Patterson’s Prep Football picks — Week Six

Friday, Oct. 2, 1998 | 11:55 a.m.

RANCHO (0-5, 0-3) at VALLEY (0-5, 0-3), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: A battle of futility between teams desperate to break into the win column. The Vikings missed out on a prime opportunity last Friday, falling at home to Basic, but should be able to get past the offense-less Rams this week. The Pick: Valley 20, Rancho 6

SILVERADO (0-5, 0-3) at LAS VEGAS (3-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: After pounding Valley and Rancho the last two weeks, the Wildcats will get the chance to make it three in a row against the winless Sunrise cellar dwellars. The Skyhawks haven't been in a game since losing to Basic in overtime, and there's no reason to think they'll be able to stop Vegas' potent offense. The Pick: Las Vegas 40, Silverado 13

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

The Scoop: At season's start, few thought this game would have any bearing on the Sunrise playoff race. After a Basic win over Valley and a Chaparral loss to Eldorado, however, it has key implications. Look for the Wolves to hang tough early, with the Cowboys' superior offensive talent keying a second half surge. The Pick: Chaparral 28, Basic 17

GREEN VALLEY (4-1, 3-0) at ELDORADO (4-1 3-0), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: The game of the week in the Sunrise, with the division's two hottest teams squaring off for first place. The Sundevils played well in a crucial win over Chaparral last Friday, with quarterback Arlie Daniel proving he's one of Las Vegas' top signal callers. Likewise, the Gators got their passing game going in a lopsided victory over Silverado. Expect this one to be close throughout, with the visitors slipping by in the closing minutes. The Pick: Green Valley 24, Eldorado 22

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

The Scoop: The Desert Shields' offensive machine continues to roll on, whether it's Deon Ned or Jawan Dodson doing the bulk of the running. Cheyenne's defense isn't too shabby either, although Gorman and Durango have found ways to score against the state's No. 2 ranked club. The Bengals, who have fallen on hard times since a week two win over Silverado, will be lucky to keep their foes under 40 points. The Pick: Cheyenne 42, Bonanza 15

WESTERN (4-1, 2-0) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (3-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: On paper, the Sunset's top game this week. Everyone in town will be watching to see how the Spartans respond from last week's shocking loss to Gorman. The Warriors, who are ahead of Cimarron in the standings, have the inenviable task of trying to hand the Spartans their second straight loss. Look for Cimarron tailback Arnold Parker to take matters into his own hands and run over, around and through the Western defense. The Pick: Cimarron 30, Western 19

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

The Scoop: This has the potential to be a close affair, although the Trailblazers have quietly been one of the best teams in town. Durango's only losses have come against Cheyenne (by seven) and a highly-rated California opponent. Clark, on the other hand, struggled on offense in last week's close loss to Western. The Pick: Durango 28, Clark 14

BISHOP GORMAN (3-2, 1-2) at MOJAVE (3-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: After stunning Cimarron last week, the Gaels get a chance to get their licks in on one of the area's newcomers. Mojave can hope Gorman's thoughts will be on next week's critical game against Western, but that isn't likely to be the case. The Pick: Gorman 27, Mojave 6

THE MEADOWS (1-3) at PALO VERDE (1-4), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: The Panthers have been the toughest 4A team to figure out this fall. After losing in overtime to defending 3A state runner-up Virgin Valley in week four, they were blown out by mediocre 3A club Moapa Valley last Friday. The outcome here will likely be decided by Mustangs tailback Victor Wright, one of the state's best. The Pick: The Meadows 24, Palo Verde 20

DAYTON at BOULDER CITY (1-4), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: Eagles' coach Dan Cahill is the first to admit his club is hurting. After losing top player Justin Trone to a knee injury in practice last week, Boulder City was hammered by defending 3A state champion Spring Creek, 40-7. Still, even with Trone on the sideline, the Spartans are quite beatable. The Pick: Boulder City 21, Dayton 7

SEASON TO DATE -- Overall: 38-12 (.760); Last week: 7-3.