Sierra Canyon (4-0) vs. Orange Lutheran (3-1), at Orange Coast College
This game will impact top-tier high school football in the CIF Southern Section. After Mater Dei’s loss on Friday to Corona Centennial (43-36), the defeat has subsequently permeated through the other top flight programs in the Southland — one of those teams being Sierra Canyon.
Here’s why: In just a few short weeks of this 2025 season, it appears that the gap between Mater Dei/St. John Bosco and everyone else is nothing like it used to be. Thursday’s tilt is between two programs that have been hovering just one small cut below Mater Dei and Bosco for the last three seasons.
If the Trailblazers, who’ve outscored their first four opponents 192-7, including three shutouts, roll over the Lancers by three touchdowns or more, it could solidify Sierra Canyon as the ultimate contender for the Division 1 title.
Oddly enough, if the game is close, or Orange Lutheran wins, it won’t really crown the Lancers as a top contender … it will just take the early luster out of the notion that Sierra Canyon could be the proverbial messiah that saves Southern Section Division 1 football, and maybe see someone else win it for a change.
Tarek’s pick: Sierra Canyon.
Westlake (4-0) at Venice (2-2)
This game isn’t necessarily a headliner, but for a Thursday night game, it’s worth taking a look. The Warriors, under new head coach Rick Clausen, are rolling with elite athletes like RB Demanie Bell, WR Charles Davis and freshman QB Ford Green.
Look for the Warriors to finish with two losses (at the most) this season. The biggest games on their league schedule will be Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park.
Tarek’s pick: Westlake in a rout.
Arleta (1-2) at Grant (0-3)
This is an East Valley League opener between two longtime City Section schools in the San Fernando Valley. No, the football isn’t what it used to be, but the tradition is still strong.
Arleta uses a two-running back system with senior tandem Jose Rosas and Austin Ramos, who’ve tallied just under 500 yards rushing and seven touchdowns this season.
Grant likes to run the ball, too. Carson Rinka will be the guy the Lancers lean on in a game that could end in an hour with the way the two teams like to run.
Tarek’s pick: Arleta
RELATED:
L.A. Daily News football schedule for Week 4, September 18-19