PREP FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK

* GAME: No. 1 Loyola (2-0) vs. La Canada St. Francis (2-0).

* WHEN: Tonight at 7:30.

* WHERE: St. Francis High.

* COACHES: Steve Grady (Loyola), 18th season; Bill Redell (St. Francis), first season.

* THE SERIES: The two Catholic schools began playing each other in 1968, and Loyola leads the series, 15-7-1. The Cubs beat St. Francis, 42-0, last season for their third consecutive shutout of the Golden Knights.

* AT STAKE: Even a close game would go a long way toward improving the Golden Knights’ image. St. Francis finished last season 3-6 and Coach Andy Boynton was fired shortly thereafter.

* WHOM TO WATCH: Loyola held Hawthorne to 13 points in the opener and shut out Crenshaw last week. Linebacker Kwame Cain, a preseason All-American, is the leader. Kadar Hamilton is a starter at both wide receiver and defensive back.

* WHAT TO EXPECT: Despite shutout victories over Burbank Burroughs and San Pedro Mary Star, unless the Golden Knights open up their passing game against Loyola, they will have trouble against one of the Southland’s best defenses.

* ADVANTAGES: Redell has brought new enthusiasm to a program that has been on the decline for the last 10 years. Cardinal Roger Mahoney is expected to be in the crowd.

* FOOTNOTE: Fans should get to the game early. St. Francis’ stadium only holds 3,000 and any overflow will have to stand in the end zones.