The Daily News previews the area’s top high school football games Friday.
The games start at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY’S TOP FOOTBALL GAMES
GAME OF THE WEEK
Serra (3-2) at Sierra Canyon (5-0)
A month ago, this matchup was circled as a potential Mission League title decider. After both teams have played Orange Lutheran … not so much. Sierra Canyon routed Orange Lutheran 41-9. Serra lost to Orange Lutheran 35-14.
Common opponents can only hold so much weight, right? Here’s one more for more analysis. Sierra Canyon beat Oaks Christian 63-0. Serra beat Oaks Christian 19-10.
HSratings.com — the old Calpreps — predicts this game to finish 46-0 in favor of Sierra Canyon. That’s how dominant the Trailblazers have become. I don’t think it will be that bad, but a three-touchdown difference is safe.
Tarek’s pick: Sierra Canyon
Bishop Amat (3-2) at Chaminade (2-3)
Bishop Amat has already passed last year’s win total (two) this season under new coach Kory Minor, including a win over Valencia, which beat Chaminade.
The Eagles seemed to have started the season strong with a 42-27 win over Oaks Christian, but now we know Oaks Christian is having its worst season in program history.
Despite what was a rough start for Chaminade, something about league play can help to reset things — what an opportunity the Eagles have at home. But will they take advantage of it?
Bishop Amat wants to run the ball, and Chaminade’s run defense hasn’t been great.
Tarek’s pick: Bishop Amat
Loyola (3-2) at Notre Dame (3-2)
Notre Dame could finish second or third in the Mission League. The Knights have a dual-threat quarterback, a rising running back and very athletic wide receivers on the outside. The defense kept them in a game against Servite, falling 29-23 in a very close game. For comparison, Chaminade lost to Servite 46-3.
For Notre Dame to reach its automatic playoff berth goals in the Mission League, this game is a must-win. Loyola struggled to beat a quarterback-less St. Francis 9-3 last week.
Tarek’s pick: Notre Dame
Oaks Christian (1-4) at Pacifica of Oxnard (5-0)
The Lions have fallen far from their glory days. (I hate to sound harsh, but it’s true.) They aren’t just losing, they aren’t even competing. Oaks Christian has been outscored 196-46 this season.
That being said, all that matters is league play — and the Marmonte League is down this year. Pacifica is unbeaten, but hasn’t played a schedule nearly as competitive as Oaks Christian.
So, maybe, just maybe, the Lions can show a sign of life. But until then, I wouldn’t bet on them.
Tarek’s pick: Pacifica
Heritage Christian (4-1) at Village Christian (2-3)
The Bible Bowl. Heritage Christian is showing it can play big boy football under new coach Ben McEnroe. The Warriors went toe-to-toe with Hart a few weeks ago, losing 49-34. That game alone shows Heritage Christian’s football prowess has grown tenfold.
Village Christian’s only two wins are against City Section schools, although tight losses to still-unbeaten La Cañada and one-loss Paraclete show the Crusaders know how to compete.
The good lord will be watching this one.
Tarek’s pick: Heritage Christian