Patterson's Prep Football Picks for Week Three

LAS VEGAS (1-1) at GREEN VALLEY (1-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: A league opener between teams smarting from losses to out-of-town teams last week. The Wildcats had trouble putting points on the board in a 13-7 defeat at Delta (Utah), while the Gators had the opposite problem, surrendering 56 points in a loss to St. Louis (Hawaii). Expect both to get back on track, with the home team slipping by in a close contest. The Pick: Green Valley 20, Las Vegas 17

ELDORADO (1-1) at VALLEY (0-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: It's hard to imagine the two-time defending Sunrise champion Vikings starting 0-3. But with Eldorado up next, it's a distinct possibility. The Sundevils shook off a lopsided week one loss, defeating Clark on the road last Friday. Valley has to get better defensively after giving up 79 points in its first two games. The Pick: Eldorado 26, Valley 20

BASIC (1-1) at SILVERADO (0-2), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: A territorial battle between evenly-matched Henderson-area neighbors. After picking up a much-needed win against 3A foe Boulder City, the Wolves are ready to fry bigger fish. And with Chaparral and Green Valley coming up in weeks four and five, the Skyhawks need to take advantage of this opportunity to get in the win column. The Pick: Silverado 18, Basic 14

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

The Scoop: Both teams have yet to pick up a win, but that's where the similarities end. Chaparral should compete for the Sunrise crown before all is said and done, while Rancho is in the midst of a rebuilding season. The Rams have only scored 22 points thus far, which is good news for the Cowboys, who have given up 34 and 28 in back-to-back weeks. The Pick: Chaparral 31, Rancho 10

CHEYENNE (2-0) at DURANGO (2-0), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: On paper, this looks like the matchup of the week. The Desert Shields have been the most dominant team in town, running all over Eldorado and Madison (Calif.) in weeks one and two. The Trailblazers haven't been far behind, putting up gaudy offensive numbers against Silverado and Valley. Being at home may help Durango stay close early, but Cheyenne should pull ahead in the second half. The Pick: Cheyenne 32, Durango 20

BONANZA (1-1) at CIMARRON-MEMORIAL (1-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: The Bengals picked up their first victory since 1996 last week, but two in a row will be a tall order. The Spartans got their hat handed to them at home by California's University last Friday, and it's safe to say they've been working hard in practice to make sure their league opener is a successful one. This could be the week Cimarron tailback Arnold Parker busts out with a big game. The Pick: Cimarron 31, Bonanza 13

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

The Scoop: The Gaels have been one of the biggest surprises of the pre-conference season, posting lopsided wins over Basic and Palo Verde. Now, they'll get some more serious competition from a club that has been better than most people expected this fall. The squads appear to be evenly matched, so turnovers will likely decide the outcome. The Pick: Clark 19, Gorman 13

PALO VERDE (1-1) at WESTERN (1-1), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: After a win over Rancho in week one, the Panthers got their first taste of varsity defeat last week against Gorman. Now, they'll see what it's like to play a perennial contender on the road. Unlike their Sunset peers, the Warriors will have an extra week to work out the kinks before entering league play. The Pick: Western 28, Palo Verde 6

DELTA, B.C. at MOJAVE (2-0), 7 p.m.

The Scoop: The Rattlers have made the jump to varsity look easy thus far, posting easy wins over Pahrump and The Meadows. Keep in mind that those are 3A and 2A schools and that the Las Vegas teams haven't exactly set the world on fire against out-of-town competition. Still, this isn't a hockey game, and Canadian high schools aren't known for their football. The Pick: Mojave 18, Delta 7

SEASON TO DATE -- Overall: 15-6 (.714); Last week: 8-4.

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