Undefeated Cimarron should roll again

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1999 | 9:41 a.m.

THURSDAY'S GAMES

After a resounding victory over Mojave in week one, the Spartans posted a win over a California opponent -- no easy task as so many local teams have proved in recent years. The Chargers' speed could present some problems here.

Pick: Cimarron 28, Clark 13

Look only at the records here and you could miss one of the week's most competitive contests. Sure, the Rattlers are winless, but their four-point loss to Western last week proves they are a threat to beat anyone in the division.

Pick: Durango 22, Mojave 19

The Cowboys could be the area's best 0-2 team, as evidenced by last week's close loss to northern power Wooster. Basic, meanwhile, is likely not as good as its 2-0 mark would indicate, since those wins have come against newcomer Foothill and 3A club Boulder City. Playing at home, the Wolves have the potential to keep this one close.

Pick: Chaparral 31, Basic 18

The Wildcats have looked thoroughly impressive to this point, destroying Desert Pines and then doubling up a solid Delta (Utah) squad. But conference play brings out the best in everyone, and Eldorado always gets up for its annual showdown with rival Vegas. Still, the Sundevils opened the season with an upset win over Cheyenne, and expecting them to down another area power is probably too much to ask.

Pick: Las Vegas 34, Eldorado 24

Before the season, Warriors coach Rich Stevens worried that his club might have been reading its press clippings a little too closely, and from what it has shown so far he could be right. Expected to be among the state's best, Western has looked anything but in a loss to Durango and a close win over Mojave.

Pick: Western 16, Palo Verde 10

By far the week's toughest game to pick, since neither team has had a chance to show anyone anything thus far. The Vikings' two wins have come against expansion clubs Centennial and Foothill, while Green Valley has only a 63-0 loss to Utah's Snow Canyon and a bye to its name. The nod here goes to Valley, which managed to beat a better Gator club a year ago.

Pick: Valley 24, Green Valley 23

A true mismatch between teams headed in opposite directions in the Sunset. The Desert Shields righted their ship last week after opening with a loss, and it's hard to imagine them suffering their first conference defeat here.

Pick: Cheyenne 42, Bonanza 6

After lopsided wins over Rancho and Desert Pines, the Skyhawks suddenly look like world-beaters. That isn't likely to continue here. Despite wins by Las Vegas and Cimarron last week, out-of-towners are still 5-2 against area teams this season.

Pick: Centennial 26, Silverado 24

One of the area's first-year squads against a traditional 3A power? If weeks one and two are any indication, a team without seniors doesn't stand a chance.

Pick: Virgin Valley 27, Foothill 12

The Rams aren't likely to be favored too often in 1999, but after the Bulldogs' 26-point loss to Class 2A's Meadows last week, the alternative isn't an option.

Pick: Rancho 25, Centennial 6

The Eagles got off to a rough start against Basic last week, but should get back on track with a win over another of the area's hapless newcomers.

Pick: Boulder City 29, Desert Pines 14

SATURDAY'S GAME

The Gaels have been as good as advertised, beating up on solid Palo Verde and Clark teams the past two weeks. Nevertheless, the tried and true method says take the non-locals, even against a red-hot area squad at home.

Pick: Pineview 21, Gorman 20

* Last week's record: 11-2

* Season-to-date: 19-3 (.864)