Calling ‘em

TONIGHT’S GAMES

Esperanza vs. Edison ... Aztecs by 4

(at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m.)

Fountain Valley vs. Marina ... FV by 6

(at Westminster High, 7 p.m.)

Huntington Beach vs. Los Alamitos ... Los Al by 10

(at Veterans Stadium, 7 p.m.)

FRIDAY’S GAME

Saddleback vs. Ocean View ... Saddleback by 7

(at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m.)

And here’s why ...

* Esperanza High (8-1, 4-0) has shown its resilience in Sunset League

play despite a few key players suffering injuries the last few weeks.

Those setbacks have failed to slow down the Aztecs; instead, they seem to

get stronger as the season progresses. They can beat a team in many ways,

but, of course, Edison’s ability to contain Aztec running back Temitope

Sonuyi will be the key to the game. The Chargers (8-1, 4-0) have the weapons to match their opponent, and this one has the makings for a real

shootout.

Last year’s score: Edison 41, Esperanza 34 ...

* Fountain Valley (4-5, 1-3) will attempt to even its record in the

season finale against Marina (6-3, 1-3), which already has assured itself

a winning season. The balance of the Barons’ attack gets the nod here,

especially if the defense can shut down Marina’s running game.

Last year’s score: Marina 20, Fountain Valley 3 ...

* Huntington Beach (2-7, 0-4) hopes to avoid a winless league campaign

by beating an angry Los Alamitos team (7-2, 2-2) that is coming off an

embarrassing 28-point loss to rival Esperanza. Not a good place to be.

The Griffins, who already have a lock on the Sunset’s third playoff

berth, will sharpen their skills as they prepare for next week’s playoff

opener.

Last year’s score: Los Alamitos 44, Huntington Beach 7 ...

* A playoff berth is at stake for Ocean View (5-4, 1-2) on Friday when

it takes on Saddleback (5-4, 2-1). That alone should be enough incentive

for the Seahawks, yet they’ll have to come up with a big defensive

performance in order to slow down a Roadrunner offense that is averaging

37 points per game in league play.

Last year’s score: Ocean View 56, Saddleback 49 ...