Picks: Eldorado should find way to top Jaguars

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 10:17 a.m.

Talked into taking Basic by some overzealous Wolves fans, I still managed to kick off the playoffs at a 7-1 clip. This week looks dangerous, with three virtual toss-ups.

REGIONAL SEMIFINALS

Friday's Games

DESERT PINES (8-2) at ELDORADO (8-2), 7 p.m.

Though no one could have anticipated it back in August, this has become the marquee matchup of the Sunrise tournament, for obvious reasons. The teams tied for the most wins in the region, each features one of the state's top running backs and, adding fuel to the fire, this will be a rematch for the Sundevils and Jaguars. In the previous meeting, DP held area rushing leader Steven Jackson under 100 yards for the only time this season in a stunning 27-22 upset. The Jags aren't likely to keep Jackson down again, though they'll certainly try to force someone else to beat them. Likewise, expect Eldorado to come in more prepared for DP tailback Cornell Johnson this time around. With the two clubs even in most respects, turnovers may be the difference in a game that will go down to the wire.

Pick - Eldorado 26, Desert Pines 21

VALLEY (5-5) at LAS VEGAS (6-4), 7 p.m.

After a lackluster regular season, the Vikings finally showed what they're capable of with a 14-point win over red-hot Basic last week. A lot of that had to do with the return of quarterback Demetrius Ford, and several other key players, from injury. With Ford's throwing shoulder still not 100 percent, Valley will again turn to two-way star James Sims to carry the load. His speed won't be the factor it was against the Wolves, but his size and ability to break tackles will make life difficult for the Wildcats. Still, Vegas has the overall size advantage, particularly along both lines, and far more playoff experience after reaching the zone finale last year. Back Antione White should provide just enough offense for the 'Cats to get back within a win of state.

Las Vegas 20, Valley 18

PALO VERDE (7-3) vs. BISHOP GORMAN (7-3) at VALLEY, 7 p.m.

The Gaels' unstoppable offense meets the Panthers' immovable defense, with the winner earning a (likely) date with Cimarron next week. After a regular season to forget, Gorman appears to be back on track and ready to make a run at a state berth. Quarterback Dyante Perkins and tailback Jason Rogers are two dangerous offensive weapons, and are threats to score from anywhere on the field. Of course, putting up points against PV is no easy task, as state champion Cimarron learned during the regular season. Built in the Spartans' mold, the Panthers are big, physical and fundamentally sound. Much maligned for most of the year, the Gael defense is improving rapidly, and should get the job done against a PV squad without an offensive star.

Pick - Gorman 21, Palo Verde 14

CHEYENNE (7-3) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (10-0), 7 p.m.

The Shields gave the state champs all they could handle in a regular season meeting between the division rivals, falling 28-21 despite losing five fumbles. This time they'll try to finish the job, and pay the Spartans back from ruining Cheyenne's perfect season in the 1998 zone championship. Without injured back Mark Hill, a stocky runner who gave Cimarron headaches last time, it certainly won't be easy. Without the threat of a tough inside runner, the Spartan defense will key in on the Shields' speedy outside backs. Cheyenne also never found a way to stop Cimarron tailback Kellen Marshall the first time around.

Pick - Cimarron 27, Cheyenne 7

Last week: 7-1 Season: 73-30 (.709)