Weekend Lineup

Some of the top scholastic and collegiate events taking place in Southern California this weekend:

TODAY

* High school football Wilmington Banning vs. Newhall Hart at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m.

Eleven-time City Section champion Banning takes on six-time Southern Section champion Hart in a battle of perennial powerhouses. Hart coaches are apprehensive about stopping the Pilots. Only one starter returns on defense for the Indians and none of their linebackers has played in a varsity game at the position. Banning hopes to take advantage of the Indians’ inexperience with tailback A.J. Tuitele and quarterback Damian Satete. But while Hart has concerns on defense, its offense could be one of the best in school history. The combination of veteran receivers and the return to health of running back Tim Gregory should allow new quarterback Matt Moore to flourish.

* High school cross-country

Seaside Park Invitational, Ventura, 2 p.m.

Nationally ranked teams from McFarland and Canyon Country Canyon will compete in the boys’ race.

Seniors Randel Sanchez and Giovanni Perezchica will lead No. 9 McFarland, the defending state Division IV champion.

Seniors Luke Llamas and Jameson Mora and junior Ryan Morgan will pace No. 16 Canyon.

The girls’ favorite is No. 24-ranked Canyon.

SATURDAY

* Junior college football

Bakersfield vs. Cerritos, 7 p.m., Cerritos College

What a way to start the season. Bakersfield, for years the class of the Western State Conference, is ranked No. 2 in the coaches’ preseason state poll. Cerritos, long a Mission Conference heavyweight, is ranked No. 12. As usual, Bakersfield is loaded defensively, especially in the secondary. Cornerback Randy Johnson had six interceptions last year and strong safety James McGill made 99 tackles. Cerritos Coach Frank Mazzotta said this might be his fastest team in 24 seasons at the school. Mike Harrison, a former Lakewood Mayfair High standout, has transferred from Hawaii and is replacing Doug Baughman, who set several school passing records before moving on to Idaho State.

* High school cross-country

Laguna Hills Invitational, 8 a.m.

Long Beach Poly, the top-ranked boys’ team in the nation, will open its season in this meet. So will Dana Point Dana Hills, the No. 5-ranked girls’ team.

Seniors Bryan Durham and Oscar Mendez will lead Poly, defending state and Southern Section Division I champion.

Sophomore Monika Rothenburger is expected to be one of Dana Hills’ top runners after clocking 5 minutes 10.29 seconds in the 1,600 meters during track and field season.