This Week’s Prep Matchups

Thursday, Oct. 31, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

BONANZA (4-5) at LAS VEGAS (6-3), 4 p.m.

* The matchup: What a difference a week makes. A week ago, Bonanza was flying high on the wings of a three-game win streak, looking to possibly win the Sunset Division championship. That was before Cimarron-Memorial jumped on the Bengals early and often en route to a 36-14 victory, relegating Bonanza to third place and a trip to Las Vegas High. The Bengals are the other playoff team with a losing record, but the difference here is Bonanza did prove itself against quality competition -- handing Western its only loss of the season. Will that team come to play the Wildcats, or will it be the overwhelmed squad of a week ago? Las Vegas comes in after winning on the road at Eldorado to wrap up second in the Sunrise, and is capable of beating anyone in the city. No doubt, the Wildcats have learned a lot from watching Cimarron shut down Bonanza's Robert Thomas, who was held to just 54 yards last week after gaining more than 760 over the previous two games.

* The pick: Las Vegas 31, Bonanza 21.

GREEN VALLEY (6-3) at CIMARRON-MEM. (7-2), 4 p.m.

* The matchup: At least on paper, this game looks to be the best of the four Friday matchups. Cimarron-Memorial made a nice step forward in the confidence department with its win at Bonanza last week, a victory which coach Greg Spencer said proved the Spartans could win a big game. It was needed, too, because Cimarron had lost both of its previous crucial tests -- home defeats at the hands of Cheyenne and Western. The backfield tandem of Vernon Fox and Leonard DeRoche simply overwhelmed Bonanza, a task which figures to be much more difficult against Green Valley. The Gators have passed a character test of their own, surviving a midseason slump which saw them lose three times in four weeks. Much of the credit goes to running back Brian Reed, who ran for 199 yards and three touchdowns in victories the final two weeks of the season. An crucial element in a game which should be a tight struggle -- both teams have excellent kickers. The nod goes to Cimarron playing at home.

* The pick: Cimarron 21, Green Valley 20.

DURANGO (5-4) at VALLEY (9-0), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Durango makes its first-ever playoff appearance after winning its final two games. The Trailblazers earned the berth with a 15-12 win at Cheyenne last week, a victory which also marked the first time this season Durango has won two consecutive contests. Durango has established a quality ground game led by Alex Dixon, and Scott Freel has developed into a solid quarterback. On the other side of the field, Valley, as its unbeaten record attests, has been a model of consistency. Certainly the focus, and rightfully so, has been on senior running back LaRontae Johnson, who has put up an even 1,700 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns on 225 carries. Johnson averaged 7.6 yards per attempt over the course of the season, and Durango has no chance if that sort of production continues. An overlooked aspect of the Vikings' success has been the play of the defense. The Vikings have allowed just 124 points, an average of 13.7 per game.

* The pick: Valley 28, Durango 14.

ELDORADO (3-5) at WESTERN (8-1), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Eldorado is one of two teams in the playoffs with a losing record, and comes into the postseason riding a three-game losing streak. The Sundevils had three chances to prove themselves over the closing weeks, but instead lost to Valley, Green Valley and Las Vegas, the top teams in the Sunrise Division. The Devils now have the unenviable task of traveling to Western, a team heading in the opposite direction with five consecutive wins. Western possesses many offensive weapons, not the least of whom is Anthony Jones, who rushed for 237 yards last week at Clark. However, the real key to success for the Warriors has been the play of their defense, which has been forced to save the day on many occasions when their offense has slacked in the second half. That defense should prove to be too tough in this one.

* The pick: Western 26, Eldorado 12.

Last week's record: 5-3; Season record: 48-23.