Prep football picks: Durango will get by Clark, take over 1st place

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001 | 10:03 a.m.

Cimarron's Kellen Marshall didn't play and Gorman's comeback fell just short, but another solid week has me on pace to finish the season above the elusive .800 mark. A couple of games between teams fighting toavoid the division cellar could be tricky this week.

WEEK SEVEN

DURANGO (6-0, 2-0) at CLARK (4-2, 2-0), 7 p.m.

This unlikely first place matchup should decide the Southwest's top seed for the upcoming playoffs. The Chargers are rolling at the moment, but they can't match the Blazers' size along the lines. And as Desert Pines found out two weeks ago, speed alone won't get it done against Durango this year.

Pick: Durango 28, Clark 14

PALO VERDE (6-0, 1-0) at CHEYENNE (3-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.

The Desert Shields will likely be a factor by the postseason, but for now the Panthers still rule the Northwest.

Pick: Palo Verde 27, Cheyenne 19

SILVERADO (3-3, 1-0) at CHAPARRAL (6-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.

The Cowboys have had trouble with the Skyhawks' Wing-T offense in the past, but should score enough to win a shootout.

Pick: Chaparral 35, Silverado 28

RANCHO (3-3, 1-1) at LAS VEGAS (5-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.

Look for the physical Wildcats to come out on top in the annual "Bone Game" between Las Vegas' two oldest high schools.

Pick: Las Vegas 27, Rancho 13

CENTENNIAL (4-2) at BISHOP GORMAN (3-3), 7 p.m.

A promising season has turned sour for the Gaels, while the upstart Bulldogs march on.

Pick: Centennial 29, Gorman 20

GREEN VALLEY (3-3, 1-1) at FOOTHILL (4-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.

The Falcons could get RB John Ford and OT Paul Lethbridge back this week.

Pick: Foothill 35, Green Valley 12

VALLEY (2-4, 0-1) at ELDORADO (1-5, 0-1), 7 p.m.

The Vikings need a win to hang on to a playoff spot.

Pick: Valley 20, Eldorado 7

MOJAVE (1-5, 0-2) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (1-5, 0-2), 7 p.m.

The Spartans are hurting, but should stop the bleeding at home.

Pick: Cimarron 20, Mojave 19

WESTERN (0-6, 0-1) at BONANZA (0-6, 0-1), 7 p.m.

If not for overtime, I'd predict a tie here.

Pick: Bonanza 12, Western 6

BASIC (0-6) at DESERT PINES (4-2), 7 p.m.

The Jaguars will get back on track here.

Pick: Desert Pines 34, Basic 13

CORONADO (1-4) at BOULDER CITY (3-3), 7 p.m.

The Eagles blanked Sierra Vista 42-0.

Pick: Boulder City 35, Coronado 7

SIERRA VISTA (0-5) at MOAPA VALLEY (5-1), 7 p.m.

The Pirates are in the midst of another strong season.

Pick: Moapa Valley 41, Sierra Vista 0

Last week: 10-2. Season: 60-13 (.822)

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