THIS WEEK’S TOP FOOTBALL GAMES

SOUTHERN SECTION

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (4-0) at Valencia (4-0), 7 p.m., Friday

Two of the top local junior quarterbacks are ready to duel. Notre Dame’s Garrett Green is a threat running and passing. Valencia’s Michael Herrick has passed for 1,192 yards and 15 touchdowns. Notre Dame, ranked No. 5 in the Southland by The Times, has speed in the backfield with running backs Cary Harris and Rodney Glass. Valencia, ranked No. 9, has a swift sophomore tailback in Shane Vereen and top receivers in Christopher Wright and Shane Morales. Notre Dame’s experienced defensive line could be the difference if it puts enough pressure on Herrick, who has had nine passes intercepted. The game will be televised live by FSN West 2.

-- Eric Sondheimer

*

Newhall Hart (2-2) vs. Los Angeles Loyola (4-0) at Pierce College, 7 p.m., Friday

What’s wrong with Hart? After falling behind, 33-0, to Lake Balboa Birmingham last week before losing, 33-27, the 16th-ranked Indians have some of their fans feeling a little panicky. Changes are expected to shore up weaknesses in the secondary. The Indians have committed 11 turnovers in their two losses. Second-ranked Loyola, in its final tuneup before starting its competitive Serra League schedule, isn’t used to playing passing teams like Hart. That could produce problems for the Cubs, but their rushing attack, led by Trason Bragg, offers a severe challenge to Hart.

-- Eric Sondheimer

*

CITY SECTION

Woodland Hills Taft (3-1) at Harbor City Narbonne (4-0), 7 p.m., Friday

Josh Portis was on his game last week against L.A. University, completing 17 of 23 passes for 247 yards and five touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough, he also led the No. 21 Toreadors in rushing with 57 yards in eight carries. Jamere Holland and Thyrell Holland have been Portis’ favorite targets recently, accounting for nine catches and 160 yards against University. Narbonne, ranked No. 13, was penalized 11 times for 115 yards last week in a 34-20 victory over L.A. Fairfax, including two that nullified touchdowns. The Gauchos also turned the ball over twice, including an interception that was returned 58 yards for a touchdown. Travon Titus has been Narbonne’s go-to guy on offense. He had 65 yards rushing and 73 yards receiving against Fairfax.

-- Dan Arritt

*

Los Angeles Dorsey (3-1) at Lake Balboa Birmingham (2-2), 7 p.m., Friday

Birmingham, ranked No. 15, is coming off a 33-27 victory over perennial power Hart and has lost only to Valencia and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, both highly ranked teams. The Patriots’ key to success is their multifaceted offense. Quarterback Andrew Miramontes has passed for 1,077 yards and six touchdowns. Running back Brian Stuart has rushed for 316 yards. At No. 14 Dorsey, speed is the name of the game. Running backs Stafon Johnson and Jeremiah Johnson have a knack for making big plays. Stafon averages 11.23 yards per carry and Jeremiah averages just under seven. The Dons don’t pass much (33 attempts in four games) but look out for speedy wide receiver David Gettis when they do.

-- Peter Yoon

*

INTERSECTIONAL

Mission Viejo (4-0) at Concord De La Salle (1-2-1), 7:30 p.m., Saturday

For once, the role of favorite is reversed as a Southland team prepares to face De La Salle. The visiting Diablos come into the game ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, while De La Salle is No. 17. Mission Viejo is led by Mark Sanchez, who has completed 45 of 75 passes for 747 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions, and Chane Moline, who has averaged 9.9 yards per carry with nine touchdowns. Just as impressive is the Diablos’ defense, which has dominated state-ranked powers Los Alamitos (No. 18), Santa Ana Mater Dei (No. 3) and Long Beach Poly (No. 4). De La Salle, whose national-record 151-game winning streak was ended by a season-opening loss, was idle last week. On Sept. 25, the Spartans beat San Jose Archbishop Mitty, 49-0, behind quarterback Anthony Gutierrez, who rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown in 12 carries and completed seven passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

-- Martin Henderson