TODAY’S GAMES
Bonita (8-0, 3-0) at Charter Oak (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Analysis: This is one of the most anticipated games of the year, as the two teams with lots of firepower battle for first place in the Sierra League. Bonita’s two-way standouts, Texas A&M commit Noah Mikhail and Washington commit Dylan Robinson, along with quarterback Travis Lippert have led the Bearcats to a perfect season so far. But they face their stiffest challenge yet against the Chargers, who have two of the area’s top wideouts in University of Minnesota commit Legend Lyons and UC Davis commit Marquis Bradley. The Chargers also have an elite quarterback in Corin Berry, who is a Boston College commit. Berry averages 286 yards a game. He led them last week to an 18-14 victory over Colony. The Chargers offense averages only 94 yards on the ground, and when Berry is under pressure, like he was against Colony last week, the offense tends to stall. The Chargers will have to be nearly perfect against the Bearcats, who seemingly do everything well. Although Robinson (corner) and Mikhail (linebacker) are mostly known for their defense, Robinson is also their top receiver and Mikhail is an effective running and receiving threat. Lippert has 24 touchdown passes against just three interceptions and Bonita averages nearly 150 yards on the ground. The Bearcats haven’t played as tough a schedule as the Chargers, but they have been more consistent.
The pick: Bonita
St. Francis (2-6, 2-1) at Cathedral (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Analysis: The Golden Knights have done a good job of saving their season after an 0-6 start. They have two straight wins in the Angelus League, including a big one over Paraclete last week 29-20. The Golden Knights were able to run the ball well as Isaac Fajardo gained 151 yards and scored three touchdowns. QB John Sanders threw for 98 yards and a TD and was able to run for 79 yards, showing he is back to being more of a dual threat after a leg injury that slowed him early in the season. Cathedral has been on another level, beating St. Pius X-St. Matthias last week 42-10 and looking like it will likely land in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs. Sophomore QB Jaden Jefferson is one of the best dual-threat players in the Southland, averaging 251 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and also leading his team in rushing. St. Francis can still punch a ticket to the playoffs with a win over St. Pius X-St. Matthias next week, but a league title is still in play with a victory in this one, just don’t expect it.
The pick: Cathedral
Baldwin Park (4-4, 2-1) at Diamond Ranch (0-8, 0-3), 7 p.m.
Analysis: The Braves have been the surprise of the Valle Vista League. Everyone knew Northview and San Dimas were head and shoulders above the rest and will likely finish first and second, respectively. The race for third and a guaranteed playoff spot was tough to call, but the Braves stepped up with close wins over Alta Loma (21-14) and West Covina (21-13). Although the Braves lost 64-33 last week against San Dimas, it can clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the winless Panthers. The Panthers haven’t won a game, but they’re no pushover, having lost to Covina 44-41 earlier this season while the Braves fell 42-7 to the Colts. The Braves are healthier and more confident over the past month and seem determined to earn a playoff spot.
The pick: Baldwin Park
Montebello (4-4, 2-1) at Schurr (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Analysis: The Spartans look like the class of the Almont League, but they still have to go through their rival, Montebello and Bell Gardens next week to clinch the league title. Running back Elias Navarro leads the Oilers with 17 touchdowns and they average nearly 200 yards on the ground. That’s what they do most effectively, lean on their offensive line and power their way to wins, and they allow only seven points a game. The Oilers were beaten by Bell Gardens 38-7 last week, and though this is a rivalry that generally produces a lot of emotions and close games, it just feels like the Spartans have a chance for a blowout.
The pick: Schurr
Santa Fe (6-2, 2-0) vs. El Rancho (5-3, 1-1) at California HS, 7 p.m.
Analysis: The winner of this game is guaranteed second place in the Del Rio League, and this figures to be a close one as both teams are having a solid season. The Chiefs, led by durable back Devin Clark with 1,094 yards and 20 touchdowns, beat Whittier 40-8 last week. A win for the Chiefs would set up a league title game against La Serna next week, but it won’t be easy. The Dons have had a week off since a 47-14 win over Cal, a game where quarterback Ryan Dominguez threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns. It could come down to who makes the fewest mistakes, but the Chiefs defense has been a little more consistent all season and in a pick ’em game like this, that could be the difference.
The pick: Santa Fe
Brentwood (6-2, 0-0) vs. Rio Hondo Prep (7-1, 1-0) at Kare Park, 7 p.m.
Analysis: The Kares’ final game before the playoffs is a big one, playing to win the three-team Gold Coast League title with a win over Brentwood. Because the Kares are in a three-team league, only the league champion gets an automatic playoff spot. The Kares were beaten by Brentwood 34-13 last season and were fortunate to earn an at-large berth, which they turned into a CIF-SS Division 9 championship. The Kares do not want to hold their breath again until the pairings are announced and are hoping to punch their ticket Friday. The Eagles have not looked as strong this season, but that usually means nothing when they play the Kares. Junior RB Noah Penunuri leads an offense averaging over 300 yards on the ground and Calpreps predicts a 38-22 win for the Kares.
The pick: Rio Hondo Prep
TODAY’S OTHER GAMES
All games start at 7 p.m.
ALMONT LEAGUE
Alhambra vs. San Gabriel at Moor Field
Bell Gardens at Keppel
ANGELUS LEAGUE
St. Paul at Paraclete
DEL REY LEAGUE
Cantwell-Sacred Heart at Crespi HS
La Salle at Salesian
DEL RIO LEAGUE
Whittier vs. California at Pioneer HS
EPSILON LEAGUE
La Habra at Laguna Hills
GANO LEAGUE
Rowland at Don Lugo
HACIENDA LEAGUE
South Hills vs. Covina at CDF
Walnut at Los Altos
IOTA LEAGUE
Canyon vs. Sonora at El Modena HS
MESQUITE LEAGUE
Big Bear at Maranatha
Whittier Christian at Linfield Christian
MIRAMONTE LEAGUE
La Puente at Garey
Workman vs. Ganesha at La Puente HS
MISSION LEAGUE
Bishop Amat at Serra
MISSION VALLEY LEAGUE
Arroyo at Mountain View
MONTVIEW LEAGUE
Nogales at Ontario
Pomona vs. Azusa at Citrus College
Wilson at Sierra Vista
PACIFIC LEAGUE
Muir at Glendale
Arcadia at Hoover
Burroughs at Pasadena
RIO HONDO LEAGUE
Pasadena Poly at San Marino
Temple City at South Pasadena
SIERRA LEAGUE
Glendora at Los Osos
VALLE VISTA LEAGUE
San Dimas at Alta Loma
— Fred Robledo