FIELDER’S CHOICES: Humble Gaels reach top of my rankings
Basement bloggers and Internet scouts everywhere are ranking football teams these days, so I figured I’d join them.
Call it the Fielder Five, a new occasional feature I’m rolling out along with my picks. Here goes with ranking the top five teams in town:
No. 1: Bishop Gorman — Might be able to beat the Arizona Cardinals.
No. 2: Centennial — Might be able to beat Northern Arizona.
No. 3: UNLV — Unable to beat Northern Arizona.
No. 4: Liberty — Running back Niko Kapeli plans to help UNLV.
No. 5: Arbor View — Aggies’ double-wing offense could help UNLV.
A roller-coaster week already has provided the low point of controversial forfeits at Shadow Ridge and the high point of a Thursday Night Lights showdown between Palo Verde and Liberty.
And that was all before you saw these picks:
Bergen Catholic (N.J.) at Bishop Gorman
Before the Gaels’ nationally televised victory over Our Lady of Good Counsel (Md.) on Aug. 24, Gorman serenaded the home crowd with a video urging its opponent to “Fear the G.”
The “G” would be the Gaels’ helmet logo, which is basically a blue and orange version of the Green Bay Packers logo.
Word is that movie star Ving Rhames narrated the video, which coincided with the Gaels taking the field as smoke blew out a tunnel connected to the Fertitta Athletic Training Center.
It’s hard to imagine why anyone would dislike such a humble school.
Not sure about fearing the “G,” but the Crusaders should fear Nathan Starks. … Gorman by 2.
Durango at Basic
Jaylen Rose has a basketball name, but Basic’s quarterback is showing he has plenty of football game, too.
Rose threw for 217 yards in the first half of last week’s 47-14 win at Rancho. And he did it while Durango was being exposed on both sides of the ball in a 31-0 home loss to Centennial.
The Trailblazers could keep this game close, but the Wolves have too many weapons to unleash. … Basic by 4.
Cheyenne at Canyon Springs
On paper, this is an exciting duel between two of the state’s best running backs in Cheyenne’s Myloe Lewis and Canyon Springs’ Donnel Pumphrey.
The difference is, a dominant defense backs Pumphrey. … Canyon Springs by 9.
Eldorado at Chaparral
It’s hard to remember a recent year in which the Cleat Game carried so much excitement. Eldorado is trying to get to 2-0, while Chaparral is eyeing a 3-1 start.
Chaparral has a slight edge defensively, and Cowboys running back Antonio Thomas is ready to bring home Merlin Olsen’s bronzed cleat. … Chaparral by 1.
Centennial at Shadow Ridge
Some might consider this a look-ahead spot for Centennial with Arbor View looming next week, but not me.
If the Bulldogs were able to disarm Durango’s running game last week, they should make quick work of the Mustangs.
It would take a bunch of fifth-year seniors for Shadow Ridge to beat Centennial. … Centennial by 12.
Pahranagat Valley at Spring Mountain
Looking for a 1 p.m. matinee before the night games? Check this out.
It’s eight-man football. They play on an 80-yard gridiron, and touchdowns seem more common than first downs.
These are likely the two best teams in the Division IV Southern League. But the gap could be big. … Pahranagat by 32.
Last week: 5-1, 3-3 (with points)
Season: 10-6, 8-8 (with points)
