Prep football picks: Count on Cheyenne to win, take over first

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001 | 11:03 a.m.

Oh, the horror! A week of upsets threatens to ruin a once-sparkling season, as I fall below the .800 mark for the first time in 2001. All three unbeatens lost and a first-year school won (and the scary thing is two other games very nearly went the other way to boot). Time to get back on track.

Friday's Games

CENTENNIAL (4-3, 2-0) at CHEYENNE (4-3, 2-0), 7 p.m.

An unexpected battle for first place in the Northwest, this game figures to be among the season's most entertaining as the Desert Shields' stingy defense comes up against the Bulldogs' high-octane offense. With only last-place Mojave remaining on the schedule, look for Cheyenne to seize control of the division race.

Pick: Cheyenne 19, Centennial 14

FOOTHILL (5-2, 2-1) at SILVERADO (4-3, 2-0), 7 p.m.

The Skyhawks took out undefeated Chaparral last week, but will be hard-pressed to stop a well-rested John Ford and the Falcons.

Pick: Foothill 34, Silverado 28

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (2-5, 1-2) at PALO VERDE (6-1, 1-1), 7 p.m.

Earmarked as one of the year's top matchups back in August, this now looks like the Panthers' chance to get back on track.

Pick: Palo Verde 27, Cimarron 13

DESERT PINES (5-2, 1-1) at ELDORADO (2-5, 1-1), 7 p.m.

The Sundevils are improving, but the Jaguars appear to have regained their swagger.

Pick: Desert Pines 32, Eldorado 15

BISHOP GORMAN (4-3, 0-2) at BONANZA (1-6 1-1), 7 p.m.

The up-and-down Gaels should pick up their first league win here.