Cimarron-Memorial gets nod to beat Western, stay undefeated

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999 | 9:36 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Cimarron-Memorial (8-0, 6-0) at Western (4-3, 4-3), 7 p.m.

Both teams have great motivation here: the Warriors need a win to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs, while the Spartans are looking to finish off a perfect regular season. Western may be a bit more desperate, but that rarely makes a difference against a disciplined Cimarron club that never beats itself. The Spartans may have the best run defense in town, and that doesn't bode well for the Warriors, who rarely throw five times in a contest. For the hosts to win, they'll have to get the job done defensively and hope for a couple of big plays on special teams. Don't expect it to happen, although Western could keep it close.

Pick: Cimarron 20, Western 14

Cheyenne (2-6, 2-5) at Clark (4-4, 3-4), 7 p.m.

The Chargers have a good shot at the playoffs, but to keep their hopes alive they'll have to hand the Desert Shields their sixth straight loss. That seems possible, since many of Cheyenne's players appear to have long since given up on the season, but Clark will still need to play its "A" game. Look for quarterback Charles Henderson to get the job done, and let the scoreboard watching begin for the Chargers.

Pick: Clark 26, Cheyenne 14

Bonanza (3-5, 2-5) at Mojave (3-5, 2-5), 7 p.m.

Neither team has a shot at the postseason, but this game could have a huge impact on the playoff picture nonetheless. In the event of a three-way tie between Gorman, Western and Clark, a Bonanza win would eliminate the Gaels, while a Mojave victory would knock out the Chargers. Coming off an overtime win over rival Cheyenne, the Rattlers appear to have momentum.

Pick: Mojave 21, Bonanza 13

Las Vegas (8-0, 6-0) at Valley (5-3, 3-3), 7 p.m.

A Vikings win gets them into the playoffs, but they're likely going to have to hope for a Chaparral win over Rancho to extend their season. Vegas coach Kris Cinkovich might be tempted to rest his key players, but an undefeated record will serve as incentive not to.

Pick: Las Vegas 42, Valley 20

Chaparral (2-6, 2-4) at Rancho (3-5, 2-4), 7 p.m.

One week after getting eliminated, the Cowboys have a chance to play the spoiler role against the playoff-hopeful Rams. Rancho will be without head coach John Engel, who was ejected from last week's loss to Vegas, while Chaparral will bring the area's leading rusher in Mario Hagan. That looks like a deadly combination for the Rams.

Pick: Chaparral 33, Rancho 21

Green Valley (1-6, 1-5) at Eldorado (6-2, 5-1), 7 p.m.

The Gators broke into the win column last week against Basic, but barring an emotional letdown by the Sundevils, this one won't be close.

Pick: Eldorado 41, Green Valley 13

Silverado (6-2, 4-2) at Basic (3-5, 1-5), 7 p.m.

After winning three of their first four games, the roof has caved in on Basic. With the Skyhawks looking for redemption after last week's overtime loss to Eldorado, this one could get ugly.

Pick: Silverado 49, Basic 20

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

The Panthers' division bye comes far too late to help them, but at least they can end the season on a high note.

Pick: Palo Verde 44, Foothill 7

Desert Pines (0-6) at Centennial (1-7), 7 p.m.

The Jaguars are trying to avoid a winless first campaign, but it probably won't happen. Centennial wins the "independent" title with an easy victory.

Pick: Centennial 31, Desert Pines 12

SATURDAY'S GAME

Durango (7-1, 6-1) at Bishop Gorman (4-4, 4-3), 7 p.m.

Once a shoo-in to make the playoffs, the Gaels now need a win here or lots of help to get in. Gorman will certainly be hungry, but a rash of injuries has shut down the club's once-deadly offensive arsenal. To boot, the Trailblazers still harbor bad feelings after getting knocked out by the Gaels in week nine last year.

Pick: Durango 38, Gorman 19

SEASON TO DATE: 66-19 (.777). Last week: 6-4.