There has not been much suspense in local prep football this season because the good teams have been head and shoulders above the not-so-good teams.
But the East Valley League and regular season finale between Grant and Verdugo Hills on Friday, Oct. 26, does have some genuine intrigue, and the outcome could create some potential complications for the City Section committee that will seed the playoffs the following day.
The Lancers (5-4, 5-0) are the league’s only unbeaten team but, in all probability, are still fighting for a decent seed in the Division I playoffs. The Dons (5-4, 4-1) are right behind them, as is Arleta (6-3, 4-1). Should Verdugo Hills pull off an upset, and Arleta defeat Poly, the league ends in a three-way tie. Grant beat Arleta, and the Mustangs beat Verdugo Hills in league play.
Just as interesting: Both Arleta and Verdugo Hills are in Division II. In the current division rankings, the Mustangs are sixth, and would have a home playoff game in the first round. The Dons are 10th, and would open the playoffs on the road. A win by Verdugo Hills on Friday, coupled with an Arleta loss, could vault the Dons past the Mustangs in the committee’s collective eyes even though Arleta won the head-to-head matchup between the teams.
A whole lot to decide in 48 minutes — or more, should the game go to overtime.
The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Verdugo Hills.
Other games involving Valley area teams:
Friday, Oct. 26
Angelus League
Crespi at St. Francis
Del Rey League
Harvard-Westlake at La Salle
St. Genevieve at St. Paul
East Valley League
Chavez at Monroe
Poly at Arleta
Gold Coast League
Paraclete vs. Sierra Canyon, Pierce College
Mission League
Alemany at Bishop Amat
Chaminade at Notre Dame
Olympic League
Heritage Christian at Maranatha
Valley Mission League
Kennedy at Sylmar
San Fernando at Panorama
Van Nuys at Canoga Park
West Valley League
Birmingham at Taft
Chatsworth at Granada Hills
Cleveland at El Camino Real
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.