Panthers to keep GV out of win column

Spencer Patterson and Adam Candee

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002 | 9:15 a.m.

Sun Statewide Football Top 10

Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Tribune

It's handoff time here at prep picks central. After more than four seasons of dead-on accuracy, it's time for me to ride off into the sunset (and the Sun's Accent department, where I will cover the local music scene). Adam Candee, the Sun's new high school sports writer, will get thrown into the fire in this space beginning next week.

This week's predictions are a combo effort. And, of course, any incorrect picks are the other guy's fault. Friday's Games PALO VERDE (2-1) at GREEN VALLEY (0-3), 7 p.m.

With losses to Snow Canyon (Utah) and ranked Centennial and Las Vegas squads, the Gators must be the state's best winless team. Unfortunately for Green Valley, it doesn't get any easier this week, with a steadily improving Panther team paying a visit.

Palo Verde 20, Green Valley 14

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

They say speed kills, so expect to see two very tired defenses when this one's over. If Jags' QB Marcel Johnson continues to take pressure off RB Cornell Johnson, the Shields might be overmatched.

Desert Pines 28, Cheyenne 25

BISHOP GORMAN (1-2) at CENTENNIAL (3-0), 7 p.m.

Hardly what the doctor ordered for the struggling Gaels. The Bulldogs may be the area's hottest team.

Centennial 31, Bishop Gorman 13

CHAPARRAL (2-1) at BASIC (2-1), 7 p.m.

The Cowboys appear to have righted their ship, but the Wolves' offense is on a roll.

Basic 27, Chaparral 16

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

The Cougars owned their first-year peers in two meetings last year, but this one should be much closer.

Coronado 14, Sierra Vista 12

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (1-2) at ELDORADO (0-3), 7 p.m.

With Las Vegas and Desert Pines in the rearview mirror, look for the Spartans to take out their frustrations here.