Burroughs (2-0) is the third-ranked team in the Central Division after victories over Schurr and Harvard-Westlake, while St. Francis owns wins against Arcadia and Crescenta Valley and the No. 2 spot in the Western Division poll.
Neither the rankings or the records mean much to either team, however.
"We don't care about that stuff," said Burroughs Coach Keith Knoop of the rankings. "We tell [the team] all that matters is where you're ranked in Week 14."
Bonds is well aware that his team's previous two opponents are a combined 0-4, making Friday's game at Friedman Field a reality check of sorts.
"We're kind of scratching our heads, saying, 'Are we that good?'" said Bonds, who coached his team to the Division III semifinals in each of the last two seasons.
This year, many believe St. Francis is the front-runner to win the revamped, four-team Mission League.
"We know the challenge that's ahead of us," Knoop said.
Burroughs has been absent from the postseason since 2003, but finds itself in the new eight-team Pacific League, where it's one of the favorites along with Muir, and just a week away from beginning play.
Knoop insists there's no way his team is looking beyond the Golden Knights.
"We're looking at this as it's the game of the year up to this point," he said.
For Burroughs to be successful, it's likely that senior running back Joe Wiggan will play a key role.
"He's a good-looking running back," said Bonds of Wiggan, who's rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns in two games — including a monstrous 237-yard effort against Harvard-Westlake a week ago.
Bonds likes what he's seen out of Golden Knights running back Kyle Morgan, as well.
"Kyle Morgan has been a pleasant surprise," said Bonds of Morgan, who's rushed for 200 yards and two scores this season, "as well as Kevin Garcia."
Garcia, a junior like Morgan, leads St. Francis in receiving with five catches for 156 yards.
