PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Considering his commanding lead, The Prophet thought about taking this week off to rest up for the playoffs. But why break momentum? He was a red-hot 11-4 last week, blasting guest Tom Hamilton, the Times’ former resident prep football expert, 19-8 in points. Hamilton didn’t help himself by misfiring on all four Big Games. But hey, it’s tough picking from Bend, Ore. Obviously, the guests need a big rally, so who better to turn to than one of the county’s all-time great running backs. Mickey Flynn, known as the Ghost of La Palma Park during his Anaheim High playing days, is a member of the Orange County Hall of Fame. (Mickey, for a guy who scored a lot of touchdowns, you’re sure not much for scoring!)

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Los Alamitos vs. Marina at Westminster HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Marina’s Ray Mietkiewicz has 1,567 yards rushing and averages 8.4 yards per carry. He’s good. Friday we find out how good. Los Alamitos, 28-20.

FLYNN SAYS: Los Alamitos has the playoff experience and Marina has Ray the running back. Sorry, Ray, but the Los Al defense will win the game. Los Alamitos, 17-10.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Santa Ana Valley vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Both teams are undefeated in league, but every team Santa Ana Valley has defeated, Villa Park has defeated worse. Villa Park, 28-14.

FLYNN SAYS: There is a long-time “Anaheim family” on the Villa Park coaching staff. They work very well with the players. Villa Park, 21-7.

Valencia at Brea Olinda, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Valencia has held opponents to a touchdown or less six times. Brea-Olinda has turned the trick four times. Smash-mouth football at its best. Valencia, 14-13.

FLYNN SAYS: Both are good football teams and well-coached. It’s a tough decision because I’m friends with both coaches, so I’d like to call it a draw . . . Brea, 8-7.

Pacifica at Garden Grove, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Who’d have thought Garden Grove should be the favorite in this game? Not me. Still don’t. Pacifica, 23-21.

FLYNN SAYS: Garden Grove has come a long way under Coach Chris Van Hook to get to this level. Garden Grove, 28-22.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Esperanza vs. Fountain Valley at Orange Coast College, Friday. The Prophet: It isn’t often Fountain Valley roots for Los Alamitos, but the Barons would be the Sunset League’s top playoff team with a victory combined with a victory by the Griffins. Fountain Valley, 24-13. Flynn: Esperanza, 17-7.

* Mission Viejo at San Clemente, Friday. The Prophet: Mission Viejo was cruising right along--until the wheels fell off last week in the second half against El Toro. Time to get back in gear. Mission Viejo, 21-14. Flynn: Mission Viejo, 21-17.

* Servite vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, Friday. The Prophet: Servite has too much pride to go winless in league. Any league. Servite, 24-20. Flynn: Servite, 14-7.

* Mater Dei at Bellflower St. John Bosco, Friday. The Prophet: St. John Bosco has an upset victory over Servite to its credit, but the Braves aren’t in Mater Dei’s class. Mater Dei, 42-14. Flynn: Mater Dei, 21-7.

* Newport Harbor at Aliso Niguel, Friday. The Prophet: Aliso Niguel is coming off a big victory, playing at home, and playing for a playoff spot. If the Sailors aren’t careful they’ll sink. Newport Harbor, 35-21. Flynn: Newport Harbor, 14-3.

* Cypress vs. Kennedy at Western HS, Tonight. The Prophet: The boss here is still miffed about a loss to Cypress that cost Kennedy a playoff spot--in 1977! Now that’s a grudge. Kennedy, 35-7. Flynn: Kennedy, 7-3.

* Western vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium, Friday. The Prophet: Savanna has been playing better and Western will be lacking its usual firepower. Savanna, 14-13. Flynn: Savanna, 28-14.

* Santa Ana at Westminster, Tonight. The Prophet: Westminster has scored 42 or more points in three consecutive games. That streak ends. Its winning streak does not. Westminster, 28-21. Flynn: Westminster, 21-0.

* Woodbridge at Irvine, Friday. The Prophet: Woodbridge lost some close games early, but its last two have been routs. Irvine, 31-14. Flynn: Woodbridge, 10-7.

* Tustin vs. Ocean View at Huntington Beach, Tonight. The Prophet: A team that depends on the pass against one that wins with defense and a solid running back. No contest. Tustin, 42-14. Flynn: Tustin, 10-0.

* Buena Park at La Habra, Friday. The Prophet: Hard to imagine La Habra, after a 1-4 start, going undefeated in the Freeway League. Even harder to imagine a loss to Buena Park. La Habra, 22-15. Flynn: La Habra, 10-7.