VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

What, you ask, in the name of Amos Alonzo Stagg is going on here? Why, it’s none other than your favorite football-forecasting swami, preparing again to lay waste to the procession of would-be prognosticators provided by this newspaper. I’d find better competition at the Pennysaver! These mere mortals, these misguided minions aren’t fit to tie the laces of my satin white, pointy shoes. The first victim, er, challenger is copy editor Tom LaMarre, a former Oakland Raiders’ beat writer. Just guess, baby. Let the games begin!

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Banning at Taft

THE PROPHET SAYS: If Banning couldn’t beat Taft in the City Championship game at the Coliseum, does anyone think the Pilots can come into Troy Starr’s house and turn the tables? Not the Prophet, that’s for sure. Bombs away, Brandon. Taft, 28-14.

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GUEST SAYS: Taft ended years of frustration by beating the overconfident Pilots in the City final last December but it’s a new year and Chris Howard is better than ever. Banning, 27-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Buena at Westlake

THE PROPHET SAYS: Half of Westlake’s talent-laden team seems headed to Division I colleges, but when is the last time the Warriors won a big game? Buena, no slouch itself, will answer that question in convincing fashion. Buena, 31-21.

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GUEST SAYS: Rick Scott coached my sons at Hart and I know he will have Beuna ready for Channel League play. But Rick’s son Jake will miss this game, weakening the Bulldogs’ defense. Westlake, 27-21.

St. Bonaventure at Paraclete

THE PROPHET SAYS: Let’s see, St. Bonaventure’s quarterback transferred to another school and Paraclete is coming off two straight Southern Section titles and beat a highly ranked team in Minnesota last week. Can you spell b-l-o-w-o-u--t? Paraclete, 42-17.

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GUEST SAYS: St. Bonaventure’s trip home from Lancaster will seem longer than Paraclete’s return trip from Minnesota last week after the Spirits go to 2-0. Paraclete, 28-13.

Hueneme at Alemany

THE PROPHET SAYS: Mighty Casey Clausen engineered a rout over Hueneme last season, when Hueneme had its best team in ages. The rematch will be just as ugly. Alemany, 35-14.

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GUEST SAYS: Hueneme has Keary Colbert and several other terrific athletes seeking revenge, but I’ve known Jim Bonds since he was 11 and he will have the Indians ready. Alemany, 38-27.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Notre Dame at Sylmar: The Prophet: Sylmar gave Notre Dame a battle before losing a close game last year. No such luck this time. Notre Dame, 28-7. Guest: Notre Dame, 21-14.

* Newbury Park at Burroughs: The Prophet: Chris Lombardo and his band of sure-handed receivers won’t need to catch a break. Newbury Park, 31-14. Guest: Newbury Park, 34-7.

* Thousand Oaks at Crescenta Valley: The Prophet: This is a close call, but the Prophet sees the Falcons cresting. Crescenta Valley, 24-21. Guest: Thousand Oaks, 20-14.

* North Hollywood at Granada Hills: The Prophet: Highlander quarterback Jason Winn, a Prophet favorite, will do just as his name implies. Granada Hills, 35-14. Guest: Granada Hills, 21-7.

* Chaminade at Lancaster: The Prophet: My crystal ball keeps fogging up trying to get a bead on this matchup of rebuilding teams. Lancaster, 12-10. Guest: Chaminade, 13-7.

* Quartz Hill at Hart: The Prophet: Let’s get to the Hart of the Matter. Indians begin another winning campaign with new QB. Hart, 49-7. Guest: Hart, 35-0.

* Kennedy at Poly: The Prophet: Kennedy Coach Bob Francola promises a more wide-open passing attack. Kennedy, 28-14. Guest: Kennedy, 23-7.

* Valencia at Highland: The Prophet: Manuel White and Ray Cassaday run roughshod over Highland’s sieve defense. Valencia, 35-14. Guest: Valencia, 49-13.

* Saugus at Royal: The Prophet: Royal wouldn’t allow Saugus to film its scrimmage, and Saugus returned the favor. Oooh, a feud! Royal, 21-14. Guest: Saugus, 14-13.

* Nordhoff at Moorpark: The Prophet: Well-balanced Nordhoff doesn’t roll out the welcome wagon for new Moorpark Coach Tim Lins. Nordhoff, 28-17. Guest: Nordhoff, 24-14.

* Camarillo at Canyon: The Prophet: The Scorpions show why Canyon should have retained Harry Welch as a consultant. Camarillo, 17-10. Guest: Canyon, 14-6.