One year after producing an impressive battle in the Southern Section Div. II final, the Saugus and Simi Valley girls' cross country teams won't have to worry today about competing for just one championship plaque at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut.

With Simi Valley's offseason move to Div. I, the Pioneers are seeking another title, with junior Sarah Baxter looking for a third straight individual crown -- including her second in Div. I -- entering a much-anticipated showdown with Great Oak at 8:45a.m.

Simi Valley's ascent - as a result of an enrollment increase - has left the door open for Saugus to capture a sixth section title in seven seasons, including the fourth in a five-year span in Div. II at 10:05 a.m.

Despite having only three returning athletes -- Abigail Frankian, Heidi Hoslet and Katie Huntington -- from last year's Div. II state championship lineup, the Centurions are still in position to add another title to their impressive tradition, which began with back-to-back Div. I crowns in 2006 and '07.

Saugus will need strong performances from sophomore Samantha Ortega and several other first-time finalists in order to hold off Mira Costa, Tesoro and Redondo Union.

Olivia Altieri and Darby LaPlant didn't run in the Nov. 10 prelims, but could be significant factors in Saugus' championship pursuit.

Although Simi Valley has Desirae Jones, Sarah Riggs and Baxter who possess finals experience, the Pioneers must rely heavily on Olivia

Rosellini, Samantha Tetef and Charlotte Utash in order to compete against Great Oak's depth.

Great Oak defeated Simi Valley by a 38-59 margin Oct. 20 at the 65th Mount SAC Invitational. Both teams won their preliminary heats in impressive fashion Nov. 10, setting up a showdown that could result in both teams challenging the 2.94-mile team course record of 88 minutes, 18 seconds set in 2008 by Saugus.

"Ever since (Mount SAC) we've worked on being packed and fast, because that's what it's going to take to win," Simi Valley coach Roger Evans said. "We want to run controlled and tough and smart and really focus on pushing the last mile. We know it's going to be a challenge, but I definitely like our chances."

After setting the all-time course record of 16:00 at the Mount SAC Invitational, Baxter's primary focus is on winning another individual title and not another record pursuit.

"I just hope I can do what I've been doing and keep it up so I can help my team," Baxter said. "I know there will be opportunities to go for a PR (at state and Nike Cross Nationals)."

Flintridge Prep looks for another run to the top

After winning three consecutive Div. V championships from 2002-04, the Flintridge Prep boys' cross country team won't have to wait long for its opportunity to end the title drought.

The Rebels, who captured their first Mount SAC sweepstakes crown Oct. 19, are scheduled to compete in the first final at 7:45 a.m. today.

Flintridge Prep expects to receive a big challenge from two-time champion St. Margaret's, which competed without Brandon Price at the Mount SAC Invitational.

The Rebels, who took second in their preliminary heat Oct. 17, have secured four section titles under veteran coach Ingrid Herskind.

Westlake leads other local title hopefuls

Following impressive performances at the Marmonte League final and the Div. II prelims, Westlake is in position to contend for its first boys' cross country title in a deep field that includes Dos Pueblos, Saugus, Righetti, Redondo Union, Anaheim Canyon and Loyola.

Notre Dame, Paraclete and La Reina could challenge JSerra for the Div. IV girls' championship, with Granada Hills battling Palisades and San Pedro for the City Section girls' title at Pierce College.