Behind a three-interception night from linebacker Hank Houston, visiting Christian High School dominated Cerritos Valley Christian 27-13 late Friday in the Southern California regionals, punching its ticket to the Division 5-AA state championship game.

The Patriots advance to play Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd, which beat Chico 23-20 in Friday’s Northern California title game.

Christian scored on its opening possession, Julian Morones taking a second-down draw play 53 yards into the end zone. With the game tied 7-7, Kaleb Runkle put Christian back ahead. The Patriots’ star quarterback hit wide Kai Rosier on a 23-yard touchdown pass, pushing Christian back ahead 14-7 with 6:58 to play.

Before half’s end, the Patriots’ defense turned in a big play of its own. Houston jumped a pass from Sweeney

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