HS BASE: Rivals Crespi, Notre Dame square off in Mission opener

There is a buzz in the air, as two of the San Fernando Valley's top prep sports programs, Crespi of Encino and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, square off in a Mission League opener here at Birmingham High in Lake Balboa.

A year ago, these two arch rivals played each other in the final week of the season, and this year the two-game series picks up right where it left off: Crespi won both games over the Knights in 2008 to come from one game back in the standings to win the league title, but Notre Dame had the last word -- big-time -- by winning the Southern Section Div. III championship at Dodger Stadium.

Both teams are hot once again. Crespi is 7-2 (5-0 on the road) and Notre Dame is 7-1. Ace pitchers Ryon Healy (3-0) of Crespi and Josh Goossen-Brown (2-1) of Notre Dame go head to head, so this should be a good one. Stay tuned.

-- Gerry Gittelson