Football: It’s the week coaches get nervous about

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The upset watch is on this week in high school football, because players from several schools might have their minds on games next week instead of their Friday night opponents, and that’s the best way to create an upset situation.

Mission Hills Alemany and West Hills Chaminade are headed for a showdown next week, but both schools face strong tests on Friday. Alemany has to play Riverside North on the road and Chaminade is at Valencia.

Los Angeles Loyola is facing the same challenge. The Cubs are excited about playing Bellflower St. John Bosco next week at Valley College, but they have to get past dangerous Newport Harbor.

There’s only so much a coach can do and say to warn his players about overlooking an opponent. A loss can ruin a scheduled showdown game, so we’ll have to see if teams take care of business.

All I know is that next week is loaded with some fan-pleasing matchups: Loyola-St. John Bosco, Alemany-Chaminade, Oaks Christian-St. Bonaventure, Long Beach Poly-Mission Viejo.

-- Eric Sondheimer