Last year, Arcadia won the meeting, 22-6, but since that game has gone just 1-6-1.
Hoover at Pasadena, 7 p.m.: After breaking a 21-game losing streak two weeks ago, the Tornadoes (1-2) are hoping to avoid the beginning of another one after falling, 40-7, to San Marino.
While Hoover’s running a spread offense, it’s most consistent threat has been running back Ivan Tello, who’s rushed for 384 yards in three games.
It was the Tornadoes defense, particularly in the second half, that had kept Hoover in games its first two weeks. But a 21-point outburst in the final 24 minutes against San Marino could provide worrisome.
Pasadena (1-2), which won last season’s matchup, 51-6, has faced considerably tougher competition in losses to Westchester and Saugus and last week’s 19-16 win against Long Beach Jordan.
St. Francis vs. Rio Mesa, 7:30 p.m.: While Pacific League play begins this week, it marks the Golden Knights’ first nonleague contest against a non-Pacific League foe.
St. Francis (3-0), which is ranked second in the CIF Southern Section Western Division, boasts the likes of quarterback Justin Posthuma, who’s been a threat running and passing, and Dietrich Riley, who’s been dangerous at tailback and receiver.
However, it’s likely that linebacker Chris Cabrera, who had 17 tackles in last week’s 35-20 win against Burroughs and 39 on the season, and the Golden Knights defense will be the center of attention in attempting to stop Rio Mesa’s grinding offense.
The Spartans (2-1) have passed just 26 times in three games, while rushing for 915 yards, with three backs having tallied more than 100 yards this season, led by Jamaal Perkins’ 431 yards rushing in 52 carries and six scores.
Coming off a 34-17 win against Agoura, Rio Mesa looks to avenge a 17-7 loss to St. Francis in last season’s contest.
Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 3:30 p.m. (Friday): Things have not gone well for the Rebels thus far, as, plain and simple, their defense has allowed too many points and their offense hasn’t scored near enough.
It’s equated to an 0-3 start in which the team has been outscored, 114-19, including last week’s 47-0 loss to Campbell Hall.
Malibu (1-2) hosts the Rebels after losing, 43-26, to a St. Genevieve squad that beat Prep, 47-13, in the first week of the season.
Malibu grinded out a 20-7 victory a season ago.
It will be Prep’s final chance to take some much-needed momentum into a bye week and then Prep League play.
GRANT GORDON is the sports editor. He can be reached at (818) 637-3225 or grant.gordon@latimes.com.
