Independent Calling ‘em

TONIGHT’S GAME

Esperanza vs. Huntington Beach Aztecs by 7

(at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m.)

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Fountain Valley vs. Marina Barons by 3

(at Westminster High, 7 p.m.)

Los Alamitos vs. Edison LA by 6

(at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m.)

SATURDAY’S GAME

Ocean View vs. Santa Ana OV by 6

(at Santa Ana Bowl, 7 p.m.)

And here’s why...

Two teams fighting to stay alive in the Sunset League race meet

tonight when Huntington Beach battles Esperanza. The Aztecs took league

preseason favorite Los Alamitos to the final minute last week before

falling, while the Oilers were shutdown by Fountain Valley. Both are

defensive-minded teams, but Esperanza features a bit more balance. Look

for that to be the difference here. Last year: Esperanza, 35-7...

Ground games should be the forte in the battle of league unbeatens

between Fountain Valley and Marina. The Barons feature a speedy back in

Nedal Abdelmuti and a tough fullback in Steven Fifita, while the Vikings

counter with big, bullish Ray Mietkiewicz, and a tricky option game. The

difference between these two teams could come at the pass - or even a

foot. Last year: Fountain Valley, 31-14...

Hoping to take the sting out of last week’s loss to Marina, Edison

will attempt to rebound against unbeaten Los Alamitos - no easy task. In

order to post its first league win over a Los Al team, the Chargers will

need to have its running game in high-gear and its passing game on

target: in other words, they’ll need plenty of offense. The Griffins have

a strong rushing game, but aren’t as explosive offensively as in years

past. The defense features a very talented front line, which can present

problems for Edison’s rush attack. Last year: Los Alamitos, 52-14...

Ocean View will bring its high-scoring road show into Saturday’s

meeting with a much-improved Santa Ana team, and both defenses could be

put to the test in this one. The difference, however, is that the

Seahawks have one too many weapons for the Saints, and never count out

Ocean View with QB Deshai Houston calling the signals. Last year: Santa

Ana, 34-28.