Covina (5-1, 1-0) at Diamond Bar (0-6, 0-1), 7 p.m.

Analysis: The Brahmas have lost several close games, including last week’s 30-29 loss to South Hills in the Hacienda League opener after racing to a 21-point lead. It was their fourth loss decided by seven points or less. QB Quinton Mendoza passed for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, but the Brahmas were held to just 23 yards rushing. On paper the game looks like a mismatch, but Covina struggled on the way to a 23-18 victory over Los Altos last week. The Colts needed a last-minute touchdown pass from Jake Duronslet to pull out they win. They average 37 points a game, but they also allow an average of 26 points. Diamond Bar has played a tougher overall schedule and figures to put up a good fight, but the Colts are the league favorites for a reason.

The pick: Covina

El Rancho (4-3, 0-1) at California (0-7, 0-1), 7 p.m.

Analysis: El Rancho quarterback Ryan Dominguez, Andrew Guerrero and Diego Diaz each scored a rushing touchdown against La Serna’s stout defense in a 42-18 loss in a Del Rio League opener last week. La Serna is on a different level, so expect El Rancho to find its stride this week. The winless Condors aren’t a total pushover. Every team they have faced is .500 or better, and that includes Santa Fe, which beat them in the league opener last week 48-22. Condors QB Robert Gonzalez is averaging 133 yards passing and has thrown for four touchdowns but also has 12 interceptions. He has to avoid turnovers for them to have a chance. It will be tough for the Condors to slow the Dons offense.

The pick: El Rancho

Gabrielino (2-4, 0-1) at Arroyo (3-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.

Analysis: Knights quarterback Dillon Seguin completed 11 of 19 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in their Mission League-opening 39-16 victory over Rosemead last week. Lelan Garcia and Francisco Rochin combined for 134 yards rushing and each scored a touchdown. Gabrielino’s two wins were against winless Hoover and Workman, and it lost to El Monte, 28-14, in the league opener. Eagles QB Ely Loban struggled in last week’s loss, but the previous week he threw for 188 yards and a touchdown in a 30-23 loss to Santiago. The difference, however, is the Knights’ defense.

The pick: Arroyo

Pasadena Poly (3-3, 0-1) at La Cañada (6-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.

Analysis: The Spartans posted their third shutout of the season by beating previously undefeated Temple City 35-0 to open the Rio Hondo League. Sophomore QB Joe Bell has been outstanding. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score. The Spartans are balanced, also rushing for 178 yards against the Rams. It should be more of the same for the Spartans against the struggling Panthers, who were beaten soundly, 55-7, by South Pasadena. La Cañada is on a different level, and it is looking like its showdown with Monrovia in Week 9 could be for the league title.

The pick: La Canada

TODAY’S OTHER GAMES

Almont League

Keppel at Schurr, 7 p.m.

Del Rey League

St. Anthony at La Salle, 7 p.m.

Hacienda League

South Hills at Walnut, 7 p.m.

— Fred Robledo