Pattersons Prep Football Picks — Week Five

Thursday, Sept. 24, 1998 | 10:36 a.m.

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

The Scoop: The game of the week, with two of the Sunrise's three unbeaten teams squaring off. The Cowboys' option attack has been unstoppable of late, scoring 88 points the past two weeks, while Eldorado has been a defensive force, limiting foes to 13 points during that span. Look for the Sundevils' superior size to wear down Chaparral by game's end. The Pick: Eldorado 25, Chaparral 24

BASIC (2-2, 1-1) at VALLEY (0-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: Will this be the week the Vikings finally break into the win column? Probably, although it won't be easy against a team fighting to stay in the playoff race. Still, Valley's offense will probably be too much for the Wolves' defense, which gave up 32 points to Eldorado last week. The Pick: Valley 27, Basic 18

RANCHO (0-4, 0-2) at LAS VEGAS (2-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: The Wildcats got back on track last week with a convincing win over Valley, while the Rams continued to struggle offensively. Look for Las Vegas to open up the passing game again and continue its march toward the postseason with a lopsided win. The Pick: Las Vegas 38, Rancho 13

GREEN VALLEY (3-1, 2-0) at SILVERADO (0-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: Another mismatch, this one between neighboring teams heading in opposite directions. The Gators could be the Sunrise's most complete club, with offensive and defensive units clicking on all cylinders. The Pick: Green Valley 31, Silverado 6

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

The Scoop: The Gaels let a golden opportunity to upset Cheyenne slip through their fingers last week, and they probably won't get the same chance against the mighty Spartans. Tailback Arnold Parker has established himself as the best player in town again, and Cimarron's defense has posted back-to-back shutouts. The Pick: Cimarron 35, Gorman 12

DURANGO (2-2, 0-1) at BONANZA (1-3, 0-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: After falling to Cheyenne and out-of-state foe Peninsula (Calif.) the past two weeks, the Trailblazers will try to get back into the Sunset race. The Bengals looked shaky against Western last Friday, and there's no reason to think things will get better against Durango. The Pick: Durango 26, Bonanza 13

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

The Scoop: Week five's top Sunset matchup on paper, with two athletic clubs locking up. The Chargers were humiliated by Cimarron last week, while the Warriors didn't play up to their potential in their win over Bonanza. The key to the game should be Clark's success stopping Western tailback Marcus Lewis. The Pick: Western 23, Clark 18

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

The Scoop: The Desert Shields survived their scare against Gorman and essentially get a bye week here. The Rattlers will try to keep the score respectable and use the experience as motivation down the road. The Pick: Cheyenne 46, Mojave 6

PALO VERDE (1-3) at MOAPA VALLEY, 7 p.m.

The Scoop: After opening with a win over 4A foe Rancho, the Panthers have dropped successive games to Gorman, Western and 3A foe Virgin Valley. The Pirates aren't as good as the Bulldogs, who barely slipped past Palo Verde in overtime last week. The Pick: Palo Verde 21, Moapa Valley 10

BOULDER CITY (1-2) at SPRING CREEK, 7:30 p.m.

The Scoop: Fresh off a win against 4A foe Palo Verde, the Eagles take the road to play the state's top 3A program. The Spartans recently lost to Northern 4A power Elko by a point, so Boulder City may be in for a long night. The Pick: Spring Creek 31, Boulder City 13

SEASON TO DATE -- Overall: 31-9 (.775); Last week: 8-2.