This week’s top high school football games

Friday

Gardena Serra (8-2) at Corona Centennial (8-2), 7:30 p.m.: Welcome to the Pac-5 playoffs. That’s the message for these top programs making their Pac-5 debuts and forced to meet in an opening-round game. Centennial’s no-huddle offense is as good as ever. Running back JJ Taylor has 1,657 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns. Quarterbacks Nate Ketteringham and Anthony Catalano have combined for more than 2,300 yards passing and 24 touchdowns. Quarterback Khalil Tate has been leading a surging Serra offense, but the Cavaliers lost two-way starter Rasheem Green this week with a knee injury. The pick: Centennial.

Santa Margarita (6-4) at Encino Crespi (8-1), 7:30 p.m.: Get ready for a great contrast in styles in this Pac-5 opener. Crespi relies almost exclusively on its running game. Santa Margarita has quarterback K.J. Costello and receiver Kyle Sweet. If Crespi can control the clock and keep the Eagles’ offense on the sideline, that’s going to be trouble for the visitors. Look for Crespi to turn loose free safety Marvell Tell. The pick: Crespi.