Big Games : Banning vs. San Fernando

A 6-4 season would be considered respectable by most prep football teams, but for Banning, winner of eight of the past 12 L.A. City titles, last year was a disappointment and Joe Dominguez hopes to return the Pilots to their old form. The new head coach, an assistant under Chris Ferragamo during Banning’s glory years, says the Pilots will be similar to the Ferragamo-era teams. They will thrive on the veer option and power football. Top tailback Chris Griffieth returns to run behind a huge line anchored on the right side by all-American tackle Bob Whitfield (6-7, 275) and guard Andy Gonzales (6-4, 250). Talented quarterback John Ma’ae, who took his lumps as a sophomore, returns to run the offense. San Fernando, ranked 18th in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, is said to have its finest team since the days of Charles White in the mid-’70s. The Tigers have 14 starters and 30 lettermen returning from a team that went 7-2-1 and reached the 4-A Division semifinals. Standouts include the explosive tandem of wide receiver Sean Williams and running back Maurice McFarland, plus an experienced line headed by Anthony Hall (6-5, 270) and George Glaze (6-5, 215).

8 p.m. Friday at Harbor College.

N. Torrance vs. Palos Verdes

This opener features two teams that finished in a three-way tie for the Bay League title last season. North has since moved to the new eight-team Ocean League, where the Saxons will bid for another championship with an experienced defense and a new offensive scheme. Co-Coach Stew Roper, joining previous head Coach Don Bohannon, has introduced the wing-T formation at North. Sophomore quarterback Brian Jurado will run the offense, which features all-league wide receiver Anthony Cole and tailback Ron Perez. The Saxon defense returns seven starters, led by all-leaguers Ron Hanze (6-3, 230) at inside linebacker and Dan Hutchens (6-3, 245) at tackle. Palos Verdes, which has shared the Bay League title each of the last two years, has eight starters from a team that went 6-5. Quarterback-linebacker David Walsh (6-4, 215) and tight end-linebacker Spuds Powell (6-5, 205) lead the way for the Sea Kings.

3 p.m. Friday at Palos Verdes.

Serra vs. Pasadena

Both teams carry high expectations into the season. Serra is rated fourth in the CIF-Southern Section Division VII rankings while Pasadena is fifth in the Division II poll. First-year Serra Coach Joe Griffin inherits a team that went 9-2-1 last year but lost most of its skill-position players. Leading the Cavaliers’ returners is offensive tackle-linebacker Erik Simien (6-3, 227), a preseason all-American who can hit with the best of them. Serra’s experience lies up front, as the team returns its offensive line intact, including tight end-defensive end Jerome Williams (6-4, 215). Senior Glenn Baham and junior Fred Safford are fighting for the quarterback job vacated by Colorado recruit Eric Hamilton. Pasadena returns 22 lettermen from an 8-3-1 team. Most notable are all-American offensive tackle Terry McDaniels (6-5, 242), wide receiver John McCoy and four all-league players on defense.

7:30 tonight at Pasadena City College.

Redondo vs. Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills Coach Gary Kimbrell said his adrenaline started flowing on Monday. After taking a year off from coaching, Kimbrell is anxious to begin the season, although he doesn’t know quite what to expect. One of the Titans’ biggest question marks is at quarterback, where junior Greg Schwartz and senior Rick Judge are competing for the job. Kimbrell says both will play against Redondo. Guards John Lee (6-2, 220) and Henry Kim (6-1, 200) anchor a good-sized line for Rolling Hills, which will alternate several running backs. Redondo’s offense is in experienced hands with returning quarterback Robbie Zeller and Don Morrow, the respected offensive coordinator. Plaguing the Sea Hawks are injuries to several starters, including tailback-cornerback Mike Trudeau (injured knee) and fullback Dave Reasoner (sprained ankle). The game should give both teams a good idea where they stand.

3 p.m. Friday at Rolling Hills.