Big Games : Bishop Amat vs. St. Francis

This was billed as one of the best Bishop Amat High football teams in recent years, and after three games the Lancers are not disappointing anyone. They have looked like a CIF powerhouse in easy victories over Rubidoux (31-0), Los Altos (33-6) and L.A. Jordan (47-0). Their fourth opponent, St. Francis, may be a little more difficult. The non-league game is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bishop Amat. Never mind that St. Francis has a 1-2 record after losing to La Canada (16-15) last week. The Knights always seem to play well against Bishop Amat, as last year’s narrow Bishop Amat victory (20-13) proves. Bishop Amat has relied on the rushing of speedy 5-9 junior tailback Eric Bieniemy for most of its yardage. Bieniemy has rushed for 627 yards and 8 touchdowns. Quarterback Rick Carter has passed for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns. St. Francis, which also has a run-oriented offense, is led by running back Brian Miller.

Hoover vs. San Marino

In a battle of unbeatens, Hoover’s strong running game will test the aerial attack of the Titans at Glendale High tonight at 7:30. Transfer running back Al Roberson leads Hoover, which scored a 36-21 victory over Blair last week. For San Marino, the passing-catching combination of quarterback Jim Wagner and Jeff Moret connected for two touchdowns in a 28-7 victory over Glendale.

Burroughs vs. Glendale High

The Dynamiters hope to end their latest losing streak at one game after snapping a 20-game losing skid with successive wins to open the season. They will be at home Friday at 7:30 p.m. Glendale lost last week to San Marino, 28-7. Burroughs survived a mistake-filled 6-2 contest with Saugus.

Rio Hondo vs. Glendale College

The Vaqueros, who won their three non-conference games by a combined score of 117-50, face winless Rio Hondo (0-2) to open the Western State Conference season at Glendale High on Saturday at 1:30. Glendale’s defense has been equally potent with 26 quarterback sacks, 9 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions. The Vaqueros are coming off a 56-21 victory over Antelope Valley last week.

Pomona-Pitzer vs. Occidental

The Tigers, who had been rated No. 3 in Division III by Sports Illustrated, had their 20-game winning streak snapped last week in a 31-14 loss to Azusa Pacific. This week they begin defense of their Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title at home Saturday at 7:30 p.m.