Cimarron-Memorial should stand tall in battle of unbeatens

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 23, 1999 | 10:04 a.m.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Cimarron-Memorial (4-0, 3-0) at Durango (4-0, 3-0), 7 p.m.

Four weeks ago, this looked like just another battle between Sunset playoff hopefuls. Now, it's a clash of titans, with the undefeated Spartans and Trailblazers both looking to go 4-0 in the division and take sole possession of first place. Cimarron's first game of the year against one of the division's upper echelon squads, this one should give us an indication of whether the defending state champs' repeat hopes are legitimate. If Durango quarterback Jamaal Brimmer can solve the Spartans' stingy defense early, the Blazers should come out on top. If not, the hosts could be in for a long night against an experienced ballclub that knows how to win these types of pressure contests.

Pick: Cimarron 26, Durango 21

Cheyenne (2-2, 2-1) at Bishop Gorman (2-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.

A key game for two squads looking to rebound from losses, with the winner moving one step closer to a playoff berth. The Desert Shields haven't resembled last year's squad, particularly on offense, where the team lacks the balance of the 1998 version. The Gaels' concerns, on the other hand, are primarily on defense, where Gorman's undersized line has had trouble stopping the run. Watch that translate into a big day for Cheyenne backs Deon Ned and Kevin Thomas, which should be just enough to get the visitors over the top.

Pick: Cheyenne 28, Gorman 24

Palo Verde (1-3, 1-3) at Bonanza (1-3, 1-3), 7 p.m.

With games against last year's four Sunset playoff qualifiers behind them, the Panthers will likely need to run the table to make the postseason party.

Pick: Palo Verde 34. Bonanza 19

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

Still smarting from last week's second-half debacle against Silverado, the Cowboys will try to right the ship in the annual "Cleat Game" against an Eldorado team that's been difficult to figure thus far. Chaparral must find another offensive option to go with do-everything back Mario Hagan, who was a winded, marked man by the third quarter last week.

Pick: Eldorado 25, Chaparral 22

Valley (3-1, 1-1) at Silverado (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.

With last week's lopsided 47-13 win at Chaparral, the Skyhawks established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the Sunrise Division. Their Wing-T offense totally confused the Cowboys' defenders, racking up 25 unanswered points in the second half.

Pick: Silverado 29, Valley 14

Las Vegas (4-0, 4-0) at Basic (3-1, 1-1), 7 p.m.

The Wolves picked up a critical conference win at Rancho last week, but beating the Rams and stopping the Wildcat juggernaut are two different tasks altogether.

Pick: Las Vegas 47, Basic 13

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

The Warriors salvaged their playoff hopes with their road win over Cheyenne last week, and will look to build momentum with a victory here.

Pick: Western 31, Clark 16

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

In almost any other year, this would be a gimme, with the Gators giving 20-30 points to boot. In 1999, however, this one could be among the week's closest games, with the division's two cellar-dwellars going head-to-head.

Pick: Green Valley 19, Rancho 14

Carson-Graham (Canada) at Mojave (1-3, 1-3), 7 p.m.

The Rattlers got their first win last week, and will look to make it two in a row against a squad from Vancouver.

Pick: Mojave 35, Carson-Graham 7

Meadows (3-0) at Foothill (0-4), 7 p.m.

The defending Class 2A state champs have been rock-solid thus far, outscoring opponents 98-2 in their three games.

Pick: Meadows 31, Foothill 13

Centennial (0-4) at Virgin Valley, 7 p.m.

A battle of Bulldogs, between one of 3A's top teams and one of the area's four struggling newcomers.

Pick: Virgin Valley 44, Centennial 10

Moapa Valley at Desert Pines (0-4), 7 p.m.

Another mismatch between one of the state's top 3A squads and a varsity newcomer. 'Nuff said.

Pick: Moapa Valley 42, Desert Pines 6

Season to date: 36-9 (.800).

Last week: 7-4.

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