Matchup could be playoff preview

Who would have seen this coming at the beginning of the year? We knew Cactus Shadows was going to be in the thick of things, but in no way did this week’s game against Higley look so important when the 2006 season started.

It turns out, this game is huge: a potential playoff preview and the chance for one team to continue the dream of an undefeated season. It’s a tough game to pick, but I’ll take my chances.

Here are this week’s picks:

Cactus Shadows 32, Higley 10. There is no doubting Cactus Shadows this season, one in which the Falcons seemed destined for something special. They have passed every test so far and will do so again in this battle of undefeated teams. Just like in the rivalry game against Pinnacle earlier in the month, Cactus Shadows will take control early and by surprise win comfortably.

Mountain Ridge 28, O’Connor 7. O’Connor’s offense didn’t muster much of an attack last week in a 38‑0 loss to Deer Valley, which isn’t good news with angry Mountain Ridge up next. The Mountain Lions are a stunning 0‑4. The Eagles can only hope this isn’t the week Mountain Ridge puts it all together.

Boulder Creek 30, Cobre (N.M.) 27. Losses for a first‑year varsity football program could never be called devastating. But Boulder Creek came close to suffering one last week when a 30‑0 halftime lead turned into a 36‑30 overtime loss. Cobre, a team from New Mexico, is next up for the Jaguars. Don’t expect them to make the same mistake twice.

Oregon 38, ASU 27. So, Rudy Carpenter waits until now to tell us he might not “be as good as I think I am.” The Cal Bears agree with you, Rudy. Chances are the Oregon Ducks will agree as well after this Saturday.

Arizona 21, Washington 17. Arizona looked better than it really is against USC and Washington somehow upset UCLA. Both teams will have a letdown this week, but U of A gets the homefield nod.

NAU 35, Montana State 23. Stop the presses: The Lumberjacks won a road game! For the first time since 2003, NAU won on the road last week and found itself in the Division I‑AA Top 25 poll this week. With struggling Montana State coming to Flagstaff, the party should continue at least one more week.

Falcons 20, Cardinals 10. Same old Cardinals. Same old story. Enough said.

Last week: 5‑2
Season: 25‑3 (.893)

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