Week 10 picks

Sorry we’re a little late this week. My challenger forgot to send me his picks yesterday, and I was all set to accept a forfeit victory. But then my co-worker Dan Rasmussen sent me a few picks, and my losing streak is in danger of continuing.

Uh-oh.

But that’s OK because I like Dan, and I’m ready for some competition. I might be losing every week, but it’s still fun.

Here we go.

DR: ‘The Broom’ proved to be too tough to handle when we squared off earlier in the season, but given the way things have gone lately for the state’s best prep football writer (AKA Andrew Aragon), I figure if I can’t beat him now it might not ever happen.
AA: Wow, thanks Dan. The way things are going, I’d probably throw some money down on you this week.

Juan Diego at Delta
DR: If you follow 3A football, this is the one you’ve been waiting for about a month. If you go back and look at the history of this game over the past three years, Juan Diego has simply had Delta’s number. I really think this could go either way tonight and I really think Delta is poised to make a deep playoff run once the 3A tournament begins next week. On this occasion, though, I’m gonna go with recent history and take the Soaring Eagle. Juan Diego 10, Delta 6.
AA: It is tough to overcome an opponent when it has had your number. But I have a feeling that Delta is going to be able to protect its home field. The Rabbits come through in a close one. Delta 14, Juan Diego 13.

Jordan at Alta
DR: This is an extremely interesting rivalry, which has been filled with several blowouts and several fantastic football games since Jordan moved up to Class 5A back in 1995. Most of those blowouts have gone Alta’s way, while the ‘Diggers have pulled out some memorable wins in close games. I think Jordan has the potential to keep the game close tonight and even win if things go its way, but I also think that Alta is really, really good, and I’ll take the Hawks to add another region title to their swelling collection. Alta 31, Jordan 27.
AA: Dan, a former ‘Digger, knows all about this rivalry. I haven’t seen the Hawks since Week 2. I saw the Beetdiggers in Week 1 and then again last week, and I’m impressed with how much they’ve improved. I think Jordan matches up with Alta about as well as anyone in the state. But the Hawks are tops in 5A and I think they win a tough road game. Alta 21, Jordan 14.

Richfield at South Summit
DR: This is an intriguing matchup for a number of reasons. Richfield looked really tough at the halfway point of the regular season but has since lost back-to-back games against pretty good ‘ but beatable -’ opposition. On the other hand, the entire season pretty much went according to script for South Summit, which beat the teams it should’ve and lost to the teams it should’ve. I just get the feeling that South Summit will come to play tonight, and if the Wildcats do that, I think they’ll manage to win at home. South Summit 20, Richfield 13.
AA: This is where I’ll be today. I’ve spent quite a few days in Kamas in the last couple of decades, so I’m expecting to have a fun time while covering the first of two games today. But I’m feeling like the road Wildcats pull off a victory. Richfield 28, South Summit 21

Syracuse at Davis
DR: I liked Davis a lot at the start of 2008 ‘ and then the Darts went out and lost three of four games in the middle of the season. They’ve since turned it around to win three in a row, however, including a rivalry victory over Viewmont three weeks ago and a hugely impressive victory over Northridge last week. You pick against Syracuse at your peril, considering the Titans have repeatedly defied everyone’s expectations this year, but I just think that Davis is playing too well right now. Davis 24, Syracuse 21.
AA: This will be a slugfest. Both teams feature excellent defenses. I’ve told people that I like the Darts’ chances of making a deep run in the state playoffs. They are coming on strong, and will pick up a big win tonight. Davis 14, Syracuse 10

Viewmont at Northridge:
DR: It just keeps getting worse and worse for Northridge, which has lost four games and counting. The thing about Northridge’s losing streak is that the Knights’ scores keep getting more and more lopsided. I’m not saying they will get blown out of the water tonight by Viewmont’s average offense, but it’s certainly a worrying trend if you’re a Northridge fan. Accordingly, I’m gonna take Viewmont and predict that the Vikes will add to N-Ridge’s misery. Viewmont 12, Northridge 7.
AA: I really, really should ban myself from picking Northridge games because I’m always wrong about the Knights. So in a I-can’t-stop-myself-from-avoiding-picking-Northridge-games special, I’ll take Viewmont. Viewmont 21, Northridge 17

Dixie at Snow Canyon
DR: This one’s for all the marbles in Region 9. The winner gets a playoff spot, while the loser is out. It’s cruel that the UHSAA has essentially turned the regular season into a one-game affair for these two schools, but what can you do? Adam Timo is simply awesome, but I like Dixie’s outfit. I dunno whether they can make any noise in the postseason, but I do think they’ll get there. Dixie 27, Snow Canyon 17.
AA: I know people have fretted about Timo possibly missing the state playoffs his junior and senior seasons. Thank the realignment people for their always brilliant ideas. Or not. I feel bad that Timo won’t play in the playoffs, but he does have a full ride to BYU and there are worse things that can happen in life. Dixie 28, Snow Canyon 21

Skyline at Brighton:
DR: It wasn’t all that long ago that this game would’ve received huge billing for game-of-the-week status, but these days it’s pretty much an afterthought. Inasmuch as the Eagles have been beaten up in several high-profile games, I think they’re an OK football team and will take care of business tonight to clinch third place in Region 2. Skyline 26, Brighton 14.
AA: The Bengals have looked better in recent weeks, and I know they’ll show up to play their rivals. I like Skyline to win though. Skyline 35, Brighton 28