The Daily News’ previews of the featured high school football games Friday, Oct. 31. All games are 7 p.m.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Chaminade (5-4) at Notre Dame (4-5)
The Eagles are playing as well as anybody — not just in the area — in all of Southern California. Chaminade is in sole possession of second place in the Mission League, and with a win Friday it can finish there, which would be the program’s best league finish since 2017 when Chaminade won the league under coach Ed Croson.
Regardless, Chaminade has earned an automatic playoff berth from the Mission League at 3-1 with wins over Bishop Amat and Gardena Serra, if any tiebreaker with those teams were to come into play.
Tarek’s pick: Chaminade
Oaks Christian (3-6) at Simi Valley (3-6)
Oaks Christian needs a victory over Simi Valley and a St. Bonaventure loss to Camarillo to earn 3rd place in the Marmonte League. The Lions are experiencing the worst season in program history, and even with a victory, will finish 4-6 which would be the lowest regular-season win total ever.
On the other hand, Simi Valley is having a down year under Jim Benkert, but the losses won’t last long. If the Pioneers win and St. Bonaventure loses (least likely scenario), then Simi Valley, Oaks Christian and St. Bonny will all finish 2-3. However, St. Bonny will win the tie breaker on head-to-head with both teams (no coin flip necessary).
Tarek’s pick: Oaks Christian
Golden Valley (4-5) vs. Saugus (7-2), at College of the Canyons
Saugus QB Jack Nuttall broke the program’s all-time passing record for a season last week. Nuttall topped David Parker’s 5,451 passing yards in 1999 with 178 yards passing against Castaic. Nuttall is now at 5,505 for the season with one game to go.
Both teams are 3-2 in the Foothill League and have playoff berths locked in due to the seven teams in the league. It means the top four teams will automatically qualify for the postseason.
Tarek’s pick: Saugus
St. Genevieve (8-1) at St. Monica (8-1)
A battle of small programs, but a big prize is on the line: The Camino Real League title. But St. Genevieve needs help. The Valiants need to win this game and for St. Bernard to beat Mary Star of the Sea in order to earn a share of the league title.
St. Genevieve and St. Monica are both 3-1 in league play. Mary Star is 4-0 and St. Bernard is 2-2.
Tarek’s Pick: St. Genevieve
Village Christian (5-4) at Aquinas (8-1)
Can Village Christian shake things up?
The Crusaders will go on the road with a goal to take down the league’s best program. Village Christian has done enough to earn itself an automatic playoff berth, but a stunning victory on the road would earn them a share of the Ironwood League title.
VCS runs a two-QB system with Nathan Remeny and Cooper Jackson, who have combined for 25 touchdown throws this season.
Tarek’s Pick: Aquinas