Football: Three big games top this week’s prep schedule

There’s three huge games on Friday night that can influence the rest of the regular season.

In Las Vegas, Long Beach Poly (2-0) will face Bishop Gorman (3-0), ranked No. 1 in the nation by several publications.

Norco (2-0) travels to Mission Viejo (4-0) in a game that should tell us plenty about both schools.

In Harbor City, it will be a South Bay shootout between Gardena Serra (2-1) and Narbonne (1-1).

Unlike several SEC teams that seem to avoid playing tough nonconference opponents, the top high school teams have decided they want to face the best before league play begins, creating intriguing matchups.

Poly has the athleticism to hang with Bishop Gorman, but can the Jackrabbits avoid penalties and turnovers to win the game?

Mission Viejo started its season in Hawaii and hasn’t had a break. Last week’s 24-14 win over La Habra was the Diablos’ best effort yet. This time they’ll have to take on Norco’s versatile Victor Viramontes, a Michigan commit who excels at quarterback and linebacker.

Serra and Narbonne both suffered tough losses to top teams, Corona Centennial and Poly, and the winner of this game could gain the needed confidence to begin long winning streaks.

On Thursday night, Newport Harbor is facing Corona del Mar in the Battle of the Bay at Orange Coast College. Loyola (3-0) has a final tuneup before beginning the Mission League with a road game against L.A. Salesian (3-0).

Neighborhood rivals Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and Crespi will be heavy underdogs in their Friday games. Notre Dame hosts No. 1 Corona Centennial (3-0) and Crespi travels to Cerritos College to play No. 2 St. John Bosco (3-0).

City Section teams are facing tough matchups against Southern Section opponents. Dorsey plays at Alemany, Birmingham is at Chaminade, Hamilton faces JSerra at Saddleback College.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer