Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the area Friday.
FRIDAY’S TOP GAMES
Long Beach Poly at Downey, 7 p.m.: The Vikings will have the home field advantage, but the Jackrabbits have home run speed in the backfield. If Poly can establish a strong running game and limit self-inflicted penalties and turnovers, they should begin the season 1-0 for the first time since 2023.
The pick: Long Beach Poly
St. John Bosco at Bishop Gorman (1-0), 7 p.m.: The No. 1-ranked Braves will be in the driver’s seat to win the 2026 mythical high school football championship with a road victory against No. 2 Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. If Bosco’s defense can make Bishop Gorman’s offense one-dimensional by stopping the run, they will pick up the program’s first-ever win against the Gaels.
The pick: St. John Bosco
Valley Christian at Gahr, 7 p.m.: The Defenders beat the Gladiators 41-0 in last year’s season opener. Valley Christian might not shut out Gahr again, but coach Brendan Chambers’ team should once again come away victorious with strong efforts from senior quarterback Graham Lunzer and senior receiver/defensive back Liam Sweeney.The pick: Valley Christian
Wilson vs. Mayfair at Bellflower HS, 7 p.m.: The Bruins are taking every game in coach Raudric Curtis’ second season personally. Curtis is a former Mayfair assistant who will be looking to get the better of the Monsoons. Wilson senior quarterback Logan Trafas will make his debut as the team’s starter. Mayfair’s offense will be led by junior quarterback Lucasz Shriver and running back Jemony Powell. However, Wilson’s speed at skill positions with junior running back Jemel Grigsby and junior receiver Kyle Harris may very well prove to be too much for Mayfair to handle.
The pick: Wilson
FRIDAY’S OTHER GAMES
Nonleague
Artesia at Gabrielino
Cabrillo vs. Sonora at La Habra HS
Canyon Springs at St. Anthony
Corona del Mar at Lakewood
Dominguez at Maranatha
Franklin at Lynwood
Inglewood at Los Alamitos
La Mirada at South Gate
Lawndale at Norwalk
Mark Keppel at Compton Centennial
Mountain View at Glenn
Paramount at Roosevelt of Los Angeles
Rancho Dominguez at Rosemead
Santa Clara at Firebaugh
Serrano at Warren
SATURDAY’S GAME
Compton Early College at Savanna, 1 p.m.