Prep talk: Let's salute two schools who took advantage of second chances

Yes, some people want to make fun of the fact St. Augustine in San Diego and St. Pius X-St. Matthias in Downey made the San Diego Section and Southern Section football playoffs despite being 0-10 and 1-9, respectively.

Even more stunning, each won section titles this past weekend and will face off in a Division 4-A regional bowl game on Saturday at St. Pius X-St. Matthias while being one win away from playing for a state title.

Devah Thomas, the coach for St. Pius X-St. Matthias, said all that matters is that both teams went unbeaten in November.

“We’re both 4-0,” he said. “Competitive equity. Google it and take advantage of it.”

St. Augustine lost numerous players who transferred out following a coaching change after last season. Former San Diego and San Jose State coach Ron Caragher took over this season.

So you can call it the second-chance bowl, with one team so close to playing for a state title. …

Next week’s state championship games will all be played in Southern California at Saddleback College, Long Beach City College and Fullerton High. This week’s regional games have $12 admission fees. Tickets will cost $15 for the championship games. …

Ontario Christian’s girls basketball team won two games in Texas last week, stamping itself as the No. 1 team in California and one of the best in the nation to start the season. …

One of the best nonleague boys soccer matches is set for Dec. 10 featuring Loyola against host L.A. Cathedral at 6 p.m.