HS FOOT: Favored Valencia is bit short-handed for Birmingham

Birmingham plays host to Valencia is just a few minutes, and the visiting Vikings are a heavy favorite even though they're hurting a bit with three starters out -- linebacker Ryan Gorman (groin), defensive back Zach Kelly (concussion) and receiver Max Rodriguez (knee).

But as long as Valencia has quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Steven Manfro, everything should be OK. In an opening 49-32 victory over Notre Dame last week, Bishop passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns, and Manfro rushed for 177 yards in 15 carries, caught five passes for 189 yards and scored five touchdowns.

"Those two guys in the backfield are just so dynamic," Valencia coach Larry Muir said.

Birmingham is a little banged up, too -- especially up front, where tight end Danny Williams might be pressed into duty at left tackle -- after taking a 48-8 whipping from Corona Centennial last week.

Definitely a long shot, but it's hard to dismiss Birmingham against any opponent considering the Patriots won four City titles over a six-year period ending in 2007.

It's a tighter deadline on Thursdays, but I'll try to update when I can.

If you want to catch the game on TV, check it out on IBNsports.com, probably beginning tomorrow. The great Randy Rosenbloom is doing play by play.

-- Gerry Gittelson