Other local football matchups

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers LET'S GET IT STARTED- Jonnie Mentzer and the Oak Park High football team opens its season Saturday night in Downey.

Ventura (0-1) at Agoura (0-0)

Outlook: It's safe to assume Ventura will enter this contest with a chip on its shoulder after losing to Camarillo 28-21 at home during last weekend's season opener.

That loss, coupled with Agoura's 14-7 win over Ventura a year ago, means the Chargers can expect a fired up group of Cougars on Friday night.

AHS quarterback Doug Shumway will direct the Chargers' offensive attack, which is supposed to be more wide open through the air than last year's run-orientated offense.

Ventura quarterback Blake Kreutz is a skilled triggerman who will look to match the Charger offense point for point.

Oak Park (0-0) at Cathedral (0-0)

Outlook: This game will take place Saturday night at 7 p.m. at St. Matthias High in Downey.

These two teams were engaged in a high-scoring affair last year, with Oak Park prevailing 34-26 behind a rushing attack that posted 242 yards on 33 carries.

With the Eagles' defense returning a plethora of experienced starters, it's hard to imagine OPHS allowing 26 points this time around, although stranger things have happened.

Cathedral posted 174 return yards in the 2006 game. If Oak Park wants to start the season with a win, its special teams play must perform better.

Oak Park plays its next three games at home.