Los Altos Returns to Division VII Final

This is not a recording, no matter how familiar it sounds: Two-time defending Southern Section Division VII champion Hacienda Heights Los Altos will face Covina Charter Oak in the championship game for the third consecutive season after an impressive 34-0 semifinal victory Saturday night over Sante Fe at Pioneer High in Sante Fe Springs.

Los Altos running back Keith Brown rushed 40 times for 246 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense, and linebacker Sal Ortiz anchored the defense with two interceptions and seven tackles to set up Los Altos’ bid for a third consecutive title.

Los Altos (11-2) has defeated Charter Oak in each of the last two finals, but Charter Oak, which has played in four consecutive championship games, defeated Los Altos, 14-13, in a Miramonte League game earlier this year.

“Just getting there is not enough,” said Brown, who had 123 yards in each half. “We want to get revenge on Charter Oak.”

Los Altos dominated both sides of the ball. The Brown-led, ball-control offense had possession for 31 minutes, 52 seconds, compared with 16:08 for Santa Fe.

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The best chance for Santa Fe (10-2-1) came after Eric Bellinger returned the second-half kickoff 76 yards to the Los Altos 19. Three plays later, Arturo Reyes hit the crossbar on a 34-yard field goal attempt.