Finally, let’s get it on!

It seems like the game that would never get here. Boulder Creek suits up for the first time in its varsity history on Friday against (of all teams) rival O’Connor.

The two schools are already mired in a pretty nasty rivalry that hasn’t subsided since a large number of O’Connor students transferred to the Anthem school when it opened two years ago. Not only did it hurt the current senior class for the Eagles, the rivalry gained more steam last year when Boulder Creek’s junior‑heavy junior varsity team beat O’Connor’s, which mainly featured sophomores.

The trash‑talk between the two schools carried over onto Internet chat rooms and message boards, which led to one rumor going around last week that a Boulder Creek parent wanted the game canceled because O’Connor’s players were going to deliberately try to hurt Jaguar players.

Officials and coaches from both schools laughed at the rumor, but O’Connor coach Rick Mey added it was an indication how big the “meaningless” game is becoming.

“They’re treating it like it’s the Super Bowl,” Mey said about Boulder Creek. “That’s what all our players are hearing.”

For a game with no playoff‑point or region standing implications, it’s turning out to be a compelling first‑week match‑up.

Pigskin pickins

To prove I know absolutely nothing about predictions, this week we’re starting my weekly prep, college and Cardinals picks. Each week, I’ll predict the final scores for Boulder Creek, Cactus Shadows and O’Connor high schools, the Arizona Cardinals and the state’s three main university teams–ASU, U of A and NAU.

So in an effort to try something new, here are this week’s prep picks. (The colleges don’t start until next week and the Cardinals won’t go for real for a couple more.)

O’Connor 34, Boulder Creek.20. It’s a little much to expect Boulder Creek to pull off the upset in its first‑ever varsity game, although it would certain spice up what has already become a rivalry before the teams have ever played a varsity game against each other. The only sure bet is you’d better arrive early considering the pregame hype.

Cactus Shadows 60, Kellis 7. Expect a few games where the Falcons’ offense will go nuts. This is one of them. Kellis, a team playing its first varsity game, might feel like Willow Canyon last year, when the Falcons opened the 2005 season with a 47‑7 whipping of Willow Canyon, which was playing its first varsity game.

If you would like to reach the reporter, or submit a local sports item of interest, send an e‑mail to jason@thedesertadvocate.com, call (480) 488‑1204, or visit the office at 6528 E. Cave Creek Road.