PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

The Prophet forged a tie in games and the lead in points this season by going 10-5 last week--including four for four in the big games. Not bad considering the Marmonte League did a collective crash and burn with all four of its teams losing (The Prophet went 1-3 on those games). The guest this week is Rob Fernas, who is trying to bounce back from a week in which his two most beloved teams--USC and San Pedro--both lost.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Mater Dei vs. Notre Dame at Valley

THE PROPHET SAYS: There is no need for Notre Dame to fear Mater Dei. This isn’t basketball--or a band competition. The Knights have the defense to keep this one close. A couple of turnovers and big plays and who knows? The Prophet, that’s who. Mater Dei, 26-21.

FERNAS SAYS: This might be Kevin Rooney’s finest coaching effort at Notre Dame, but the luck stops here. Mater Dei, buoyed by the return of linebacker Kevin Mitchell, recorded 10 sacks last week. The last Notre Dame quarterback to flee the pocket, turn out the lights. Mater Dei, 31-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES

Taft at Venice

THE PROPHET SAYS: Coach Troy Starr of Taft says Kyle Boller of Hart is the best high school quarterback he’s ever seen. But that was before he watched J.P. Losman of Venice on tape. Now he gets to see him in person. Taft, 35-31.

FERNAS SAYS: Unbeaten Venice trailed at halftime against El Camino Real, an indicator the Gondoliers have a leak in their boat. The truth is they have yet to play a formidable opponent. Until now. Taft has the athletes and playoff savvy to keep up with UCLA-bound quarterback J.P. Losman and company. Taft, 35-21.

Lancaster at Alemany

THE PROPHET SAYS: If Lancaster falls behind early, this one could get ugly. But if the Eagles jump out on top and are able to play ball control, look out. Get rid of it quick, Casey. Alemany, 26-14.

FERNAS SAYS: The sight of all those Casey Clausen passes in the air is likely to send landlocked Lancaster into shell shock. The physical Eagles will try to win the only way they know how--in the trenches. Alemany, more adept at the art of modern warfare, simply goes over the top. Alemany, 28-17.

Valencia at Crespi

THE PROPHET SAYS: Let me make sure I have this straight. Valencia has Manuel White. Crespi has a guy who tucks himself into Scooby-Do sheets. Tough call. Valencia, 21-13.

FERNAS SAYS: Manuel White is a hungry young man. After the Valencia tailback finishes his turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, he’s saving room for a big chunk of yardage and a few touchdowns against Crespi, the football equivalent of mincemeat. Valencia, 27-14.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Westchester at Granada Hills: The Prophet: Westchester scored 53 points in its playoff opener, but Granada Hills isn’t Locke. Granada Hills, 27-14. Fernas: Granada Hills, 31-21.

* Banning at Sylmar: The Prophet: As I said last week, the winner of Sylmar-San Pedro would earn the right to lose to the eventual City Champion. Banning, 35-20. Fernas: Banning, 28-14.

* Eagle Rock at Van Nuys: The Prophet: Which way will Eagle Rock choose to move the ball? The Eagles like to pass, but Van Nuys has been a sieve against the run. Eagle Rock, 21-14. Fernas: Eagle Rock, 24-21.

* L.A. Jordan at Reseda: The Prophet: Both teams defeated higher-seeded teams in the first round. Jordan will do it again. Jordan, 13-12. Fernas: Reseda, 17-13.

* Chatsworth at Belmont: The Prophet: Belmont barely got past Hamilton, which barely made the playoffs. Chatsworth, 35-20. Fernas: Chatsworth, 21-14.

* Hart at St. Francis: The Prophet: Coach Bill Redell of St. Francis says he’s going to call three fumblerooski versions. If they all go for touchdowns, St. Francis only loses by two . . . touchdowns. Hart, 42-14. Fernas: Hart, 35-17.

* Charter Oak at Chaminade: The Prophet: Charter Oak has receiver Steve Stevenson, the best athlete on the field--and a ticket to the semifinals. Charter Oak, 28-10. Fernas: Charter Oak, 28-17.

* Ventura vs. San Luis Obispo at Oxnard: The Prophet: Since Ventura knocked off top-seeded Newbury Park in the first round, it should be all downhill from there. It will be. San Luis Obispo, 28-14. Fernas: San Luis Obispo, 27-21.

* Hueneme at San Marcos: The Prophet: Hueneme and Donald Thompson should be able to find running room. But San Marcos, with Bradlee Van Pelt at the controls, can do both. San Marcos, 29-28. Fernas: Hueneme, 31-28.

* Camarillo at Lompoc: The Prophet: Lompoc has two consecutive victories over Marmonte League teams. This time they beat a former Marmonte League team. Lompoc, 28-14. Fernas: Lompoc, 38-21.

* Buena vs. Arroyo Grande at Ventura High: The Prophet: Arroyo Grande, Division III champion last season, takes its second step on the way to a Division IV title. Arroyo Grande, 28-12. Fernas: Arroyo Grande, 26-14.