This Week’s Match ups

Thursday, Sept. 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CHEYENNE (2-1) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (3-0), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Certainly the feature matchup on Friday's slate, two of the Sunset Division's elite threesome (along with Western) square off seeking to get the first leg up in the league race. Cimarron's offense had struggled somewhat prior to last week, but the Spartans battered Bishop Gorman for 47 points in an easy win. Vernon Fox and Leonard DeRoche continue to provide Cimarron with a highly potent one-two punch, with Fox turning in a 227-yard, four-touchdown performance against Gorman. Cheyenne rebounded smartly from its first regular-season loss in two years in a 28-13 defeat of Silverado, and brings to the table a talented duo of running backs as well. Jeremy Rogers and Rusty LeBlanc combined for 237 yards and three scores against the Skyhawks. This battle should be fierce.

* The pick: Cheyenne 28, Cimarron 24.

RANCHO (1-2) at GREEN VALLEY (2-1), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Rancho faces an angry Green Valley squad this week, one that was soundly manhandled in a 20-7 loss at Las Vegas a week ago. The Rams, on the other hand, are feeling good about themselves after dropping Chaparral 27-21. Rancho, which had been severely hurt by turnovers (13) in its first two games, ran back a fumble for a touchdown and got a game-saving interception in the closing seconds against the Cowboys. The Rams need a more consistent performance from QB Arthur Ireland, who was just 4 of 14 for 47 yards last week. Green Valley figures to rebound after being bitten by the turnover bug at Las Vegas -- losing one fumble on the Wildcats' 1-yard line and setting up a Vegas touchdown with another. The Gators know another loss here would all but end their Sunrise Division hopes.

* The pick: Green Valley 35, Rancho 20.

BISHOP GORMAN (1-2) at CLARK (1-2), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Clark returns home for the third time in four weeks, but the Chargers are still looking to post their first victory on home turf this season. Clark got into the win column last time out with a 13-9 triumph at Bonanza, and this one gives the Chargers a prime opportunity to climb back to .500. To do so, however, Clark must cut back on the turnovers after committing another six against the Bengals. Gorman has played pretty well in each of its three outings but has just one win to show for it. The Gaels fought hard with Cimarron-Memorial last Thursday before wearing down over the closing stages in a 47-21 loss.

* The pick: Clark 17, Bishop Gorman 13.

VALLEY (3-0) at CHAPARRAL (2-1), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Valley comes into this game feeling disrespected despite a 3-0 start. Certainly, the Cowboys represent the toughest test for the Vikings to date, but it could also be argued that Valley poses the biggest challenge for Chaparral, regardless of last week's loss at Rancho. While senior running back LaRontae Johnson of Valley has garnered the bulk of attention for his offensive performance, quarterback Mike Cirkosz has been steady, throwing for 263 yards and two touchdowns. After slipping at Rancho, Chaparral will be looking to get back into the Sunrise Division race. The Cowboys have a solid running game, and QB Steve Puterski is coming off a 186-yard, three-touchdown effort.

* The pick: Valley 21, Chaparral 20.

ELDORADO (0-2) at BASIC (0-3), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Two teams in tremendous need of a win clash in Henderson. Eldorado did not play last week and used the time off to figure out what it will take to turn around a slow start. Before pressing the panic button, it is important for the Sundevils to note both losses have come in tight games, a comfort, unfortunately, Basic can't enjoy. The Wolves have been outscored 111-50 over the season, 83-28 the last two weeks. Basic has shown itself to be highly vulnerable to the rush, an area Eldorado will seek to exploit with running back John Bullock.

* The pick: Eldorado 27, Basic 16.

BONANZA (0-3) at WESTERN (3-0), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Western's offense came around nicely in a 40-20 win at Durango last week, scoring on all but two possessions. The Warriors need a win to keep pace with the Cheyenne-Cimarron winner, and won't be overlooking a Bonanza team that played a strong game against Las Vegas two weeks ago but struggled in losing to Clark last Thursday. The Bengals are playing competitively, but have yet to get over the hump for coach Nick Butera. Western, however, should be too tough for Bonanza to handle this week.

* The pick: Western 31, Bonanza 20.

DURANGO (1-2) at SILVERADO (1-2), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Both Durango and Silverado had high hopes entering the season, but the loser of this one will face an almost impossible road back to playoff contention. Both teams have put together one dominating performance each, but in both cases it was against a struggling Basic squad. The Skyhawks played tough with Cheyenne a week ago, leading 13-6 before giving up 22 unanswered points. Whichever team gears up the running game first should win, with the slight edge given to the home team.

* The pick: Silverado 18, Durango 16.

GARDENA (0-1) at LAS VEGAS (2-1), 7 p.m.

* The matchup: Las Vegas follows an impressive performance against Green Valley by stepping out of division play to host Gardena (Calif.). The Wildcats have seemingly hit their stride after dropping their opener, while the Mohicans stand 0-1 after being trounced by Newberry Park (Calif.) 45-8. If the Wildcats contain Gardena running back Charles Wright, who ran for 110 yards and a touchdown while also netting 105 receiving yards last week, they should move to 3-1.

* The pick: Las Vegas 24, Gardena 8.

Last week's record: 4-3; Season record: 13-12.