The Mercury News

Gunn’s Luke Hines, right, celebrating his 63-yard TD run against MacDonald on Oct. 25, and the Titans play host to Jefferson tonight. KARL MONDON — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 11 PREVIEW

TODAY

Leland (7-2, 4-0) at Willow Glen (9-0, 4-0), 7:15 p.m.: This battle of two teams perfect in league play will decide the Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa-Valley Division champion. Leland has not lost since Sept. 20, when the Chargers fell 15-12 to BVAL Mt. Hamilton Division-based Lincoln-San Jose. Willow Glen commenced its campaign with a 31-7 home win over Lincoln. Quarterback Aiden Akery has been key all year for the Rams, rushing for 709 yards to lead Willow Glen’s potent ground attack, including 158 yards on 12 carries last week against Westmont. As a team, the Rams have rushed for 1,913 yards this year. Zackary Papedis, Josh Sanchez, Spencer Bartlinski, Chris Amann and Gavin Ferraro have all gone over 100 yards rushing for the season. Leland is led by do-it-all senior Brady Hernandez, who has posted 550 rushing yards and 264 receiving yards. Hernandez scored three total touchdowns in Leland’s game against Gilroy last week.

— Christian Babcock

Jefferson (7-2, 7-0) at Gunn (9-0, 7-0), 7 p.m.: The winner of this game will make the CCS playoffs as the Peninsula Athletic League Lake Division’s champion. The loser will likely miss the playoffs. Coach Dethrick Slocum’s Gunn team is on the verge of going 10-0 just two seasons after being 0-10. Sam Dellenbach is a big part of a defense that has allowed 24 points all season, and he’s also an explosive kick returner. Luke Hines ran for two 50-plus-yard touchdowns against MacDonald. A Jefferson offense led by the versatile Michael Slugher will try to make a dent in the Gunn defense. Grizzlies coach Imani Stewart believes that the O-line, led by Kymani Maumasi, is the team’s strength. CalPreps has Gunn winning 21-17.

— Joseph Dycus

FRIDAY

No. 8 Valley Christian (5-4, 4-2) at No. 10 Serra (4-5, 3-3), 7 p.m.: When a largely new cast of players helped Serra open the season with a victory at NorCal powerhouse Folsom, the San Mateo school seemed on its way to another big year. But it hasn’t worked out that way. The young Padres will need to win their regular-season finale to avoid a losing record, a notable drop after representing NorCal in three consecutive Open Division state championship games. Serra will still make the playoffs no matter the result against Valley but will aim to do so with momentum after losing last week at Riordan. RB Nano Latu, TE Clay Hinsdale and WR Charlie Willey lead the Padres. Valley Christian, coming off back-to-back losses to St. Ignatius and St. Francis, will also aim to bounce back before starting the playoffs. RBs Marcel Leggett and Ekiah McLemore provide much of the offense for the Warriors. Calpreps picks Serra to win 19-17.

— Darren Sabedra

Mt. Diablo (7-2) at Northgate (6-3), 7:20 p.m.: The Diablo Athletic League’s second automatic playoff berth is at stake when these teams meet. Mt. Diablo won the four-team DAL Mountain Division, and Northgate captured the league’s four-team Valley Division, setting up a Week 11 showdown. (The league’s other automatic berth goes to the Foothill Division champion). No matter what happens between Mt. Diablo and Northgate, the loser is expected to receive an at-large playoff berth. Northgate is 11-3 against Mt. Diablo in the MaxPreps era (2004-present) and has won eight in a row in the series, most recently in 2021. The Broncos have gotten it done this season behind quarterback Brady Willis, receiver Blayne Ballard and running backs DeAngelo Smith and Ethan Chang. Northgate will bring a five-game winning streak to Friday’s game. Mt. Diablo is led by running back Jeremiah Owens, quarterback Michael Vasquez and receiver Christian Kuuan. The Red Devils have won six in a row.

— Darren Sabedra

Alameda (7-2, 4-0) vs. Encinal (4-5, 3-1) at Thompson Field, 7 p.m.: The Island Bowl will decide the winner of the WACC Shoreline Division championship. Alameda wins the outright title with a victory. The teams tie for first if Encinal prevails. The Hornets beat Encinal 34-0 last season, snapping a six-game Jets winning streak in the series. Alameda standout Kirk Humbles III intercepted three passes against Arroyo. Encinal has rebounded from a 1-4 start. The Jets offense runs through running back Alexander Marston, who has rushed for 956 yards and 10 touchdowns. Pass rusher Filisione Vakalahi has seven sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Calpreps picks Alameda 41-14.

— Joseph Dycus

Livermore (6-3, 3-0) vs. Granada (5-4, 3-0), 7:15 p.m.: A lot will be on the line in this battle of Livermore schools. The winner of this rivalry game will not only get bragging rights, but will also be crowned East Bay Athletic League Valley Division champions.

— Nathan Canilao

SATURDAY

No. 3 St. Francis (8-1, 6-0) at No. 9 Archbishop Riordan (5-4, 4-2), 1:30 p.m.: St. Francis can lock up its first outright WCAL title since 2021. If Riordan wins, St. Francis will likely share the title with St. Ignatius. Riordan enters the regular-season finale on a three-game winning streak. St. Francis, known for its power-running game, had a slew of big plays against Valley Christian as Kingston Keanaaina, Perrion Williams and Grant Righellis all scored long touchdowns. Tevita Tuifua and an improved Riordan defense will need to slow down an offense that has seen Keanaaina run for at least 300 yards in three separate games. Mike Mitchell Jr. has been stellar as of late for Riordan, leading an offense that boasts future college WRs in Cynai Thomas, Chris Lawson and Wesley Winn. Calpreps predicts a 35-26 St. Francis win.

— Joseph Dycus