FIELDER’S CHOICES: The readers take over

It’s my favorite week of the year.

The week when you, the readers, take over. Kind of.

I don’t get much mail, or e-mail. Or many phone calls. Or text messages. Or people saying hi to me in the hall.

Anyway, this is my chance to answer your questions and pick some of the games you’d like me to pick. And your chance to see your words in print.

Exciting, isn’t it?

What is really exciting is the 41-7 record I’ve put up this year (OK, Eric gets credit for one week of it, but still ...). I’m en fuego.

Rancho (3-3, 2-1) at Desert Pines (2-3, 2-1)

M.W. writes: “We never get any respect in the Northeast. Come on now, baby, how about giving Desert Pines some love?”

After three straight losses to start the season, the Jaguars have bounced back with two wins and an improved defense.

Leon Hayes has taken some of the pressure off the “D” by running well.

Rancho’s offense, led by quarterback Will Gosse-Gardet, will be a good test.

Here’s your love. Desert Pines by 8.

Centennial (4-2, 2-2) at Cimarron-Memorial (2-3, 2-2)

D.G. writes: “Fielder, I go to Cimarron, and I wanted to ask you for two favors.

“One, can you please pick us to beat Centennial? And, two, can you give me Eric’s number? He’s cute.”

Great. I write this column for three years and never get a response from any chicks. Eric writes it once, and the e-mails pour in.

Can’t do the second part (And seriously? You think he’s cute?), and the first part is tough, too.

Cimarron looked great against Cheyenne three weeks ago, but the loss to Legacy last week sticks out.

Tell you what. Convince the Spartans to mix it up a bit this week and give Taz Taoipu the ball more often. If that happens ... Cimarron by 6.

Canyon Springs (3-2, 3-0) at Eldorado (3-2, 2-1)

J.M. writes: “Fielder, how do you decide which games to pick, and why don’t you pick all of them every week?”

Eight darts, one board.

It’s way too difficult to try to scout 20-some games a week and still do homework (once in a while). I don’t have enough study halls in my schedule.

Basically, I pick games that interest me and games I think might interest you. Like Canyon Springs games.

The Pioneers have scored 159 points in the past three weeks. They’re the Durango of the Northeast.

Eldorado will need a huge game from quarterback JaQuorrey Williams to have a chance. Canyon Springs by 12.

Arbor View (6-0, 4-0) at Cheyenne (2-2, 1-2)

V.H. writes: “Nice pick on Arbor View last week, only missing by a point. Are the Aggies really that good?”

They’re not bad. They’re not Gorman good, and maybe not quite Palo Verde good, but I’ll be surprised if they lose before meeting Palo on Nov. 5.

They’ll be 9-0 if they don’t look too far ahead and get overconfident.

Turn around and hand the ball to Donnie Gaskin this week. Arbor View by 10.

Durango (5-1, 4-0) at Sierra Vista (1-4, 1-2)

T.J. writes: “You didn’t answer my question last week. Can Durango beat Gorman this year?”

Yes. Without question.

In softball.

I don’t see it happening in football. I don’t see anyone in Nevada beating Gorman.

Julio Mora and the boys won’t have much trouble in this one, though.

Sierra Vista doesn’t score. Trailblazers don’t stop. Durango by 40.

Del Sol (2-4, 0-2) at Coronado (2-3, 1-2)

W.U. writes: “Fielder, why don’t you respond to my comments on your stories here? I never see anything from you.”

Sorry. I don’t read the comments. I figure that, since I write the story, I probably don’t need to click on it if I already know what’s in it.
And it would cut into my time spent on Halo: Reach.

Who would’ve thought Coronado would beat Basic? And who would’ve thought after that game that Coronado might struggle to win another game?

The Cougars have had turnover problems, though I will say that Kevin Lucero might be the best quarterback whose name everyone gets wrong.

Del Sol’s back is against the wall. Be afraid. Be very afraid. Del Sol by 8.

Foothill (6-0, 2-0) at Silverado (3-2, 1-2)

K.M. writes: “What’s this about a Silverado slide? We don’t have slides at Silverado. A bridge, yes, but no slides.”

I’ve never seen the bridge. The slide has been around for the past two years, but I think the Skyhawks might get around it this year.
Just not this week.

Parker Riggin and the Falcons are in the tough part of their schedule with Basic and Liberty still ahead. They’re not stepping off the gas yet. Foothill by 7.

Virgin Valley (4-1) at Boulder City (3-3)

D.W. writes: “You haven’t picked very many small-school games this year. What’s up with that?”

Wrong spot on the dartboard, I guess.

I’ll pick this one, though, because on Oct. 8, the 3A finally plays its first league game.

Virgin Valley should be rested after a bye week. Boulder City spent last week chasing Faith Lutheran around the field.

Too much Humberto Urias equals Virgin Valley being halfway to the 3A Southern League title. Virgin Valley by 14.
Last week: C’mon, 7-1, like almost always.
Season: 41-7 (overall), 33-15 (with points).