FIELDER’S CHOICES: Pinch hitting for a ‘legend’

Hey everyone. It’s Eric here.

I know, I know. You’re expecting Fielder, patting himself on the back for starting the season 27-5.

Truth is he’s asked me to stand in for him this week while he’s off shooting infomercials for his psychic textline.

I’m not making that up. He’s really starting one. I know. Pathetic.

Talk about having something go to your head. He also thinks it’s going to help him score a girlfriend.

Keep thinking that, Fields.

In the meantime, I’ll give this a go. Who knows, he might not come back.

Liberty (2-1, 1-0) at Del Sol (2-2, 0-0)

No one was happier about Liberty’s win last week than the people at the M casino’s buffet.

Liberty coach Rich Muraco made good Thursday on his promise of a free meal for his players there if the Patriots shut out Silverado. There went his coaching salary.

The Patriots offensive line is big and physical, giving running backs Ty Byrd and Niko Kapeli time to run.

Del Sol’s Chris Marshall totaled more than 500 rushing yards in the Dragons’ past two games. They need to find someone else to be a weapon quickly or risk having teams key on him.

With the right outcomes this week, Liberty could have a huge early edge in the Southeast. Advantage, Patriots. Liberty by 7.

Silverado (2-1, 0-1) at Basic (3-1, 0-1)

Did the Silverado slide begin last week?

The past two years, the Skyhawks were the popular pick to win the Southeast — and missed the playoffs.

Fields picked them to win the Southeast this year. And if it’s in my head, it has to be in theirs.

Basic still is shaking its head about coughing up a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and losing to Coronado last week. How does that happen?

Neither team can afford to lose. A late Benito Gutierrez score is the difference. Basic by 5.

Palo Verde (4-0, 2-0) at Cimarron-Memorial (2-1, 2-0)

After a bad Week 1, Cimarron improved a lot over the past two games.

Last week Christian Brown went off for 323 yards in a win over Faith Lutheran.

Like Fielder said two weeks ago, Palo Verde version 2010 isn’t as strong as in past years.

And the Panthers need someone other than Brandon Wright to emerge as a star. Bank on it. Palo Verde by 8.

Western (1-2, 0-2) at Bonanza (0-3, 0-2)

Quick: Who’s the highest scoring Class 4A team this year?

If you guessed Bonanza’s opponents, give yourself a point.

The Bengals have given up 151 points in their past two games, but no matter how hard they try (or don’t try), they won’t give up that many this week.

Western has trouble finding the end zone with a map and a tour guide.

Dasean Martin and the Bengals finally give the scoreboard operator a bit of a break. Bonanza by 20.

 

Heading into Week 3, Centennial was full of optimism.

Two weeks later, the Bulldogs might be fighting for their playoff lives.

Nick McDearmon and Braden Williams had the Mustangs rolling in their first two games, but Legacy shut down Shadow Ridge last week.

Bulldogs stay alive — for now. Centennial by 6.

Desert Oasis (3-1, 2-0) at Spring Valley (2-1, 1-0)

Since a Week 2 shutout loss to Silverado, Desert Oasis has hung up 126 points in two games. OK, so those points came against Western and Bonanza.

Still, the tandem of Devin Fortenberry and Kambrenn Heatley is working well in the backfield.

Spring Valley knows a little bit about running, too, after a 58-0 romp at Western last week.

Fields and I do agree on one thing — neither of us can decide how good Spring Valley is yet. Maybe the Grizzlies will surprise both of us here.

I don’t think so. Desert Oasis by 7.

Valley (0-4, 0-1) at Las Vegas (3-1, 1-0)

Why am I picking this game? You try finding a couple of Northeast games worth predicting.

Valley gives up points at a near-Bonanza-like pace.

Farrell Victor, Cameron Rogers and the Wildcats should score early and often. Las Vegas by 35.

Desert Pines (0-3, 0-1) at Eldorado (2-1, 1-0)

With Sunrise Mountain next on its schedule, Eldorado has a chance to be 4-1 after next week.

Yes, that’s right: Eldorado.

The Jaguars really miss Dalton Leilua and Eric Tuiloma. Without those two this year, Desert Pines is averaging four points per game. Eldorado by 9.
Last week: 6-2 (overall and with points).
Season: 27-5 (overall), 23-9 (with points).