Warren’s 6-Game Streak on Line Against Downey

SOUTHEAST AREA — Surprising Warren High, which seems headed toward its first playoff appearance in at least a decade, plays host to cross-town rival Downey at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a San Gabriel Valley League showdown at Cerritos College.

The Warren Bears, picked to finish last in the preseason, are 6-2 overall and lead the league with a 4-0 record. Warren, which was 2-8 last season, has won six games in a row, including a 14-7 victory over Dominguez, one of the preseason favorites to win the league. Warren recorded a 13-3 victory over Paramount on Friday.

Downey (6-1, 3-1) was a co-favorite to win the league title. The Vikings’ only loss was to Dominguez, 27-7. Downey has won three games in a row since then.

The Warren-Downey game is being played at Cerritos College because the intracity rivalry often draws overflow crowds.

“This is always a big game in this city, whether it is for first place or not,” Warren Coach Jim Neal said. Neither Neal or Athletic Director Glen Berberet could remember the last time Warren was in the running for a league title or a playoff spot.