Spartans should eke out victory in title game

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999 | 10:15 a.m.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (11-1) at McQUEEN (11-1), 7 p.m.

The two state finalists have made it look easy so far in the playoffs, with the Lancers shutting out their three opponents 116-0 and the Spartans outscoring their three foes 119-20.

Obviously, something has got to give here, but probably not much, with nearly everyone predicting a close, low-scoring affair. In many ways, the two clubs are mirror images of one another. Both win with strong defenses, both feature a conservative run-dominated offense and both rarely make mistakes. That said, keep in mind that Cimarron pressured a previously unbeaten Las Vegas squad into five turnovers in last week's stunning 40-14 win, so the Spartans have proved they can make good offenses look bad. Two years ago, McQueen rode its superior size to a 28-21 win over Cimarron in the '97 state championship, but reports are that this year's Lancers aren't the beefy bunch they've been in the past so don't expect size to be a major factor. McQueen does feature an underrated passing attack, though, so the Spartans will have to be prepared for the big-play capab ility of quarterback Brian Fritz.

Ultimately, though, this game will be decided by the teams' ability to move the ball on the ground. Last year, Elko had no answer for Cimarron tailback Arnold Parker, who scorched the Indians for 192 yards and three touchdowns in the finale.

If the Spartans' offensive line can open up the same types of holes, there's no reason to think sophomore Kellen Marshall can't put up similar numbers. Oh, and there's also Cimarron's 10-1 record in elimination games the past three years.

Pick: Cimarron 20, McQueen 17

SEASON: 81-21 (.794).

Last week: 0-1.