PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Even Prophets have off weeks, and the past one was an example. The Prophet went 9-5-1, a winning record but not nearly up to my typically near-perfect standard. Fortunately, John Kanel, second among the mortals picking against me this season, was worse. (For those who noticed his Loara over Mater Dei choice, I know that comes as a big surprise). He was 7-7-1. Up this week is Dennis Murphy, who I’m told is a “founder of sports leagues.” Sounds like nice work if you can get it. Murphy, who is among the biggest USC honks who ever lived, also strikes me as the type who bets on the horse with the funky name and really cool jockey silks.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Mater Dei vs. Concord De La Salle

at University of the Pacific, Saturday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Mater Dei ends De La Salle’s national-record winning streak . . . if this game is played two months from now, and if Matt Leinert is the quarterback and Matt Grootegoed is at running back. As it is, two streaks will continue. De La Salle will win No. 91 in a row and, for the third consecutive week, Orange County’s top-ranked team will lose. De La Salle, 35-21.

MURPHY SAYS: I have to stick with the team from Orange County in this one. De La Salle has a terrific winning streak, but everyone has to lose sometime. Mater Dei, 24-21.

Tustin vs. Los Alamitos

at Long Beach Veterans Stadium, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Tustin has the county’s toughest nonleague schedule and the Tillers will have a 1-3 record after this one to show for it. Los Alamitos, 24-14.

MURPHY SAYS: Tustin produced DeShaun Foster, a great running back who went to UCLA. Los Alamitos, in turn, produced Bernard Riley, an All-American in the making for USC. Therefore, I have to go with Los Alamitos, 27-14.

Sunny Hills at Brea Olinda, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Sunny Hills running back Brandon Shepard is the real deal. So is the Brea Olinda defense. Brea Olinda, 15-14.

MURPHY SAYS: I’m from Fullerton, so I have to go with the local team in a close game. Sunny Hills, 21-19.

Woodbridge vs. University at Irvine HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: I’ve never been on the Woodbridge campus and never played for any team called the Warriors. I’ll just go with the best football team. Woodbridge, 21-7.

MURPHY SAYS: I was student body president at L.A. University High and later homecoming chairman for the USC Trojans. How could I pick against a team called the University Trojans? University, 17-14.

* Buena Park vs. Cypress at Western HS, Tonight: The Prophet: Murphy was once the mayor of Buena Park, which explains his choice. Tough call between 0-2 teams that were supposed to be better. Cypress, 22-21. Murphy: Buena Park, 24-10.

* Pacifica vs. Kennedy at Western HS, Tonight: The Prophet: The Fighting Irish go down swinging. Pacifica, 28-27. Murphy: Kennedy, 14-10.

* Capistrano Valley vs. Foothill at Tustin HS, Friday: The Prophet: Coach Jeff Veeder’s team had a couple of tough customers to open with. Victory No. 1 comes here. Capistrano Valley, 28-14. Murphy: Capistrano Valley, 14-12.

* San Clemente at Aliso Niguel, Friday: The Prophet: San Clemente got swatted by Esperanza last week, but Aliso Niguel will find out that “the fly” is pesky. San Clemente, 18-7. Murphy: Aliso Niguel, 21-7.

* Villa Park at Trabuco Hills, Friday: The Prophet: I’d usually go with the Div. II team over a Div. VI opponent, but Trabuco Hills is in rebuilding mode. Villa Park, 15-14. Murphy: Trabuco Hills, 17-12.

* Dana Hills vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, Friday: The Prophet: Dana Hills would have a better chance here if the Dolphins had more experience on offense. Santa Margarita, 17-0. Murphy: Santa Margarita, 27-14.

* Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo, Friday: The Prophet: Coach Bob Johnson gets victory No. 1 at his new school--barely. Mission Viejo, 14-13. Murphy: Mission Viejo, 14-6.

* Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor, Friday: The Prophet: This is a rivalry that just doesn’t play out on the football field. Polo anyone? Newport Harbor, 48-7. Murphy: Newport Harbor, 16-10.

* El Dorado at Valencia, Friday: The Prophet: Two good coaches. Two solid programs. One good game. Valencia, 17-16. Murphy: Valencia, 13-6.

* Costa Mesa at Westminster, Friday: The Prophet: Comparing scores against Bolsa Grande, Costa Mesa is about four touchdowns better than the Lions. It’ll be closer than that. Costa Mesa, 21-14. Murphy: Costa Mesa, 17-14.

* El Toro vs. Servite at CS Fullerton, Friday: The Prophet: Servite bounces back. Waaay back. Servite, 35-7. Murphy: Servite, 21-14.