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Cal State Northridge vs. Southern Utah State

At Southern Utah State 6 p.m. The Northridge defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in nine quarters, but Southern Utah State is the Western Football Conference’s top offensive team. Last week, quarterback Chad Richard completed six passes in the Thunderbirds’ 55-22 victory over Western State, but five went for touchdowns, covering 2, 4, 6, 74 and 83 yards. Richard is the WFC’s total offense leader with an average of 248.2 yards a game. He has passed for 890 and rushed for 351. The Thunderbirds average 37.8 points and 459.2 yards a game. The Northridge defense, led by nose tackle Darrell McIntyre and strong safety Kip Dukes, is the toughest in the conference against the run (86.7) and the pass (79.7). The Matador offense is second in the WFC in rushing (199.7), but last in passing (158.0). Northridge quarterbacks Chris Parker and Danny Fernandez have combined for an average of only 17 pass attempts a game, lowest in the league. Parker, who won the starting spot after alternating with Fernandez in nonconference games, has completed 16 of 27 pass attempts for 270 yards and four touchdowns with only one interception. Mike Kane is the top Northridge rusher with 321 yards and five touchdowns on 62 carries. He also leads the team in receiving with nine catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. This is the conference opener for Northridge (3-0), which is ranked 12th in Division II. Southern Utah, ranked 19th, is 0-1 in the WFC and 4-1 overall. Since 1980, the Thunderbirds are 37-23-3 overall, but 24-3-1 at home. Weather at game time tonight is expected to be cloudy with a temperature of 40 degrees. No rain or snow is expected.

Cal Lutheran vs. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

At San Luis Obispo 7 p.m. Even though much attention will be focused on Cal Lutheran quarterback Jeff Chalmers in his first college start, Coach Bob Shoup said it is the Kingsmen defense that could determine the outcome of the Western Football Conference opener for both teams. “There’s no question we’ll look to our defense,” he said. “It is capable of shutting Poly down and it’s 100% healthy.” That is not the case with the offense. Chalmers, a 5-9, 150-pound freshman, will start in place of Tom Bonds, who sprained his right knee a week ago. Shoup said Shane Hawkins, another freshman backup, would also play. “Hawkins is a better runner and Chalmers is the better passer,” Shoup said. “Chalmers is more of what Bonds is--a composite player. He has a nice release and a strong arm.” The Kingsmen (2-1) will simplify their offense to make Chalmers feel more comfortable and Shoup said he will use a more conservative offensive scheme. “In past years, our lines have been overmatched by Cal Poly’s strength,” Shoup said. “But this year, our offensive line matches up well with their down people.” That probably means CLU will run a lot. Cal Poly SLO (1-1) did not play a week ago. Earlier, the Mustangs beat Chico State, 26-18, at home and lost at UC Davis, 32-21. Wide receiver Lance Martin has 13 receptions for 295 yards, including one touchdown. Quarterback Robert Perez has completed 33 of 61 passes and leads the team in total offense with 461 total yards. Tailback Jim Gleed has rushed for 186 yards. The Mustangs lead the series with CLU, 4-1. Cal Lutheran won last year’s game, 29-24.

Ventura vs. Moorpark

At Moorpark 1:30 p.m. The area’s hottest quarterback controversy was supposed to end Friday. But word out of Moorpark on Friday was that Coach Jim Bittner still hadn’t decided on a starter for today’s game between sophomore Steve Haddad and freshmen Steve Armstrong and Dan Nagelmann. Last week, Moopark lost, 17-16, to Long Beach City. Although he hasn’t said so, Bittner appears to favor Armstrong or Nagelmann. Ventura has no such problems. Sophomore quarterback Russ Wideburg has started each of the Pirates’ three games, and has completed 48 of 81 passes for 608 yards and three touchdowns. The Pirates have a new coach in John Hancock, formerly an assistant at Drake University. “We are very pleased with the progress of the team, especially with the new coach stepping in,” said Ventura Athletic Director Jerry Dunlap. Ventura running back Carl Hughes has done some stepping, too. He has rushed 46 times for 291 yards in three games and has scored two touchdowns. Ventura kicker Matt Fowler is third among Western State Conference scorers with 23 points. Moorpark lost last year’s game between these teams, 20-17.