Expect Chaparral to hand Silverado its first loss of the season

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999 | 11:59 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Silverado (3-0, 1-0) at Chaparral (1-2, 1-0), 7 p.m.

The Skyhawks are easily the area's most improved club to this point, although this will be their first true test after warmups against Rancho, Foothill and a weak Canadian club. The Cowboys, on the other hand, got back on track after two straight losses with a 21-0 shutout of Basic. This one should come down to how well Silverado's tough defense can contend with a Chaparral offense that features all-everything lineman John Ream and speedy running back Mario Hagan.

Pick - Chaparral 20, Silverado 14

Western (1-2, 1-2) at Cheyenne (2-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.

Before the season started, prep football fans around town had this one circled as one of 1999's must-see games. The way the Warriors have played to this point, it's looking more like a blowout in the making. Western has been the area's most disappointing club, losing to Durango and Palo Verde at home and squeaking out a close win at Mojave. The Desert Shields, meanwhile, have rebounded nicely from an opening loss to Eldorado.

Pick - Cheyenne 34, Western 14

Cimarron-Memorial (3-0, 2-0) at Palo Verde (1-2, 1-2), 7 p.m.

The Panthers salvaged their playoff hopes with a huge 14-7 win at Western last week, and will look to take down the defending state champs at home. The Spartans have had no trouble in the division thus far, routing Mojave and Clark. This one could be close for a half, but watch Cimarron's experience pay off down the stretch.

Pick - Cimarron 24, Palo Verde 13

Eldorado (1-2, 0-1) at Valley (3-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.

Coming off last week's embarrassing 47-point home loss to Las Vegas, this one is a gut check for the Sundevils. Fortunately for Eldorado, the Vikings are a far cry from the mighty Wildcats, particularly on defense. To boot, quarterback /punter Arlie Daniel should be healthy for the visitors, giving them a shot to knock Valley from the ranks of the unbeaten. But if the Vikings' come-from-behind win over Green Valley last week is any indication, Valley won't go gently in this one.

Pick - Eldorado 24, Valley 23

Mojave (0-3, 0-3) at Clark (1-2, 1-2), 7 p.m.

A Clark win would get the Chargers right back into the thick of the Sunset race, while a Mojave victory would leave both clubs with some serious work left to get into the playoff race. Neither team has been particularly impressive yet this season, so home field advantage determines the pick here.

Pick - Clark 28, Mojave 26

Green Valley (0-2, 0-1) at Las Vegas (3-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.

The Gators gave up 63 points in week one; the Wildcats scored 67 last week. The Gators don't have an answer for Vegas' high-powered offense, and they don't have the horses to cause problems for a Wildcat defense that totally shut down Eldorado last week. In other words, this one has blowout written all over it.

Pick - Las Vegas 54, Green Valley 7

Basic (2-1, 0-1) at Rancho (1-2, 0-1), 7 p.m.

The Wolves have been waiting for this one since last year, when a loss to the Rams knocked them out of the Sunrise playoff picture. Rancho got into the win column last week against Centennial.

Pick - Basic 27, Rancho 15

Desert Pines (0-3) at Durango (3-0, 3-0), 7 p.m.

After three impressive conference wins, the Trailblazers get a deserved week off against the still-green Jaguars.

Pick - Durango 51, Desert Pines 3

Foothill (0-3) at Boulder City (1-1), 7 p.m.

The Eagles posted a 21-point win against Centennial last week, so a victory over the expansion Falcons should be well within reach here.

Pick - Boulder City 25, Foothill 13

Moapa Valley at Centennial (0-3), 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs scored just two points against 2A's Meadows in week two, so a win against one of Class 3A's top clubs is too much to expect.

Pick - Moapa Valley 31, Centennial 14

SATURDAY'S GAME

Bonanza (0-3, 0-3) at Bishop Gorman (2-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.

After a fast start, the Gaels were brought back to earth last week against Utah's Pineview. The Bengals, who have scored just 40 points in three games, aren't likely to prevent Gorman from staying unbeaten in conference play, though.

Pick - Gorman 36, Bonanza 12

* Season: 29-5 (.853). Last week: 10-2.