Consistent Durango gets edge vs. Silverado

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999 | 12:17 p.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Silverado (7-2) at Durango (8-1), 7 p.m.

Few could have predicted this playoff matchup back in August, but the winner of this game has a realistic chance to make some noise in the postseason. Both have potent offenses and hard-nosed defenses and could give No. 1 Las Vegas a tough test in next week's semifinals.

After a strong start, the Skyhawks have faltered somewhat of late, falling in overtime to Eldorado in week nine and holding off Basic by just seven points last Friday.

Durango, meanwhile, has been among the area's most consistent clubs, dropping its only game to defending state champion Cimarron. The key here will likely be Silverado's ability to put pressure on Trailblazers quarterback Jamaal Brimmer, who can be deadly if given time to find holes in the defense.

Durango, on the other hand, will have to stay home defensively against a deceptive Skyhawk Wing-T offense that has racked up yards all year.

Pick: Durango 28, Silverado 21

Western (5-3) at Eldorado (7-2), 7 p.m.

Another great matchup on paper between two teams peaking at exactly the right time. Counted out after a 1-2 start, Eldorado comes into the postseason with six straight wins, including an emotional week eight victory over Silverado in overtime.

The Warriors, likewise, were left for dead before closing the season with three key league wins, capped by last week's critical 28-14 victory over previously unbeaten Cimarron. The Western defense may have played its best game of the year in that one, with senior Marcus Levi showing he can dominate a contest from his end position.

Levi and company will have their hands full against a balanced Sundevils offense that features experienced quarterback Arlie Daniel and talented tailback Steven Jackson.

Pick: Western 28, Eldorado 19

Bishop Gorman (4-5) at Las Vegas (9-0), 7 p.m.

Just one month ago, this might have looked like a competitive matchup, with the Wildcats holding just a slight edge. After three straight Gorman losses in which the Gaels have surrendered a whopping 155 points, however, this one has cakewalk written all over it.

Las Vegas is the state's only undefeated Class 4A team, and there's a reason for that: The Wildcats have an equally dominant offense and defense. On offense, quarterback Anthony Marini and his speedy receivers get most of the attention, but tailback Coy Boykin is among the top runners in town. And on defense, linebackers Jonathan Pollard and Harry Edwards seem to reside in the opposition's backfield.

Pick: Las Vegas 35, Gorman 13

Valley (5-4) at Cimarron-Mem. (8-1), 7 p.m.

The Spartans were denied a perfect regular season last week, falling by 14 at Western. That might have been the best thing that could have happened to them, though, as coach Greg Spencer will use that experience to re-focus his troops as the playoffs begin.

The Vikings were one of the area's biggest surprises all year, beating out Chaparral for the division's final berth in coach Greg Sellers' first year at the helm. That said, they appear overmatched against a team with loads of postseason experience, a solid defense and a potent running attack.

Pick: Cimarron 23, Valley 7

SEASON TO DATE: 75-20 (.789). Last week: 9-1.