PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

All hail the conquering hero. Your soothsaying swami was on the money in predicting a three-point victory for Alemany, which toppled former No. 1 Notre Dame, 24-21, in the Game of the Week. That should show the ink-stained rabble who’s boss. Desperate, these newspaper Nimrods are sending their boss against me. Valley/Ventura County sports editor Dan Loumena will take his best shot, which figures to be an air ball.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Loyola vs. Hart at College of the Canyons

THE PROPHET SAYS: So big, bad Loyola is coming to throttle Hart. Hogwash! These Cubs don’t have Sammy Sosa nor much of an offense, judging by their 7-6 loss to Crenshaw. This isn’t basketball, after all. But Indian pass plays will look like fast breaks. Hart, 24-14.

LOUMENA SAYS: Wise guy, The Prophet, who knows I just moved to Cowboy Country and would be bushwhacked by the neighbors if I picked the Indians. So give me the Cubs and I’ll pray Hart doesn’t make it Matter. Loyola, 12-10.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Taft at San Fernando

THE PROPHET SAYS: Those heartbreakers at Taft are intent on ruining another unbeaten record. Last week, they took care of Kennedy. This week, San Fernando, which has been feasting on cupcakes until now, gets a rude awakening. Taft, 31-21.

LOUMENA SAYS: Who is the underdog here, San Fernando (4-0) or Taft (1-3)? Don’t worry about it, the best-coached City team in the Valley is not going to lose. Taft, 27-21.

Crescenta Valley at Burroughs

THE PROPHET SAYS: Scott Vossmeyer of Crescenta Valley and Joe Kroells of Burroughs will fill the air with passes. However, the game will be decided on the ground, where the Falcons’ beefy offensive linemen will pound Burroughs like hamburger. Crescenta Valley, 27-17.

LOUMENA SAYS: Have to admire Coach Keith Knoop of Burroughs, who scheduled at least six teams that have been ranked in our Top 10. The Falcons are big and talented. And unfortunately, Knoop is 0-2 against ranked teams and counting. Crescenta Valley, 20-12.

St. Bonaventure at Harvard-Westlake

THE PROPHET SAYS: I won $10 last year betting on Harvard-Westlake in this game. The Wolverines don’t have man-child Alex Holmes anymore, but I’m gambling they can bounce back from an embarrassing loss to Nordhoff. Harvard-Westlake, 22-21.

LOUMENA SAYS: Who needs a turban and crystal ball? . . . St. Bonny routs Nordhoff, Nordhoff beats Harvard-Westlake . . . St. Bonaventure, 28-14.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Kennedy at Granada Hills: The Prophet: If Jason Winn was healthy, I’d pick Granada Hills but the Highlanders are low-bridged without their QB. Kennedy, 27-21. Loumena: Kennedy, 28-13.

* Chatsworth at Sylmar: The Prophet: Both teams are battle-tested after playing tough schedules. But Sylmar is tougher and can defend the pass. Sylmar, 28-21. Loumena: Sylmar, 21-20.

* Monroe at North Hollywood: The Prophet: This is no cakewalk for Monroe, but the Vikings have a knack for winning close games. Monroe, 21-14. Loumena: North Hollywood, 33-24.

* Canoga Park at Van Nuys: The Prophet: These 1-3 teams are bad, but Van Nuys is worse. Canoga Park, 17-14. Loumena: Van Nuys, 14-10.

* Royal at Westlake: The Prophet: Throw out a shutout loss to powerful Clovis West, and Westlake is averaging 39.3 points a game. Westlake, 35-17. Loumena: Westlake, 37-14.

* Oxnard at Ventura: The Prophet: RB Tyler Ebell and the Cougars are on a roll that could last until they play cross-town rival Buena on Nov. 11. Ventura, 31-14. Loumena: Ventura, 21-8.

* St. Francis at Serra: The Prophet: The Golden Knights improve to 5-0 with an easy victory over offensively challenged Serra. St. Francis, 28-7. Loumena: St. Francis, 21-6.

* Rio Mesa at Thousand Oaks: The Prophet: Thousand Oaks, after losing to Crescenta Valley and Hart, has scored 73 points in its last two games. Thousand Oaks, 30-21. Loumena: Thousand Oaks, 28-21.

* Agoura at Moorpark: The Prophet: New Coach Tim Lins is making strides with the youthful but fast-improving Musketeers. Moorpark, 28-17. Loumena: Moorpark, 18-9.

* Saugus at Camarillo: The Prophet: Notre Dame is the only team that has been able to slow down QB David Parker and the Saugus passing game. Saugus, 42-21. Loumena: Saugus, 28-13.

* Flintridge Prep vs. Village Christian at Kennedy High: The Prophet: Village Christian has yet to score in double figures this season. Flintridge Prep, 14-8. Loumena: Flintridge Prep, 14-13.