A look at the area’s top Week 2 football games on Friday:
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bishop Amat (1-1) at Valencia (2-0)
Valencia is off to a hot start in 2025 thanks to the inspired play of senior QB Brady Bretthauer, who is emerging as an All-Area-type player after just two games. But here’s why Friday night’s game against Bishop Amat matters: it’s a pedigree test.
The Vikings beat Chaminade on the road last week 34-20 and will look to take down a second straight Mission League team this week. Valencia could show complacency and lose a game it should win, or it can show its pedigree by taking care of business.
With a win Friday night, the chances of a 10-0 regular season for coach Larry Muir’s team becomes a high likelihood with the only test the rest of the way being against Saugus on September 26.
Tarek’s Pick: Valencia
Newbury Park (1-1) at Pacifica/Oxnard (2-0)
A Ventura County showdown that has Newbury Park as a favorite given the teams it has played this season. Pacifica’s two wins were against West Ranch and Oxnard, both having a combined record of 0-4.
This key to this week for Newbury Park is taking care of the ball. Michigan commit QB Brady Smigiel has already thrown six interceptions this season. Smigiel threw just three last season in 15 games.
Tarek’s Pick: Newbury Park
Birmingham (1-1) at Moorpark (2-0)
Same story, different year for Birmingham Charter, which always tests itself during nonleague play by competing against Southern Section programs. The Patriots beat Hart in Week 0 and lost to St. Bonaventure in Week 1 — meanwhile still keeping its 49-game winning streak against the City Section opponents alive.
Moorpark is off to a nice start under new coach Christian Dearborn with wins over Rio Mesa and Centennial on the road. Friday night’s game will be the Musketeers’ home opener. Junior wideout Davis Benson has been stellar for Moorpark so far this fall.
Tarek’s Pick: Moorpark
Agoura (1-1) at Thousand Oaks (2-0)
This game will tell the area where Agoura stands after its surprising loss to Westlake at home last week. Westlake was 0-10 last year before Rick Clausen took over, and now the Warriors are 2-0 — we just don’t know how good Westlake is … or how not-so-good Agoura is. Friday night’s game at Thousand Oaks will tell us.
Thousand Oaks’ new coach Branden Anderson has the Lancers rolling with QB Jackson Taylor and the area’s best tight end in Hayden Vercher after blowout wins over Hueneme and Ventura — both winless this season.
Tarek’s Pick: Thousand Oaks
Crespi (2-0) at Cleveland (1-1)
The Celts are 2-0 for the first time since the abbreviated 2021 spring season (due to COVID) with a chance to start 3-0 for the first time since 2019. The shining beacon of hope for Crespi’s resurgence has been sophomore QB Chase Curren, who could be the area’s best quarterback next fall.
Cleveland does have athletes and showed it last week in a 70-37 win over Arleta. Expect a lot of points and big plays on Friday night.
Tarek’s Pick: Crespi
Granada Hills (1-1) at Palisades (1-0)
The Charter Bowl! Granada Hills wants to run, run, run. Palisades wants to pass, pass, pass.
The Highlanders are truly a neighborhood team, while Palisades was able to show off its shiny, new toy Demare Dezeurn, who caught 13 passes for 202 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s win over Harvard-Westlake.
Granada Hills won’t be able to match up with Palisades’ athleticism and speed, but can Palisades stop Granada Hills’ smash-mouth run game?
Tarek’s Pick: Palisades