Pigskin Prophecies

With two weeks left to guess--uh, predict--we have a split decision. The Prophet leads in points, but the guests, spurred by a 13-2 performance by Rob Fernas last week, have taken the lead in picks. Lauren Peterson, who never played high school football--not even as a kicker--takes a turn as guest. She is a graduate of Thousand Oaks High, and we all know how the Marmonte League fared in the playoffs.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Alemany vs. Hart at College of the Canyons (Sat.)

THE PROPHET SAYS: Oh to be a bug on the golf bag the last time Coach Jim Bonds of Alemany teed it up with Hart coaches Mike, Rick and Dean Herrington. Bonds played at Hart and coached briefly with the Herringtons. Whether they stay a friendly foursome might depend on how many passes record-chasing Kyle Boller throws with Hart already comfortably ahead. Hart, 49-20.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Taft vs. Dorsey at Fremont High (Fri.)

THE PROPHET SAYS: These teams met in the third week of the regular season with Taft winning, 21-0, and you know what that means. . . . Nothing. But as long as the Toreadors don’t come in with too much of a swagger, they win again. Taft, 21-14.

Chatsworth vs. Van Nuys at Birmingham High (Fri.)

THE PROPHET SAYS: If Chatsworth had a better defense it would be playing in the City Championship playoffs instead of the Division Championship. But with Matt Cassel, Reggie Lee and brothers Mark and Eric Harris piling up yardage and points, the Chancellors are headed for the Division title game. Chatsworth, 27-13.

San Luis Obispo at Hueneme (Sat.)

THE PROPHET SAYS: Teams from the Northern League have dominated this division the last two years. Hueneme saves San Luis Obispo from a rematch with Arroyo Grande in the title game. Hueneme, 20-14.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Alemany vs. Hart

PETERSON SAYS: I like Coach Jim Bonds of Alemany and I’d root for him and his team against his alma mater--except I want to win. And it doesn’t take The Prophet to know Alemany can play with heart, but not Hart. Hart, 42-21.

OTHER TOP GAMES

Taft vs. Dorsey at Fremont High

PETERSON SAYS: You’d think Taft, savvy playoff team that it is, might want to avoid the Coliseum, that den of lions where the Toreadors were eaten alive in the City 4-A final the last two years. But I put together our Calendar and Taft’s third consecutive title-game date is all but on there already. Taft, 21-14.

Chatsworth vs. Van Nuys at Birmingham High

PETERSON SAYS: I also compile statistics around here, so I know Van Nuys has done it with defense, allowing 251.6 yards per game to rank second among City teams in the region. But the Wolves won’t have any defense for Matt Cassel and company, who are on the upswing in an up-and-down season. Chatsworth, 24-10

San Luis Obispo at Hueneme

PETERSON SAYS: San Luis Obispo is in the top-notch Northern League. Hueneme, which hasn’t lost on the field since a 46-21 defeat to Alemany in its opener, heads south. San Luis Obispo, 28-21.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Granada Hills vs. Banning at Gardena High (Fri.): The Prophet: A year and a word for anyone who thinks Granada Hills isn’t capable of an upset victory: 1987, Carson. The Highlanders were huge underdogs in that City 4-A championship game, yet won. The heart says it can happen again. The brain says Banning hasn’t allowed a point during the playoffs. Banning, 21-7. Peterson: Banning, 17-10.

* Reseda vs. Manual Arts at Jackie Robinson Stadium (Fri.): The Prophet: Any team with a Looney running back is a dangerous team indeed. But Manual Arts is in high gear after a big quarterfinal victory over Palisades. Manual Arts, 22-20. Peterson: Reseda, 17-14.

* Valencia at St. Paul (Fri.): The Prophet: Crespi’s defense helped Ray Cassaday of Valencia do a real nice Jim Brown imitation. Some advice for Valencia against St. Paul: Pass! St. Paul, 26-14. Peterson: Valencia, 26-24.

* Los Altos vs. Harvard-Westlake at Pierce College (Fri.): The Prophet: Serra defeated Harvard-Westlake, 20-15, last month. Los Altos defeated Serra, 28-7, last week. Los Altos, 28-14. Peterson: Los Altos, 31-20.

* Calabasas vs. St. Monica at St. Bernard High (Fri.): The Prophet: Calabasas defeated St. Monica, 21-14, early in October. I’ll take the passing combination of Chris Griffin to James Dunn in the rematch. St. Monica, 21-13. Peterson: Calabasas, 20-17.

* Beaumont vs. Kilpatrick at Newbury Park High (Fri.): The Prophet: Kilpatrick’s Kevin White has been doing a nice Terrell Davis impression since the playoffs started. Beaumont should be praying for rain and a muddy field. Kilpatrick, 13-12. Peterson: Kilpatrick, 21-20.

* Paraclete vs. Cathedral at Antelope Valley College (Sat.): The Prophet: Robert De La Cruz of Cathedral has 60 touchdown passes, but only because he’s run up some huge games against a few completely outclassed teams. Paraclete, 22-20. Peterson: Paraclete, 28-17.

Season totals for The Prophet: 121 of 180 (67%). 198 points

Season totals for the guests: 123 of 180 (68%), 194 points