The best high school football games this week

A look at three of the best high school football games this week in the Southland:

Thursday

Leuzinger (4-1, 1-0) vs. Palos Verdes (4-2, 1-0) at SOF, 8:30 p.m.

It will be late at night in Inglewood as these two schools compete in what could be the deciding game to decide the Bay League championship. They both have great midfielders, Ryan Rakowski at Palos Verdes and Russell Ciccone at Leusinger. Both schools played tough schedules. A field goal can decide that. Loyola plays Gardena Serra at 5 p.m. Pick: Leusinger.

Friday

Santa Margarita (4-1, 1-0) vs. Mater Dei (4-1) at Santa Ana, 7 p.m.

If first-year coach Carson Palmer of Santa Margarita doesn’t know about Trinity League physicality, he’s about to find out. Mater Dei’s defense will come after quarterback Trace Johnson. If the Eagles can set up a running game, that would help. Santa Margarita has been awarded an outstanding secondary school to audition for Mater Dei’s talented reception group. Choice: Mater Dei.

Hurdles (6-0, 1-0) at Venice (3-3,1-0), 7 p.m

It’s a Western Conference showdown that features a stingy shotgun defense against a Palisades offense that hasn’t put up less than 35 points this season. Palisades quarterback Jack Thomas has 23 touchdown passes with two interceptions. The shotgun has the speed to prevent big plays. Choice: Venice.