PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Lesson learned. Never pick on a freelance makeup artist. Trabuco Hills mom Ramona Rapley last week became the first guest this season to beat The Prophet, who posted a very unswamilike 8-6-1 record. Obviously, a shake-up is in order. (Saturday’s quake? Me, after reading the results in my morning paper). Former KTLA sports anchor Ed Arnold is the fall guy, a role he, unfortunately, is accustomed to. Ed for years has been one of the classiest people on the Southland sports scene. We miss him, but we’ll still have to beat him.

Season totals for The Prophet: 62-28 (69%), 106 points

Season totals for the guests: 51-39 (57%), 85 points

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Newport Harbor vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: The little voice in the back of my turban says upset. Laguna Hills is playing at home and coming off a big victory. A louder voice says, “Go with the team that has the best running game.” Newport Harbor, 22-21.

ARNOLD SAYS: Laguna Hills must slow down Andre Stewart. You don’t stop the talented Sailor running back. Newport Harbor will take sole possession of first place in the Sea View League. Newport Harbor, 21-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Los Alamitos vs. Edison at Huntington Beach HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: For three weeks Los Alamitos has survived the ranked-No. 1 jinx. The Griffins must be good. Certainly good enough to win this one. Los Alamitos, 24-14.

ARNOLD SAYS: As a sportscaster my picks were usually way off, but I’m smart enough to know that this will be a terrific game. Marina gave Edison a jolt last week. Los Alamitos should be too much for the Chargers this week, although Darryl Poston could make it difficult for the Griffins. Los Alamitos, 28-21.

Orange Lutheran at Cerritos Valley Christian, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: So college scouts aren’t sure whether Jason Whieldon is better at quarterback or as a basketball player? Then you better watch out for Orange Lutheran in basketball. Orange Lutheran, 42-21.

ARNOLD SAYS: Quarterback Jason Whieldon and his corps of talented receivers look unstoppable. Valley Christian won’t be able to derail the Orange Lutheran Express. Orange Lutheran, 49-17.

Aliso Niguel at Irvine, Saturday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Irvine let me down--barely--by losing to Newport Harbor last week. Aliso Viejo let me down--barely--by defeating Woodbridge. The law of averages says . . . Irvine, 15-14.

ARNOLD SAYS: Irvine gave Newport Harbor a struggle last week. To beat Aliso Niguel will take more of the same effort. The Vaqueros should win one for the home folks, but this will be a fun game to watch. Irvine, 17-14.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Loara vs. Cypress at Western HS, tonight: The Prophet: The defending Empire League champion loses to the next league champion. Loara, 28-13. Arnold: Loara, 24-14.

* Esperanza at Huntington Beach, tonight: The Prophet: Esperanza fell 1 1/2 minutes shy of upsetting top-ranked Los Alamitos. The Aztecs bounce back from the heartbreak. Esperanza, 21-13. Arnold: Huntington Beach, 14-7.

* Garden Grove at Westminster, tonight: The Prophet: If Westminster has more touchdown passes than interceptions, the Lions pull a mild upset. Westminster, 24-22. Arnold: Garden Grove, 28-10.

* Los Angeles Loyola vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, tonight: The Prophet: Is there ever a good time to play a team with the winning tradition of Loyola? Yes. This year. Mater Dei, 24-7. Arnold: Mater Dei, 21-17.

* Kennedy vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS, Friday: The Prophet: Loara brought Kennedy back to earth last week, but the Fighting Irish still look like a probable No. 2 in the Empire League. Kennedy, 21-13. Arnold: El Dorado, 17-14.

* Troy at La Habra, Friday: The Prophet: Brett Murray takes over the county rushing lead and Troy stays on course for an undefeated league season. Troy, 28-14. Arnold: Troy, 28-21.

* Laguna Beach vs. Estancia at Orange Coast College, Friday: The Prophet: How do you trust a team that loses to Anaheim, then pounds Costa Mesa? We will anyway. Estancia, 27-7. Arnold: Estancia, 21-7.

* Santa Margarita at Mission Hills Alemany, Friday: The Prophet: That’s a lonnng bus ride to the San Fernando Valley. But it’ll be a longer ride back if the Eagles lose. Santa Margarita, 24-21. Arnold: Santa Margarita, 31-21.

* Dana Hills at Trabuco Hills, Friday: The Prophet: Dana Hills is the most snake-bitten team in the county. Its luck continues. Trabuco Hills, 10-8. Arnold: Trabuco Hills, 14-13.

* Fountain Valley vs. Marina at Westminster HS, Friday: The Prophet: Which teams show up? The Fountain Valley that beat Servite, or the one shut out by Trabuco Hills? The Marina team that lost to Mission Viejo, or beat Edison? Fountain Valley, 28-14. Arnold: Fountain Valley, 17-14.

* Ocean View vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium, Saturday: The Prophet: If Santa Ana can run consistently, the Saints have a shot. If not, (Deshai) Houston, they have a problem. Ocean View, 40-20. Arnold: Ocean View, 35-14.