La Canada (6-2, 2-1) at Monrovia (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
The Spartans got a dose of reality when routed by San Marino last week. If you can’t hang with the Titans, what makes you think you can stick with Monrovia? Sadly, there is that much of a gap between the Rio Hondo League’s top two and the rest. There’s still hope for LC, though. Win next week’s game vs. South Pas and the Spartans are in the dance.
Schurr (2-6, 1-2) at Alhambra (3-5, 2-1), 7 p.m.
Don’t look now, but the Moors are in the driver’s seat for the Almont League’s third guaranteed playoff spot. That could change very quickly Friday, though, if the Spartans’ defense shows up. Alhambra has beaten two league softies and looked brutal against Bell Gardens. The Moors close with Schurr and Montebello, so don’t count on an 11th game.
South El Monte (3-5, 3-1) at Rosemead (4-4, 4-0), 7 p.m.
Regardless of how bad South El Monte has looked when on the field with good teams this season, it has to be a little disconcerting for Rosemead to look up and see that this game actually means something in terms of the Mission Valley League championship. The Panthers have been all business, though, in league. They’re not giving up much and they’re scoring pretty much at will.
Temple City (4-4, 1-2) at South Pasadena (5-3, 1-2), 7 p.m.
This is a postseason eliminator. Lose and you’re not going to the dance. For Temple City, strangely, that isn’t a shock. It’s not really for South Pas either, but when you’re 5-1 at one point of the season, it’s okay to think playoffs. With a win, the Tigers make next week’s finale against La Canada for a playoff berth.
Marshall (0-9, 0-5) at Arroyo (2-6, 2-2), 7 p.m.
Arroyo is a considerable favorite in this game, but the Knight have zero margin for error. Arroyo is hoping to continue its 30-year streak of making the playoffs. The Knights need to win out in order to make that happen. Marshall has been far from competitive. Perhaps putting the Eagles in the Mission Valley League wasn’t so smart after all.
Firebaugh (1-8, 0-2) at Rio Hondo Prep (3-5, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The Kares could really use a confidence boost after being routed in their last two. So that makes Firebaugh just what the doctor ordered. It’s starting to feel like another big postseason isn’t in the offing for Rio Hondo Prep, but before anybody worries about that, the Kares have to get there. With nothing on deck (yet), expect Kares coach Ken Drain to not hold back.
