High School Football Previews: Week 3

(Games at 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.)

Poly (2-0) vs. Mission Viejo (3-0) at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Two undefeated, nationally ranked teams will take the field in Long Beach tonight as the No. 10 Jackrabbits host the No. 25 Diablos (per MaxPreps’ rankings). Mission Viejo beat Poly 42-14 last year and is ranked ahead of the Jackrabbits in the CIF Southern Section’s Division 1 poll this week. “It’s always a battle when these teams play, we’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Poly coach Antonio Pierce about the matchup. The two teams last met prior to last year’s game in 2012, when Poly shocked the fourth-seeded Diablos on the road en route to the CIF-SS championship.

Poly is led by Matt Corral and star receivers Camren McDonald, Jalen Hall, and Darius Kryger. Mission Viejo’s quarterback, Joey Yellen, is a transfer from St. John Bosco. The Diablos suffered a big loss last week when star running back Jamari Ferrell broke his leg.

— Mike Guardabascio

St. John Bosco (2-1) vs. Dorsey (0-2) at Mission Viejo HS, 4:15p.m. Saturday

This is Bosco’s second game at a Mission Viejo showcase in three weeks. The Braves beat Garces Memorial 63-0 two weeks ago and anticipate another blowout win tonight. Dorsey is playing one of the most difficult schedules in California. The LA City Section team has already lost to CIF-SS top-25 teams Calabasas and Serra. Bosco is ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 1, and No. 6 in the nation according to MaxPreps. The Braves haven’t lost to a California team other than Mater Dei or Corona Centennial since 2012.

— JJ Fiddler

San Pedro (3-0) at Downey (2-1)

Downey’s nonleague schedule has been challenged as the Vikings faced off against Santa Margarita and Hart in their first two games. The Vikings have another challenge when they play one of the best teams in the CIF City Section tonight. San Pedro has scored more than 42 points in all three games. The Vikings will have to slow down senior running back Sean Davenport, who has 168 yards on 13 carries with four touchdowns. Downey has a great running back of its own in Baraq Ross. The senior has 49 carries for 361 yards and six touchdowns.

— Julian Lopez

Huntington Beach (0-3) at Wilson (1-2)

This is the last game of the season on Wilson’s campus, as the facility goes under construction for a new turf field and an all-weather track. The Bruins are recovering from their 14-6 loss at St. Anthony last week. “We had opportunities early and the defense played great holding them to 14 points,” Wilson coach Mark Ziegenhagen said. “We’re brand new everywhere, so really it’s just game experience. It’s trying to build confidence every week and build the winning attitude that’s happened around here the last couple of years.” Wilson will lean senior running back Ian Issa to get the offense going. Issa has 52 carries for 306 yards. “(Huntington Beach) is an exact replica of what we run offensively and defensively,” Ziegenhagen said. “Myself and coach (Jim) Houston we were at Huntington Beach for four or five years with those guys.”

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The Bruins will also look to improve in the fourth quarter where they’ve been outscored 29-7.

- Matt Simon

Rancho Christian (2-1) at Valley Christian (1-2)

This is a matchup of 2016 CIF-State champions. Valley Christian won its first state title in Division 2-AA, and Rancho Christian rolled through the CIF-SS Division 13 playoffs before winning the 6-AA championship Valley Christian has once again challenged its self with a difficult nonleague schedule. For the second consecutive year, its first two losses came against Gahr and St. Margaret’s. The loss last week dropped Valley Christian from No. 1 to No. 3 in Division 8. Rancho Christian is ranked No. 1 in Division 12. Senior running back Gio Hurd is averaging 101 rushing yards per game with three touchdowns for Valley Christian. Senior linebacker Darian Green leads the Valley Christian defense with 36 total tackles, and seven tackles for loss.

— JJ Fiddler

Norwalk (3-0) at Dominguez (1-2)

After three convincing wins, Norwalk is looking for its best start since 2013 when the Lancers won the Suburban League and reached the CIF-SS championship game. Norwalk is using its strong rushing attack to control the tempo this season, and has more than 220 yards per game with dual threat quarterback Brionne Penny behind center.

Warren (2-1) at Lakewood (0-3)

A pair of blowout wins on the road moved Warren into the Division 7 poll this week at No. 8. Junior quarterback Chris Venegas is averaging 265 yards passing per game with 10 touchdowns and one interception. Lakewood looked better last week at Mayfair after two blowout losses.

Los Alamitos (1-1) at Banning (2-1)

The Griffins are hoping they can look and stay healthy after a bye week. Los Alamitos has been playing without running back Keanu Norman. Banning beat Millikan last week, 25-21.

Gahr (2-1) at Artesia (2-0)

Artesia is trying to go 3-0 for the second consecutive season. The Pioneers are led by all-purpose senior Xavier Yoakum. Gahr is ranked No. 6 in Division 10.

St. Anthony (2-0) at St. Paul (1-2), 7:30 p.m.

This is the first road game for St. Anthony after two dominant defensive performances at home. The Saints are ranked No. 3 in Division 9. St. Paul (1-2) running backs Armando Velasco and Que Allen both average over eight yards per carry.

Morningside (2-0) at Paramount (2-1)

Paramount won this nonleague game 54-14 last season. The Pirates are ranked No. 5 in Division 5.

Other Games

Fremont (0-3) at Lynwood (1-2)

Beverly Hills (0-3) at Cerritos (0-3)

Glenn (2-1) at Hoover (1-1)

Firebaugh (0-3) at New Design Watts (0-1)

St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (1-2) at Caldwell-Sacred Heart (2-0)

Grant (2-1) at Rancho Dominguez (0-2)

Santa Clarita Christian (2-0) at Jordan (0-3), Saturday at 7 p.m.

Lighthouse Christian (0-1) vs. Downey Calvary Chapel (1-1), at 6 p.m. Saturday