Wildcats should avert upset bid

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999 | 10:08 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Durango (9-1) at Las Vegas (10-0), 7 p.m.

Something of a surprise all season long, the Trailblazers now have a legitimate chance to shock the world and topple the unbeaten Wildcats. For that to happen, Durango must avoid the rash of turnovers that led to its only loss of the season (to Cimarron) and nearly cost it last week against Silverado.

Quarterback Jamaal Brimmer will have to be on top of his game, particularly passing the football, as Vegas has been awfully tough to run against this year.

And defensively, the Blazers will have to find some way to put pressure on Wildcat QB Anthony Marini without opening the door for tailback Coy Boykin to have a big game on the ground.

It's probably too much to ask, particularly if the hosts put the game's first points on the scoreboard. The Wildcats are experienced, well-coached and extremely focused on winning this year's state title. Only a double-digit Durango lead could cause Vegas to come a bit unglued, but that's not likely to happen.

Pick: Las Vegas 35, Durango 21

Western (6-3) at Cimarron-Mem. (9-1), 7 p.m.

These Sunset rivals match up for the second time in three weeks, although there's quite a bit more on the line for the Spartans this time. Last time around, the Warriors' defense bent but never broke, stopping Cimarron on two key goal-line stands and keeping the defending state champs out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. It's hard to imagine that happening again, even though the Warrior defense appears to be playing its best football of the year. On the other side of the ball, Cimarron's defense fell prey to Western's big-play offense, as the Warriors broke two long runs to put the game out of reach.

Even with running back Rossi Poole nursing a set of injuries, the Western running game will be explosive, and its speed could cause problems for the normally solid Spartan defense. Turnovers will likely decide this game, more specifically fumbles, because both teams will keep the ball on the ground as much as possible. After four straight wins, the Warriors clearly have momentum, but Cimarron has championship experience and a thirst for revenge for the season's lone loss.

Pick: Cimarron 20, Western 13

SEASON TO DATE: 79-20 (.798). Last week: 4-0