Bakersfield-Centennial (1-2) at Santa Barbara (3-1), 7 p.m. — It’s homecoming and the Dons face their toughest challenge of the season, taking on a perennially strong Centennial program. The Red Hawks, coming off a bye week, are a young team that’s taken some early lumps at the hands of powerhouse programs Mission Viejo and Clovis. Despite those losses, they’re still ranked 18th in the Central Valley by the Bakersfield Californian. Santa Barbara rebounded last week with a win at Rio Mesa. Jason Jimenez handled some of the running responsibilities in the absence of Cheroke Cunningham, who has a knee injury and isn’t expected back until late in the season. The pick: Santa Barbara
Rio Mesa (1-2) at Dos Pueblos (3-1), 7 p.m. — The Chargers showed in the second half of their 31-14 loss to Lompoc that they can play with anyone in the division. Elusive quarterback LeShon Bell gives DP an added weapon on offense. He also has two big passing targets in Nico Bornand and Robert Gulvin. The Charger defense will have its hands full trying to contain speedy Rio Mesa quarterback Kado Brown. The pick: Dos Pueblos
San Marcos (1-3) at Channel Islands (1-2), 7 p.m. — The Royals make another trio to South Oxnard to face a Pacific View League opponent. Their defense faces a tough task trying to contain CI running back Richard Gray. The San Marcos offense looks to continue its success running the football with Esteban Alfaro. Cameron Whitney has taken over at quarterback for the injured Wesley Ghan Gibson. The pick: Channel Islands
Carpinteria (2-2) at Santa Clara (2-2), 7 p.m. — The Warriors, coming off an impressive showing at Santa Ynez, have won two in a row and appear to be hitting their stride. They look to keep it going against a Santa Clara team that was pounded last week by Bishop Diego. The pick: Carpinteria
Bishop Diego (4-0) has a bye this week.
