Prep Football: Week 6 previews, predictions for Poway and Maranatha

Poway High football fans should be in for another thriller this week.

The Titans, who erased a 10-point deficit in the second half to beat Torrey Pines last week, will host undefeated Grossmont Friday at 7 p.m. It is also homecoming night.

Maranatha Christian will try to rebound from its first loss of the season, while Rancho Bernardo and Del Norte enjoy bye weeks.

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

Nonleague

Grossmont (4-0) at Poway (3-2), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week: Grossmont beat Lincoln 34-14; Poway beat Torrey Pines 38-20.

Notes: Grossmont rolled to a 40-7 win last season against the Titans, but do not expect a lopsided game this time around ... Poway is allowing just over 21 points per game and the most it has given up in a contest is 27 (Mission Hills). The Titans gave up 20 points to Torrey Pines last week, but 14 of those came on a fumble return for a TD and an interception return for a score. Poway’s defense had two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and forced four punts against the Falcons ... Poway’s offense was far from perfect with the two turnovers, but it was efficient during the crucial moments. RB Jacob Gaines rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries. Jared Adelman scored a pair of rushing TDs and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a score. The Titans are very close to putting it all together. If the turnovers stop on offense, Poway could easily be a sleeper in the race for the Palomar League title and a Division I crown ... The Foothillers will be a huge test for the Titans’ defense. Grossmont is averaging 32.5 points per game and has not been held to less than 28 points in a contest. RB Jake Harr leads the ground game, as he has piled up 383 yards and three TDs on 51 carries. QB Hunter Gaines threw for 264 yards and two TDs in the win over Lincoln. The Foothillers’ defense has also done the job, allowing just over 17 points per game ... Expect this one to be close the entire way and for the Titans to finally take care of the ball and pull it out in the end.

Prediction: Poway 24, Grossmont 21

Dymally-Los Angeles (0-4) at Maranatha Christian (3-1), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week: Dymally had a bye; Maranatha lost to Vincent Memorial 15-8.

Notes: This was originally an off week for Maranatha, but Dymally was added to the schedule late ... The Eagles are thankful for that, as they are coming off a tough loss to Vincent Memorial. The defeat to the fellow Division V team will likely cost Maranatha a spot or two when the seeding meeting rolls around. The Eagles led Vincent Memorial most of the way, but couldn’t hang on for the win. The top two defenses in Division V played like it, as the Eagles were held to just 310 yards of offense and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Maranatha’s defense registered four sacks and a fumble recovery. Trevor Sheng led the team with 12 tackles ... Dymally is allowing just over 38 points per game and will have its hands full with the Eagles this week. The run-first offense of the Challengers is led by seniors Marvin Barnett and Monroe Watson ... Expect the Eagles to bounce back from their first loss of the season with a big win.

Prediction: Maranatha Christian 42, Dymally 10.

Bye

No. 7 Rancho Bernardo (4-1)

Last week: Rancho Bernardo beat Carlsbad 35-27.

Notes: The Broncos enter the bye week with a 4-1 record, their best start since posting the same mark through the first five games in 2010. The defending Palomar League champions showed off just how efficient their offense could be in the win over the Lancers. The Broncos had four scoring drives of 80 yards. Running back Milan Grice had 22 carries for 122 yards and also hauled in a 38-yard TD pass from Mark Salazar. The Broncos will open league play at undefeated Westview (5-0) on Oct. 9. What looked to be a sure win on paper in the preseason, is far from that now. The Wolverines have been the surprise team of the season thus far, as sophomore QB Beau Nelson and running back A.J. Leonard have been unstoppable. The Wolverines’ defense has also played well.

Del Norte (1-4)

Last week: Del Norte beat Escondido Charter 28-0.

Notes: Those that came out for homecoming last week went home happy after the Nighthawks notched their first win of the season. It was also the first win for new coach Patrick Coleman ... Del Norte needed that victory bad, considering its schedule is only going to be tougher with the start of Avocado East League play coming on Oct. 9. The Nighthawks open at Vista. The Panthers are off to a 1-4 start, but will be a huge challenge for the Nighthawks. Del Norte has only 33 players on its roster. Vista is a team that can wear down a 50-man roster with its run-happy style of offense. Del Norte went 1-3 in league last season with its lone win coming against Rancho Buena Vista.