John Maffei’s picks: Charity Bowl among San Diego’s best opening-week games

The Union-Tribune’s John Maffei picks 10 of Friday’s biggest high school football games. All games at 7 p.m., unless noted:

Nonleague games

Mater Dei Catholic at No. 2 Cathedral Catholic 

Preview: Mater Dei Catholic finished 9-4 last season, losing to Poway in the Division 2 championship game. The Crusaders return all-league receiver Larell Parker. Jordan Dumaran will run behind a veteran O-line led by Nik Edwards. … Cathedral Catholic went 9-3 last season, losing to Lincoln in the Open Division title game. Quarterback Brady Palmer (Cal commit), offensive lineman Chase Deniz (USC commit) and receiver Honor Fa’alave-Johnson lead the offense. Defensive lineman Bronx Letuligasenoa and defensive back Josh Faraimo, a Washington State commit, head the defense. … The game is a renewal of the Charity Bowl, which this season benefits the Food Pantry at Cathedral Catholic. Students from both schools will be collecting canned goods at the gate.

Prediction: Cathedral Catholic 42, Mater Dei Catholic 21

Eastlake at Bonita Vista

When: 6:30 p.m.

Preview: Eastlake returns all-league lineman Josiah Hernandez and defensive back Ryan Branco from a 5-7 team. QB Tyler Blaco will work behind a solid O-line. … Bonita Vista was 7-6, losing to Monte Vista in the Division 5 title game. All-league running back Nate Lindquest and QB Greyson Smith return.

Prediction: Eastlake 21, Bonita Vista 17

Montgomery at San Diego

Preview: QB Isaiah Mena-Malijan returns to lead a team that went 9-4 a year ago. All-CIF linebacker Vili Trollinger anchors the defense. … San Diego went 8-4 last season, losing to St. Augustine in the Division 3 semifinals. The Cavers return 10 defensive starters. QB Jayden Harris leads the offense.

Prediction: San Diego 20, Montgomery 17

No. 10 Helix at El Camino

When: 7:15 p.m.

Preview: QB Caden Thompson has transferred to Helix from Escondido. The Highlanders, who were 5-7 last season, return Lee Norman-Lester in the backfield. Bodie Friend and Sean Fanau are big linemen. The defense returns linebackers Donte Wright and Jeremy Davis. …  El Camino, which was 6-6 last season, has two QBs in Gavin Wasserman and Blake Sega. Two-way players Kingston Filo, Aden Gilliam and Micah Sega give the Wildcats plenty of versatility.

Prediction: El Camino 28, Helix 24

No. 9 Oceanside at No. 4 Granite Hills 

Preview: The Pirates (7-4 last season) return 14 starters, including four-star O-line prospect Lincoln Mageo and tight end/defensive end EZ Tokio, who has committed to Washington. Defensive lineman Mykah Faletoi was the team’s Defensive MVP. Receiver Kymani Nua has committed to Army. Anthony Barquinero is the QB. … Division 1 champion Granite Hills loses a lot from its 11-3 season, but returns QB Zac Benitez and has a bundle of incoming transfers. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, offensive lineman Jeremiah Maze is a load.

Prediction: Oceanside 28, Granite Hills 27

Coronado at Hilltop

Preview: QB Jack O’Sullivan will operate behind a deep and talented line. Receivers Spencer Reiderson and Chase Jenkins return for an Islanders team that went 6-6 last season. … Hilltop, which went 4-6 last season, returns QB Alejandro Carranza, receiver Juju Moran and running backs Victor Ruiz and Bryson Grant.

Prediction: Coronado 24, Hilltop 17

St. Augustine at No. 5 La Costa Canyon

Preview: After going 0-10 in the regular season, the Saints won four in a row and captured the Division 3 championship. The Saints return lefty QB Vincent Smith and running back/defensive back Pai Polamalu. Linebackers Parker Cresswell and Cooper McNamara key the defense. … LCC was 10-0 last season before losing to Cathedral Catholic in the Open Division quarterfinals. QB Quinn Roth returns along with running back/receiver Coby Herman and receivers Jackson Maggiore and Lennox Marcucci. Linebacker Ryan Scully leads the defense.

Prediction: La Costa Canyon 42, St. Augustine 20

Grossmont at Patrick Henry

Prediction: Grossmont loses 13 starters from a 5-7 team. Tyler Holmes will start at QB; keep an eye on O-lineman Maximus Tufugafale, all-league defensive end Ryder Robinson and running back/linebacker Jay Smith. … Patrick Henry loses most of its offense from a 7-5 team. Madin Gardini and Eli Brum are the QBs. Defensive end Brandon Phung and linebacker Jacob Gibb anchor the defense.

Prediction: Grossmont 24, Patrick Henry 21

Poway at Scripps Ranch

Preview: Poway returns 11 starters from a Division 2 title run. Luke Jorgensen is the Titans’ go-to back. QB Noah Schuback has transferred in from Texas. Defensive back Eli Alsop keys the defense. Nathan Dann is a top-flight kicker. … Scripps Ranch returns four O-linemen from a 9-2 team. Parker Armstrong is the QB, and Kasen Mendez figures to be the No. 1 target.

Prediction: Poway 35, Scripps Ranch 21

No. 8 Mount Miguel at No. 7 San Marcos

When: 7:30 p.m.

Preview: Mount Miguel returns a monster O-line from last year’s 9-3 team. Andre Jackson and Jeremiah Logan are the QBs. Receivers AJ Logan (Boise State) and Parris Vernon (San Jose State) and receiver/defensive back Brandon Arrington (Texas A&M) are college commits. … San Marcos returns QB Kreet Makihele and with running back/defensive back Zamar Reese from an 11-2 team. Defensive end Ty Sagaser was an All-CIF selection.

Prediction: San Marcos 28, Mount Miguel 27

Last year’s record: 124-68