Big Games : Bishop Amat vs. Carson

Up until a week ago, this non-league game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bishop Amat High in La Puente shaped up as one of the top prep football match-ups of the season in Southern California. After all, the game offered the pairing of the defending L.A. City champion, Carson, against a perennial Southern Section Division I power. With Bishop Amat’s surprising 14-7 loss to Rubidoux in its season opener last week, the scope of this game may have changed a little, but it still could be one of the best of the season. Carson, playing its season opener, will have the revenge factor on its side. Bishop Amat defeated Carson 17-13 last season, when Carson was ranked No. 2 in the nation. Carson, 12-1 last year, has a diversified offense headed by wide receiver Michael Ross, running back Michael Jefferson and quarterback Armin Youngblood, and a solid defense that features All-America linebacker Nkosi Littleton and defensive back Clayvand Thomas. Bishop Amat has a pair of All-America receivers in Jeremy Smith and Jason Green. However, wide receiver Tim Aguayo had a game-high seven catches in the loss to Rubidoux. The Bishop Amat defense, which is expected to be severely tested, features lineman Alex Pacheco and linebacker Rocky Wenrick.

Muir vs. Verbum Dei

Considering that its next two games are against perennial powers L.A. Banning and Bishop Amat, Muir was probably hoping that this game against visiting Verbum Dei at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pasadena City College would provide a break in the schedule. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, who opened their season with a 14-7 win over a tough Palmdale squad, Friday’s game does not fit that description. In fact, Verbum Dei was quite impressive in scoring a 24-16 victory over West Torrance in its season opener last week. As usual, the Eagles are strong in the skill positions, led by wide receiver Keith Neal and running back Artis Houston. Two other standouts are offensive tackle Ramon McNeal and linebacker Travis Wright. Verbum Dei will face a highly regarded Muir team that struggled a little more than expected against Palmdale. However, it was the team’s first game under new Coach John Tyree. The Mustangs also have a large supply of size, speed and experience. The backfield leaders are quarterback Demetrice Martin and fullback Carlton Greer, who combined for 204 yards rushing and both of Muir’s touchdowns against Palmdale. Muir also has a huge offensive line that includes Johnny Drawn (6-3, 255) and Orlando Benn (6-4, 308). The defense is led by defensive end Elic Mahone and defensive back Reggie Resar.

Claremont vs. Ganesha

When the CIF Southern Section listed its preseason rankings in August, Claremont was absent from the Division IV poll. Perhaps it was merely an oversight, considering that Claremont has been one of the perennial powers in the division in recent years and the Wolfpack finished 10-3 and reached the division semifinals last season. Or perhaps there was concern because Claremont returned only four starters from a year ago. Whatever the reason, the Wolfpack appeared as competitive as ever in a 35-21 victory last week over Bell Gardens, ranked No. 2 in the division in the preseason. Claremont could face another strong test when it meets Ganesha at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Citrus College in Glendora. Ganesha lost its season opener to Hesperia, 19-14. But the Giants were 8-3 last season and have excellent players at the skill positions, including running back Robert Hicks. Speaking of strength at the skill positions, Claremont is not lacking in talent. The Wolfpack unveiled a good prospect at quarterback last week in junior Adam Metwalli, who completed 16 of 30 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Other top offensive players are running back Ryan Lamb and receivers Ryan Wall and Brandy Braxton.

Baldwin Park vs. Northview

Northview Coach Kevin Gair will probably not have to scout the opposition much in preparation for his team’s game against Baldwin Park at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Baldwin Park: He was an assistant coach at Baldwin Park for 13 years before becoming coach of the Vikings this season. Northview, which suffered a 21-18 loss to Sonora in its season opener last week, will face a Baldwin Park squad that rolled to a surprisingly easy 29-7 win over Rosemead in its first game. Baldwin Park is led on offense by senior quarterback Richard Robles, who completed 13 of 18 passes for 181 yards against Rosemead after throwing for 2,688 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. Two other standouts for Baldwin Park are running back Christian Torres and wide receiver Duane Williams. Perhaps most impressive last week was the Baldwin Park defense, which includes linebacker David Dunkleman, nose guard Fernando Arredondo and tackle Ricardo Tapia. Under Gair, Northview was hoping to emphasize the pass more than it has the last two seasons. However, Viking quarterback Darren Murphy completed only nine of 26 passes and had two interceptions in his team’s opener. Fortunately, Northview can turn to its outstanding running back, senior Marcus Green, who ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns against Sonora.

San Gabriel Valley’s Top Ten Teams

Rank, School, League Record Opponent 1 Muir (Pacific) 1-0-0 Verbum Dei 2 Bishop Amat (Angelus) 0-1-0 Carson 3 Los Altos (Sierra) 1-0-0 Cres. Val. 4 Baldwin Park (Sierra) 1-0-0 Northview 5 Wilson (Sierra) 1-0-0 Don Lugo 6 Glendora (Baseline) 1-0-0 W. Covina 7 Claremont (Baseline) 1-0-0 Ganesha 8 Diamond Bar (Sierra) 1-0-0 Canyon (A) 9 Northview (Valle Vista) 0-1-0 Bald. Park 10 San Marino (Rio Hondo) 0-0-0 Arcadia

Others: Arroyo (1-0-0), Bassett (1-0-0), Damien (0-1-0), Ganesha (0-1-0), Nogales (0-1-0), Rosemead (0-1-0), Temple City (0-1-0).