HS FOOTBALL: Notre Dame readies for Valencia in nonleague showdown

Two of the area's top programs go head to head in just a few minutes, as Notre Dame is preparing to face visiting Valencia in an attractive nonleague showdown.

It's Valencia first game after advancing to the Northern Division semifinals the past three seasons, while Notre Dame already has a victory, having defeated Serra of Gardena 35-13 in an impressive earlier opener.

This is my first glimpse of Notre Dame quarterback Kelly Hilinski. He's 6 feet 6, and for once it's an accurate height instead of the usual extra inch or two afforded most high school standouts.

It's going to be fun watching Valencia's athletic defense try to track down Notre Dame running back Khalfani Muhammad, who might be the San Fernando Valley's fastest kid since the great Justin Fargas.