Football: Neighborhood rivals Chaminade, Notre Dame meet on Friday

There will be lots of bragging rights on the line on Friday, when West Hills Chaminade (3-1) plays at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (4-1).

"It means a lot locally because there are so many kids who are friends," Chaminade Coach Ed Croson said.

Notre Dame is on a four-game winning streak, and a big reason is the Knights haven't committed a single turnover during their winning streak. The offensive line, led by Kyle Sulka, has been giving protection for quarterback Kelly Hilinski, whose accuracy is much improved this season (he's completing 70% of his passes). And then there's the big-play threat of running back Khalfani Muhammad, the state champion in the 100 and 200.

"The kid is fast," Croson said.

Chaminade has its own offensive star in running back Terrell Newby.

"It's no secret we're going to try to get him the ball," Croson said.

Regardless of the game's outcome, both schools will have little time to celebrate or feel sorry for themselves. Next week, Chaminade opens Mission League play against Gardena Serra and Notre Dame faces Alemany in a Serra League opener. Both will be underdogs.

-- Eric Sondheimer