The LA Daily News previews the area’s top high school football games Friday. Games start at 7 p.m.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Westlake (6-0) at Thousand Oaks (5-1)
This is a big one for both coaches, who are each in their first year at the helm. The teams are almost mirrors of each other. Both have standout quarterbacks (Westlake’s Ford Green and Thousand Oaks’ Taylor Jackson), standout running backs (Demanie Bell and Jordan Johnson) and standout receiving targets (Charles Davis and Hayden Vercher).
However, there is a difference between the two teams and it favors Thousand Oaks, and that’s experience, especially at home. The key positions, especially on defense, are led by seniors. Where Westlake is led by a freshman QB and a bevy of juniors on defense.
This game will be fun and tight, but the slight edge goes to the home team.
Tarek’s pick: Thousand Oaks
Chaminade (3-3) at Sierra Canyon (6-0)
The question this week is: What kind of Chaminade will we get Friday? Even at their best, the possibility of the Eagles beating nationally ranked Sierra Canyon is very, very low. But after beating Bishop Amat 35-0 last week, Chaminade has proven it can play high-level football.
The second question: Can Chaminade play that brand of football against one of the nation’s best defensive units?
Sierra Canyon had some controversy in its win over Serra last week, but will look to refocus at home.
Tarek’s pick: Sierra Canyon
Calabasas (3-3) at Newbury Park (4-2)
Five-star QB Brady Smigiel of Newbury Park is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury last week. It’s a big blow for the Panthers. Coach Joe Smigiel will have to pivot to a new approach without Brady under center.
Look for the Panthers to run multiple looks moving forward, including various players at quarterback and maybe some wildcat sets.
Calabasas has the athletes and speed, but can it take advantage of what could be an experimental week for Newbury Park without its fearless leader?
Tarek’s pick: Newbury Park
Birmingham (3-3) at Cleveland (2-4)
This is a West Valley League tilt in Reseda. Birmingham and Carson have already somewhat cemented themselves as top contenders for the City Section Open Division title. But their lack of versatility could be a vulnerability moving forward. The Patriots have passed only 45 times in six games and have 171 rushing attempts — 54 coming from QB Kevin Hawkins.
Cleveland lost to Crenshaw at home two weeks ago and then beat Chatsworth last week, which indicated the Cavs are likely a Division I team in the City playoffs.
Tarek’s pick: Birmingham
Kennedy (5-1) at Sylmar (4-2)
On paper, this game looks like it could be worth keeping an eye on. But it could be lopsided. Kennedy beat Van Nuys 40-10 while Sylmar squeaked by Van Nuys last week 49-46.
Kennedy QB Diego Montes is having another City Player of the Year-type season. He’s thrown for 1,062 yards and 11 touchdowns, and has run for 537 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s averaging 266 all-purpose yards per game.
Sylmar’s Tim Tanner Jr. is a dual-threat QB with 1,431 yards passing, 488 yards rushing and 24 total TDs (six rushing). So, maybe he can help keep it close. But Kennedy should roll.
Tarek’s pick: Kennedy