NOTEBOOK

Division I is more wide-open than in the last few years, but there is no debate over top-seeded Long Beach Poly’s status as the team to beat.

“The championship has to go through Poly,” Los Angeles Loyola Coach Steve Grady said.

Poly (10-0), which shared last year’s title with Mater Dei, is led by junior running back Hershel Dennis and a stellar defense. The Jackrabbits have six shutouts and are giving up 4.2 points per game. For the second year in a row, Poly plays Fountain Valley (5-5) in a first-round game.

Second-seeded Loyola (9-1), seeking its first title since 1990, is led by senior quarterback Matt Ware and sophomore running back Rafael Rice. The Cubs’ only loss came against Mater Dei on a last-second field goal. Loyola plays Rialto (6-4) in the first round.

Third-seeded Rialto Eisenhower (9-1) lost its opener against Corona Centennial, then won nine in a row on its way to the Citrus Belt League title. The Eagles are led by junior quarterback Idris Moss and face Los Alamitos (8-2) in what could be one of the best first-round matchups.