Los Angeles ? The gambling tale “21” kept up its winning streak as it took in $15.1 million to stay on top of the box office for a second-straight weekend, leaving George Clooney’s “Leatherheads” and the family tale “Nim’s Island” to scrimmage for second place.

“Leatherheads” – a 1920s football comedy directed by Clooney, who co-stars with Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski – had a soft opening of $13.5 million, below distributor Universal’s expectations.

20th Century Fox’s “Nim’s Island” was right behind with $13.3 million. The family adventure centers on a bold girl (Abigail Breslin) alone on an island and her e-mail pen pal (Jodie Foster), an obsessive-compulsive, shut-in author.

“Leatherheads” and “Nim’s Island” were so close that their rankings could switch after final weekend numbers are released today.

“Leatherheads” is Clooney’s third directing effort, a commercial turn after his acclaimed Edward R. Murrow drama “Good Night, and Good Luck” and the Chuck Barris fantasy thriller “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC.

1. “21,” $15.1 million.

2. “Leatherheads,” $13.5 million.

3. “Nim’s Island,” $13.3 million.

4. “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”, $9.1 million.

5. “The Ruins,” $7.8 million.

6. “Superhero Movie,” $5.4 million.

7. “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns,” $3.51 million.

8. “Drillbit Taylor,” $3.5 million.

9. “Shutter,” $2.9 million.

10. “10,000 B.C.”, $2.8 million.