Big Games : S. Torrance vs. Bishop Montgomery

South High (1-1) has been giving up points faster than expected--44 in two games--but got its offense going last week, scoring 34 points against Mira Costa. Bishop Montgomery (1-1) shut out Mary Star, 27-0, but was whipped by Huntington Beach, 36-19. An interesting game-within-a-game will be Bishop Montgomery’s elusive quarterback, Niu Sale, looking for running room against South’s big linemen. Running back Steve Kuzawa is the big man in the South attack.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Bishop Montgomery in Torrance.

West Torrance vs. Hawthorne

Two teams coming off shutouts will meet in a match-up of Hawthorne’s speed against West’s swarming defense. The Cougars (2-0) have allowed only 3 points in two games but have not untracked their offense, totaling 28 points. West (1-1) has scored 53 points but gave up 33 to Verbum Dei before shutting out Inglewood. Sophomore quarterback Curtis Conway leads Hawthorne.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Hawthorne.

Muir vs. Morningside

This match-up is at Inglewood’s Stadium of the Stars. The problem--at least for Morningside--is that Muir may have more stars. Two outstanding prospects will be on display. Muir features tailback Ricky Ervins, one of the top runners in the CIF. Morningside has pre-season All-American linebacker Corey Brown, who doubles at fullback. With Ervins gaining 303 yards in his first two games, Muir is off to a 2-0 start and is averaging 33 points, while giving up 11 per game. Morningside (1-1) scored 46 points against Serra but was shut out by Hawthorne, a fast team similar to Muir. Muir also features quarterback Vince Phillips, fullback Charles Crowther and receiver/defensive back Marcus Robertson.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Stadium of the Stars in Inglewood.

San Pedro vs. Banning

Banning Coach Chris Ferragamo expects a full house at Gardena for the renewal of the San Pedro-Banning rivalry. “You might call this a homecoming for the rivalry,” Ferragamo said. San Pedro (0-1) couldn’t get its offense untracked in its opener against North Torrance and faces an even quicker defense against the state’s top-ranked team. The Pilots (1-0) opened with a 28-14 victory over Fontana and Ferragamo said they will be “polishing the offense” this week. Experienced quarterbacks will face off, with Banning’s Eddie Kapu leading the option while San Pedro’s Randy Galosic plays a more traditional drop-back style. He’s also a running threat. Banning’s defensive backfield will challenge Galosic’s passing game. Marlon Primous intercepted two passes against Fontana.

8 p.m. Friday at Gardena High.

Carson vs. St. Paul

Is the real St. Paul the one that lost to Loyola, 42-13, or the one that closed down Whittier, 28-7? If the winning Swordsmen show up, Carson (1-0) will be in for a game. St. Paul is big and physical and unveiled a potent passing attack last week behind quarterback Jeff Willis, who threw for 287 yards. His main target was Chris Hurtado. Carson may have unveiled a future star in junior quarterback George Malauulu, who opened to generally good reviews in last week’s 20-13 victory over Lynwood. A good game from Malauulu opens up running room for backs Alvin Goree and Calvin Holmes.

7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Paul in Santa Fe Springs.