Saturday's title pick

Carmel (12-0) vs. Palma (10-1-1) at MPC, 7 p.m.

 I've said for the last three years that Carmel can play with anyone for one game. Nothing has changed my mind. Devin Pearson is the best athlete on the field. He'll make things happen for the Padres. Averaging 55.2 points a game isn't by accident this fall. But... and you knew this was coming, Palma is a different animal -- more like a beast on defense. Those traps that Carmel runs so effectively won't be as efficient. I don't see this as a shootout. And that clearly favors Palma and its ground control, time consuming drives. Pick: Palma.