FIELDER’S CHOICES: Late TV kickoffs hamper my homework

Prep football players wandering around a campus parking lot at 11:20 p.m. on a school night asking for a ride doesn’t seem like an ideal situation.

But that was the scene Sept. 27 at Mojave, when the Rattlers’ 59-15 homecoming rout of Western ended just after 11 p.m. The game kicked off just after 8 as part of the locally televised Thursday Night Lights series on Cable 12.

There is no doubt the folks at MyLVTV have heightened the exposure local teams receive and added to the prep football scene by televising a game each week. The commentators are knowledgeable and entertaining. The hard-working staff is friendly. The production is solid, especially when White Collar reruns aren’t shown during the first half.

None of that is the problem. The problem is the games begin so late, it leaves most players getting home at midnight or later, possibly with homework to do before school begins hours later.

Multiple coaches have complained during postgame interviews that the games need to start earlier. One week in October, the teams originally selected for the televised game turned it down, opting instead for a 7 p.m. Friday kickoff.

Two people have given me a suggestion that I’m hoping reaches the Clark County School District: Start the games at 7 p.m., and begin airing them tape-delayed at 8. That way, everybody wins.

Speaking of winning, I’m back with tonight’s Week 9 picks:

Bishop Gorman at Centennial — The Southwest League Super Bowl might provide Gorman its toughest league test in years, but it’s hard to picture anything but a big win by the $ummerlin $uperstars.

Gorman quarterback Jarrett Solomon is putting up Joe Montana-like numbers. Local opponents cheer when they kick a field goal to get on the scoreboard.

And the “G Block” student section will remind everyone how great Gorman is while the night’s most compelling matchup becomes a mockery. ... Gorman by 48.

Las Vegas at Silverado — Silverado running back Alex Cater has carried the ball 240 times in six games. If the senior makes it through the season without injury, a statue should be built in his honor outside the stadium, naturally, with a football chiseled into his arms.

This game could go either way, but I’m backing the spread-it-around Wildcats to get back on track. ... Las Vegas by 6.

Palo Verde at Durango — Palo Verde hosts Arbor View in the Double-Wing Classic next week, but the Panthers won’t be caught looking ahead. ... Palo Verde by 24.

Legacy at Cimarron-Memorial — Cimarron opened as an 8-point favorite, but heavy action on Legacy provided the biggest line shift of the season.

The Longhorns have made me look smart two weeks in a row, which is tough to do. Big ups to senior linebacker Jake Martin, who leads a defense that allowed seven total points the past two weeks. ... Legacy by 1.

Moapa Valley at Desert Pines — The Jaguars are hitting their stride as they host their biggest game of the season, but the Pirates will be prepared. ... Moapa Valley by 20.

Mountain View at Lincoln County — Division III football is down this year, except for these teams.

The Panaca forecast calls for a chilly night, and both running games will be at a premium.

No one has been able to stop the Saints’ rushing twosome of Matthew Larson and Jacob Duldulao, also known as “Smash and Dash.” But Mountain View hasn’t faced an in-state defense like the Lynx’s. ... Lincoln County by 2.

Last week: 6-0, 6-0 (with points)

Season: 35-11, 28-18 (with points)