Muir vs. North Torrance

This looks like a classic confrontation of size (North High) versus speed and a match-up of two stingy defenses. Through three games North (1-2) has allowed only 19 points to three good opponents, and Muir (3-0) has allowed only 8. The difference, on paper, is that Muir’s speedy backfield has piled up 92 points. North has scored only 40, 26 of those last week against West Torrance. North’s offense, however, appeared to click in the fourth quarter when Mike Jurado connected with Dustin MacGillivray for two touchdowns and James Yogi broke away on a long scoring run. Muir features running back Ricky Ervins, a speedy junior who tore up Morningside for 213 yards and 3 TDs last week, plus quarterback James Dunn and wide receiver Cary Grant. Defensive back John Hardy and lineman Charlie Brown lead the tough defense.

7:30 p.m. Friday at North High.

Serra vs. Verbum Dei

This Camino Real League opener may also be the most important game on the chedule for Serra (2-1). Verbum Dei (3-0) came into the season rated the league favorite and has lived up to its billing, counting West Torrance and Locke among its victims. Serra got off to a good start but stumbled last week at El Rancho, losing 18-6. Running back Daryl Singleton leads the attack for Serra. Linebacker Rocen Keeton heads the defense. Verbum Dei answers with 17 returning starters led by quarterback Keith Washington.

7:30 tonight at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles.

Palos Verdes vs. West Torrance

In a key Bay League opener, Palos Verdes (1-2) is coming off a thrilling 40-36 win over Westlake while West (1-2) is smarting from a 26-2 whipping by North Torrance. Both may be better than their records, but West High has had a problem scoring against a good defense while P.V. has piled up 82 points but allowed 86. Palos Verdes has established a strong running game behind fullback Brian Connors and tailback Sam Yoon, and quarterback Dean Decker made some big plays against Westlake. West is missing star runner Kevin Maher, who is ill, and must find some offense. The Warriors have scored in double figures only against winless Inglewood.

7:30 p.m. Friday at West High.

Hawthorne vs. Bellflower

This non-league match-up of unbeatens figures to be in Hawthorne’s favor. Bellflower (3-0) suits up only 24 players, 7 of whom go both ways. Bellflower’s emphasis is on passing, with quarterback Mike Lemanski having thrown for nearly 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. His favorite target is Byron Mix, who has 13 receptions for 272 yards and two TDs. Hawthorne (3-0) is getting good play from speedsters Alonzo Young at quarterback and Andre Jackson at running back, and the defense--led by linebacker Brian Church--has allowed only 30 points.

7:30 p.m. Friday at Bellflower.