Palma-Sacred Heart Cathedral football

Friday's game
Palma (0-1) vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral (0-1) at Kezar Stadium, 7 p.m.
 Both teams were torched for 40 plus points in season opening losses last week. Yet, do not look for this to be a shootout.
 Last season the two teams engaged in a defensive tussle in Week 2 with Palma using two touchdown runs from Anthony Villegas and a blocked kick from J.T. Amaral in a 17-14 win.
 It's not unusual for Palma to struggle defensively early in the season. In 2016, it gave up 52 points to Sutter in its opener, then responded by allowing just eight points in a loss to St. Francis.
 However, dating back to last year's season finale, Palma has allowed 49 and 47 points, the first time it has given up 40 or more points in back-to-back games in over 30 years.
 Adjustments will be made, subtle changes will occur. It has to do a better job in containing the run, as Mitty had two running backs rush for over 100 yards last week.
 Offensively, the Chieftains racked up over 400 yards last week, with Villegas rushing for 285 yards on 32 carries. Maintaining that load for an extended season would be a tall order.
 Look for Palma to put the ball in the air more as sophomore quarterback Luke Rossi grows into the offense. Micah Olivas and Jon Jon Berring are two of the better receivers in the county.
 Sacred Heart Cathedral was beaten 44-14 by Acalanes of Lafayette in its opener. A senior heavy unit last year, quarterback Cian Dowling is the lone returning starter at a skilled position.
 The Fightin Irish are massive in the trenches with three linemen over 290, and two more over 250 on the defensive front.