HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TODAY

Westminster (1-1-1) at Crespi (3-0)

At Crespi 7:30 p.m.

On the strength of two of the Valley-area’s best athletes--sophomore running back Russell White and linebacker Sean Howard--Crespi has rushed for 853 yards while allowing minus 3 yards on the ground. White has gained 452 yards on 28 carries for a 16.1 average. Running back J. J. Lasley, however, will sit out his second straight game with a broken bone in his right hand. Westminster is the first real test for Crespi, which has outscored three opponents, 107-7. Westminster was ranked No. 1 in the Big-Five preseason poll but has been tied by Valencia and beaten by El Toro. Linebackers Mark Smith, Todd Weaver and Ray Smith lead the Lions’ defense. Crespi is ranked No. 6 in the Big Five Conference poll and No. 2 in the Valley area by The Times.

Westlake (2-1) vs. Simi Valley (3-0)

At Simi Valley 7:30 p.m.

Simi Valley’s experienced defense has allowed only 11 points and may prohibit any sustained drives in this Marmonte League opener. Westlake recorded a surprising win over Lompoc two weeks ago on long touchdown runs by Rob Mandel and Todd Thompson, but the Warriors turned the ball over on each of their last five possessions in a loss to Ventura last week. Westlake’s wing-T offense is based on deceiving opposing defenses with sleight of hand. “Our style of offense helps break the big play,” Coach George Contreras said, “but we need to move the ball with some consistency against Simi Valley.” The Pioneers had relied on the passing of Todd Studer for most of their offense until last week against Agoura when Tony Kerr gained 146 yards on 13 carries.

Newbury Park (2-1) vs. Camarillo (1-2)

At Camarillo 7:30 p.m.

Bill Phillips of Newbury Park has emerged as the hardest-working running back around. The 5-11, 180-pound senior has 85 carries--25 more than anyone in the Valley area--and has gained 356 yards. “I had no idea I’d be getting the ball so much,” Phillips said. With running back Darrin Jelly, quarterback Jayson Merrill and wide receiver Steve Muscarella along with Phillips, Newbury Park should move the ball well in this Marmonte League opener. Camarillo’s Kevin Ochs is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and has gained 257 yards. Quarterback Mike Henry has completed only 19 passes but is averaging 17.2 yards per completion. After losing to Oxnard and Rio Mesa, the Scorpions exploded for 41 points against Hueneme last week.

Royal (1-2) vs. Thousand Oaks (2-1)

At Thousand Oaks 7:30 p.m.

Every Marmonte League team has outscored its opponents after three games, including Royal, which is 48-47 in points despite a losing record. Thousand Oaks will have to rebound mentally from last week’s loss to Canyon or be in for a surprise. Royal quarterback Shaun Christensen, a three-year starter, has completed 25 of 41 passes (61.0%) for 313 yards, and running back Ralph Blanks has gained 230 yards on 34 carries. Thousand Oaks running back Marc Monestime is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and is due to break loose. Thousand Oaks quarterback Steve Sisco, in his first start after replacing the injured Robb McKinnon, directed the offense with confidence and completed 6 of 12 passes last week.

Canyon (3-0) vs. Notre Dame (2-1)

At Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.

On Sept. 30, 1983, Notre Dame defeated Canyon, something no team has been able to do since. “We don’t talk much about that but I’m sure the kids are aware of it,” Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney said. To pull a repeat and end Canyon’s 41-game winning streak, the Knights will have to shut down quarterback Ken Sollom, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes. It may be too much to ask of a Notre Dame defense that Burroughs quarterback Jeff Barrett shredded two weeks ago for 351 yards. “We have to get to the quarterback,” Rooney said. “But their receivers are so good we can’t afford to blitz too many people.” Notre Dame is coming off an impressive 27-3 win over St. Genevieve. Last week, Canyon’s Trevor Doyle caught a 69-yard touchdown pass, threw a 31-yard completion on a double-pass, and made a key interception.

Chaminade (0-2-1) vs. St. Genevieve (2-1)

At Pierce College 7:30 p.m.

Notre Dame and Montclair Prep were common nonleague opponents of these Santa Fe League rivals. Notre Dame beat Chaminade, 17-0, and St. Genevieve, 27-3. Chaminade was also defeated by Montclair Prep, 24-14, but St. Genevieve edged the Mounties, 7-0. Chaminade has scored only four touchdowns despite the efforts of sophomore Sean Burwell, who has gained 286 yards on 38 carries. “We don’t like to key on one particular player,” St. Genevieve Coach Linden Crow said. “You’ll see us in our regular defense.” The Valiants use a flex defense. Chaminade kicker Doug Marconet made two field goals last week against Calabasas.

Reseda (2-0) vs. Poly (2-0)

At Poly 8 p.m.

After his team defeated Birmingham and Monroe, Reseda Coach Joel Schaeffer says there are better teams in the 2-A Pac 8 League than in the 3-A. Poly may be one of those 2-A surprises. The Parrots, behind quarterback Joey Speakes and Don Senegal, have forgotten all about last season’s 2-7 record. Speakes, who transferred from Granada Hills, has passed for 307 yards and 4 touchdowns. “We are playing with a lot of confidence,” Speakes said. The winner of this Pac 8 League opener should contend for the league title. Reseda has yielded only 1 touchdown and 76 yards passing. “Our defense may be our strength,” Schaeffer said. Reseda’s Mike Lance, who replaced injured Don Grant at quarterback, has completed 6 of 7 passes for 125 yards and 1 touchdown.

Crenshaw (2-0) vs San Fernando (1-1)

At San Fernando 8 p.m.

Valley 4-A League teams always have a difficult time against Pacific League teams. Witness Kennedy’s 15-13 loss to Crenshaw two weeks ago. If the San Fernando wishbone backfield, composed of all underclassmen, continues to improve its timing, the Tigers could defeat Crenshaw. Junior halfbacks Terry Smith (130 yards) and Danny Leos (85) are coming along quickly. San Fernando’s defense and offensive lines are large and experienced. “Hopefully, our defense will keep us in the game even if we turn the ball over a few times,” Coach Tom Hernandez said. Crenshaw has defeated Kennedy and Fairfax behind the passing of Jeff Sullivan and running of halfback LaMont Peters.

Taft (2-0) vs. Cleveland (2-0)

At Cleveland 3 p.m.

This is Cleveland’s third straight nonleague game against a 3-A team, but Taft should provide a stiffer test than either Chatsworth or Canoga Park. One reason is that Taft has allowed only 88 yards rushing. Most of Cleveland’s offense rests with the running of Albert Fann, who has gained 357 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. “There is no doubt that Albert is our best weapon,” Coach Steve Landress said. “But we have to continue to pass to keep defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage.” Taft has a strong runner of its own in Cornell Collier, who has gained 214 yards and is averaging 8.2 yards a carry. Don’t look for Taft to throw the ball. The team has completed only 3 passes for 57 yards in two games.