JOHN MAFFEI’S PICKS
This week’s predictions for 10 selected games
No. 3 Lincoln (3-0) at No. 1 Cathedral Catholic (3-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Behind QB Samuel Cooper and RB Roderick Smith, Lincoln has outscored its first three opponents — Point Loma, Serra and Madison — 152-0. Behind QB Charlie Mirer and RB Lucky Sutton, Cathedral Catholic has outscored its first three opponents — Torrey Pines, Steele Canyon and St. Augustine — 131-14. MaxPreps has Lincoln ranked No. 17 in the state and No. 22 in the nation. Cathedral is ranked No. 7 in the state, No. 9 in the nation.
Prediction: Cathedral Catholic 24, Lincoln 21
Morse (0-2) at San Diego (1-1)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Morse has lost to two tough opponents, 49-12 to La Jolla and 17-6 to Christian. San Diego beat Christian 20-18, but lost to Mira Mesa 14-7. Prediction: San Diego 17, Morse 14
Mater Dei Catholic (2-1) at Eastlake (2-0) When: Today, 6:30 p.m.
Preview: Mater Dei Catholic was upset by Otay Ranch last week. Eastlake can take control of the Metro Mesa League race with a win. Prediction: Mater Dei Catholic 27, Eastlake 24
Olympian (1-1) at Otay Ranch (2-0)
When: Today, 6:30 p.m.
Preview: Olympian had a big win over Chula Vista to start the season, but was shut out by Eastlake. Otay Ranch blanked Hilltop to start the season, then stunned Mater Dei Catholic last week. Otay Ranch is averaging 407 yards total offense.
Prediction:
Otay Ranch 38, Olympian 20
Mt. Carmel (1-3) at Del Norte (0-3)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Mt. Carmel opened the season with a win, but has lost to Poway, Vista and Rancho Bernardo since. Del Norte has lost to Westview, Rancho Bernardo and Poway, giving up 131 points.
Prediction:
Mt. Carmel 28, Del Norte 24
Patrick Henry (1-1) at Crawford (3-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Led by QB Ash Bibbes, Henry opened the season with a win over Scripps Ranch, then suffered a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Madison. Led by RB Hamadi Sharif, Crawford has outscored San Ysidro, Hoover and Mountain Empire 74-6 to open the season.
Prediction: Patrick Henry 28, Crawford 20
No. 9 Helix (2-2) at No. 6 Granite Hills (4-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: After opening with losses to St. Augustine and Mater Dei Catholic, Helix has bounced back to beat Steele Canyon and Grossmont behind running back Christian Washington. Granite Hills has outscored Valhalla, El Capitan, Grossmont and Steele Canyon 164-68. Helix has won nine in a row against Granite Hills, dating to 2005.
Prediction:
Helix 28, Granite Hills 24
Santa Fe Christian (4-0) at Mount Miguel (2-1)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: The game pits the top two rushers in the county. Santa Fe Christian’s Stephen Britton is No. 2
with 47 carries for 499 yards and eight TDs, averaging 10.8 yards a carry. The Eagles are averaging 53.5 points a game. Mount Miguel QB Jacob Laverdiere is the No. 1 rusher with 94 carries for 536 yards, plus he has thrown for 339 yards.
Prediction: Santa Fe Christian 35, Mt. Miguel 31
Monte Vista (3-0) at El Capitan (1-3)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Led by Lamonta Jenkins, who has 36 carries for 436 yards, Mount Miguel is averaging 323 yards a game rushing and 9.1 yards on 107 carries. El Capitan snapped a three-game losing streak with a 27-14 victory over West Hills. Prediction: Monte Vista 32, El Capitan 18
Vista (2-1) at Poway (3-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Preview: Vista is averaging 236.7 yards rushing behind Derek McClintic and Jonah Eilers. Poway, with wins over Mt. Carmel, Westview and Del Norte, can put a stranglehold on the Palomar League race with a win.
Prediction: Poway 28, Vista 21
Last week: Total:
8-2 26-10