A look ahead at the top Daily News area football games in Week 1 on Friday, August 28, 2025.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Valencia (1-0) at Chaminade (1-0)
The battle to be No. 2 in the area is on.
The quarterback play in this game will be fantastic between Valencia’s Brady Bretthauer and Chaminade’s Cameron Pooley. Both teams have good running backs, too. Valencia’s Brian Bonner is an All-CIF-caliber player headed to Washington. Chaminade’s Marquis Jones is emerging as a top back in the Northern Los Angeles area.
The difference maker will be the beef up front. Advantage: Chaminade
Tarek’s pick: Chaminade
Sierra Canyon (1-0) at Oaks Christian (0-1)
Oaks Christian could be in a free fall if Friday doesn’t go well. The Lions losing big to Chaminade is revealing, we just don’t know if it’s more telling of Oaks Christian or Chaminade. Week 1 will tell us. Oaks Christian plays at Liberty (NV), vs. Santa Margarita, and at Gardena Serra after Friday’s game.
Sierra Canyon looked like a juggernaut against a Trinity League team, beating JSerra 35-0. If JSerra couldn’t score against the Trailblazers, how will Oaks Christian? A heavy dose of Deshonne Redeaux would be a good start.
Sierra Canyon running back Jaxsen Stokes is poised for a breakout season after running for 100-plus yards and three touchdowns last week.
Tarek’s pick: Sierra Canyon
Westlake (1-0) at Agoura (1-0)
This is a battle for the 101 Freeway. Westlake is flying high after delivering a debut victory for new coach Rick Clausen. Freshman Ford Green threw for 218 yards and four touchdowns last week. Demanie Bell ran for 182 yards and a touchdown, too.
Agoura was led by its three-headed monster in QB Gavin Gray (293 yards passing, 5TDs), George Hastings (100 yards rushing, TD), and Tyler Starling (66 yards receiving, TD; 90 interception return) in its 45-28 Week 0 win over Oak Park.
Westlake is experiencing a turnaround, but Agoura has been steadily on the rise and will be more ready for the moment.
Tarek’s pick: Agoura
Notre Dame (0-1) at Alemany (0-1)
This game used to be an old-fashioned Mission League showdown. Not so much anymore. Nevertheless, Notre Dame vs. Alemany should provide some nostalgia for the area.
Look for Notre Dame to come out fast after falling to a good Downey team 24-21, which came by a game-winning field goal.
Tarek’s pick: Notre Dame in a rout.
El Camino Real (1-0) at Heritage Christian (1-0)
The battle of two of the nicest coaches around, ECR’s Rick Hayashida and HCS’ Ben McEnroe. Both are class act veterans. Both are in year one at their respective programs. Both got debut victories last week, too.
El Camino Real is much improved, but Heritage Christian might have more size and athleticism.
Tarek’s pick: Heritage Christian
St. Bonaventure (1-0) at Birmingham Charter (1-0)
Birmingham had an impressive 24-14 win over Hart last week led by Kevin Hawkins, who ran for 130 yards and a TD from the quarterback position. The win alone — over a Southern Section opponent — tells the City Section that the Patriots are a top contender for the Open Division title yet again.
However, a win over St. Bonaventure (led by new coach and former NFL player Troy Hill) might tell the City Section the Patriots might go on to win a CIF State title.
Tarek’s pick: St. Bonaventure
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
DAILY NEWS TOP 10 SCHEDULE
No. 1 Sierra Canyon at No. 5 Oaks Christian
No. 3 Valencia at No. 2 Chaminade
Arroyo Grande at No.4 Newbury Park
No. 6 Notre Dame at Alemany
No. 10 Westlake at No. 7 Agoura
St. Bonaventure at No. 8 Birmingham Charter
Mira Costa at No. 9 St. Francis
SOUTHERN SECTION
Apple Valley at Highland
Bishop Diego at West Ranch
Burbank/Burroughs at Hart
Canyon/Canyon Country at Buena
Crescenta Valley at Knight
Del Sol at Viewpoint
Golden Valley at Crespi
Grace at Arrowhead Christian
La Canada at Santa Paula
Lancaster at Newport Harbor
Littlerock at St. Bernard
Moorpark at Centennial
Palmdale at Leuzinger
Paraclete at San Marcos
Saugus at Oak Park
Simi Valley at Shadow Ridge (NV)
Ventura at Thousand Oaks
INTERSECTIONAL
El Camino Real at Heritage Christian
North Hollywood at Village Christian
