Not true! Not true!

Contrary to the rumors — we couldn't silence them fast enough — former ESPN radio personality Dan Patrick did not request to be a guest selector for the opening act to next week's true opening week of the high school football season in Ventura County.

Fact be known, only one person has been granted special exception status — for one game — in nine previous seasons of predictions by the Deuce.

Given access to this space in 1999, the famous Red Snapper made a bold incorrect guess for a non-league game and was immediately placed on indefinite suspension. Rarely to be seen again, even when invited to lunch (WW, are you reading this?).

One game that popped up on the Deuce's radar is tonight's Hueneme-Santa Clara matchup.

With the two Oxnard schools so close together, neighborhood pride becomes as important as the records.

Aware of the possible impact, Santa Clara officials moved the game to neutral-site Pacifica.

Ventura 23, Camarillo 17: Ever since this series was renewed six years ago, the two teams have had some gripping low-scoring games. Experience at key positions give Ventura the slight edge in this opener.

Channel Islands 17, Fillmore 14: Both programs come into season needing to replace headliner offensive players. Without record-setting QB Greg Gonzalez, will Channel Islands continue to throw darts at opposing secondaries? Who will Fillmore miss most: record-setting RB Bobby Halcon or All-TVL offensive lineman Curtis Cole?

Hueneme 24, Santa Clara 17: Coming off its best season in nearly two decades, Santa Clara has three Division I prospects in its program, including 2006 state sophomore of the year Cierre Wood. First-year Hueneme coach Steve Ruedaflores has dedicated focus on fundamentals, particularly with blocking and tackling.

Oaks Christian 31, Lompoc 17: Defending Division III state bowl champion Oaks Christian may feel slighted by the preseason state and section polls. Non-league schedule gives Oaks Christian a chance to prove its doubters wrong. One of biggest questions facing Oaks Christian entering the season is the strength of the offensive and defensive lines.

St. Bonaventure 38, Santa Margarita 24: Trivia test: Name the last team to beat St. Bonaventure in a season opener. ... Still waiting ... Still waiting ... Answer: Paraclete. Yes, back in the day when St. Bonaventure was just your average real good Division XI team, it lost to Paraclete, 27-26, in the 1998 season opener. One year later, Bonnie began a 43-game winning streak.

Westlake 29, Waipahu 21: Did Westlake pick the wrong year to schedule this trip to the islands? Waipahu had its best season in three decades last year, winning the O'ahu Interscholastic Association title. Waipahu won its season opener by a shutout. It will be a good test for Westlake's offense.

Villanova 27, Western Christian 17: Villanova has come out of the gate fast the last three years. With its first four games on the road — three outside the county — Villanova could use sip of early success.

— The Deuce may be contacted at deads@VenturaCountyStar.com.