Football matchups

Thursday, Oct. 16, 1997 | 11:45 a.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Gators have already clinched a Sunrise playoff berth but Chaparral is fighting for its postseason life. A loss drops the Cowboys into a tie for the final spot with the Rancho-Eldorado winner.

THE PICK: Green Valley 24, Chaparral 21

CHEYENNE (6-1, 4-0) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (6-1, 4-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: This week's marquee matchup comes from the Sunset Division. Cimarron can keeps its title hopes alive with a victory, but Cheyenne is rolling. Desert Shields are on a mission after missing playoffs last season. This one will be lots of fun.

THE PICK: Cimarron 24, Cheyenne 23

SILVERADO (3-4, 1-4) at VALLEY (5-2, 4-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Silverado broke a four-game losing streak last week vs. Rancho but Valley has a ton of weapons to defend. If Vikings continue to rack up penalties, Skyhawks could stay close.

THE PICK: Valley 35, Silverado 12

BASIC (2-5, 1-4) at LAS VEGAS (4-3, 3-2), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: What happened to the Wildcats last week? They gave up 20 fourth-quarter points to Eldorado and dropped out of a first-place tie in the Sunrise. Basic will be no pushover.

THE PICK: Las Vegas 20, Basic 6

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

THE MATCHUP: The stakes are simple in this one: Winner still has a shot at the playoffs. The Rams saw momentum of Valley upset squandered in loss to Silverado while Eldorado was rallying by Las Vegas.

THE PICK: Eldorado 30, Rancho 20

BISHOP GORMAN (1-6, 0-4) at BONANZA (0-6, 0-4), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Gaels never envisioned they'd have just one win at this point. Gorman has lost several close games this fall. Bonanza had last week off and Bengals have been very competitive in four of their six games.

THE PICK: Gorman 21, Bonanza 12

WESTERN (6-1, 4-0) at DURANGO (4-3, 2-2), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Warriors better not look past Durango to next week's battle with Cheyenne. The Trailblazers were blown out by Cheyenne last Thursday and can clinch a playoff berth win a victory. Expect this to be another close Western win.

THE PICK: Western 14, Durango 6

BOULDER CITY (4-2, 1-1) at VIRGIN VALLEY (5-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Eagles have to find a way to stop multi-threat Jerry Montgomery, a 6-4, 300-pounder that Virgin Valley uses liberally on offense. The Bulldogs suffered lone loss at the hands of Spring Creek.

THE PICK: Virgin Valley 34, Boulder City 20

SEASON TO DATE: Overall 44-16; Last week 7-1