FIELDER’S CHOICES: Pivotal week on deck in Sunrise Region

With still one week to go, the playoff matchups in the Sunset Region already are decided.

They’re basically playing for nothing this week, which makes those games hard to pick, even for someone who went 8-1 last week. (That would be me.)

In case you’re late getting to the party (and why didn’t you invite me?), the Sunset matchups will be: Cheyenne at Bishop Gorman; Cimarron-Memorial at Durango; Desert Oasis at Palo Verde (congratulations on getting in, Diamondbacks); and Spring Valley at Legacy.

It’s a different story in the Sunrise, where two weeks remain and playoff spots and positions still have yet to be decided. But a lot can be decided this week.

And maybe, just maybe, I can be as perfect as I know I am.

Silverado (5-3, 1-3 Southeast) at Foothill (5-3, 3-1)

I’m not sure anyone thought this would be a game between teams fighting for their playoff lives.

Silverado, home of the most unimaginative (whoa, big word) offense in the world, was a lot of people’s pick to win the Southeast. And then became the Silverado of last year.

Foothill is tied for second, but with a trip to Basic still on its schedule, the Falcons need this one.

If Parker Riggin can have another big game at quarterback, the Falcons can punch their playoff ticket.

Remember last week when I said I’d keep picking Silverado because I’ll eventually be right ... and then picked Basic? Let’s try that again. Foothill by 4.

Cheyenne (5-4) at Basic (7-1)

On paper, this looked like it might be the best matchup of the week, even though it doesn’t mean much.

Then Cheyenne went and found another way to get rid of a coach. Great timing. Perfect. Just as you’re getting ready for the playoffs.

Basic isn’t exactly wowing people with the way it’s playing right now, but the Wolves keep finding ways to win. Offense one week, defense the next.

Who knows what to expect out of Cheyenne this week. This is a team that used four quarterbacks in one game this year. Anything is possible.

Anything, except a Cheyenne win. Basic by 8.

Cimarron (6-2, 5-2 Northwest) at Faith Lutheran (1-7, 1-6)

The end of the line can’t come soon enough for the Crusaders, who get props for a good effort this year but were overmatched.

And they’re not being let off the hook easily. Palo Verde last week, another juggernaut this week.

James Poole, Stephen Nixon and Kenny Banks are getting warmed up for the playoffs. They might not play the entire game this week with the Spartans’ postseason fate already known. But when they’re in, they’ll be big. Cimarron by 22.

There’s nothing like having to win only two games to be crowned a league champion. Such is life in Class 3A.

And while the league title has lost a lot of significance, this still is one of the best rivalries around. There’s no use trying to do anything else in Mesquite or Overton when these teams meet; everyone is at the game.

Moapa Valley tuned up with a close 68-point win over Sunrise Mountain last week, giving Kelan Weiss and the Pirates plenty of confidence.

Virgin Valley held on to beat Boulder City last week and will need a huge game from quarterback Humberto Urias and running back Richard Vidal to keep this close.

Virgin Valley is one of the premier teams in Class 3A but not a match for Moapa this year. Moapa Valley by 18.

 

Las Vegas would wrap up the No. 1 seed in the Northeast with a win in this game. Not exactly earth-shattering, is it?

Another strong year for the Wildcats, a good season from Farrell Victor and another potential down the road playoff meeting with Del Sol. Ho hum.

Desert Pines does create problems, though, especially if Dalton Leilua plays well at quarterback.

The Jaguars will keep it close. For a while. Las Vegas by 11.

Spring Valley (5-4) at Canyon Springs (5-2)

This is the other matchup I really like this week, even though, it also means nothing. (Though neither of these teams unloaded a

coach this week.)

Both teams are headed for the playoffs and could use a shot of confidence.

Spring Valley has played four playoff-bound teams this year — and lost to all four of them by a combined total of 98 points.

Tyler Ward quietly has had a good year at quarterback for the Pioneers. Maybe this will be the game the spotlight starts to shine on him. Canyon Springs by 6.

Del Sol (7-1, 3-1 Southeast) at Green Valley (3-5, 1-3)

Tell me Del Sol isn’t just a bit angry after losing to Liberty last week. And tell me, I’m not just a bit angry because that one cost me a perfect week.

To go into its eighth game undefeated was a huge bonus for Home Depot High. The Dragons probably shouldn’t be this good, but they are.

Green Valley lost a lot, too. And looks more and more like a team that did. Del Sol by 7.

With all the games being on Thursday, I don’t have to write twice this week. I like that. Now I have more time to sleep.

This game might have had meaning a month ago. Not so much now.

Chris Henderson and the Bulldogs get one last chance to show what might have been.

And Palo gets to tune up for Desert Oasis. Palo Verde by 16.

Needles (4-4, 3-3) at Agassi Prep (3-4, 2-4)

I’m sure it doesn’t get any more exciting than a potential battle for the final Class 2A playoff berth.

OK, it probably does. But you never know what you’re getting with Agassi. One week a coordinator gets fired. A couple weeks later a coach gets ejected. That’s entertainment value.

Needles expected to have a little bit of a down year this season and has. But the Mustangs have the inside track to get back to the playoffs.

Agassi has lost four straight by 20 or more points. It might be five. Needles by 18.
Last week: 8-1 (overall and with points).
Season: 61-18 (overall), 58-21 (with points).