FIELDER’S CHOICES: Name your score — just make certain it’s high
Wanted: Tacklers.
Southern Nevada high school football teams actively are seeking players who can tackle.
Ideal candidates must be able to fly to the ball, wrap up and drive down the ball carrier.
Local games last week included the following scores: 59-36, 59-33, 62-28, 62-16, 60-19, 48-26, 42-35, 42-28 (two), 43-22 and 52-14. Seek players who find these scores reprehensible.
Linebackers preferred, but defensive linemen and defensive backs also will be considered. Every school but Coronado is in need.
Fifth-year seniors aren’t likely to be considered, but out-of-state transfers are eligible to apply at certain schools.
Now that that’s out of the way, on to the fun part with picking tonight’s games:
Arbor View at Centennial — I picked against the Bulldogs in Week 2 and got burned, but I learned my lesson.
Coby Newton is a workhorse running back, but don’t underestimate quarterback Austin Turley’s ability to keep defenses honest. Toby Lopez and Trajan Pili lead a defense that shut out Durango two weeks ago.
It’s hard to pick against the Aggies, but I couldn’t bring myself to pick six road favorites. … Centennial by 1.
Canyon Springs at Palo Verde — Some NFL teams haven’t had as difficult a schedule as Palo Verde (1-3), which won’t get any relief tonight.
I made the mistake of picking Foothill over Canyon Springs in Week 2, saying that Donnel Pumphrey didn’t have a great supporting cast. That was wrong. Way wrong.
The line has moved on this game several times, but I feel confident in my pick. I think. … Canyon Springs by 2½.
Coronado at Green Valley — The Cougars should host a free clinic for area schools to attend.
Topics would include defensive schemes, tackling, rushing the passer and secondary play. Head instructors could be coach Brad Talich, linebacker Jason Warren and cornerback Kieran Eissler.
Green Valley is sneaky good, and the Gators are capable of biting teams that underestimate them.
But I don’t think Coronado will do that. … Coronado by 4.
Bishop Gorman at Servite (Calif.) — It’s a good thing the Gaels tell opponents to “Fear the G,” because no national-level teams fear their defense after Bergen Catholic (N.J.) put up 459 yards in a 42-35 upset last week that blocked me from a perfect record.
Gorman still sits ahead of UNLV in the Fielder Five rankings, which return next week, but I’m curious to see how an angry Gorman team responds. … Gorman by 2.
Boulder City at Desert Pines — Boulder City coach Alex Kazel has been serving his team humble pie during its 4-0 start, and the Eagles’ old-school approach is refreshing.
Eric Wilkes is back healthy and running strong for Desert Pines, but wins over Clark and Pahrump Valley aren’t impressive. … Boulder City by 2½.
Pahrump Valley at Clark — On the subject of these two teams, I love this matchup because someone will get a win and the chance to smile under Friday night lights for a change.
A.J. Segura and Cody Keasling give the Trojans the edge. … Pahrump by 6.
Last week: 5-1, 5-1 (with points)
Season: 15-7, 13-9 (with points)
