It gets a little tougher this week

Trust me when I tell you that I’m just as surprised as you are that I’ve made it through another week with a perfect record of football picks. But, c’mon, anybody can get them right early in the season. This is the time of year where one‑sided matchups are scheduled so people like me can accurately pick games.

And you all thought it was so teams can earn cheap wins to impress their families and fans.

It gets tougher this week, though, as for the first time this season all three local high schools, three Arizona universities, and the Cardinals are in action on the same  weekend.

Here are this week’s picks:

Cactus Shadows 32, Pinnacle 16. Cactus Shadows hosts prime time as the Cox‑TV crew visits for the “Game of the Week.”  Falcons players were already focused on its nearby rival moments after last week’s game ended. Coach Chad DeGrenier won’t let them lose that intensity during a short week of practice and that could mean trouble for Pinnacle.

 O’Connor 17, Alhambra 7. Defense appears to be the Eagles’ menu special in 2006. Considering Alhambra was scoreless last week in its opener, expect defense to lead O’Connor to a 3‑0 start a week before region play begins.

 Chaparral 45, Boulder Creek 21. Boulder Creek coach Scott Heideman returns to the school where he was part of the coaching staff on two state championship teams. The Jaguars may keep this close early, but the Firebirds have too much tradition and firepower to be challenged for long.

 ASU 52, Nevada 27. The Sun Devils got the wake‑up call they needed last week against NAU. Unfortunately for Nevada, the Wolf Pack will pay the price this week.

 LSU 31, Arizona 17. The Cats squeaked one out against BYU last week and might even stay in this one for awhile. But the Tigers are just too much–especially in front of its rabid Death Valley fans.

 Utah 40, NAU 13. OK, so NAU showed this alum even more than he expected against the Sun Devils. But Utah is mad after its loss to UCLA, and the Lumberjacks just aren’t that good.

 Cardinals 20, 49ers 14. The Cardinals are more than a touchdown better than the 49ers, but you know it’s not going to be that easy. It never is with the  Cardinals.

 Last week: 5‑0

Season: 7‑0 (1.000)

 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.