Prep Football: Week 2 previews, predictions for PHS, RB, Del Norte, Maranatha

The Rancho Bernardo High football team ended its two-game losing streak against Poway Unified School District rival Del Norte last season.

Now the Broncos are looking to make it two in a row against the school just four miles down the road.

The Broncos will host the Nighthawks Friday at 7 p.m. Rancho Bernardo is coming off a big win, while Del Norte will try to bounce back after its season-opening loss.

Poway will host Mount Miguel Friday in what figures to be the most thrilling local game in Week 2.

Meanwhile, Maranatha Christian looks to move to 2-0 with a win against Horizon Christian Academy.

Here is a closer look at Friday night’s games:

Nonleague

Del Norte (0-1) at Rancho Bernardo (1-0), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week: Del Norte lost to University City 34-14; Rancho Bernardo beat San Pasqual 32-6.

Notes: The two PUSD schools got off to completely opposite starts to the season last week. The Nighthawks struggled to keep up with University City in their first game under new coach Patrick Coleman. Meanwhile, the Broncos dominated on both sides of the ball in a lopsided win against San Pasqual ... This will be the sixth meeting between the Nighthawks and Broncos. Rancho Bernardo went up 3-2 in the all-time series with a 31-0 win last season. That victory broke a two-game losing streak the Broncos had against the Nighthawks ... This year’s game looks to be a mismatch on paper. The Broncos are loaded with returning stars, while Del Norte is young and inexperienced. Rancho Bernardo showed off its two-headed monster in the backfield in the win over San Pasqual. Milan Grice rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns, while Anthony Barnum finished with 89 yards on 15 carries. The Broncos’ defense held San Pasqual to just 47 yards and two first downs in the first half ... The Nighthawks led University City 14-7 midway through the second quarter last week before giving up 27 unanswered points. WR Marco Young was a bright spot for the Nighthawks, as he proved to be a deep threat and hauled in a 10-yard TD pass by QB Jake Moore ... Expect Rancho Bernardo to have little trouble with Del Norte in this one.

Prediction: Rancho Bernardo 42, Del Norte 7

Mount Miguel (1-0) at Poway (1-0), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week: Poway beat Rancho Buena Vista 21-6; Mount Miguel beat Chula Vista 44-24.

Notes: The Titans blew an early 21-0 lead against Mount Miguel last season and it started what ended up being a nine-game losing streak. Poway should have plenty of motivation to keep that from happening again, especially after opening the year with an impressive win over Rancho Buena Vista ... The Titans used an assortment of big plays to take down the Longhorns, including Jared Adelman’s 65-yard touchdown run and Jacob Gaines’ 62-yard scamper for a score. Gaines also had an interception ... Mount Miguel showed off its dynamic offense in the win over Chula Vista. QB Benny Valadez completed 9 of 15 passes for 161 yards and a TD. RB Antoinne Hamilton was the key, though, rushing for 102 yards and three TDs on 19 carries. WR Anthony Gilmore, who led last year’s comeback win over Poway, hauled in a 65-yard TD reception ... Expect both Poway and Mount Miguel to pound the running game, which should create opportunities for big plays through the air. The team that converts on those will likely win this one.

Prediction: Poway 24, Mount Miguel 21

Horizon Christian Academy (0-1) at Maranatha Christian (1-0), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week: Horizon Christian lost to CETYS-Tijuana, Mexico 21-14; Maranatha beat Calvary Chapel Christian-Las Vegas 42-0.

Notes: Maranatha snatched a season-opening win for the first time since 2011 and are in a good spot to move to 2-0 with a young Horizon Christian Academy up next ... The Eagles put up 42 points on Calvary by halftime and then let off the gas. QB Christian Cortes tossed two touchdowns and ran for another. RB Jake Bronson rushed for 90 yards and a TD, while Trevor Sheng added 25 yards and a score on the ground. The defense forced seven turnovers. Kyle Lanzer and Andre Escoffier each had two interceptions. Lanzer returned one of his picks 28 yards for a TD ... Horizon has just six seniors on its roster and are trying to replace a bevy of skill players from a season ago ... Expect the experienced Eagles to take advantage of Horizon’s youth and come out with another win.

Prediction: Maranatha 42, Horizon 14