CYPRESS (3-1) VS. CORONA DEL MAR (2-2)

Where, when: Newport Harbor High, Friday, 7 p.m.

Outlook: Last week, the prediction here was Cypress would lose to Western. A pregame walk on the field was all that was needed to know that prediction was going to be wrong.

Cypress is a good-looking team. Running back Jake Brito is having a productive year, averaging 147 yards a game. He has a good mix of speed and power.

The Centurions defense has struggled at times, and is averaging 21 points allowed a game, the second-highest figure among Empire League teams.

The Cypress passing game needs to improve, too, if the Centurions are going to challenge Tustin for the league championship or for one of the league’s three guaranteed playoff berths.

Corona del Mar is 1-3 on the field, but 2-2 on the ledger because a loss to Laguna Hills was turned into a victory when Laguna Hills had to forfeit that game for using an ineligible player. Corona del Mar has played a challenging schedule, taking on nothing but higher-division teams in nonleague.

The Sea Kings lost by one point to Newport Harbor, which beat San Clemente last week by 21. Corona del Mar quarterback Cayman Carter is adept and throwing and running the ball. His versatility gives the Sea Kings an edge.

Winner: Corona del Mar

More Fryer on football:

Game of the week: No. 4 Mater Dei (4-0)vs. Narbonne of Harbor City (4-0)

Aliso Niguel vs. Woodbridge

Dana Hills vs. Irvine

Trabuco Hills vs. JSerra

Edison vs. San Clemente

Mission Viejo vs. Redlands East Valley

Servite vs. St. Paul

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