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Five storylines to watch Friday and Saturday in Orange County high school football:
1. Will Los Alamitos build more momentum for its upcoming showdown against Mission Viejo?
The task on Friday certainly doesn’t look easy but if the Griffins beat Servite to move to 4-0, the Sunset League juggernaut will be primed for its trip to Mission Viejo next week for one of the biggest games of the regular season.
Mission Viejo’s status took a bit of a hit last week with a narrow loss against Long Beach Poly but the Diablos should bounce back Friday against visiting Highland (0-2) to move to 4-1.
Los Alamitos-Mission Viejo could be sold as a clash of the top public school programs in Orange County, both of whom are ranked in the top-15 in the state. The Griffins are third and fourth, respectively, in the county this week.
2. Is Servite a real contender to get out of the Trinity League cellar, or make the playoffs?
Watch out for the Friars (2-1) in the Trinity League if they upset Los Alamitos at Cerritos College. Servite went 0-5 last season in the league but if it beats the Griffins, or even play them competitively, if could signal a win or two in league.
Unfortunately for Servite, its league schedule couldn’t set up any tougher with the first three games set for Mater Dei (road), St. John Bosco (road) and Orange Lutheran (home). It’s going to be difficult for the Friars to get to Week 9 and 10 healthy when they could have a chance to beat Santa Margarita and JSerra at Cerritos College.
But Servite also could look at Friday another way. A win would push their record to 3-1 with resurgent St. Paul (2-1) next week on the road. What if the Friars finish the nonleague 4-1 and need one win in league to post a .500 overall record for a real shot at an at-large playoff spot.
Either way, Servite is entertaining positive scenarios after going 1-9 last season.
RELATED: Trinity League Football Podcast: New stars emerge as momentous Week 3 arrives
3. How good is Orange Lutheran, and will the Lancers build more speed for another major clash next week?
Be sure to keep tabs of the Lancers (4-0) on Friday as they travel to face Chandler of Arizona (2-0) in a matchup of undefeated and nationally-ranked teams.
FYI tonight from the Copper State: Chandler of Arizona vs Orange Lutheran https://t.co/VpjhD31kes via @YouTube @ocvarsity @TrinityFBPod
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 8, 2023
If Orange Lutheran passes its test in the desert, it will set up arguably the game of the week next Friday when the Lancers host Sierra Canyon (3-0) at Orange Coast College.
No offense to Los Alamitos-Mission Viejo, but Sierra Canyon-Orange Lutheran could be the No. 4-5 ranked teams in the state.
4. How will the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco comparisons start to unfold this weekend?
The comparisons of common opponents between Mater Dei and St. John Bosco will receive important data Friday and Saturday.
St. John Bosco (3-0) plays host to St. Frances Academy of Maryland (0-3) on Friday, the same program the Monarchs travel to face next week. Yes, St. Frances Academy is playing one of the most challenging schedules.
On Saturday, Mater Dei (3-0) plays host to Kahuku of Hawaii (4-0) at Santa Ana Stadium, the same Hawaiian powerhouse that the Braves travel to face next week on the island of Oahu.
The score comparisons after the next two weeks will help set the stage for the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco clash Oct. 13 in Bellflower.
5. Are Newport Harbor or San Juan Hills top-10 worthy in Orange County?
Both these teams are trending heading into their clash Friday at San Juan Hills. An impressive win by the Sailors (2-1) or the Stallions (3-0) would certainly strengthen their cases but expect a close score. Newport Harbor is No. 13 in the county; San Juan Hills is No. 15.
Keep an eye on the Stallions if win tonight. They could go to 5-0 next week by defeating Mira Costa and would face a redemption game at El Modena to move to 6-0.
Newport Harbor travels next week to San Diego to take on St. Augustine (2-1).
Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy
