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Powerhouse Programs Square Off In Long Beach

CBS/MAXPREPS -- Mission Viejo (Calif.) at Long Beach Poly (Calif.), Friday
This is the first meeting between these Southern California stalwarts since 2004, when Mission Viejo stunned the Jackrabbits in a 41-14 blowout. Last week, Mission Viejo's defense was dealt a major blow when USC-bound linebacker Tre Madden fractured his foot in a 56-34 win over Corona. Madden also takes some snaps at quarterback, but now all those duties will be handled by Alex Bridgford. The junior has completed 68 percent of his passes for more than 500 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Poly got back on the winning track with a narrow 23-20 defeat of Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) last week to improve to 2-1. Senior Keltain Malveaux came off the bench to aid Poly's sluggish running game with 161 yards and two touchdowns. The Jackrabbits were expected to return to their usual spot atop the heap in the Southern Section but didn't look the part in a 32-7 loss to St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.) in week two.

PREDICTIONS
Mitch Stephens: Long Beach Poly 21, Mission Viejo 20
Steve Montoya: Mission Viejo 24, Long Beach Poly 17
Stephen Spiewak: Mission Viejo 21, Long Beach Poly 7
Kevin Askeland: Mission Viejo 35, Long Beach Poly 14
Jamie DeMoney: Mission Viejo 29, Long Beach Poly 21
MaxPreps Projection: Mission Viejo 42, Long Beach Poly 20

NATIONAL TOP 10 GAMES OF THE WEEK

MaxPreps contributor Jamie DeMoney has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years. He is editor and founder of PrepNation.com. You can reach him at PrepNation@aol.com.

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