Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 | 2 a.m.
The picks column is looking to bounce back after a rough 14-8 record last week.
I’m not the only one who needs to rebound.
Most schools are opening league play this week, meaning those teams who’ve struggled — we won’t list them — have a chance for a fresh start.
Remember, the preseason games were simply a dress rehearsal for this week.
The column is 39-14 through three weeks of play. Let’s take a look at this week’s action.
Basic at Sierra Vista
I’m a big believer in the Wolf Pack. Those young kids can play. Basic 29, Sierra Vista 26
Centennial (Calif.) at Bishop Gorman
Gorman enhances its national title resume. Gorman 37, Centennial 16
Coronado at Liberty
Liberty leaves no doubt. The Patriots are the kings of St. Rose Parkway. Liberty 33, Coronado 8
Silverado at Desert Pines
Desert Pines has an advantage at the skilled positions. Desert Pines 37, Silverado 16
Green Valley at Faith Lutheran
Green Valley beats Faith Lutheran for a second straight year. Green Valley 22, Faith Lutheran 19
Arbor View at Shadow Ridge
This will be a mismatch. Arbor View 43, Shadow Ridge 13
Durango at Foothill
Foothill could be considered the favorite to win a state championship, especially with Mason Dew under center. Foothill 31, Durango 11
Valley at Sunrise Mountain
Chalk one up for the Miners. Sunrise Mountain 35, Valley 12
Somerset Losee at Centennial
Centennial played for the large-school state championship in 2019. Somerset is a second-year team. Centennial 39, Somerset 13
Chaparral at Del Sol
It took a few weeks, but my Cowboys are finally in the win column. Chaparral 19, Del Sol 17
Pahrump Valley vs. SLAM Nevada
One theory: Always pick against Pahrump on the road. SLAM 23, Pahrump 12
Cheyenne at Bonanza
Anyone have a coin? Bonanza 8, Cheyenne 6
Legacy at Cimarron-Memorial
Don’t expect many points in this one. Legacy 18, Cimarron-Memorial 11
Canyon Springs at Pinecrest
Canyon Springs should have been realigned to the Class 4A. Canyon Springs 34, Pinecrest 0
Spring Valley at Desert Oasis
Spring Valley has a hangover from a tough game last week in Arizona. Desert Oasis 19, Spring Valley 13
Coachella Valley (Calif.) at Eldorado
Our favorite rule: California vs. Nevada. Coachella Valley 27, Eldorado 13
Virgin Valley vs. Democracy Prep
This is the fourth game for Virgin Valley, and only the second for Democracy Prep. Virgin Valley 30, Democracy 12
Boulder City at Mater East
Boulder City scored 45 points last week against Valley. Boulder City 31, Mater East 12
Cactus Shadows (Ariz.) at Las Vegas
Las Vegas wins for a second straight win. Las Vegas 22, Cactus Shadows 20
The Meadows at Moapa Valley
Moapa Valley welcomes The Meadows to the classification. Moapa Valley 40, The Meadows 12