This week’s top Southern Section football games

* Long Beach Poly (9-2) vs. Anaheim Servite (8-3) at Cal State Fullerton, 7:30 tonight: Servite already has exceeded expectations under first-year Coach Troy Thomas, going from a 2-8 record last season to the Division I quarterfinals. The big question is whether the Friars have enough speed to contain the Jackrabbits. Sophomore D.J. Shoemate of Servite has stamped himself as a future college recruit, making big plays at receiver and defensive end. Poly counters with two of the Southland’s best offensive weapons in receivers Travon Patterson and Terrence Austin, who could end up at USC and UCLA, respectively. Poly hasn’t lost a non-championship playoff game since 2002.

* Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos (9-2) vs. Newhall Hart (9-2) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 tonight: Only five times since 1989 has Hart failed to reach the playoff semifinals. The Indians have promoted sophomore kicker Chris Gill from the junior varsity after the suspension of their kicker and two offensive linemen because of a hazing incident; their absence left the Indians struggling in their Division II opener. Arizona-bound quarterback Tyler Lyon lost to Mission Viejo in last year’s quarterfinals and hasn’t played well in big games. Los Osos relies on a balanced offense, led by quarterback Mike Anderson and running back Jared Hogan. Los Osos’ only losses have come to Chino Hills and Alta Loma.

-- ERIC SONDHEIMER

* Riverside La Sierra (9-2) at Murrieta Valley (8-2-1), 7:30 tonight: Having given up 158 points over the last five weeks, La Sierra’s defense obviously isn’t the team’s strength. But this Division V quarterfinal is about the Eagles’ offense and whether it can score enough points to take down the top-seeded team. Sean Sudol has thrown for 3,207 yards and 41 touchdowns, and the Eagles average 42.7 points, which is more than Murrieta Valley has scored in any game. But the Nighthawks have given up an average of only 14.6 points against tougher opponents.

* Lakewood Mayfair (10-1) vs. Placentia Valencia (10-1) at Buena Park High, 7 tonight: Valencia shared the Empire League title with second-seeded Orange Lutheran and fourth-seeded La Palma Kennedy, so top-seeded Mayfair didn’t get any favors in this Division VI quarterfinal matchup. Both have efficient quarterbacks, but neither has a 1,000-yard rusher, though Valencia sophomore Wes Fletcher needs only 11 yards to reach that mark. Mayfair counters with sophomore Cory Norman (628 yards) and junior Curtis Bedgood (482).

-- MARTIN HENDERSON