PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

So in Week 1 I defeat Vince Ferragamo, a guy who was a good enough quarterback to start in a Super Bowl, and who do they get me the following week? A sports promoter--and we use the title loosely here--and former politician. John Kanel’s claim to fame in these parts is that he survived six terms as mayor of Cypress, a city that hadn’t produced a football champion in 20 years before the Cypress High Centurions won the Empire League last year. Cypress, you might recall, got thumped, 62-14, by Edison in an opener last week. Expect Kanel to perform in similarly unspectacular fashion.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Santa Margarita at Carlsbad, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Santa Margarita is the top-ranked team in Orange County this week, and I have only one thing to say about that: Nnnext! The Eagles looked vulnerable against Lincoln last week, and Carlsbad is bigger, more physical and significantly better. Carlsbad, 21-20.

KANEL SAYS: My sources South of Camp Pendleton say that ever since last spring they’ve been anticipating this sortie into North San Diego County by the Eagle war machine. And rightfully so. A blanket of fog will roll in off the sea and the Legolanders will lance Santa Margarita. Carlsbad, 24-10.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Aliso Niguel at Mission Viejo, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Aliso Niguel goes for a sweep against Mission Viejo schools, having easily downed Capistrano Valley in its opener. The Wolverines are a team on the rise, but they’ll have to settle for a split this year. Mission Viejo, 25-17.

KANEL SAYS: Mission Viejo Coach Bob Johnson wonders why the Diablos are drawing so many raves after a three-point loss last week. Mission Viejo will have its youthful Saddleback Valley sister bottled up like a drive on Interstate 5. Mission Viejo, 20-18.

San Clemente vs. Esperanza, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Esperanza’s inexperienced offense is taking the heat this week after its anemic performance against Servite. Now, it’s the defense’s turn. You think house flies are a pain? Wait till the Aztecs start trying to swat San Clemente’s “fly” offense. San Clemente, 25-14.

KANEL SAYS: Three. That’s the number of points allowed by San Clemente last week, and the same total Esperanza scored against Servite. Against the Tritons, Esperanza more than doubles its output--and still loses by plenty. San Clemente, 28-7.

Cypress at South Torrance, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: This is a top game? Cypress got waxed by Edison last week. South Torrance would need to combine with West, East, North and Middle Torrance to be any good. The Centurions won’t be title contenders again this century, but they’re still good enough--barely--to beat lower Torrance. Cypress, 17-14.

KANEL SAYS: The last time The Prophet came through my part of town--20 years ago--our beloved Cypress College dropped its football team. Then, last week, he correctly picked Edison over my Centurions, who got trounced, 62-14. Well, Cypress will not only make me proud Friday, it will go on to defend its Empire League title. Cypress, 28-14.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Newport Harbor vs. Marina at Westminster HS, Thursday: The Prophet: Marina’s Ray Mietkiewicz ran wild on Corona del Mar. He won’t on Newport Harbor’s revamped defense. Newport Harbor, 21-14. Kanel: Marina, 27-16.

* Orange Lutheran vs. Troy at Fullerton HS, Thursday: The Prophet: In Orange Lutheran’s opener, Jason Whieldon completed eight passes--three for touchdowns. Orange Lutheran, 31-17. Kanel: Orange Lutheran, 34-20.

* Loara vs. Mater Dei, Friday: The Prophet: Loara Coach John De Fries can blame Fresno Clovis West for this. Mater Dei, 38-7. Kanel: Loara, 24-14.

* Edison at Capistrano Valley, Friday: The Prophet: Easiest call of the week: Edison won’t score 62 points in this one. At least not in the first half. Edison, 56-21. Kanel: Edison, 47-13.

* Tustin at La Puente Bishop Amat, Friday: The Prophet: Even without a Rix in the mix, the Lancers keep sticking it to opponents. Branden Malcom is in for a long night. Bishop Amat, 42-7. Kanel: Bishop Amat, 36-11.

* Laguna Hills at Trabuco Hills, Friday: The Prophet: Trabuco Hills struggled on offense in its opener, and doesn’t catch a break coming back against a team that posted a Week 1 shutout. Laguna Hills, 24-13. Kanel: Laguna Hills, 36-13.

* Foothill vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS, Friday: The Prophet: Woodbridge has a 15-game unbeaten streak. Make it 16. Woodbridge, 22-15. Kanel: Woodbridge, 14-7.

* El Dorado at La Habra: The Prophet: So El Dorado is rebuilding? La Habra becomes a rung on the ladder. El Dorado, 35-14. Kanel: El Dorado, 33-11.

* Estancia at Westminster, Friday: The Prophet: Estancia has clearly improved--but not this much. Westminster, 21-14. Kanel: Westminster, 39-28.

* Katella vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS, Friday: The Prophet: Villa Park let me down in Week 1, but Katella’s run defense is suspect. Villa Park, 22-15. Kanel: Katella, 18-10.

* Brea Olinda vs. Canyon at El Modena HS, Saturday: The Prophet: Canyon will have to wait until next week to pick up its first victory. Brea Olinda, 28-12. Kanel: Brea Olinda, 29-16.