HIGH SCHOOL

* ST. FRANCIS (1-0) vs. CRESCENTA VALLEY (1-0)

At Glendale High, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s a warning to all fans: Prepare for an aerial circus. “This could be a long game,” Coach Alan Eberhart of Crescenta Valley said. It’s the third year that the Falcons have committed to passing. Junior quarterback Hudson Gossard passed for 277 yards in his varsity debut last week against Thousand Oaks. Running out of shotgun formation, frequently with no backs, Gossard has quick, reliable receivers such as Jason Hogan and Jason Burkhart. The challenge for Crescenta Valley will be to keep the ball away from St. Francis’ equally potent offense. The Golden Knights have more balance with tailback Matt Milton, but quarterback John Sciarra and receiver Brett Mitchell could be the best passing combination in the region. “I wouldn’t mind a scoring war,” Eberhart said. But he better watch out for what he wishes, because St. Francis’ offense loves to put points on the board.

* ROYAL (1-0) vs. CHANNEL ISLANDS (1-0)

At Royal, 7 p.m.

This game could produce an early candidate for comeback team of the year. The teams were a combined 6-15 last year. They each won low-scoring games--Channel Islands defeated Harvard-Westlake, 10-6, and Royal defeated Saugus, 14-6. Both teams lost to the same opponents in openers last year by 40-14 scores. Channel Islands allowed only 35 yards rushing against Harvard-Westlake. On offense, Augie Castaneda rushed for 89 yards in nine carries. Royal quarterback James Cox threw for 97 yards and ran for 59. Greg Morris rushed for 97 yards in five carries.

* THOUSAND OAKS (0-1) vs. HART (1-0)

At College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m.

Quarterback Ben Olson of Thousand Oaks had better be wearing a flak jacket to deal with Hart’s defensive line--Chris Frome, Peter Dubsky, Evan Allen and Jose Flores. Olson passed for 288 yards in a 24-20 loss to Crescenta Valley last week. Give him time and the 6-5 junior can be successful, especially with talented junior receiver Dave Anderson. But Hart’s defensive line is considered the best in the region. “They’re big and physical,” Thousand Oaks Coach Mike Sanders said. The Lancers must do a better job scoring inside the 10-yard line. Twice last week, they were stopped on the one-yard line. As if Hart’s defense isn’t enough to worry about, the Indians’ offense is packed. Five holding penalties against Monroe disrupted the attack. But quarterback Kyle Matter and running back Tim Gregory appear ready for top performances. One of the surprise contributors has been junior receiver Chris Steck, up from the junior varsity team.

* VALENCIA (1-0) vs. PENINSULA (1-0)

At Peninsula, 3:15 p.m.

This might be the first of two meetings between these schools this season. Both were ranked among the top eight in Division III in the preseason and won their opener convincingly. Valencia shut out Highland, 24-0, and Peninsula, under first-year Coach Tony Uruburu, defeated Long Beach Wilson, 27-3. Valencia, ranked eighth in the region, showed a balanced offense last week, getting 96 yards rushing from Marc Stockland and 207 yards passing from Kyle Bauer. Receivers Zack Sapp and Will Broadous combined for 168 yards receiving. The defense, led by All-American lineman Kaelen Jakes, limited Highland to 108 yards rushing but will be tested by an offense that rushed for 302 yards last week behind a powerful line. Chris Beal ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns and is rated among the state’s top 100 players. Last season, Peninsula defeated Valencia, 21-7.

* PALMDALE (1-0) vs. KENNEDY (1-0)

At Kennedy High, 7 p.m.

These teams have split their first two meetings, with Kennedy winning last season, 27-13. Palmdale, ranked seventh in the region, was an offensive powerhouse during the summer but had a lackluster showing last week in a 14-12 victory over Barstow, a Division VIII finalist last season. Linebacker Sergio Santana had two sacks, an interception and forced a fumble as the defense picked up the slack. Terry Furlow completed six passes, all to Tyrone Culver, for 111 of Palmdale’s 172 yards. Kennedyhad no such trouble against Poly, rolling to a 66-22 victory. Adam Geery passed for five touchdowns, including two each to Efren Lopez and James Norris, and Jerome Williams rushed for 110 yards in seven carries.

* RESEDA (1-0) vs. CLEVELAND (1-0)

At Cleveland High, 7 p.m.

Cleveland has not defeated its cross-town rival since 1995, but every game since has been close. The offenses of both teams center around the tailback. Last week, Cleveland’s Matthew Clark had 215 yards against Palisades and Reseda’s Eddie Robinson had 166 against Chatsworth. Cleveland linemen Victor Gomez and Andre Berkeley, and Reseda lineman Lee Williams are worth watching. Cleveland’s Ronnie Lyons and Reseda’s Joseph Guerrero are threats with the ball. Cleveland will be playing its first game under new lights.

* LOCKE (0-1) vs. TAFT (1-0)

At Taft High, 7 p.m.

Despite relying on a new quarterback and a sophomore receiver, Taft ran--and passed--on all cylinders in a 28-14 victory over Banning in its opener. Ricky Clausen passed for 311 yards and three touchdowns. Steve Smith had nine catches for 196 yards and two scores. Smith also intercepted a pass and Taft held the Pilots to 171 yards. Locke, like Banning, has a deserved reputation for churning out top skill-position players and huge linemen. City power San Pedro had a tough time with Locke in an opener, winning only 11-8. Locke will provide a stiffer test for Clausen and Co. If the passing game sputters, Taft can count on tailback Lee Marks, who rushed for 94 yards against Banning and 1,404 yards last season.

* OTHER GAMES

City Section: 3 p.m.--Grant at Lincoln; 7 p.m.--University at North Hollywood, Los Angeles at San Fernando, Belmont at Verdugo Hills, Poly at L.A. Wilson, Monroe at Canoga Park, Van Nuys at Birmingham.

Southern Section: 7 p.m.--Notre Dame at Burroughs, Hoover at South Pasadena, Silverado at Littlerock, Camarillo at Agoura, Buena at Rio Mesa, Calabasas at Oak Park, Channel Islands at Royal, Saugus at Simi Valley; 7:30 p.m.--Antelope Valley at Victor Valley, Kilpatrick at Cerritos Valley Christian, Sultana at Lancaster, L.A. Baptist at Mojave, St. Monica vs. Paraclete at Antelope Valley College, Quartz Hill at Ridgecrest Burroughs, Moorpark at Ventura, Newbury Park at Paso Robles, Santa Ynez at Nordhoff, San Luis Obispo at Oxnard, Santa Clara vs. Montclair Prep at Hueneme, Santa Paula at Lompoc Cabrillo.

Intersectional: 3:15 p.m.--Valencia at Peninsula; 7 p.m.--Alemany at Chatsworth, Canyon at Granada Hills, Pasadena at Sylmar; 7:30 p.m.--Bakersfield Centennial at Highland, El Camino Real at Chaminade.