High School Football Picks: Week 2

The narrative last week: This picks column successfully projected 87% of high school football games in 2023 and was ready for another equally accurate season of analysis.

The narrative this week: I’ve got some work to do.

The column went just 6-4 in Week 1, where there were a few upsets — at least in this columnist’s mind — and a few other games I painfully missed.

An example: Las Vegas High gave up just six points and beat Palo Verde, 27-6. I had Palo Verde winning by two touchdowns.

Let’s take another crack at it. Here are the picks for Week 2.

Bishop Gorman at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)

There’s a lot going against Gorman this week — travel to the East Coast, the Florida humidity and a tough, nationally ranked opponent. Yet the Gaels are still the reigning national champs. They’ll put on a show for the ESPN audience in a close win. Gorman 21, St. Thomas Aquinas 19

Skyridge (Utah) at Liberty 

One theory: Always take the team with a game under its belt. And this is no ordinary team. Skyridge might win the Utah state championship. Skyridge 33, Liberty 23

Sierra Vista vs. Coronado 

Coronado has a potent combination with quarterback Aiden Krause and University of Utah commit JJ Buchanan at wide receiver. Coronado 34, Sierra Vista 12

Las Vegas at Basic 

The first home game at Basic’s Don Taylor Stadium is always a great community event. The Wolf Pack won’t disappoint. Basic 23, Las Vegas 18

Highland (Idaho) at Legacy

Huge advantage for the Legacy players who are used to the Southern Nevada heat. Legacy 30, Highland 20

Note: I picked against Legacy in the Prep Sports Now podcast because I thought the Longhorns were playing Highland of Salt Lake City.

Centennial at Desert Pines 

Anyone have a coin? In the season opener for both teams, Centennial makes the least number of mistakes and hangs on for the win. Centennial 16, Desert Pines 15

Hurricane (Utah) at Moapa Valley

This will be one of the most competitive games of the week. Hurricane 24, Moapa Valley 21

Damien (Hawaii) at Mojave 

Any team traveling from Hawaii to Las Vegas is an underdog. Mojave 22, Damien 20

Sunrise Mountain at Foothill 

Foothill is better than anticipated. Props to the Falcons for reloading at the skill positions. Foothill 37, Sunrise Mountain 13

Desert Oasis at Silverado 

Circling back to the game under your belt theory. Desert Oasis played last week; Silverado didn’t. Desert Oasis 32, Silverado 17

Green Valley at Herriman (Utah) 

Green Valley will have its hands full in its season opener. Herriman 30, Green Valley 11

Bonanza at Valley 

Chalk one up for the Bonanza Bengals. Bonanza 29, Valley 0

Losee at Eldorado 

Losee is a different team without leader RJ Olivieri at quarterback, but it still has plenty of playmakers. Losee 41, Eldorado 13

Spanish Springs at Shadow Ridge 

Another rule: Always take the Las Vegas team when playing a Reno school. Shadow Ridge 43, Spanish Springs 15

Spring Valley at Cimarron-Memorial 

We’ve already hit the “anyone have a coin” quota for the week. This one will also be close. Cimarron-Memorial 13, Spring Valley 12

Cheyenne at Pahrump 

Another rule: Always pick Pahrump at home. Pahrump 29, Cheyenne 12

Chaparral at Virgin Valley 

Hate picking against my Cowboys. Virgin Valley 43, Chaparral 6

Faith Lutheran at Bakersfield Christian (Calif.)

It’s been fun introducing new readers to the many rules in picking games. Another: Always take the California school. Bakersfield Christian 25, Faith Lutheran 10

Northview (Calif.) at Durango

Second verse, same as the first. Northview 27, Durango 14

Slam Nevada at Mohave (Ariz.) 

Slam is still a favorite in the Class 3A South. After all, losing to a team in the state’s top classification isn’t that big of a black eye. Slam 40, Mojave 0

Clark at Pinecrest 

I can’t see Clark, one of the valley’s most established schools, losing to a charter school playing in its third varsity season. Clark 19, Pinecrest 16

Democracy Prep at Western

Another case of taking the team with a game under its belt. Democracy Prep 13, Western 12