THIS WEEK'S KEY GAMES.Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer GAME OF THE WEEK: GRANADA HILLS (4-1) at BIRMINGHAM (2-3) 7 p.m. Player to watch: Brandon Charls, QB, Granada Hills With the Highlanders' lack of a running game, the pressure in biggames falls mostly on Charls. Key stat: 359 Difference in rushing yards between Birmingham (1,015) and Granada Hills (656). Birmingham also has four more passing yards than Granada Hills. Why Granada Hills will win: Experience. Even Birmingham coach Ed Croson considered Granada Hills the preseason West Valley League favorite because the Highlanders had seniors at important positions, the offensive line (Matt Streid, Chris Haymes, Ryan Summerlin), quarterback and receiver (Darion Donnelly, Ricardo Salcedo, Keith Brown Keith Brown can refer to: People
Why Birmingham will win: Speed. Birmingham of Lake Balboa has athletes galore. Granada Hills will have to face RB Bryan Baylor (7.7 yards a carry), RB Michael Stuart Michael Stuart (born January 9, 1975 in New York City) is a salsa singer and actor of Puerto Rican descent. Early years Stuart's parents emigrated from Puerto Rico and settled in New York City in the 1960s. Stuart received his primary and secondary education in there. (7.8), RB Kyle McCleary (8.6) and WR Benny Ward (27.4 a catch). When the Patriots want to throw off an opponent, they put McCleary at QB and have him run the option. Last week: Granada Hills beat Kennedy of Reseda 27-0; Birmingham beat Monroe of North Hills 47-0 Perspective: Granada Hills tanked in its first litmus test litmus test n. A test for chemical acidity or basicity using litmus paper. this season, losing 28-0 to City Section favorite Venice. Birmingham, the defending City champion, is Granada Hills' last chance to prove itself before the playoffs. Outlook: For the first time in four years, this game might be for the West Valley League title rather than Birmingham against Taft of Woodland Hills. Birmingham's offense is explosive, but its defense showed holes against Hart of Newhall that might be exploited by Granada Hills. NO. 6 PALMDALE (4-1) at No. 7 ANTELOPE VALLEY This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley (4-1) 7 p.m. Players to watch: Eric Wickliffe and Jovan Johnson, DBs, Antelope Valley Palmdale is known for its passing game and has two of the area's finest receivers in 6-footers T.J. McKay and Justin Shaw. This game could hinge on Verb 1. hinge on - be contingent on; "The outcomes rides on the results of the election"; "Your grade will depends on your homework" depend on, depend upon, devolve on, hinge upon, turn on, ride how well the 5-foot-5 defensive backs handle their taller opponents. Key stat: 5 Average number of points allowed by Antelope Valley's defense. Why Palmdale will win: The Falcons have the superior talent with Shaw (15 catches, 264 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs), McKay (7 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD), LBs Matt Bishoff and Jerry Milling and RB Adrian Jenkins (621 yards, 7 TDs). Last year's defeat gave them confidence and Palmdale's seven seniors want to go out as Golden League champions. Why Antelope Valley will win: The Antelopes play with something to prove, especially after last season's loss. Kreig Peters is among the area's top players at RB (602 yards, 9 TDs) and DB, where he hopes to show college scouts he can hang with taller receivers such as Shaw and McKay. Last week: Palmdale defeated Locke of Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. 29-8; Antelope Valley defeated Barstow 21-6. Perspective: Palmdale ended Antelope Valley's seven seniors' quest for Verb 1. quest for - go in search of or hunt for; "pursue a hobby" quest after, go after, pursue look for, search, seek - try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of; "The police are searching for clues"; "They are searching for the a perfect Golden League career with a 20-15 victory last season. Before that, Antelope Valley had defeated Palmdale by a combined 16 points the previous two meetings. Outlook: The trash talking between these two started over the weekend and has escalated. Look for an emotional game that pits Antelope Valley's running game (1,070 yards, 12 TDs) against Palmdale's passing attack and sophomore QB Rodney Trimm. Whoever controls their emotions best and hangs onto the football will win. No. 10 MOORPARK (4-1, 2-0) at SIMI VALLEY Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. (4-1, 2-0) 7 p.m. Player to watch: Laydell Shelton, RB, Simi Valley Scored eight touchdowns in the past two games (10 on season). Key stat: 13.6 Average points allowed by Moorpark, again one of the area's best defensive teams. Why Moorpark will win: The Musketeers' only loss was without RB Anthony Lopez. QB Cody Holland does enough so that Moorpark isn't one dimensional. He was 10 of 14 last week. Few teams over the past two seasons have managed more than three touchdowns against Moorpark. Why Simi Valley will win: The offense is rolling, scoring 87 points in the past two games. Shelton is back on track after a slow start. He is supported by QB Scott Zeller (41 of 81, 578 yards and 8 TDs). Simi SIMI Sea Ice Mechanics Initiative SIMI Search for Intelligent Monkeys on the Internet SIMI Students Islamic Movement in India SIMI Society of Irish Motor Industry SIMI Smallholder Irrigation Markets Initiative wants to turn this into a shootout Shootout Venture capital jargon. Refers to two or more venture capital firms fighting for the startup. and make Moorpark score. Last week: Moorpark beat Newbury Park 35-16; Simi Valley beat Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. 34-32 Perspective: Simi Valley had lost 21 consecutive Marmonte League The Marmonte League is a high school sports league primarily made up of schools from Ventura County. The Marmonte Leauge is part of the CIF Southern Section. Click here to view the league schedule. games before winning the past two weeks. Although the Pioneers have a few decent victories, a win over Moorpark would make Simi Valley a playoff contender. Outlook: Simi Valley's success is doubted each week. But, just maybe, they really do have something going. THIS WEEK'S OTHER TOP GAMES NORTH HOLLYWOOD (2-2-1) at CANOGA PARK (4-1) 7 p.m. Player to watch: Tony Egues, QB, Canoga Park With two talented receivers, Egues needs to complete more than 40 percent of his passes to beat a solid North Hollywood team. Key stat: 86 Total yards Canoga Park allowed to Van Nuys last week. Why North Hollywood will win: With RB Marlon Lucky, there's never a doubt that North Hollywood will be able to run the ball. Lucky has 13 touchdowns and averages 8.0 yards a carry. If North Hollywood can add good defense and just a little passing from QB William Cowan People named William Cowan include:
Why Canoga Park will win: The biggest example of Canoga Park's stellar defense might be its one loss. Canoga Park allowed 28 points to Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, which has averaged 44 points a game in its other four. Canoga Park has allowed a total of 22 points in its other four games and will win with defense. Last week: North Hollywood lost to El Camino Real El Camino Real (Spanish for The Royal Road or The King's Highway) was the name of a series of pre-automobile highways linking the various New World colonies of Spain:
Perspective: Whoever wins this game likely will challenge Grant of Van Nuys for the Sunset Six League title. Outlook: Canoga Park needs to be more consistent on offense. But, the way the defense has looked, the Hunters might be for real. A lot more will be known after this game. TAFT (3-2) at CLEVELAND (4-1) 7 p.m. Player to watch: Shelton Banks, RB, Taft The sophomore had his first 100-yard rushing game last week (7-112, TD). Key stat: 2-18 The combined records of the four opponents Cleveland of Reseda beat. Why Taft will win: After a rough start, Taft of Woodland Hills is on a three-game winning streak Noun 1. winning streak - a streak of wins streak, run - an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck"; "Nicklaus had a run of birdies" heading into West Valley League play under first-year coach Kevin Pearson. Taft still makes too many mistakes, but its superior athletes and speed are starting to show. QB Josh Portis quietly is putting together a solid season (64 of 100, 895 yards and 10 TDs). Why Cleveland will win: It's the best rushing team in the City Section. Cleveland needs to get the ball more to RB Clyde Griffin, who hasn't broken 100 yards in the past two games but averages 11.6 yards a carry. Last week: Taft beat San Fernando San Fernando, city, Argentina San Fernando (săn fərnăn`dō), city (1991 pop. 144,761), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. 54-0; Cleveland beat Montclair Prep of Van Nuys 55-18 Perspective: Neither team has beaten stellar competition. Taft's three victories are against teams that are a combined 2-13. Outlook: Cleveland has been defying the odds with just 21 players and an offensive line averaging 185 pounds. Taft has a better chance of being for real. SERVITE (5-0) vs. LOYOLA (4-1) at Glendale High, 7:30 p.m. Player to watch: Trason Bragg, RB, Loyola The Loyola workhorse work·horse n. 1. Something, such as a machine, that performs dependably under heavy or prolonged use: "the 50-year-old DC-3 ... was held to 28 yards on 12 carries by Hart of Newhall last week. Key stat: 7 Total points allowed in Loyola's three victories over Hawthorne, Muir of Pasadena and Antelope Valley of Lancaster. Why Servite will win: One of three teams in the stacked Serra League to enter league play undefeated and likely played the toughest schedule of the bunch. RB Ken Ashley, a 210-pound sophomore, leads the offense. Why Loyola will win: Virginia-bound QB Scott Deke deke tr.v. deked, dek·ing, dekes To deceive (an opponent) in ice hockey by a fake: deked the goalie with a move from left to right. n. adds a passing dynamic to Loyola traditional running system. A balanced offense, solid defense and good coaching makes Loyola difficult to beat. But Loyola is lacking a game-breaking player. Last week: Servite beat Edison of Huntington Beach Huntington Beach, city (1990 pop. 181,519), Orange co., S Calif., on the Pacific coast, across from Santa Catalina Island, in an oil-producing area; inc. 1909. It manufactures aerospace vehicles, aircraft parts, optical instruments, and heat transfer equipment. 7-0; Loyola lost to Hart 23-16 Perspective: Loyola is known for its discipline. However, last week when Loyola needed a stop to get the ball back late in the fourth quarter, the Cubs of Los Angeles twice went offsides off·side also off·sides adv. & adj. 1. Sports Illegally ahead of the ball or puck in the attacking zone. 2. to give away first downs on third-and-5 plays. Outlook: Every game in Serra League play is exciting, with six of the best teams in Southern Section Div. I. Any team can win this league, and setting the tone in the first game is key. No. 9 AGOURA (4-1, 1-1) at THOUSAND OAKS (1-4, 0-2) 7 p.m. Player to watch: Jack Boger, RB, Thousand Oaks Rushed 33 times for 203 yards and five touchdowns in last week's loss. Key stat: 294 Rushing yards by Agoura, worst among area Southern Section large schools. Why Agoura will win: QB Bryan Walker has been a pleasant surprise in his first year starting, but he was horrible last week against Westlake. The good news was the defense held No. 1 Westlake to its lowest point total of the season. A strong defense and Agoura's usually reliable passing game will win most contests. Why Thousand Oaks will win: Last year, Thousand Oaks had a good passing game but couldn't run the ball. Now that the Lancers lanc·er n. 1. A cavalryman armed with a lance. 2. A member of a regiment originally armed with lances. 3. lancers (used with a sing. verb) a. A kind of quadrille. b. can run the ball, the passing game and defense are struggling. Thousand Oaks needs a better game from QB Chris Owens Chris Owens may refer to:
Last week: Agoura lost to Westlake 24-0; Thousand Oaks lost to Simi Valley 34-32 Perspective: Westlake exposed Agoura's one-dimensional offense. The Warriors showed teams can play the pass and force Agoura to try to run. Agoura needs to respond with a better running game to go anywhere this season. Outlook: Agoura's high-powered offense ran into a roadblock last week with red-hot Westlake. The Chargers should get it going again this week. But Thousand Oaks can win this game if it puts it all together. HART (2-3) vs. BURBANK (4-1) at College of the Canyons College of the Canyons is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the state. According to the National Junior College Research Association, College of the Canyons consistently ranks in the top 50 community colleges in the nation. , 7:30 p.m. Player to watch: Robert Nichols Robert Nichols may refer to:
Nichols, recovering from an injured ankle, has been concentrating mostly on defense this season - he has three INTs - but he's beginning to come around on offense, too. He had eight receptions, including a touchdown, in a victory over Glendale last week. Key stat: Nine Number of passes Burbank has intercepted this season, most in the Foothill League. Why Hart will win: Well, there is one obvious difference between the teams: Hart of Newhall has won 58 league games in a row, and Burbank has lost 50 league games in a row. That makes it rather difficult not to pick Hart. Coming off a 4,014-yard, 42-touchdown season as a junior, Hart QB Sean Norton has passed for 1,236 yards and 11 TDs, and he has scored two TDs. Kevin Ciccone has 28 receptions (17.0 avg.) and five TDs. Why Burbank will win: Unquestionably un·ques·tion·a·ble adj. Beyond question or doubt. See Synonyms at authentic. un·ques  tion·a·bil , Burbank is much better than usual. The team's four victories already is the most in one season since 1991. Mike McDonald Mike McDonald (born June 22, 1958 in North Hollywood, California) is a former professional American football player who played long snapper for nine seasons in the NFL. has passed for 851 yards and eight TDs. He's also rushed for two TDs and has three interception to help Burbank win three in a row. Last week: Hart defeated Loyola 23-16; Burbank defeated Glendale 20-0. Perspective: None of the opponents Burbank has beaten have won more than two games this season. Of the three teams that have defeated Hart (Los Alamitos Los Alamitos (lôs ăləmē`təs, lŏs), city (1990 pop. 11,676), Orange co., NE of Long Beach, S Calif., in a suburban area; inc. 1960. Los Alamitos Racetrack and U.S. military installations are nearby. , St. Bonaventure of Ventura and Westlake), all are undefeated and ranked among the top two in their respective divisions in the Cal Hi Sports state rankings. Outlook: Based on history, a Burbank victory undoubtedly would be the biggest upset in Foothill League history - and perhaps among the biggest surprises since the Southern Section was founded in 1914. So there shouldn't be a lack of motivation on Burbank's part. But the reality is Burbank will be hard-pressed to keep pace for four quarters. Hart's reserves probably could win this game. QUARTZ HILL (2-3) at HIGHLAND (1-3-1), 7 p.m. Player to watch: Quinn Porter, RB/KR, Quartz Hill Porter had kick returns of 95 and 91 yards last week. He also has a 61-yard touchdown run. Key stat: 14 Number of unanswered points Highland allowed to Paso Robles Robles is a common surname in the Spanish language meaning oaks, and may refer to:
Why Quartz Hill will win: Quartz Hill is a difficult team to figure out because it has played some of the best teams in Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, this season. Its three losses have come to teams with a combined record of 11-3-1. Why Highland will win: After last season's upset loss to Quartz Hill, Highland is taking nothing for granted. The Bulldogs of Palmdale will play with a sense of urgency with games against Antelope Valley and Palmdale the next two weeks. Last week: Highland lost 41-28 to Paso Robles, Quartz Hill defeated Paraclete 34-13. Perspective: Quartz Hill upset Highland in the final game of the regular season last year when the Bulldogs needed a victory to clinch a share of the Golden League title. Outlook: Rebels coach Pat Degnan said last year's game was like a ``bowl game'' for Quartz Hill, which had no chance of making the playoffs and because Highland had a lot at stake. But this year's game could put one of these teams in position for a playoff run and all but eliminate the loser. LANCASTER (2-3) at LITTLEROCK (1-4), 7 p.m. Player to watch: Shane Smith, LB, Lancaster Littlerock runs a unique fly-offense that gave Harvard-Westlake problems. Smith, as a defensive leader, will have to figure out Littlerock's offense and shut it down. Key stat: 14-1 The combined record of the three teams that Lancaster has lost to this season. Why Lancaster will win: The Eagles have benefited from playing one of the tougher nonleague schedules in the Golden League and have improved each week under new coach Jeff Cortez. QB Bobby Thomas has emerged as a playmaker play·mak·er n. A player in a sport with goals, such as a guard in basketball, who initiates offensive plays. play and RB J.J. Guillory is tough to bring down. Why Littlerock will win: Lancaster's defense is banged up after last week's physical game. Last week: Littlerock defeated Harvard-Westlake of Studio City 28-7; Lancaster lost to Serrano ser·ra·no n. pl. ser·ra·nos A cultivar of the tropical pepper Capsicum annuum having small, blunt, highly pungent red or green fruit used in cooking. of Phelan 42-13. Perspective: Littlerock defeated Lancaster 33-30 after the Eagles had led 23-18 at the half. Outlook: It's hard to know which Littlerock team will show up. Will it be the team that lost 157-12 in its first four games, or the one that easily handled previously undefeated Harvard-Westlake 28-7 last week. If it is the former, look for Lancaster to roll. If it is the latter, this could be a thriller. Gerry Gittelson and Ramona Shelburne Ramona Shelburne is an American sports journalist currently writing for the Los Angeles Daily News. Shelburne was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, California where she was a class valedictorian. contributed CAPTION(S): box, 3 maps Box: PEERLESS PROGNOSTICATION Map: (1) Birmingham High (2) Antelope Valley High School Antelope Valley High School is located in Lancaster, California and is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It was founded in 1912[1]. It is located in the Mojave Desert. (3) Simi Valley High |
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