Football: It’s prediction time

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Games for ‘zero week’ are scheduled this weekend, so here are some predictions on top games.

Thursday

Canoga Park 35, Jefferson 21: The Hunters have been working all summer on their passing game, and it will be ready to produce points, but Jefferson has a good running game, so they better be prepared to hang on.

Servite 35, Oceanside 14: The Friars’ defense was embarrassed in a season-ending 48-8 loss to De La Salle. Do you think Coach Troy Thomas might remind the players about that? Watch how QB Cody Pittman starts what’s going to be a great season for him.

Friday

Crespi 17, Dominguez 14: If the Celts are smart, they’ll just grind it out behind their big offensive line. Dominguez will try to do the same, but Crespi has had a year to prepare under Coach Jon Mack and won’t lose a second time to the Dons.

Mater Dei 24, Carson 17: Coach Elijah Asante has put together the toughest schedule around. There’s no guarantee of success, and the Colts find out that Mater Dei is better prepared for this season’s opener.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 24, Gardena Serra 21: We’re going to find out if Notre Dame’s players learned how to win during last season’s 2-8 debacle. Last summer, I concluded Notre Dame was in trouble. This summer, they were much better. Serra has lots of young, talented players who will be much better later in the season.

Bishop Amat 28, Garfield 14: The Lancers’ speed is what Garfield will have trouble dealing with.

West Adams 21, Birmingham 14: These two teams have league title aspirations in the City Section, so the winner must be respected.

Etiwanda 35, Summit 28: This one is going down to the wire, with two teams that can score. Don’t go to the snack stand during the game or you’re going to miss a TD.

Tesoro 35, Hart 14: Tesoro gets a tuneup for next week’s showdown with Santa Margarita.

Loyola 24, Mira Costa 7: The Cubs are much improved. And it helps to have Steve Grady back as an assistant.

Venice 31, Harvard-Westlake 24: Both teams better have their kicking games ready.

Saturday

Long Beach Poly 24, Sacramento Grant 21: It’s upset special time. The Jackrabbits looked great in the summer. They know their line play has to be better. This is their chance to prove they’re back.

Oaks Christian 28, Bellevue 21: The Lions have the experience to win a tough opener.

-- Eric Sondheimer