This Week’s Prep Matchups

Thursday, Oct. 9, 1997 | 12:54 p.m.

CHAPARRAL (3-3, 3-1) at VALLEY (4-2, 3-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Jordan Phee's Cowboys are riding high with their three-game winning streak, optimistic about a postseason bid. Valley's loss to Rancho last week threw the Sunrise race wide open. Could be a shootout.

THE PICK: Valley 35, Chaparral 24

ELDORADO (2-4, 1-3) at LAS VEGAS (4-2, 3-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: All of the sudden, Las Vegas is in a first-place tie with Valley and Green Valley and no slip-ups are needed. Eldorado, which has dropped two straight, can be dangerous.

THE PICK: Las Vegas 28, Eldorado 12

BASIC (2-4, 1-3) at GREEN VALLEY (4-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Wolves got down early to Chaparral last week and wound up seeing 50 points thrown on the board by the Cowboys. If the same scenario plays out again against the Gators, it could be just as ugly.

THE PICK: Green Valley 38, Basic 6

RANCHO (2-3, 2-2) at SILVERADO (2-4, 0-4), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Rancho took a big step forward by upsetting Valley last week and will be favored to win its final three. Despite a four-game losing streak, Silverado is a big threat. Skyhawks played Green Valley and Las Vegas tough in last two.

THE PICK: Silverado 18, Rancho 17

WESTERN (5-1, 3-0) AT BISHOP GORMAN (1-5, 0-3), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Warriors can't rest after knocking Cimarron-Memorial from undefeated ranks last week. Gorman won its first game against a Canadian foe and is capable of pulling off the upset.

THE PICK: Western 14, Gorman 6

CLARK (2-4, 1-3) at CHEYENNE (5-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Chargers have battled gamely all season long despite rash of injuries. This may be the game where Clark's lack of depth finally takes its toll.

THE PICK: Cheyenne 40, Clark 6

DURANGO (4-2, 2-1) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (5-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Durango's win over Clark last week gave it some breathing room in the Sunrise playoff race. That's good, because the Spartans are sure to be fired up after double-overtime loss to Western.

THE PICK: Cimarron 37, Durango 16

PAHRUMP VALLEY (2-4, 0-1) at BOULDER CITY (3-2, 0-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Boulder City must beware the passing of Pahrump's Chris Dielman and the Trojans' big line. Justin Trone has rushed for at least 100 yards in every Boulder City game this season.

THE PICK: Boulder City 28, Pahrump Valley 22

SEASON TO DATE: Overall 37-15; Last week 5-3