La Puente Bishop Amat ready to focus on No. 1 Anaheim Servite

Now that the Rio Ruiz drama is over (he’s not leaving to play for the 18U national baseball team), La Puente Bishop Amat Coach Steve Hagerty wants everyone to focus on his team’s game against No. 1-ranked Anaheim Servite on Friday night at Cerritos College.

“We’re facing one of the best defenses around,” Hagerty said.

Last week, Bishop Amat defeated Los Angeles Garfield, 14-0, with quarterback Ruiz and receiver Adam Alcantara both not starting because they missed practice to play baseball.

This week was going to be the last football game for Ruiz until next month, as he was leaving to join the 18U team for a tournament in Colombia. But that tournament was postponed until November, causing Ruiz to say, “I’m not leaving my team.”

“We’re glad he’s going to stay,” Hagerty said. “We were all prepared and now it’s not going to happen. I just want to move on.”

The question is whether Bishop Amat is prepared to take on the Friars and all the challenges they present. Servite opened its season with a 20-0 win over Oceanside.

“Every team is different,” Hagerty said. “We’re still in that phase trying to figure out who we are. I think we’re going to be a very good team. I just don’t know when.”

And facing Servite in the second game of the season will force his players to play well or face the consequences.

Hagerty said the two-time defending Pac-5 Division champion Friars under Coach Troy Thomas have accomplished big things in the weight room and as a team.

“There’s a thing in high school sports about owning a kid’s spirit, and I think he’s got those kids in the palm of his hands,” Hagerty said. “They’ve bought in, and we’re all trying for that standard. Sometimes it’s about family and kids connecting, and that’s what they are part of.”

As for what Bishop Amat must do, Hagerty said, “You have to play high school football and play as a group and see them for who they are. We’re going to have to deflate the image a little bit.”

Showdown in O. C.

Getting a ticket for Friday’s matchup between Santa Margarita and Tesoro at Saddleback College will be difficult. Santa Margarita Coach Harry Welsh said he expected the stadium to be filled.

What’s scary about Santa Margarita is that the Eagles scored 56 points in their opener against Long Beach Jordan while starting just two seniors on offense.

Their offensive line is big and strong. How Tesoro is able to deal with the big line on defense will be decisive.

Narbonne debut

Harbor City Narbonne is one of the favorites to win the City Section Division I championship, and the Gauchos play their season opener against Pales Verdes.

Quarterback Troy Williams of Narbonne is considered the best in the City Section, and Coach Manuel Douglas said he expected his team to perform well.

Next week, Narbonne plays Long Beach Poly. The Gauchos will be rooting for Marine League rival Carson, which plays the Jack rabbits on Friday.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com