Can Hart give Valencia a scare tonight in Foothill League clash?

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Valencia will try to stay atop the Foothill League standings when it hosts upset-minded Hart tonight at 7 in the marquee matchup of the week in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Vikings moved up two spots to No. 23 in The Times’ rankings after demolishing Golden Valley, 48-6, for their sixth consecutive win since dropping their opener to Thousand Oaks. Valencia is allowing a paltry 11.7 points per game, led by linebackers Rocky Maldonado (19 unassisted tackles, 40 assists) and Andrew Lavoise (16 unassisted tackles, 48 assists) and defensive ends Darrol Mitchell (6.5 sacks) and Brock Vereen (20 unassisted tackles, three interceptions).

Meanwhile, Hart is coming off its biggest win, a surprising 29-27 triumph over crosstown rival Canyon. This is not the same Indians squad that reached the Northern Division championship game last December. Prior to upsetting Canyon, Hart was thumped by Palmdale, Westlake, Loyola and Saugus. So far this season, senior Spenser Souza has thrown more interceptions (7) than touchdowns (6)--surprising at a school accustomed to producing All-CIF quarterbacks.

Calpreps predicts a 31-6 win for the Vikings. That should motivate Hart, which was a 17-point underdog to Canyon. I won’t be surprised if the final score is closer but I don’t see the Indians being able to muster quite enough offense to steal Halloween candy from a unit boasting the Foothill League’s top-rated defense.

Valencia dealt Hart its only blemish in league last season, playing the Indians to a 21-21 tie.

-- Steve Galluzzo, guest blogger