Prep Football Picks: Palo Verde’s defense will prove to be difference

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001 | 11:10 a.m.

How about that for an opening week? Only one loss, and that by a mere touchdown (news flash: Eldorado's offense misses Steven Jackson). As usual, out-of-towners gave locals fits, though credit Las Vegas for giving La Costa a game this time around. A few tough calls on this week's docket, including a battle of brand new programs:

Friday's Games

SILVERADO (1-0) at PALO VERDE (1-0), 7 p.m.

An OT battle last year, this promises to be one of the preseason's best again this season. The Panthers' ferocious defense takes on the Skyhawks' sizzling running game. They say defense wins championships, and that's a major reason we've got Palo Verde fourth in the state.

Pick: Palo Verde 27, Silverado 17

RANCHO (1-0) at DURANGO (1-0), 7 p.m.

The Rams stunned the Blazers in double-OT last year, and they have the talent to pull off another upset this time. Durango's mammoth line to wins this one in the trenches, however.

Pick: Durango 21, Rancho 13

CHAPARRAL (1-0) at CHEYENNE (1-0), 7 p.m.

Don't expect the Shields to post a second straight shutout, but also don't expect them to look as bad offensively either.

Pick: Cheyenne 14, Chaparral 13

ELDORADO (0-1) at BISHOP GORMAN (1-0), 7 p.m.

The Sundevils couldn't move the ball on Cheyenne, and that doesn't bode well heading into a matchup with an athletic Gael defense.

Pick: Gorman 20, Eldorado 7

DESERT PINES (1-0) at BONANZA (0-1), 7 p.m.

Look for Jags' RB Cornell Johnson to bust out against the Bengals.

Pick: Desert Pines 33, Bonanza 14

LAS VEGAS (0-1) at CLARK (0-1), 7 p.m.

The Wildcats showed last week they can play with anyone.

Pick: Las Vegas 27, Clark 10

BASIC (0-1) at CIMARRON-MEM. (0-1), 7 p.m.

Quick, when was the last time the Spartans last two in a row? Exactly.

Pick: Cimarron 34, Basic 7

GREEN VALLEY (0-1) at MOJAVE (0-1), 7 p.m.

Two clubs smarting after near-misses in week one.

Pick: Green Valley 20, Mojave 14

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

The Vikes should find running room this week.

Pick: Valley 22, Western 15

SIERRA VISTA at CORONADO, 7 p.m.

In a battle of teams making debuts, home field advantage earns the nod.

Pick: Coronado 21, Sierra Vista 14

Last week: 11-1.

Season: 11-1 (.917)

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