Football: Unbeaten teams face challenges

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Over the next two weeks, it should become clear if the remaining unbeaten teams are truly elite squads.

Last week, one of those unbeaten teams, Corona Centennial, enhanced its reputation with a 45-0 victory over Norco.

On Friday night, Westlake Village Westlake (8-0) gets the same opportunity Centennial had, facing a top opponent in Ventura St. Bonaventure. Westlake’s offense has been unstoppable. But for the first time, the Warriors will face a defense that has a terrific line, puts pressure on the quarterback and can stop the run. Can Westlake adjust?

Mission Viejo (8-0) takes on Tesoro (7-1). The Diablos survived the absence of injured Tre Madden, but now that he’s back, they’re going to need him in what figures to be an emotional, hard-hitting contest.

Anaheim Servite (8-0) faces Santa Margarita (7-1). The Friars are the best equipped of all the teams because they have been playing one tough opponent after another, and their defense can handle anything.

Gardena Serra (8-0) takes on West Hills Chaminade (8-0). There aren’t many teams in the Western Division that can threaten the Cavaliers, but Chaminade has the best chance based on coaching and execution.

Next Friday, it’s Dorsey (8-0) taking on Crenshaw (6-2). Dorsey hasn’t played a particularly tough schedule, but the Dons are much better than last season and have terrific skill-position players, so an upset of the defending City champs is possible.

And next Friday, it’s La Puente Bishop Amat (9-0) taking on Mission Hills Alemany (8-0). Good luck on predicting this one, other than look for overtime. Both schools have developed balanced offenses and improving defenses. It should be a classic. Alemany first must get past Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

-- Eric Sondheimer