Football: Bishop Amat, Alemany, Serra start out as Mission League favorites

The nonleague games are over for the seven teams in the Mission League, and the critical games begin on Friday with the start of league play and the drive to gain one of the three precious guaranteed Pac-5 playoff spots.

Bishop Amat (3-1), Alemany (4-0) and Gardena Serra (3-1) start out as the three favorites, but lots can happen over the course of a six-game league schedule. The opening games on Friday night include Serra at Loyola (4-0), Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (1-3) at Bishop Amat and Crespi (1-3) at Alemany. Chaminade (3-1) has a bye.

Injuries have hurt Crespi and Notre Dame. Crespi is expected to get back several players for its game against Alemany, but running back Jalen Starks is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. Notre Dame was routed last week by No. 1 Corona Centennial and held out running back Leo Lambert III.

Bishop Amat has been doing well despite injuries and suspensions. If the Lancers ever get back to full strength, beware. Quarterback Damian Garcia was 15 of 17 passing for 214 yards and three touchdowns last week in a 63-28 win over Chino Hills.

Alemany’s improved defense is what opponents should be worried about. Led by linebackers Lamin Touray and Guy Alford, the Warriors have been stopping the run, a key requirement in the Mission League.

Loyola gets to show how good it really is with an opening game against a talented Serra team. The first task will be trying to slow down quarterback Khalil Tate. Loyola has shown renewed energy on offense, behind quarterback Sean O’Malley and running back Drake Beasley.

Chaminade has been improving with the help of more than a dozen sophomores receiving playing time. The big question is can the Eagles stop teams on defense?

Twitter:@LATSondheimer