The Palo Alto High School football team (1-3,0-0) faces off against the Saratoga High School Falcons (1-2, 0-0) at 7 p.m., this Friday at Paly, in the Vikings’ first De Anza league game of the season.

The Vikings fell to the Oak Grove Eagles (1-2, 0-0) last week by a score of 46-7, prevented from scoring by the Eagles’ defense.

Seeking to rebound from the devastating loss, the Vikes are preparing to play Saratoga by reviewing tapes and working on specific plays.

“We’ve been watching film on them and our scout offense is running plays we should see in the game,” junior running back Christian Rider said.

Last year, Saratoga ended the Vikings’ season and Central Coast Section playoff bid in an intense battle 41-33. Despite losing last year, Rider says that the Vikings are capable of winning this year.

“I believe that we have a good chance at beating them,” Rider said.

Saratoga is currently ranked higher in the De Anza League standings according to MaxPreps.com. However, the Falcons had a bye last week, meaning that they have played one less game than Paly.

“If we play how we practice it should be a good game,” Rider said.