Prep football picks: With Foothill resting Ford, give nod to LV

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 | 11:30 a.m.

After a bizarre week seven, things settled down quite a bit last Friday. This week, division titles, playoff seeding and even a playoff spot are up for grabs as the regular season crosses the finish line, Thursday night style. Look for big finishes from the area's top teams, as they hope to head into the postseason with momentum.

Tonight's Games

FOOTHILL (6-2, 3-1) at LAS VEGAS (7-1, 4-0), 7 p.m.

A battle of east-side heavyweights, with both likely top seeds in the upcoming Sunrise Region Tournament, which will send two teams to state. If you're looking for a preview of a potential Sunrise final, however, you'll probably have to look elsewhere, because Foothill is likely to give banged-up RB John Ford plenty of rest here.

Pick: Las Vegas 28, Foothill 14

PALO VERDE (7-1, 2-1) at CENTENNIAL (5-3, 3-0), 7 p.m.

We thought the Southwest title would go through Palo Verde, but few predicted the Bulldogs would be the other team battling it out. Centennial has proven me wrong more than once this season, but the Panthers are still the safe pick.

Pick: Palo Verde 24, Centennial 20

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

A loss to the Gators ended the Cowboys' season last year, and they likely haven't forgotten that.

Pick: Chaparral 35, Green Valley 24

SILVERADO (4-4, 2-1) at BASIC (0-8, 0-3), 7 p.m.

A Skyhawks' defeat could give Chaparral the Southeast crown, but don't count on that happening in this one.

Pick: Silverado 38, Basic 13

ELDORADO (2-6, 1-2) at RANCHO (3-5, 1-2), 7 p.m.

The winner takes third place in the Southeast, which probably means avoiding Foothill in round one.

Pick: Rancho 26, Eldorado 14

VALLEY (2-6, 0-3) at DESERT PINES (6-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.

The Vikings are out of contention, and the Jaguars are looking to hit the playoffs running.

Pick: Desert Pines 26, Valley 14

BONANZA (1-7, 1-2) at DURANGO (7-1, 2-1), 7 p.m.

The Bengals are improved, but aren't in the Blazers' league.

Pick: Durango 24, Bonanza 7

WESTERN (0-8, 0-3) at BISHOP GORMAN (5-3, 1-2), 7 p.m.

The Gaels are in with a win.

Pick: Gorman 26, Western 6

CHEYENNE (4-4, 2-1) at MOJAVE (1-7, 0-3), 7 p.m.

Look for the Desert Shields to keep their slim hopes for a division title alive.

Pick: Cheyenne 25, Mojave 13

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (2-6, 1-3) at CLARK (6-2, 4-0), 7 p.m.

The same two teams will match up to open the playoffs next week.

Pick: Clark 24, Cimarron 21

CORONADO (3-3) at SIERRA VISTA (0-6), 7 p.m.

The Cougars will try to sweep their first-year rival.

Pick: Coronado 21, Sierra Vista 7

Last week: 8-2 Season: 74-21 (.779)

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