FIELDER’S CHOICES: Better late than never

Staff

15 years ago

As usual, I’m late.

By now, just about everyone has chimed in on last Friday’s fight between Bonanza and Western.

It’s been the usual finger-pointing, name-calling stuff, with people defending one side or another and blaming someone. Look, everyone involved has some sort of blame. That’s pretty easy.

What I didn’t get at first was why in the world it took the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association, the Clark County School District and the Southern Nevada Officials Association so long to make a decision on the outcome of a game.

Five days after officials stopped the game, a decision still hadn’t been made. It took until a day before both teams’ next game to decide anything.

The reason why? Supposedly, the only video was from a parent. Neither team filmed the fight, which could have been a great training video for anyone who wants to be a boxer.

And supposedly the officials’ reports weren’t clear.

But, there is one good thing to come from this

Because of the wait, I’ll now be able to delay any homework assignments for at least five days (to make sure I get everything right … and since there won’t be any video, they’ll have to rely on my reports), and my picks for tonight’s Bonanza and Western games will come out next Thursday (and I know I’ll be right on those).

Hey, if the school district can do it, so can I.

Time to get out of my 6-3 rut.

Palo Verde (6-0, 4-0 Northwest) at Legacy (6-0, 4-0)

This one has potential game of the year written all over it, and the winner likely takes the Northwest.

Deshae Edwards and the Longhorns have been white hot, but needed a questionable call in overtime to beat Cimarron last week.
Palo gave up way too many points to Cheyenne (34) last week, but still has lots of horses, including Tyrone Blake.

Both teams come out fired up, but until someone beats Palo, Palo will still be Palo. Palo Verde by 6.

Del Sol (5-0, 2-0 Southeast) at Silverado (5-0, 1-0)

I’m not sure which to be more impressed by from Del Sol, a rebuilt offense that finds ways to score (see Reed, Dezerick) or a defense that keeps making key plays and shut down an awfully good weapon in Basic’s Tyler Dobbins last week.

Surviving one missed field goal attempt with less than three minutes left and then blocking another to end the game may mean Del Sol has destiny on its side. (I like Destiny … she’s cute.)

The defense will have its hands full with Silverado’s Trent Tipton, Terran Madu-Jules and Dariouse Gravely this week.

Silverado wasn’t very good in the first half against Coronado last week, but what a second half. If Silverado plays like that the rest of the way, it’ll win the Southeast. Silverado by 5.

Clark (3-3, 2-3 Southwest) at Desert Oasis (3-2, 2-2)

Desert Oasis’ record isn’t the most impressive in town, but it’s about to get better.

After this game, the Diamondbacks play Pahrump, Sierra Vista and Western. A victory against Clark will almost definitely send Ronald Hunt and the Snakes to the playoffs.

Clark, which still must play Gorman, is in a must-win situation. Andre Clay has to have a big game running and the Chargers have to shut down the Diamondbacks offense.

And I … have to pick Desert Oasis by 8.

Spring Mountain (5-1, 3-0 1A Southern) at Pahranagat Valley (5-0, 3-0)

In terms of the 1A Southern League regular-season title (for what that’s worth), this is the only game that matters.

James Maestas and the Eagles have had a great season on the hill.

But Pahranagat can still score like an old-fashioned pinball game. Those are cool. Pahranagat Valley by 16.

Cheyenne (3-3, 3-2 Northwest) at Centennial (3-3, 3-2)

Before the Centennial people start getting excited and thinking about the playoffs, step back and take a look at the schedule.

The Bulldogs’ last four games are against Cheyenne, Del Sol, Legacy and Palo Verde. Yikes.

For all the seniors it lost, Cheyenne has rebuilt nicely and is in position to return to the playoffs, thanks in part to the running of Jordan Butler.

Cheyenne, with Legacy looming next week, needs this one, too. And gets it. Cheyenne by 9.

Shadow Ridge (0-5, 0-4 Northwest) at Mojave (2-3, 1-3)

Shadow Ridge has two chances left for a win. This game and next week’s game at Faith Lutheran.

Offensively, the Mustangs have stalled … repeatedly.

Mojave has been shut out three times, but if the Rattlers score, they win.

Mojave scores, but I’m going with the upset here. Shadow Ridge by 2.

Durango (5-1) at Cimarron-Memorial (3-2)

Five wins for Durango. Wow.

Great coaching job, Gary Maki. I never would have thought five. And there are still more to come.

Cimarron isn’t happy after last week’s loss. James Poole and Stephen Nixon are ready to run. Cimarron by 10.

Canyon Springs (3-1, 2-0 Northeast) at Rancho (1-4, 1-0)

Harvey Yarbrough and the Rams finally broke into the win column last week, escaping against Eldorado.

Canyon Springs, led by Deavin Rimmey and some good special teams, is back. The Pioneers’ game against Las Vegas next week will decide the Northeast.

Until then, Canyon Springs gets to sharpen its skills. Canyon Springs by 20.

Last week: 6-3 (overall and with points).
Season: 39-13 (overall), 37-15 (with points).