Southern California top matchups in high school football this weekend

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Venice (8-4) at Crenshaw (10-2), 7 p.m.—The closest any City Section team has come to beating Crenshaw is 36 points. The Cougars are playing as well as last season, when they went 14-0 before losing in the state championship bowl game. Venice has quality skill-position players, led by running back Teondray Caldwell and receiver Gabriel Marks. But to beat the Cougars in this City Division I semifinal, the Gondoliers must counter Crenshaw’s speed, athleticism and powerful line play. The pick: Crenshaw.

Taft (9-3) at Carson (10-2), 7 p.m.—Quarterback Michael Bercovici and receiver Mike Thomas have broken just about every passing and receiving mark in the Taft record book, but it’s going to come down to defense against the top-seeded Colts. Carson has lots of offensive firepower with quarterback Justin Alo, receiver Darreus Rogers and running back Dion Willis. The pick: Carson.

Mission Viejo (12-0) vs. Santa Ana Mater Dei (8-4) at Santa Ana Stadium, 7:30 p.m.—Based on season-long play, Mission Viejo should win this Pac-5 Division semifinal in a breeze. The Diablos’ versatility on offense and ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks should earn them a spot at Angel Stadium. However, Mater Dei has a revitalized defense that led to playoff victories over Long Beach Poly and Tesoro. If the Monarchs can run the ball effectively, beware. The pick: Mission Viejo.

Ventura St. Bonaventure (11-1) at Westlake (11-1), 7 p.m.—It took double overtime to decide the Marmonte League game between these teams, and not much has changed. This Northern Division semifinal matches high-powered, evenly matched offenses. St. Bonaventure won the first meeting, 32-31. If Westlake can do a better job running the ball and protecting quarterback Nick Isham, it could turn the tables. The pick: Westlake.

Westlake Village Oaks Christian (10-2) at Valencia (11-1), 7:30 p.m.—When the season began, Oaks Christian had a young offensive line and couldn’t run the ball effectively against top teams. They’ve grown up and the Lions are scoring points in bunches. Their defense will be tested against Valencia’s Steven Manfro, who has rushed for nearly 2,500 yards and scored 40 touchdowns. The pick: Oaks Christian.

Corona Centennial (12-0) at Chino Hills (10-2), 7:30 p.m.—Is there any defensive coordinator who can figure out how to stop Centennial’s no-huddle offense? Chino Hills gets the latest chance in an Inland Division semifinal. It just seems too difficult a task the way quarterback Michael Eubank and running back Barrinton Collins have been producing this season. The pick: Centennial.

SATURDAY

Mission Hills Alemany (12-0) vs. Anaheim Servite (12-0) at Cerritos College, 7 p.m.—The running and passing of quarterback Vernon Adams has lifted Alemany to a Pac-5 Division semifinal for the first time since 1982, when the Warriors lost to Servite and future NFL quarterback Steve Beuerlein. Servite’s defense might be the best in the Southland, thanks to lineman Troy Niklas, linebackers Butch Pauu and Matthew Inman and cornerbacks Karlton Dennis and Jordan Jones. The pick: Servite.

—Eric Sondheimer