Tonight’s Prep Football : Servite Takes a Shot at No. 1 Loyola

Servite High School will take a break from Angelus League play and meet the nation’s top-ranked team, Loyola, at 7:30 tonight at Glendale High.

Loyola (8-0) is ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Today. The Cubs feature a strong defense--anchored by linebacker Matt Butkus and free safety Jim Klein--that has allowed only 24 points.

Opponents have averaged 130 yards per game, 61 rushing. Last year, Loyola limited Crespi running back Russell White to 27 yards in 14 carries.

Servite (7-1) is coming off an impressive 34-28 victory over Bishop Amat, a game in which running back Derek Brown gained 246 yards. He has rushed for 1,383 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

Several opponents have utilized a 9-man front in an effort to contain Brown, but Servite Coach Jerry Person doesn’t expect any changes in Loyola’s defense.

“I expect to see their basic 5-2 front,” Person said. “Loyola is the best team we’ll play this year. We have a big game next week for the league title against Mater Dei, but we can’t afford to let down or lay down.

“The kids are really excited to play Loyola. How many players get to say they played against the No. 1 team in the country?”

In other games tonight, all starting at 7:30, Mission Viejo, top-ranked in Orange County, plays host to San Clemente in South Coast League play; visiting Anaheim meets Western in a key Orange League game in Handel Stadium; and Brea-Olinda plays host to Savanna in Glover Stadium.