THIS WEEK’S TOP FOOTBALL GAMES

SOUTHERN SECTION

Santa Ana Mater Dei (2-1) vs. Huntington Beach Edison (4-0) at Orange Coast College, 7, tonight

The calling card for both teams has been defense. Third-ranked Edison has back-to-back shutouts but hasn’t played anyone the caliber of No. 6 Mater Dei. It’s incumbent upon Edison to match the physical play of the Monarchs, who lost to No. 1 Mission Viejo, 14-7. Mater Dei, with three receivers averaging more than 27 yards per catch, has shown big-play capability behind quarterback Kyle Woody. Edison returns eight starters on offense and defense from last season’s team that lost, 6-0, to Mater Dei despite twice having first-and-goal inside the two-yard line.

-- Martin Henderson

Valencia (3-0) at Bellflower St. John Bosco (2-1), 7:30, tonight

Valencia has already demonstrated that the run-oriented Division I Serra League has trouble stopping passing teams with its 45-7 victory over La Puente Bishop Amat. Now, St. John Bosco must deal with quarterback Michael Herrick, who has passed for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Braves’ best strategy is to rely on the running of tailback Daniel Jenkins and take time off the clock because Valencia is averaging 43 points.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Westlake Village Oaks Christian (3-0) at Oak Park (3-0), 7:30, tonight

Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell insists his team is one of the best in the Southland, but first the Lions must prove they are No. 1 in Division XI. This rematch of last year’s Division XI finalists could produce lots of offense. Oak Park has receiver Gavin Ketchum, a top college prospect. Running back Marc Tyler of Oaks Christian is averaging 19 yards per carry and quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw six touchdown passes in one half last week against Division II Burbank.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Walnut (3-0) at Diamond Bar (3-0), 7, tonight

Walnut has not given up more than a touchdown in any game, having outscored opponents, 71-13, but the Mustangs haven’t yet had a true test. Their opponents are a combined 2-7. The Walnut defense, led by linemen Michael Campos and Eric Yoon and linebacker Kyle Necke, has forced 11 turnovers in the last two games. Receiver Randy Tyler and quarterback Jeff Jansen lead a Diamond Bar offense that has averaged 38 points.

-- Peter Yoon

Placentia Valencia (3-0) vs. Corona del Mar (3-1) at Newport Harbor, 7 p.m., Saturday

Led by running back Wess Presson, Corona del Mar must dig deep. The Sea Kings failed to hold a 17-0 lead last week and lost to city rival Newport Harbor, 21-17. Valencia has yet to allow an opponent to score more than seven points. The Tigers are big, tough and feature Rylon Thomas, who, like Presson, is averaging 8.0 yards per carry.

-- Martin Henderson