Columnist Adam Candee: Out-of-staters hit town for some football

Adam Candee

Friday, Sept. 12, 2003 | 10:26 a.m.

Adam Candee covers high school sports for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at candee@lasvegassun.com.

Xenophobes beware: The outsiders are coming.

Four local teams will welcome opponents from outside the state this week. It is always a fun time of year when we get to see how our Valley squads match up with the best of the region.

We're feeling better about how we match up against the slate after a strong 10-2 effort last week, with our two losses coming in games decided by seven points or fewer. The picks always get a little tougher when we throw in out-of-state teams into the mix, so with a bit of trepidation clouding our usual unshakable confidence, here come the Week 3 picks: Today's Games, 7 p.m.

Desert Pines (1-1) at Cimarron-Mem. (1-1)

The skinny: This game might show us which of these darkhorse contenders is coming along more quickly. Both teams rely on defense to win this year. The difference may be Desert Pines' inexperience -- not a good thing against a solid Spartans' defense. Tough call here, but we'll go with the home team.

The pick: Cimarron-Memorial 7, Desert Pines 6

Durango (1-1) at Eldorado (0-2)

The skinny: What a difference a week and some returns from injury made for Durango. The Blazers, this season's mystery team, appear poised to run through the rest of their weak non-conference schedule. Don't count out Eldorado, though, as Frank DeSantis will get the most from the Sundevils.

The pick: Durango 27, Eldorado 14

Western (1-1) at Cheyenne (1-1)

The skinny: Let's see here ... Cheyenne is coming off a terribly disappointing overtime home loss to upstart Rancho ... Western struggled to beat Valley and then went scoreless against Desert Pines ... anyone else see a formula for a long night for the Warriors?

The pick: Cheyenne 26, Western 7

Silverado (0-2) at Bonanza (0-2)

The skinny: These teams have combined to allow 196 points in their first two games. In fact, neither squad has allowed less than 40 points in a game. Bonanza, however, is averaging 30 points per game and the Bengals have the right matchup here for their first win.

The pick: Bonanza 35, Silverado 24

Valley (0-2) at Mojave (0-2)

The skinny: Judging from what we have seen, there is some serious potential for ugly football here. Give Greg Sellers' Vikings some credit -- both of their losses have been by six points and they fought hard against Palo Verde. Frankly, if Mojave does not win this one, it may not win this year with its brutal remaining schedule.

The pick: Valley 16, Mojave 13

Chaparral (2-0) at Coronado (1-1)

The skinny: These two teams look very evenly matched. Both are better than expected, but both are not likely serious contenders this year. The Cougars' offense scored 41 points in its first home game, and Chaparral gave up 20 points to Mojave last week. Too tough to call, but that's what we do ...

The pick: Coronado 14, Chaparral 13

Las Vegas (2-0) at Green Valley (1-1)

The skinny: Ever watch a baby take its first steps? The kid teeters this way, totters that way, and eventually gets going for real. That's Las Vegas, a talented team still learning about itself, but just about to hit its stride. The Gators might slow the Wildcats early, but Las Vegas' strength on the lines will win out.

The pick: Las Vegas 31, Green Valley 13

Cholla, Ariz. (0-1) at Rancho (2-0)

The skinny: What we know is that Rancho easily dispatched Mojave and took advantage of some miscues to down Cheyenne. What we don't know is how good this Cholla team is. What we need to know is if Rancho lets a good start go to its head. We'll ride the Rams while they're hot.

The pick: Rancho 20, Cholla 17

Palo Verde (2-0) at Clark (0-2)

The skinny: Goodness, are the Chargers really this bad? Clark has lost its first two games by a combined score of 81-0. Palo Verde must show that beating Valley by just six was a fluke and the Panthers' defense could be one of the best in town. This could get ugly.

The pick: Palo Verde 30, Clark 0

Basic (2-0) at Sierra Vista (1-1)

The skinny: Basic scored 87 points in its first two games. Sierra Vista scored seven points in its first two games. Granted, we are not mathematicians here at Prep Picks Central, but this seems to end up with the "greater than" sign favoring the Wolves.

The pick: Basic 37, Sierra Vista 12

Bishop Gorman (0-2) at Liberty (0-1)

The skinny: Hmmm, something's missing here ... oh yeah -- points. Neither of these teams has scored yet. If Gorman QB Steve Harris is really pushing for a college scholarship, then it's about time to see some offense from the Gaels. Gorman gets off the mat here, and Liberty continues its expected struggles.

The pick: Bishop Gorman 45, Liberty 6

Salesian, Calif. (0-0) at Foothill (2-0)

The skinny: The Falcons are beginning their state title drive in September with convincing wins over Durango and Bishop Gorman. Freshman tailback DeAngelo Jones is the talk of the city and Foothill's defense looks outstanding. It may get a little rougher this week, but we'll stick with the Falcons.

The pick: Foothill 20, Salesian 13

Canyon View, Utah (2-1) at Shadow Ridge (1-1)

The skinny: Normally, we'd pick the Utah school in a romp here, but Canyon View was shut out by Virgin Valley last week. That means Shadow Ridge has a chance, and the Mustangs should have their heads screwed on straight after the back-to-earth loss against Centennial. Flip a coin.

The pick: Canyon View 24, Shadow Ridge 17

St. Bona., Calif. (0-0) at Centennial (2-0)

The skinny: This St. Bonaventure squad is one of the best that Southern California has to offer. While the Bulldogs have opened with a pair of wins, they will get a look at a totally different level of football this week. It might not be the look they want to see.

The pick: St. Bonaventure 41, Centennial 7

Last week: 10-2 (.833) Season: 19-5 (.792)