The opening matchup in the MLK Day Showdown at Providence High School featured the Mission Prep Royals from San Luis Obispo against the Renaissance Academy Wildcats of La Cañada.

Mission Prep entered the contest with a 13-7 record while Renaissance Academy came in with a 12-6 mark.

Both teams came out of the gates strong in a competitive first quarter. Renaissance Academy was led in the first half by junior Karl Vaskys who scored 15 points.

Sophomore Quinton Adlesh responded for the Royals, dropping 16 points to give Mission Prep a 34-30 halftime advantage.

The Gardena Serra Cavaliers took care of business Thursday night, dominating league foe St. Francis 42-6 behind a stellar defensive performance and three touchdowns from Malik Roberson.

With playmaker Taz Bateman lost for the season with a broken ankle, it was incumbent upon others to step their game up. On this night, it was Malik Roberson that was up to the challenge.

Trailing 3-0, the Cavaliers took the lead on a rushing touchdown by Roberson. The Serra defense held the St. Francis offense out of the end zone all night, yielding only two long field goals. Serra led 14-6 at halftime.