One thing about Grant High School: The Pacers historically play well when inspired.

Four times under celebrated coach Mike Alberghini, Grant absorbed two regular-season losses, then got mad about it and stormed to Sac-Joaquin Section championships.

This season, there are no blemishes, but last season's finish still stings, and it continues to motivate the team in what has become a resounding redemption season.

All is right again in Del Paso Heights after the top-ranked Pacers beat No. 9 Burbank 35-13 on Friday night to cap a 10-0 regular season, secure the Metro Conference championship and officially bound into the postseason as the team to beat in Division II. And most of all, they avenged last year's 27-21 loss to the Titans that allowed Burbank to clinch its first conference banner in 40 seasons.

Those Pacers finished a very atypical 7-4.

This season, Grant (6-0 in Metro) has played with purpose and physicality. It downed two state-ranked No. 1 teams early in the season – from Idaho and Utah – and it plowed through an overwhelmed Metro to set up this showdown.

Though the Pacers hardly were perfect against Burbank – too many penalties, some forced passes and two fumbles – good luck finding a faster, more ferocious outfit.

Quarterback Kipeli Koniseti rushed for 131 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown for a 20-7 halftime lead. Junior Devontae Butler, already the next terrific Pacers tailback, rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns, giving him 26 scores on the season despite limited duty. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Butler ran hard up the middle, and he broke free for long gains in looking every bit the part of major recruit for next season.

"He's had a great year,'' Alberghini said. "He can run. He could easily have more yards if we played him more and didn't pull him (in some Metro routs). He's really emerged."

So has a big Pacers line that includes Darryl Paulo, Alesana Laban, Ronald Rylance, Ramon Williams, Faigame Lopa and Aaron Jones.

The Pacers secured the 15th league championship for Alberghini during his career of achievement, anchored by a 164-32-1 record and a boatload of scholarship players. Since Alberghini took over as head coach in 1991, Grant has clinched a section-leading 18 consecutive playoff berths and five section crowns.

The Pacers are in full roll mode again now. With linebacker Jeremiah Toma leading the way, Grant yielded just nine rushing yards through three quarters.

Miles Freeman, the star in Burbank's win over Grant a year ago, was the only one who really bothered the Pacers. The senior quarterback tossed two touchdown passes.

"I think Toma's the best linebacker in town,'' Alberghini said. "He was hurt last year, and we really missed him. He's a leader on campus, a great student who happens to be a terrific player."

The atmosphere was electric throughout. Del Paso Heights community members stuffed the bleachers. People of all ages lined the walkway behind the bleachers for social hour and football talk, while students texted furiously in making for a mass of humanity.

As the game wore down, the band was playing, and alumni, students and family members started to sing, "Paaacers, Paaacers, Paaacers!" When it was over, players embraced in a show of respect and sportsmanship.

Call The Bee's Joe Davidson, (916) 321-1280.