San Diego U-T Preps

JOHN MAFFEI'S PICKS

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC at HELIX

Cathedral has outscored its first two opponents 48-6, including a 10-0 win against Torrey Pines. Helix also has a shutout, 32-0 over Layton (Utah) Northridge. The Highlanders’ loss was 10-6 to Honolulu Punahou. This game figures to be low scoring. Prediction: Helix 14, Cathedral Catholic 12

RANCHO BERNARDO at MT. CARMEL

RB gave No. 2 Mission Hills all it could handle last week, losing 28-21. QB Michael Searson does a great job spreading the ball around. Mt. Carmel has 927 yards total offense in two wins, led by QB Kory Fox and RBs Simeon Frost and Davion Fuller. Prediction: Mt. Carmel 31, Rancho Bernardo 24

SAN PASQUAL at POWAY

Poway has to defend a potent San Pasqual offense and WR JaJuan Thomas, who has returned punts for touchdowns in each of the first two games. The Titans beat No. 9 La Costa Canyon last week, with Austin Warczakowski the game MVP. Prediction: San Pasqual 21, Poway 17

TORREY PINES at DEL NORTE

Torrey Pines has lost to two ranked teams — No. 8 San Pasqual and No. 4 Cathedral Catholic — but has allowed just 29 points. Del Norte has given up 74 points in losses to Rancho Buena Vista and San Pasqual. Prediction: Torrey Pines 28, Del Norte 14

SCRIPPS RANCH at RBV

Scripps is off to a 2-0 start with wins over San Marcos and Morse. RBV is 2-0 with wins over Del Norte and Westview. Prediction: Rancho Buena Vista 34, Scripps Ranch 24

STEELE CANYON at VISTA

Steele Canyon dropped a tough 20-12 decision to No. 7 St. Augustine last week. Vista has allowed 73 points in two losses and has rushed for just 73 yards. Prediction: Steele Canyon 31, Vista 12

OLYMPIAN at EL CAMINO

Olympian got off to a good start, beating Point Loma, but stumbled last week, losing to Francis Parker. El Camino is off to a 2-0 start with close wins over Granite Hills and Mira Mesa. Prediction: El Camino 24, Olympian 21

Season record: 13-1

CRAIG MALVEAUX'S PICKS

MADISON at MOUNT MIGUEL

Here’s a fun fact — the Warhawks’ defense has blanketed opposing teams, surrendering just 11 points in two wins thus far. That’s only one more than the total number of touchdowns they’ve scored (10). Prediction: Madison 35, Mount Miguel 13

HOOVER at ORANGE GLEN

The Cardinals’ game plan is simple — put the ball in Damonte Holiday’s hands and watch him create magic. It’s identical to the Patriots’ plan, which is to feed running back Roger Rickman, who boasts 337 yards. Prediction: Hoover 27, Orange Glen 17

HORIZON at CRAWFORD

All last season, the Colts managed 106 points. In two games thus far, the new double wing offense has racked up 104 points and yielded two victories. Horizon, plagued by low numbers, represents Crawford’s biggest test to date. Prediction: Crawford 38, Horizon 35

SAN YSIDRO vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN

Big plays represent the Achilles’ heel for the Cougars, who remain winless, giving up 49 points per game. Lack of experience — returning two starters — is Foothills Christian’s soft spot. Prediction: Foothills Christian 34, San Ysidro 20

EL CAJON VALLEY vs. CHRISTIAN

Pick your poison. The Patriots can beat you through the air (267-yard average) or on the ground (185 yards per game). The Braves, however, have allowed 69 points while scoring only 21. Prediction: Christian 38, El Cajon Valley 7

LINCOLN at POINT LOMA

Both programs have stumbled out of the starting blocks, already losing twice. One team will begin its ascent from an early-season hole while the other will descend a little deeper. Prediction: Point Loma 13, Lincoln 6

MATER DEI CATHOLIC vs. ST. AUGUSTINE

The Crusaders ran into a brick wall against El Capitan last week, losing 44-0. They’ll have to build their own wall if they hope to stop the Saints, who pummeled Steele Canyon for 269 yards on the ground. Prediction: St. Augustine 35, Mater Dei Catholic 14

Season record: 10-4