Silverado’s offense gets edge against tough Eldorado defense

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 14, 1999 | 11:41 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Silverado (6-1, 4-1) at Eldorado (5-2, 4-1), 7 p.m.

The Sunrise's second seed is on the line here, with the loser likely playing red-hot Durango in the first round of the upcoming zone playoffs. Each team's sole division loss came against undefeated Las Vegas, so this one has the potential to be a real nail-biter. The Sundevils' defense has been stingy of late, allowing 14 points in their last two contests, but the Skyhawks' wing-T set has lit up the scoreboard all season. Whether Eldorado's speedy backs can find running room against Silverado's rock-solid linemen and linebackers remains to be seen, however.

Pick: Silverado 27, Eldorado 20

Chaparral (2-5, 2-3) at Valley (4-3, 2-3), 7 p.m.

Although they've won just two games all year, the Cowboys can wipe the slate clean with a playoff berth by winning their final two contests against Valley and Rancho. The Vikings, on the other hand, will likely need a win here and some help, since it's unlikely they'll knock off Las Vegas next Friday. Expect Valley's coaching staff to devise a defensive game plan designed to stop area leading rusher Mario Hagan. Then expect the impossible-to-bring-down Hagan to go over 200 yards in the game and carry his club to victory.

Pick: Chaparral 26, Valley 13

Rancho (3-4, 2-3) at Las Vegas (7-0, 5-0), 7 p.m.

For the first time in a long time, there's cause for optimism in Rams country, and a win in the annual 'Bone Game' would put Rancho on the brink of the Sunrise's fourth playoff spot. That said, look for the Wildcats to roll, with or without injured QB Anthony Marini.

Pick: Las Vegas 42, Rancho 16

Basic (3-4, 1-4) at Green Valley (0-6, 0-5), 7 p.m.

With Eldorado lying in wait next week, the annual 'Henderson Bowl' looks like the Gators' best chance to avoid a winless campaign. After entertaining playoff aspirations early on, the Wolves have fallen on hard times of late, but should be able to motivate for a game against their rivals.

Basic 17, Green Valley 14

Western (3-3, 3-3) at Bonanza (3-4, 2-4), 7 p.m.

With a playoff berth within reach after last week's huge win over Gorman, the Warriors will try to win consecutive league contests for the first time this season. If they can avoid a letdown, Western should have little trouble here. As losses to Palo Verde and Clark have shown, however, that's a rather large 'if' with this team.

Pick: Western 34, Bonanza 20

Mojave (2-5, 1-5) at Cheyenne (2-5, 2-4), 7 p.m.

To get into the playoffs, the Shields must now win out and get lots of help. After managing fewer than 50 yards of offense last week, a win against the Rattlers isn't even a sure thing.

Pick: Cheyenne 19, Mojave 13

Durango (6-1, 5-1) at Palo Verde (2-5, 2-5), 7 p.m.

The Trailblazers have been one of the area's most consistent teams all year and, with the division's second seed nearly secured, there's no reason to expect a slip-up here.

Pick: Durango 30, Palo Verde 7

Desert Pines (0-5) at Foothill (0-6), 7 p.m.

The Jaguars had two weeks off to prepare for this matchup of winless first-year teams. That won't be quite enough against an improving Falcons squad.

Pick: Foothill 18, Desert Pines 6

Centennial (1-6) at Clark (3-4, 3-4), 7 p.m.

With a key game against Cheyenne looming next week, the playoff-hopeful Chargers get a chance to fine-tune things against the first-year Bulldogs.

Pick: Clark 41, Centennial 14

SATURDAY'S GAME

Cimarron-Memorial (7-0, 6-0) at Bishop Gorman (4-3, 4-2), 7 p.m.

A week ago, this loomed as a potential showdown for first place in the Sunset. After the Gaels' loss to Western, it may be nothing more than a grudge match. The Spartans remember last year's stunning regular season loss to Gorman all too well, while the Gaels would love to take down the club that ended their '98 campaign in the zone semifinals.

Pick: Cimarron 28, Gorman 17

Season: 60-15 (.800). Last week: 8-2.