GAME DAY

DIVISION 3-A

* NORTH HOLLYWOOD (7-5) vs. WILSON (8-4)

At Wilson High, 7 p.m.

Wilson runs a multiple-set offense and has the personnel to either pass or run 40 times a game. The Mules have outscored two playoff opponents, 76-20, to reach the semifinals. Wilson committed four turnovers in the first half against Locke last week, but played error-free in the second half and won, 37-20. Senior running back Gerod Smith, who rushed for 101 yards against Locke, has gained more than 700 yards. Other rushers include Dustin Smith, Ricky Soto and John Paul Segura, a 240-pound fullback-linebacker. Senior quarterback Julio Briones has passed for nearly 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns, and has the ability to run. He rushed for 92 yards against Locke. Wilson knows the key is to stop North Hollywood running back Dante Clay, who has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Clay’s 203 yards fueled the Huskies’ 28-17 upset of Canoga Park.

* VAN NUYS (8-4) vs. UNIVERSITY (7-5)

At Palisades High, 7 p.m.

These teams are so similar they might just as well be looking in a mirror. Each has a running back who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and each relies on a stingy defense. Van Nuys, winner of six of its last seven games, boasts a plus-15 turnover ratio in the last six games. University has allowed only 215 yards in its two playoff victories over Chatsworth, 21-7, and Bell, 12-6, which went to triple overtime. Warrior tailback Harold Stephens, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior, has rushed for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. Stephens is spelled by Mitchell Fitzhugh, who is the same size as Stephens and has rushed for 550 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Daryl West replaced University’s starting quarterback, who was ruled ineligible for the playoffs, and passed for 250 yards. The Warrior offensive line averages 247 pounds per player. Van Nuys’ workhorse is senior running back Carlos Mack, who has rushed for 1,174 yards and 16 touchdowns.