A look at the Southern California Regional

By: North County Times | Monday, February 18, 2008 11:55 PM PST ∞

The CIF Southern California Regional boys and girls soccer tournaments will be played for the first time this season. Each tournament will be organized in three divisions, with the San Diego Section getting one automatic bid in each bracket. There's also an at-large bid, which the section will submit for review and possible entry to a prep tournament unprecedented in size and scope. Here's a list of teams that might be playing come March 4: - Division/Starting/Ending

I/2,300/5,336

II/1,000/2,299

III/11/999  

GIRLS

Favorites

Torrey Pines: The Falcons haven't lost all season, so they should be a contender if all goes as planned. Torrey Pines fared well against out-of-section competition and should be a favorite heading into this tournament.

Poway: If the Titans -- one of the few teams capable of beating Torrey Pines -- edge out the Falcons in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, they could also make some noise at the regional level.

Cathedral Catholic: The Dons are a virtual lock for the Division II tournament. They've won three consecutive section titles and should fare well again this season. Cathedral Catholic has played well against other Southern California teams, meaning the Dons could make a deep run in these playoffs.

Dark horse

San Pasqual: The Eagles haven't cracked the top 10 all season, but they've quietly put together a stellar season. If San Pasqual wins the Division II section title and Torrey Pines falls in Division I, the Eagles -- a Division I school at the state level -- could get the automatic bid.

BOYS

Favorites

Poway: While the Titans have been good for a long time, they must perform better in the playoffs to reach the regional tournament. Poway should play well at this level, thanks to a strong defense and a group of opportunistic scorers.

Westview: Because of a tough Palomar League slate, the Wolverines have a number of losses. But a section crown and a Poway loss might push Westview into the tournament.

Cathedral Catholic: The Dons should cruise to a section title -- and could realistically win a regional championship. They must maintain form and continue their dominant run to achieve such an end.

Dark horse

Orange Glen: The Patriots struggled during their nonleague slate, but a playoff run just might elevate Orange Glen into the regional tournament. If the Patriots get in, look out -- they could surprise some people.

-- Scott Bair