Prep football picks: Falcons star Ford to boost Foothill again

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001 | 10:28 a.m.

A third of the way through the regular season and just five losses. Things should get tougher when league play begins next week, so Friday could be critical in the chase for .800. And to the coach who called to gloat about one of my rare mis-picks: leaving your message with our competitor across town sort of defeats the purpose, don't you think? You don't have to look far to find our number -- it's atop this very page.

Friday's Games

CHEYENNE (1-2) at FOOTHILL (2-1), 7 p.m.

With a new coach and a new starting quarterback, hope springs eternal for Desert Shields fans looking for their team's offense to catch up to its defense. Either way, no one has discovered the kryptonite to thwart Falcon superman John Ford yet in 2001.

Picks: Foothill 21, Cheyenne 14

DESERT PINES (3-0) at DURANGO (3-0), 7 p.m.

The Jags have yet to play their best football this season, and that could be a scary thought for remaining opponents.

Picks: Desert Pines 22, Durango 18

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

The Rams toppled Gorman last week, but upsetting the Panthers will be a much taller order. Look for Palo Verde to defend its field on homecoming night.

Picks: Palo Verde 21, Rancho 7

CENTENNIAL (1-2) at SILVERADO (1-2), 7 p.m.

With close losses to unbeaten Desert Pines and Chaparral, the Bulldogs are underrated and dangerous.

Picks: Centennial 26, Silverado 21

VALLEY (2-1) at CLARK (1-2), 7 p.m.

Overshadowed by division mates, the Vikings are quietly putting together a solid season.

Picks: Valley 27, Clark 14

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

Two teams headed in opposite directions at the moment.

Picks: Las Vegas 35, Basic 7

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

The Rattlers are getting better, but the Cowboys are on a roll.

Picks: Chaparral 28, Mojave 13

BONANZA (0-3) at GREEN VALLEY (1-2), 7 p.m.

The Gators have hung with Durango and Palo Verde.

Picks: Green Valley 20, Bonanza 7

ELDORADO (0-3) at WESTERN (0-3), 7 p.m.

How the mighty have fallen since last season.

Picks: Eldorado 25, Western 13

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (1-2) at RANCHO BERNARDO (Calif.), 7 p.m.

Nevada's best 1-2 team could soon be the state's best 1-3 team.

Picks: Rancho Bernardo 20, Cimarron 14

BLOOMINGTON (Calif.) at BISHOP GORMAN (2-1), 7 p.m.

Smarting after a loss to Rancho, the Gaels host a quality out-of-state opponent.

Picks: Bloomington 24, Gorman 10

PAHRUMP VALLEY (1-2) at CORONADO (1-1), 7 p.m.

The Trojans held The Meadows to 14 points, so the Cougars could be in for a long night.

Picks: Pahrump 28, Coronado 7

VIRGIN VALLEY (2-1) at SIERRA VISTA (0-2), 7 p.m.

The Mountain Lions' growing pains continue.

Picks: Virgin Valley 31, Sierra Vista 6

Last week: 11-2

This season's record: 31-5 (.861)

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