FIELDER’S CHOICES: Mediocre week can’t dull my confidence

Centennial’s football team gained a measure of revenge with its 24-20 victory over Palo Verde last week.

The Bulldogs were jumping for joy, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to beating the hated Panthers, they also blew my picks to oblivion.

Centennial has shown it’s better to get even than to get angry.

So after a yawn-inducing and thoroughly mediocre 5-5 stretch to start the season, I’m back with six Friday night winners for Week 3:

Centennial at Durango — Both teams are coming off statement wins last week.

Centennial dropped Palo Verde to a rare 0-2 start with a 24-20 loss. Durango made Bonanza’s defense look like, well, Bonanza’s defense in a 54-7 touchdown dance medley.

Stellar rushing attacks power both teams.

I’m not known for logic, but it’s my friend here. Centennial’s win over Palo Verde was more impressive than Durango’s over Bonanza. ... Centennial by 2½.

Green Valley at Arbor View — It’s hard to believe Desert Oasis is as bad as it looked in a 46-0 loss to Arbor View last week.

It’s not — Arbor View is just that good.

Everyone knows the Aggies have a machinelike offense, but the defense doesn’t get enough credit. So big ups to Steven Davis and Jordan Eggleston. ... Arbor View by 20.

Las Vegas at Desert Oasis — The Wildcats lost big names from their offense, but the no-name guys are ready to prove they’re good, too.

Las Vegas will continue to ride a sturdy defense to plenty of wins this season, so there’s no reason to panic at Frank Nails Field. ... Las Vegas by 9.

Cimarron-Memorial at Del Sol — Justin Davis will put up big numbers on the ground this season, but the Spartans have holes to fill in other areas.

Del Sol has to find a new workhorse running back. The Dragons have done it before. ... Del Sol by 1.

Basic at Rancho — Don’t be surprised if you see UNLV coach Bobby Hauck in the stands cheering for one of his favorite players: Basic receiver Devonte Boyd.

And don’t be surprised to see Boyd and teammate Antraye Johnson running into the end zone. A lot. ... Basic by 15.

Virgin Valley at Mojave — The Rattlers are coming off their biggest win perhaps since the leather helmet era. That’s, like, older than the Internet.

Virgin Valley has rung up a combined 94 points in wins over Clark and Pahrump Valley, but Mojave will be a step up in competition.

A step that Garrett Leavitt, Dee Bowler and the rest of the Bulldogs will climb. ... Virgin Valley by 3.

Last week: 3-3, 3-3 (with points)

Season: 5-5, 5-5 (with points)