FIELDER’S CHOICES: It’s time to get my picks in playoff form

It doesn’t seem like it should be, but it’s already the final week of the regular season.

The first nine weeks have flown by, and soon many teams will pack up their equipment and many cheerleaders will turn in their pom-poms.

That’s kind of depressing.

On a good note, though, 15 of the Class 4A teams have secured playoff berths, with only one more available — in the Northeast League, where Valley, Eldorado and Chaparral all have a chance to get in.

More good news. I just found out I made the playoffs. Hmm ... maybe that’s bad news to some of you.

Especially if you’re using my picks. I was awful last week. I should have been benched.

4-4? And just 2-6 with the points? Brutal.

Time for a rebound. I’m always up for a rebound.

Green Valley (7-2, 5-0) at Basic (6-3, 4-1) — The Henderson Bowl also should decide the Southeast champion, though Del Sol could still sneak in.

I’ve been picking against both of these teams for weeks ... and look where they are.

Basic has the more potent offense, with Robby Faiman and Charles Phillips leading the way, but must rebound from a tough loss to Del Sol.

Advantage Green Valley on defense and special teams.

LaQuan Phillips should be back tonight to watch his teammates play, so advantage Green Valley in inspiration factor.

Kicker Nolan Kohorst makes the difference. Green Valley by 3.

Eldorado (4-5, 2-3) at Las Vegas (8-1, 5-0) — Tone Gatewood and the Sundevils would make the playoffs with a win.

And against anyone else, I’d like those chances. But not against Reggie Bullock, Emir Lopez and the Wildcats. Las Vegas by 10.

Bishop Gorman (9-1, 6-0) at Bonanza (6-3, 5-1) — It’s been a great year for Antonio Beals and the Bengals. To have a chance to win the league in the final week is amazing.

To have to beat Gorman, and have Spring Valley lose to make it happen, is not likely.

Gorman won’t wow anyone with offense, but Justin Chaisson, Alex Turner and Evan Palelei lead a great defense. Gorman by 12.

Legacy (7-2, 4-2) at Palo Verde (9-0, 6-0) — Both of these teams are locked into their playoff positions, so the game has little actual meaning.

But a win for Prince Oroke and the Longhorns could be huge heading into a potential playoff matchup with Gorman.

Chaz Thomas makes sure Palo runs the regular-season table before hosting Sierra Vista in the first round. Palo Verde by 6.

Cimarron-Memorial (6-3, 5-1) at Cheyenne (8-1, 5-1) — The winner gets a home game in the playoffs; the loser finishes third.

Stephen Nixon has helped the Spartans turn it around after an 0-2 start.

Cheyenne’s defense, led by Damien Proby, is almost as good as it gets.

Since losing to Palo Verde, Cheyenne has allowed three points in five games and has scored 161 unanswered points against the opposition. Cheyenne by 8.

Moapa Valley (6-2, 2-0) at Virgin Valley (8-1, 2-0) — The biggest rivalry in the smallest league, and likely a preview of the state championship game in Class 3A. The incentive here is the winner avoids a trip up north in the second round of the playoffs.

Terran Leavitt and the Bulldogs have rung up 40 or more points five times.

Max Jenkins and the Pirates have put up 42 or more in the last three games.

When in doubt, go with the home team. Virgin Valley by 2.

White Pine (2-6, 2-4) at Mountain View (3-6, 3-3) — These two will decide the final 2A Southern League playoff spot.

White Pine just handed West Wendover its only win of the year.

Raymond Velarde and the Saints should get at least one more week of practice. Mountain View by 5.

Spring Mountain (3-5, 2-3) at Indian Springs (4-4, 2-3) — The 1A Southern League’s final spot goes to the winner here.

The good news is the winner is in. The bad news is the winner is probably going to Pahranagat Valley, which beat both of these teams by 46.

It’s a home game for Adam Reinnke and the Thunderbirds. You know the drill. Indian Springs by 2.

Last week: 2-6 (spread), 4-4 (straight up).

Overall: 45-25 (spread), 53-17 (straight up).