HIGH SCHOOL

* PALMDALE (2-0-1) vs. HART (2-1)

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

Hart, which lost last week to Westlake, 23-13, hasn’t dropped consecutive games since 1996. The Indians might still be the class of Division III, but they have problems to address. Without tailback Tim Gregory, the running game had minus-17 yards against Westlake, with Stanford-bound quarterback Kyle Matter being sacked 20 times in the last two games. Sophomore Chris Piligian has been called up from the junior varsity to start at tackle and defensive lineman Jose Flores will move to the offensive line. Palmdale has lost 10 consecutive games to Hart, not scoring more than 14 points in any. In the last four meetings, Hart has outscored Palmdale, 137-13. The Falcons have scored 84 points the last two weeks and survived last-minute scares each time. Defensive back-receiver Tyrone Culver is quarterback Terry Furlow’s top receiver and poses a big challenge to Matter. He has three interceptions, including two last week against Bloomington. He returned one for a touchdown.

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* KENNEDY (2-0-1) vs. TAFT (3-0)

At Taft High, 7 p.m.

Will Troy Starr be allowed to coach his Taft team? The answer will come today when a three-person committee hears his appeal of a two-game suspension that is scheduled to begin tonight. As long as quarterback Rick Clausen (59 of 82, 848 yards, eight touchdowns), tailback Lee Marks (341 yards) and receivers Steve Smith (23 catches, 448) and Chris Morgan (15, 248) suit up, the Toreadors should score a lot. Taft has allowed only 223 yards a game, but Kennedy’s offense is potent as well. Adam Geery has completed 69.4% of his passes for 723 yards and nine touchdowns. Jerome Williams has rushed for 368 yards and James Norris has 18 catches for 295 yards. Efren Lopez has 12 catches for 230 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, Taft defeated Kennedy, 24-19, sending the Cougars on a three-game losing streak.

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* SAN FERNANDO (3-0) vs. BIRMINGHAM (3-0)

At Birmingham, 7 p.m.

Victories over Canoga Park, Van Nuys and Reseda were nice, but Birmingham knows if it wants to earn respect, this game is crucial. First-year Coach Ed Croson has taken advantage of the Patriots’ speed and athleticism to build a balanced offense. Quarterback Scott Jensen, receivers John Walker and Ramal Porter, and running back Kevin McCleary have provided big plays. San Fernando offers a tough test because of its size and quickness on defense. The Tigers slowed running back De’Andre Scott of Alemany this season because of their strong linebacking corps. Injuries have disrupted the Tigers, with running back Bobby Stanley and defensive end Randy Lang doubtful. But Coach Sean Blunt is pleased with the growing depth on his team. Quarterback Ruben Nevarez has improved each game as a passer.

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* JEFFERSON (2-1) vs. GRANADA HILLS (3-0)

At Granada Hills High, 7 p.m.

Granada Hills was finally scored upon last week in a 35-6 victory over South Gate. The Highlanders shut out their first two opponents, have allowed an average of 137.7 yards a game and have intercepted eight passes. Aaron Perez has three interceptions. Although quarterback Bobby Baca has completed only 43% of his passes, he averages nearly 25 yards a completion. Joey Rodriguez scored touchdowns on his first five receptions this season but did not score against South Gate. Bryan Wilson (248 yards in 25 carries) and Robert Ortega (240 yards, 25 carries) give Granada Hills balance in the backfield. Jefferson was defeated by Taft last week, 28-6, despite scoring first. Quarterback John Brown and running back Jason Brown handle the ball behind a group of large linemen for the Democrats.

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* WESTLAKE (2-1) vs. THOUSAND OAKS (0-3)

At Thousand Oaks High, 7 p.m.

Westlake, ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times, begins its Marmonte League title defense with a homecoming for quarterback Todd Feiereisen, who transferred from Thousand Oaks to Westlake in January. The junior led Westlake to a 23-13 victory over Hart last Thursday and has completed 26 of 41 passes for 238 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Thousand Oaks continues its difficult schedule with hopes that its offensive line holds up better than Hart’s, which surrendered 11 sacks against Westlake. Receiver Dave Anderson of Thousand Oaks has a region-best 28 catches for 357 yards and a touchdown. Ben Olson, a 6-foot-5 junior, has completed 54 of 93 passes for 712 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

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* OTHER GAMES:

City Section, Nonleague: 7 p.m.--L.A. Marshall at Poly; Reseda at Canoga Park; El Camino Real at Van Nuys.

Southern Section, Marmonte League: 7 p.m.--Agoura at Royal; Newbury Park at Moorpark; Nonleague: 7 p.m.--Glendale at Burroughs; Calabasas at Channel Islands; Highland at Canyon; Nordhoff vs. Harvard-Westlake at Valley College; Oak Park at Santa Paula; Simi Valley at Rio Mesa; 7:30 p.m.--Oxnard at San Marcos; Saugus at Quartz Hill; Village Christian vs. Brentwood at Clark Field in Lakewood.