C-M picked to hand struggling Cheyenne its fourth straight loss

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999 | 11:14 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Cheyenne (2-4, 2-3) at Cim.-Memorial (6-0, 5-0), 7 p.m.

One year ago, this was the most anticipated matchup in town, with the Desert Shields staying undefeated with a win over their rivals. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, as the Spartans will look to remain unbeaten here. More importantly, a Cheyenne loss would be the team's fourth in a row and could deal the Shields out of the Sunset playoff race. Expect Cimarron to pack the box and dare Cheyenne to pass, something the Shields haven't done effectively this season. Cheyenne should play with desperation, but that might not be enough against the Spartans.

Pick: Cimarron 20, Cheyenne 14

Bishop Gorman (4-2, 4-1) at Western (2-3, 2-3), 7 p.m.

Another game with key Sunset playoff implications, with the Warriors' chances possibly hanging in the balance. Despite their 4-1 league mark, the Gaels have been on a roller coaster all season, losing to Bonanza one week, and defeating Cheyenne the next. Gorman's recent close call against Mojave does not inspire confidence, and with the Warriors coming off a bye week, look for Western to right its ship with a big win in this one.

Pick: Western 26, Gorman 21

Las Vegas (6-0, 4-0) at Chaparral (2-4, 2-2), 7 p.m.

While the Wildcats have been the area's top-scoring squad all year, the Cowboys have become totally one-dimensional on offense. Stop running back Mario Hagan and you stop Chaparral. Of course, that's a lot easier said than done, but Vegas' athletic defensive unit should be able to limit his big-play capability. On the other hand, there's no reason to think the Cowboys can stop a Wildcat attack that only seems to improve with every passing week.

Pick: Las Vegas 41, Chaparral 20

Clark (3-3, 3-3) at Durango (5-1, 4-1), 7 p.m.

The Chargers are in the driver's seat for the Sunset's final playoff berth, and a win here combined with a Cheyenne loss would all but seal it for Clark. This game will feature two of the area's top quarterbacks in Blazer Jamaal Brimmer and Charger Charles Henderson, but Brimmer's supporting cast is much stronger, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Pick: Durango 28, Clark 13

Eldorado (4-2, 3-1) at Basic (3-3, 1-3), 7 p.m.

After back-to-back blowout wins over Valley and Chaparral, the Sundevils got a big scare against Rancho, pulling it out on a field goal in the final minute. The Wolves, meanwhile, may have had their playoff hopes dashed with a critical loss to Valley.

Pick: Eldorado 23, Basic 15

Palo Verde (1-5, 1-5) at Mojave (1-5, 1-4), 7 p.m.

Things haven't worked out the way these second-year clubs had hoped, but a win in this rivalry game will ease the pain slightly for one of them.

Pick: Mojave 19, Palo Verde 18

Green Valley (0-5, 0-4) at Silverado (5-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.

After nearly a decade of Gator dominance, the tables have turned in the Henderson area. Look for the Skyhawks to rebound from last week's loss to Vegas and pour it on against their longtime nemesis.

Pick: Silverado 42, Green Valley 14

Valley (4-2, 2-2) at Rancho (2-4, 1-3), 7 p.m.

Thanks in large part to the emergence of bruising running back Mike McCormick, the Rams have suddenly become formidable, downing Green Valley and nearly upsetting Eldorado.

Pick: Valley 26, Rancho 12

Bonanza (2-4, 2-4) at Centennial (1-5), 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs got their first win in their short history last week against Foothill, but beating an established 4A opponents is still well beyond their grasp.

Pick: Bonanza 34, Centennial 17

Foothill (0-6) at Moapa Valley, 7 p.m.

The Falcons were blown out by Centennial, so things could get ugly against one of Class 3A's best.

Pick: Moapa Valley 49, Foothill 7

* Season: 52-14 (.788); Last week: 8-1.