Advertisement

KENNEDY vs. QUARTZ HILL

Share

At Quartz Hill, 7:30 p.m.

This is the second of two season-opening games between the fifth-ranked Golden Cougars, one of the area’s strongest City Section teams, and the No. 10 Rebels, a powerhouse team from the Golden League. Host Quartz Hill, 8-3 last season, will try to exact revenge from a 13-7 loss a year ago, knowing the outcome might have been different if running back Jeremiah Harris was not serving a one-game suspension. Harris is back after gaining 1,354 yards. But Kennedy, 12-1 last year, will counter with running back Jaret Harris and a new passing attack that features Calvin Zinck, the top quarterback among local city teams last year (1,578 yards), and Waking Bailey.

*

NOTRE DAME vs. ALEMANY

At Alemany, 7:30 p.m.

Alemany hasn’t defeated Notre Dame since 1991, also the last year the Indians had a winning season. Not since then has Alemany, which last season avoided a last-place finish in the Del Rey League, entered the season with as much cause for optimism. The offensive line includes four sizable returning starters and the backfield features junior tailback Miguel Fletcher, projected to be an impact player. Still, Notre Dame remains rock-solid after going 24-3 the past two years, which included a Southern Section Division III championship in 1994 and a semifinal appearance last season. Gone from last season are several key starters, including two-year starting quarterback Ryan Bowne, but the Knights have sufficiently retooled.

*

CRESPI vs. SERRA

At Serra High, 7:30 p.m.

Both teams were better last season than their records indicate. Especially Serra, which defeated Crespi, 14-9, in the opener but forfeited the victory a week later for using an illegal player. The Cavaliers, who advanced to the Southern Section Division III semifinals in 1994, struggled to a third-place finish in the Mission League. Quarterback Kris Richard, who missed five games because of a broken hand, returns. So do four members of the offensive line, including senior tackle Damion Tinsley (6-6, 270), who is being heavily recruited. The Cavaliers have 13 returning starters, seven on offense. Crespi, a member of the perennially strong Division I Del Rey League, assuredly would be more successful competing in a lower division. The Celts’ running game is a question mark.

Advertisement

*

OXNARD vs. CAMARILLO

At Camarillo, 7:30 p.m.

Oxnard defeated Camarillo, 27-9, in last year’s opener, but from there, the Yellowjackets suffered through a ninth consecutive losing season. Things might be different this year for what some observers are calling the best Oxnard team in a decade. Talent abounds and so do returning starters. Senior quarterback Bryan Spencer, who passed for 819 yards and seven touchdowns last season, has improved. Running backs Philip Giebler, who rushed for 126 yards, and Courtney Palmore, who played in only three games last season and also starts at defensive back, provide a blend of strength and speed. The offensive line is sizable, although there is little depth. Most Channel League coaches are picking Oxnard to finish among the top three.

Other games: At 3 p.m., Grant at Verdugo Hills; San Fernando at Jefferson; Cleveland at Eagle Rock. At 3:30 p.m., Pacific Christian vs. Viewpoint at Montecito Park. At 7 p.m., Bishop Union vs. Valencia at College of the Canyons. At 7:30 p.m., Paraclete vs. St. Bonaventure at Ventura High; Ventura at Simi Valley; M.E. Lazerte (Canada) at Antelope Valley; Saugus at Santa Barbara; Poly at Chaminade; Valley View at Canyon; Moorpark at Burroughs; Banning at Highland; Serrano vs. Littlerock at Palmdale High; Palmdale at Ridgecrest Burroughs; Rio Mesa at Channel Islands; Royal at San Marcos; Arcadia at St. Francis; Alhambra at Glendale; Fillmore at Nordhoff; Lucerne Valley vs. Vasquez at Rosamond High; Santa Clara at Santa Maria St. Joseph; Kilpatrick at Silver Valley; Flintridge Prep at Coast Union; Montclair Prep vs. Salesian at Pius X.

Advertisement