Well-rounded Palo Verde gets nod over C-M

Adam Candee

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002 | 9:13 a.m.

Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Tribune

If you look long and hard into the Las Vegas sunset, you may just find the somewhat departed Spencer Patterson riding off with the glory of a 12-0 final week of picks. We strive for excellence here at Prep Picks Headquarters, and I see no reason why a second straight perfect week is out of reach. Division play arrives Friday night, as does the increased intensity of the games that really matter. Without further adieu ...

Friday's Games PALO VERDE (3-1) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (2-2), 7 p.m.

These teams have combined for seven defensive and special teams touchdowns, something to watch for in what's likely to be a tight game. Look for the balanced Palo Verde rushing attack to wear down the Spartans.

Palo Verde 27, Cimarron 24

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

The Bulldogs have outscored their four opponents by a scary 152-13 margin and they are playing as well as anyone in Southern Nevada. If RB Devin Patterson's bad knee prevents him from playing, the complexion of this one changes a bit. The Shields must develop more consistency.

Centennial 25, Cheyenne 15

DURANGO (2-2) at BISHOP GORMAN (1-3), 7 p.m.

While the Blazers have rebounded from two tight early losses, questions abound for the struggling Gaels, who have posted just 24 points during the past three weeks. It's now or never for Gorman, but it's not enough.

Durango 19, Bishop Gorman 18

FOOTHILL (4-0) at GREEN VALLEY (0-4), 7 p.m.

Remember when Foothill allowed 18 points to Durango in its opener? Neither do we -- Falcons have given up just a field goal in three weeks since then. Who's next for the Gators: Florida State? Oklahoma?

Foothill 20, Green Valley 6

CORONADO (3-1) at SILVERADO (1-3), 7 p.m.

The California pain ends for the Skyhawks on homecoming night, but streaking Coronado has not allowed a point in two weeks. A tough call here, but we'll go with the hot hand.

Coronado 13, Silverado 8

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

Johnson and Johnson ... and Walker? Yup. Jaguars' stud offensive trio, combined with a defense that clamped down on Cheyenne, can carry this team a long way. Watch out.

Desert Pines 30, Chaparral 6

ELDORADO (0-4) at LAS VEGAS (4-0), 7 p.m.

The state's top-ranked team against a Sundevil squad averaging three points per game. This may not be pretty.

Las Vegas 40, Eldorado 0

VALLEY (0-4) at RANCHO (2-2), 7 p.m.

Up-and-down Rams run the win streak to two.

Rancho 28, Valley 13

SIERRA VISTA (2-2) at WESTERN (1-3), 7 p.m.

Both teams need this one to break losing skids. Remember, the Southwest is looking wide open.

Sierra Vista 20, Western 6

BONANZA (1-3) at CLARK (2-2), 7 p.m.

Where did that win over Coronado go for the Bengals? Our mild upset special of the week.