Prep football picks: Palo Verde should KO Durango in playoffs

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001 | 10:46 a.m.

After nine weeks of ups and downs, it's finally playoff time, when we separate the contenders from the pretenders. Las Vegas, Centennial and Clark come in riding hot streaks, but a lot can happen over the remaining five weeks. I'll need to be near-perfect to have a shot at .800.

Friday's Games

PALO VERDE (7-2) at DURANGO (8-1), 7 p.m.

The once-unbeatable Panthers suddenly look vulnerable, thanks mainly to a severe case of fumble-itis. The Blazers, meanwhile, have lost some swagger due to a rash of injuries along their front lines. Nevertheless, the winner of this game has a real shot to go on to face Centennial for the Sunset's lone state berth. A late Ryan Worthen TD gives the visitors the win here.

Pick: Palo Verde 21, Durango 17

CHAPARRAL (8-1) at DESERT PINES (7-2), 7 p.m.

The Cowboys were almost perfect, but their lone loss forced this rough first-round matchup. The Jags, meanwhile, have struggled to live up to mighty preseason expectations. This one should come down to the wire, with Desert Pines earning the nod largely on the strength of its home-field advantage.

Pick: Desert Pines 20, Chaparral 18

FOOTHILL (6-3) at RANCHO (3-6), 7 p.m.

A dangerous proposition for the Falcons, with Rams' QB D.J. Porter capable of making a big play at any moment with his feet or arm. Still, Foothill RB John Ford is well-rested, and should help his squad advance into the semifinal round.

Pick: Foothill 27, Rancho 21

BISHOP GORMAN (6-3) at CHEYENNE (4-5), 7 p.m.

The up-and-down Desert Shields are a No. 2 seed, but the Gaels played better football coming down the stretch.

Pick: Gorman 22, Cheyenne 20

CIMARRON-MEM. (2-7) at CLARK (7-2), 7 p.m.

Both teams likely held back a bit in their matchup last week, but the red-hot Chargers' should make it two in a row against the Spartans.

Pick: Clark 24, Cimarron 19

GREEN VALLEY (4-5) at LAS VEGAS (8-1), 7 p.m.

The Gators' offense has improved, but scoring on the Wildcats is no easy task.

Pick: Las Vegas 34, Green Valley 14

BONANZA (1-8) at CENTENNIAL (6-3), 7 p.m.

Look for the Bulldogs to roll and get their starters some rest as they look to go deep into the playoffs.