Just when I thought nobody was paying attention to my weekly football picks, I found out last week that certainly is not the case.

When I guessed Cactus               Shadows would whip Higley 32‑10 and added that the game would not be as close as most people thought, it apparently caused some nervousness around the Falcon faithful who were expecting a much tighter game.

One parent stopped me before the game to tell me he hoped my prediction would come true. Another told me he thought there was a chance Cactus Shadows could blow them out, but instead guessed “this is going to be a tough game.”

When the Falcons trailed 10‑0 in the first quarter and by four points at halftime, it appeared I was way off base. But just like Cactus Shadows has done all year, the Falcons exploded for a bundle of points in a hurry. After a 34‑point onslaught, the Falcons had the blowout  victory I had predicted.

Not that I’m getting cocky about this, but I just wanted you to know I actually meant to say the score would be 34‑10. I had predicted another 2‑point conversion but because of space limitations, we had to cut that paragraph out. But, really, I had that one.

Here are this week’s picks. Keep in mind, it’s a bye‑week siesta with Boulder Creek, ASU and NAU idle this week.

Cactus Shadows 59, Sinagua 6. The Falcons could easily score 100 points this week when they travel to Flagstaff to play indoors, on the turf field, in the thin air. But since it isn’t good sportsmanship to run up the score–and unfair to expect any team to score more than 60 points–Sinagua might stay within 50 points ... or so.

O’Connor 14, Kingman 13. How bad does Sandra Day O’Connor need a win? After three straight losses that have put their playoff lives in jeopardy, the Eagles probably need a win more than Barry Bonds needs good press. After all, it’s homecoming week for O’Connor. Certainly they’ll come through this week.

UCLA 28, Arizona 8. You think UCLA remembers last year’s embarrassment in Tucson? The Bruins fans haven’t let them forget, and something doesn’t seem right with the Wildcats. Quarterback Willie Tuitama hasn’t been the same since that game last year and that leads one to believe UCLA will dominate this game.

Chiefs 33, Cardinals 14. Great, now we get to watch Matt Leinart get his feet wet for a few weeks, which undoubtably means more losses. Here is one of them. So much for a new team, new stadium and new attitude. Looks like the same old Cards (or substitute your word of choice).

Last week: 5‑2

Season: 30‑5 (.857)

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 25 Easy Street in Carefree.