FIELDER’S CHOICES: Seven-out-of-eight right justifies some gloating

If you saw me at school this week, you probably noticed the huge smile on my face and the extra bounce in my step.

No, I didn't get a date for homecoming yet, but I'm still feeling quite chipper. That's what happens when you correctly predict seven out of eight prep football games like I did last week.

Heck, I'm so hot right now, even my statement that Rancho would not stop at one victory this season came true!

Plenty of fans ripped me on Twitter — justifiably, I must admit — after I incorrectly picked against Bishop Gorman in Week 1, and a few more piled on after my lackluster 4-4 showing in Week 2.

The haters have been silent this week, though. And because I rarely have a chance to gloat, I'm going to enjoy it while I can.

My new power ratings were set to debut this week, but I'll hold off considering my current run. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Liberty at Centennial — Everyone is already thinking it, so I'll just go ahead and label this game the Southern Nevada Public School Championship. These teams are Nos. 2 and 3 in the Southern Nevada Football Coaches Poll, and with Desert Pines relegated to I-A, this is probably as close as it gets to determining CCSD's best team.

The Patriots had a week off after hanging 76 points on Hawaii's top team. The Bulldogs' best hope is to run the ball and keep Liberty's potent offense on the sideline, but I don't think Centennial has an answer on defense for Patriots playmaker Ethan Dedeaux. ... Liberty by 7.

Long Beach Poly (Calif.) at Bishop Gorman — This game is a year too late. How great would it be if Snoop Dogg had to root for his son and the Gaels against his school? He could have worn one of those split jerseys, half orange and half green. Man, talk about drama in the L-B-C.

Jackrabbits quarterback Malik Henry, who transfered to the school in August, was cleared this week (coincidence?), and the Florida State commit is expected to play. But Poly will need Henry, DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis, Willie McGinest, Cameron Diaz and all its other famous alumni to beat the Gaels. ... Gorman by 10.

Coronado at Canyon Springs — I miss Hunkie Cooper, but the unbeaten Pioneers appear to be just fine without their former coach, who now is an assistant at San Diego State. We will see exactly how well they're doing when they take a step up in competition against Coronado.

The Cougars found a running game during their bye and had 51 carries for 371 yards in a win over Legacy. Jordan Patterson had 249 of those yards (on 32 attempts), and I'm guessing Coronado won't deviate much from last week's game plan. ... Coronado by 3.

Faith Lutheran at Cheyenne — The Sunrise League title was decided last week with Desert Pines' victory out in Overton, and the winner of this one will have a clear path to the Sunset League crown. Clearly, Division I-A doesn't do suspense when it comes to deciding its league champions.

This is a classic offense-vs.-defense showdown. Cheyenne went nearly 10½ quarters this season before it allowed a point during regulation time, but the Desert Shields haven't seen an offense as potent as the Crusaders' yet. ... Faith Lutheran by 6.

Basic at Bonanza — It's the classic "trap game" for the Wolves, who take on their second straight Northwest League opponent and must guard against looking ahead to next week's showdown at Arbor View. Too bad Basic doesn't play Centennial this year or the Wolves could have a shot at the unofficial Northwest title.

The Bengals feature the area's leading receiver (R.J. McCarter) and are on a two-game winning streak with wins over Yucca Valley (Calif.) and Valley. Unfortunately for Bonanza, this week's opponent isn't Basic Valley. ... Basic by 14.

Sierra Vista at Mojave — This is the co-main event in the Sunset League as the Mountain Lions and Rattlers each look to remain in a tie for first place. A victory by Mojave would set up a big game next week against Faith Lutheran, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

The Mountain Lions' offense was shut down in a loss to Mojave last year and has been inconsistent through three games this season. No reason to believe that will change this week. ... Mojave by 4.

Palo Verde at Silverado — The Panthers are on a two-game losing streak, which hasn't happened since they dropped the first two games of the 2012 season. The rugged schedule has something to do with their slow start, but so does a defense that has struggled to stop the run.

The Skyhawks' offense was about as balanced as can be in last week's home opener against Eldorado, gaining 162 yards rushing and 161 yards through the air. It's Silverado's defense that worries me, though. ... Palo Verde by 6.

Chaparral at Desert Pines — On paper, this is a battle for first place in the Sunrise League. In reality, probably not so much.

The Cowboys have won two straight and are on the upswing under second-year coach Paul Nihipali. The Jaguars, however, are clearly the team to beat in I-A and shouldn't have any problems staying undefeated. ... Desert Pines by 13.

Last week: 7-1, 7-1 (with points)

Season: 16-8, 15-9 (with points)

Contact Fielder at Fielder@nevadapreps.com. Follow @FielderNVP on Twitter.