Week 8: More big-game predictions

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Here’s a look at some of the big regional games of Week 8. As always, I make my predictions before consulting Calpreps.com.

Valencia (4-3, 1-1) vs. No. 4 Hart (7-0, 2-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. --

The only time the parking lot at College of the Canyons can be compared to the one surrounding Dodger Stadium is when Valencia and Hart meet on the artificial turf of Cougar Stadium. But Hart has too many weapons on both sides of the ball this year -- namely RB Delano Howell, QB B.R. Holbrook and LB Patrick Larimore -- to make this Foothill League rivalry like the ones of yesteryear.

My prediction: Hart 35, Valencia 16
Calpreps.com Prediction: Hart 28, Valencia 22

Chaminade (5-2) at St. Paul (4-3), 7:30 p.m. (Saturday) -- The Mission League title will be on the line and I think Chaminade’s tough nonleague schedule, coupled with the play-making skills of QB Ryan Griffin, is going to be little too much for the Swordsmen. However, St. Paul put up a gutsy performance against Crespi last week and almost pulled out a victory two weeks ago over Bishop Amat. This one will be a fight.

My prediction: Chaminade 28, St. Paul 24
Calpreps.com: Chaminade 24, St. Paul 23

Thousand Oaks (4-3, 3-1) at Westlake (4-3, 3-1), 7 p.m. -- Plenty of talented players mixed in with a healthy dose of playoff aspirations means this is going to be a slugfest. But, if I’m going to pick sides, Westlake’s offensive trio of RB Cooper Shockley, QB Nick Owens and WR Curtis Peterson will probably be enough to topple a Lancer squad that needs to prove the loss to Moorpark was a fluke.

My prediction: Westlake 27, Thousand Oaks 20
Calpreps.com: Thousand Oaks 26, Westlake 24

No. 21 Canyon (3-4, 1-1) vs. West Ranch at Valencia, 7 p.m. -- The Wildcats kept things interesting with Hart last week and could do even more if Canyon doesn’t watch it. Of course, having only two days of limited practice because of the Buckweed Fire could serve as an equalizer, but probably not.

My prediction: Canyon 33, West Ranch 17
Calpreps.com: Canyon 27, West Ranch 17

Simi Valley (4-3, 2-2) at Newbury Park (7-0, 4-0), 7 p.m. -- We know the Panthers are good, but this is one of those must-win situations for the Pioneers. Their last big win came against Moorpark in the Marmonte League opener and they’re going to need another eyebrow-lifter (or some outside help down the road) if they’re going to make the postseason.

My prediction: Newbury Park 35, Simi Valley 17
Calpreps.com: Newbury Park 28, Simi Valley 10

- Austin Knoblauch