FIELDER’S CHOICES: Put faith in ‘Prep Football Baby’ … while she’s up

I’ve been on a good run lately, picking games at a 75 percent success rate over the past three weeks. The last time I was this hot was a couple of summers ago when I correctly solved six straight “Wheel of Fortune” puzzles while I was staying with my grandma.

So, with the Division I Sunrise and Sunset region semifinals taking place this week in addition to the Division I-A state semifinals, I decided to stick with what’s been working.

My baby sister.

That’s right. Just like the “Football Baby” that predicts NFL games, I’ve been putting my sister on the couch between two objects that represent local prep football teams. And whichever one she falls toward, that’s my winner.

No funky power ratings from Eric and Skeet, no lucky charms (except for the cereal, because that’s my favorite) and no spreadsheets like earlier in the season. Just “Prep Football Baby.”

Unfortunately, she had to take a nap, so we only had time to pick the six Division I and Division I-A games. Don’t worry small schools, you’ll be included next week.

■ Palo Verde at Arbor View — I knew a coach a few years ago who made the switch to the double-wing offense. “It’s the offense of the ’90s,” he told his players. “The 1890s.” Does that mean this game will be all about mauve and Thomas Edison since both of these teams run a variation of the double wing?

In history class this week I learned “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” could be a political satire about the 1896 election. I also learned that Arbor View is 1-7 all time against the Panthers. But, there’s no place like home. … Arbor View by 4.

■ Centennial at Bishop Gorman — Spend a few minutes with Gorman coach Tony Sanchez and he’ll start gushing about the Bulldogs and his respect for counterpart Leon Evans. That’s why I expect the Gaels to come out sharp in what otherwise could be a flat spot.

Centennial’s defense is good enough that it can give the Gaels a few problems early. It’s just a shame that the Bulldogs don’t have enough offensive firepower to keep up. … Gorman by 27.

■ Liberty at Coronado — I was planning to go to this game with Eric and Skeet because these teams have two of the best defenses around. But since they moved it to 8 p.m. for TV and I can’t miss curfew again, I’ll set my DVR instead.

The Patriots edged Coronado 14-13 on Sept. 12, and this should be another low-scoring slobberknocker.

Ultimately, Liberty’s size should prove to be the difference. … Liberty by 3.

■ Basic at Las Vegas — Raise your hand if you had this matchup in your Sunrise Region bracket. Liar! Not even Miss Cleo and her Psychic Readers Network could have predicted these teams would meet in the semifinals.

I don’t know what a hangover feels like since I’m underage and all — my older brother says they’re no fun — but I’m guessing the Wolves are still nursing one after last week’s win over Canyon Springs. … Las Vegas by 6.

■ Desert Pines at Churchill County — Give credit to the Jaguars, who lost a ton of talent from last year’s team and reached the Division I-A state semifinals.

Their reward is a trip to the frozen tundra of Fallon for a Saturday game against the Greenwave.

Greenwave is cool, but according to Wikipedia, Churchill County’s teams used to be called the “Melon Pickers.” Best. Nickname. Ever. … Churchill County by 7.

■ Elko at Moapa Valley — The Pirates were solid in all three phases last week against Sierra Vista. The only thing that went wrong was the cannon blast going off during one of Derek Cope’s extra-point attempts. BOOM!

The Pirates had eight turnovers in last year’s Division I-A state semifinal loss. That won’t happen Saturday. … Moapa Valley by 8.

Last week: 6-2, 6-2 (with points)

Season: 58-29, 51-34-1 (with points)

Contact Fielder at Fielder@nevadapreps.com. Follow @FielderNVP on Twitter.