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Sonoma State vs. CS Northridge

At North Campus Stadium 7 p.m.

CSUN, after squandering a 20-5 lead in the fourth quarter of last week’s 25-20 loss to Cal State Hayward, tries to regroup against another struggling team, the Sonoma Cossacks. The Matadors tumbled to 2-2 with the loss against Hayward. Sonoma is 1-3 after a 27-16 loss to Chico State last week. CSUN will again turn to its run-and-shoot passing offense, using the strong arm of quarterback Chris Parker, who ranks second in the Western Football Conference in passing offense. CSUN may be required to rely more on running back Mike Kane, who had only nine carries last week. Kane became the school’s all-time leading rusher in that game, and his running will be needed to keep the Sonoma defense from overplaying the pass. Sonoma is led by Eddie Gillis, one of three quarterbacks who have seen considerable action this season. The Cossacks will be hurt by the probable absence of their leading running back. Stephen Robinson injured a knee in last week’s game.

St. Mary’s vs. Cal Lutheran

At Mt. Clef Stadium 2 p.m.

This is homecoming for Cal Lutheran (3-1), a team that has played well enough to remind alumni of the NAIA playoff-caliber teams of the 1970s. The Kingsmen are fresh off of a 34-7 thrashing of Western New Mexico and have practiced with spirit this week, according to Coach Bob Shoup. St. Mary’s (0-4) last week dropped a 41-10 decision to San Francisco, a team Cal Lutheran defeated 28-24 earlier this season. The Gaels, plagued by injuries, have mustered only 217.3 yards per game on offense. Although Cal Lutheran has won six of seven meetings with St. Mary’s (losing in 1983), Shoup said nearly every confrontation has been decided in the closing minutes. This will be the final pre-conference tune-up for the Kingsmen, who open Western Football Conference action next week against Cal State Northridge.

The JCs

West L.A. vs. Valley

At Valley College 7:30 p.m.

Tonight’s Southern California Conference opener should be a battle between a tough defense and a strong offense. The Monarchs, who’s defense has allowed only 191.3 yards per game, will take on a West LA offense that is ranked third in the SCC, averaging 298.3 yards per game. Valley’s defense, which is ranked in the state’s top 10, is led by defensive lineman Alain Greer. Greer was named the SCC defensive player of the week after a fine performance against Santa Barbara City College on Sept. 28. Scoring will be Valley’s biggest problem. Starting quarterback Andy Ramos is out with a knee injury, and coach Chuck Ferrero said there has been a rough transition with quarterback Neosia Morris. Valley’s offense is averaging only 181 yards per game--last in the league. Ferrero expects the offense to improve. “Without a doubt,” Ferrero said. “We lost a quarterback and that messed up the continuity a bit. But the guys are hungry, and we’re looking forward to this.” Valley, which didn’t play last Saturday, is 2-1 overall and second in the SCC standings. West LA leads the conference with a 3-1 overall record.

Moorpark vs. Ventura

At Ventura College 1:30 p.m.

This game should be an offensive encounter of the fiercest kind. “We’re rivals--big rivals,” Moorpark Coach Jim Bittner said. “It’s an important game for both of us. If they win, they’re still in the contest--and they’ll have knocked the wind out of sails.” Ventura has blown the Raiders out a lot: The Raiders have not won a game in Ventura’s stadium for 15 years, including dropping 10-straight decisions to the Pirates. More than one game between these opponents has ended in a bench-clearing brawl. Both Ventura and Moorpark go for the big-play passing offense--and have succeeded well. Ventura is ranked No. 1 in passing offense in the Western State Conference with a 2-2 overall, 0-1 conference record. “It’ll be a lot like playing ourselves,” Bittner said. “They throw quite a bit. It’ll be a good test for us.” Moorpark at 3-1 overall, 1-0 conference are undefeated in the WSC this season, often overwhelming opponents with their no-huddle offense. Last week, in their conference opener, the Raiders blanked Allan Hancock, 53-0. Led by quarterback Ken Lutz, who passed for three touchdowns and wide receiver Paul Davis, who caught eight passes for 190 yards. Ventura, coming off an upset loss to Compton last week, has a formidable quarterback in Russ Widerburg and wide receiver in Ron Rominger.

Pierce vs. East L.A.

At East L.A. College 7:30 p.m.

Two-time Southern California Conference champion Pierce begins its title defense in a game that features the conference’s top two offenses. The Brahmas (2-2) are averaging 335 yards per game. East L.A. (2-2) has averaged 304. Pierce has won 10 consecutive SCC games. Last season, the Brahmas routed the Huskies, 44-0. Quarterback Pete Garvido leads East L.A.’s potent attack. In four games, he has passed for 691 yards and six touchdowns. He has also rushed for four scores. Receiver Ron Jenkins has 19 receptions for 385 yards and five touchdowns. Pierce will look toward tailback Tyrone Beaulieu to supply its offensive punch. Beaulieu rushed for 174 yards on 19 carries in the Brahmas’ 31-28 victory over Moorpark two weeks ago.