Prep talk: Rio Hondo Prep goes for 17th section football title

Rio Hondo Prep at Arcadia is like “the little engine that could.” The Kares are 13-0 and expected to play for a 17th Southern Section football title Saturday night despite a student body of just 150, including 82 boys. Their opponent in the Division 5 final is host Redondo Union, which has nearly 3,000 students.

Coach Mark Carson said he’s taking on the challenge of taking his team from winning Division 9 two years ago to winning Division 7 last season after years of competing in Division XIII under old playoff systems based on size, geography and past performance. Now, a computer algorithm decides the placement of the divisions. The school has grades seven through 12, so Carson begins training players in middle school with the same offense through high school.

“The key is we have a great tackle football program in college,” he said.

Every boy at the school knows he is going to play football or work in the program as a manager. Many are multi-sport athletes. The chemistry and knowledge they build together is evident on the football field.

“We don’t really pay attention to the other team’s numbers,” Carson said.

Quarterback Yanick Diaz said he has been with some of his teammates since kindergarten. They trust each other.

“I’ve known some of these guys for 15, 16 years,” Diaz said. “It’s always 11 against 11. I prefer my 11 to yours.”

This is a daily look at positive happenings in high school sports. To submit news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.