This Week’s Prep Football Matchup’s

Thursday, Sept. 25, 1997 | 11:05 a.m.

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

THE MATCHUP: As the Sunrise Division's lone undefeated squad, the Vikings are in the driver's seat for the moment. Valley keeps riding the broad shoulders of quarterback Dion Jackson. The Wolves thought they had their third straight win last week against Eldorado but the Sundevils rallied late.

THE PICK: Valley 37, Basic 14

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

THE MATCHUP: This won't be an easy game for the Sundevils. The Cowboys have been ultra-competitive in their last three contests and rolled by Silverado last week. Look for this one to be close.

THE PICK: Chaparral 14, Eldorado 13

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

THE MATCHUP: The Skyhawks have dropped two straight and must find a way to slow the Gators' potent offense. Silverado will find out that won't be easy.

THE PICK: Green Valley 45, Silverado 7

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

THE MATCHUP: The Wildcats made a valiant second-half effort against Valley last week only to lose in the final seconds. The Rams are licking their wounds after being blitzed by Green Valley. Las Vegas' defense better slow down Rancho's strong passing attack.

THE PICK: Las Vegas 20, Rancho 12

BISHOP GORMAN (0-4, 0-2) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Woe is Gorman -- the Gaels keep dropping close games and the schedule isn't getting any easier. The Spartans come in off a 42-0 whipping of Clark, the same team that shut out Gorman two weeks ago.

THE PICK: Cimarron 28, Bishop Gorman 7

BONANZA (0-4, 0-2) at DURANGO (2-2, 0-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Trailblazers have been shut out twice in a row and the Bengals almost upset defending state champ Western last week. Can Durango rebound? Can Bonanza break into the win column? Go with Durango.

THE PICK: Durango 28, Bonanza 14

ROBERT SERVICE (Alaska) at CHEYENNE (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Desert Shields get a break from league play and welcome the visitors from Alaska. Coach George Perry will be happy to pick up the win and avoid injuries.

THE PICK: Cheyenne 35, Robert Service 12

CLARK (2-2, 1-1) at WESTERN (3-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Chargers, shut out last week, hope to rebound against a Warriors team that has won two games in a row by a field goal. The Clark defensive front better be prepared for the Western rushing onslaught.

THE PICK: Western 21, Clark 14

PALO VERDE at BOULDER CITY (2-1), 7 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Panthers, playing only a junior-varsity schedule, get their first taste of varsity action a year early. Scheduling conflicts prompted this game and Boulder City doesn't want to embarrass itself by letting the young Panthers stay close.

THE PICK: Boulder City 48, Palo Verde 6

SEASON TO DATE: Overall 24-11; Last week 8-1