior running back Jorge Briseno began taking a bulk of the carries. Over the last five weeks, Briseno has 1,027 yards and 19 touchdowns, and the Saints have outscored their opponents by a combined margin of 217-62. Santa Ana’s offensive line has been good all season, and helped the Saints gain 426 rushing yards agaist Laguna Beach in the semifinals. Briseno, running back Allen Pacheco and quarterback Damian Macias all put up big numbers last week. Santa Ana will have a noticeable edge in size tonight, but Rancho Christian might have the edge in speed. The Eagles boast a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Malosi Napoleon and Jaden Schieberl. Rancho Christian’s veer offense has produced 52 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 270 yards per game. If the Saints defense can be disciplined and tackle well in space, Santa Ana will have a tremendous opportunity to capture its first CIF title since 1985.