PACIFICA’S DEFENSE (dark uniforms) has been a big part of the Mariners’ success so far this season. M’s are our second-ranked team (Orange County Tribune photo).

Our second poll of the season is – we admit ­ – a bit of a guess, like all rankings. But people like lists and ladders and such, as we are agreeing with other prep observers in saying that Edison is still the most formidable team in the West Orange County area.

Pacifica is emerging as a powerhouse with a young team that’s going to get better by the game and year. Huntington Beach came close to winning all three games and could give Edison a bit of a struggle. Westminster is our fourth team on the High Five and Rancho Alamitos is right behind in fifth.  Other locals to keep an eye on are Loara, Santiago, Magnolia and Orange.

There are quite a few interesting matchups this weekend, but here are the two we are especially keeping our eyes on.

• Troy (2-1) at Rancho Alamitos (2-0) at Bolsa Stadium Friday night. The Warriors won their first two games in blowouts, outscoring opponents 92-0. Last week they lost 21-17 to a good Irvine (2-0) team. Troy is led by QB Ryan Maturo, who has passed for 253 yards, and the one-two running punch of Kieran Klingsburg (318 yards, seven TDs) and Fischer Huss (253 yards, three touchdowns). For the Vaqueros, winners of seven straight games across two seasons, Chris Hurley has passed for 221 yards, while the Vaquero running game revolves around Anthony Leal (369 yards, four TDs). He’s also a standout on defense with 13 tackles (six solo) from the strong safety position.
• Edison (1-2) at Palos Verdes (0-2) Friday at 3 p.m. The Chargers have got to be the best 1-2 high school football team for miles around, losing to highly ranked teams (Servite, Orange Lutheran). Expect them to break loose in a rare day game. Parker Awad threw for 157 yards and two scores last week against the Lancers, and Troy Fletcher ran for a touchdown and 83 yards in that last second 23-21 loss to OL. The Sea Kings are better than their record, losing to strong Mission Hills and Corona del Mar teams. Watch out for QB Turner Helton.

Here’s the schedule of high school football games for teams in The Tribune’s coverage area. All games are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. As always, times, locations, dates and opponents are subject to change without notice, so check with the school before leaving for the game if you are planning to attend.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9

• Gahr (0-1) at Garden Grove (1-1)
• Northview (0-1) at Loara (2-1) at Glover Stadium
• La Habra (0-3) at Orange (0-2) at Fred Kelly Stadium
• Canyon (1-2) at Pacifica (2-0) at Bolsa Stadium
• Ocean View (1-2) at Cerritos (1-2)
• Anaheim (0-2) at Westminster (2-0)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10

• Bolsa Grande (1-1) at Mendez (0-3)
• Edison (1-2) at Palos Verdes (0-2), 3 p.m.
• Huntington Beach (2-1) at El Toro (3-0)
• La Quinta (1-1) at Costa Mesa (0-2)
• Saddleback (2-0) at Los Amigos (1-1) at Monsoor Stadium
• Fountain Valley (1-2) at Marina (0-3) at Boswell Stadium
• Santiago (2-0) at Magnolia (2-1)
• Troy (2-1) at Rancho Alamitos (2-0)
• Esperanza (2-0) at Western (1-2).

Five make CIF-SS volleyball polls

Five area teams are honored in this week’s CIF-SS polls for girls’ volleyball as released on Tuesday.

In Divisions 1 and 2, Huntington Beach is ninth. In Division 3, Edison is sixth. Bolsa Grande and Garden Grove are in seventh and 10th in Division 6, and Orangewood was unranked, but received some votes in Division 9.

“Prep Sport Spotlight” is posted Tuesday’s during the high school athletic year. The Tribune welcomes statistics, game results, photographs, etc. at orangecountytribune@gmail.com.