PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Well, at least I survived. After going 15 rounds against Prep Czar Eric Sondheimer last week, your swami came away with a hard-fought draw. If Sondheimer represented the Muhammad Ali of football-forecasting opponents, now comes Peter McNeely. All you need to know about reporter Mike Bresnahan is that he attended Wisconsin, home of overweight, overrated running backs and microwaved parrots. Bres’ beloved Badgers have a two-game losing streak, including a defeat to that college football juggernaut, Cincinnati. Needless to say, if I lose this week, the harem girls are going to have to hide the sharp objects.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Alemany at Notre Dame

THE PROPHET SAYS: Will Mighty Casey Clausen finish his high school career with an 0-3 record against Notre Dame? I don’t think so. With an improved defense and offensive line, Alemany finally has the horses to trample the Knights. Alemany, 31-28.

BRESNAHAN SAYS: Yes, my beloved Badgers are experiencing technical difficulties. But at least they didn’t lose a game against a third-string kicker, a la USC, an alleged fave of The Prophet. Now that the college season is essentially meaningless, it’s time to attach myself fully to Notre Dame High. Travis Johnson, a future Badger if ever there was one, talks a mean game and actually backs it up. He’ll be all over Casey Clausen, who threw eight touchdown passes last week against Torrance. Whoever plays Torrance this week will probably throw nine. Notre Dame, 20-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Valencia at Chatsworth

THE PROPHET SAYS: Is it too early for USC-bound Matt Cassel to be activated to play quarterback for the Trojans? They could use him, but Chatsworth needs him. Unfortunately for the Chancellors, he won’t be enough. Valencia, 35-24.

BRESNAHAN SAYS: Our office is located in Chatsworth. The Salt Creek Grill is located in Valencia. So is Manuel White. Valencia, 33-24.

Taft at Kennedy

THE PROPHET SAYS: Taft can’t stop the run, but Kennedy is a passing team. Kennedy is 3-0, but 0-3 Taft has played a tougher schedule. My crystal ball is hazy. My turban-wrapped head is aching. To the Ouija Board! Kennedy, 27-26.

BRESNAHAN SAYS: Taft hasn’t won a game yet. Kennedy hasn’t lost. Look for both of those to change. The Toreadors will take the air out of Kennedy’s surprising passing game. Taft, 28-21.

Ventura at Rio Mesa

THE PROPHET SAYS: Ventura quarterback Scott Ellis doesn’t just throw passes, he picks them off, too. He had a school-record four interceptions last week, so Rio Mesa had better know his whereabouts at all times. Ventura, 24-17.

BRESNAHAN SAYS: Ventura is 3-0. It bears repeating. Ventura is 3-0. Tyler Ebell has already rushed for eight touchdowns and is averaging 8.8 yards per carry. He also has a tattoo of Mighty Mouse on his left arm. He’ll save the day against Rio Mesa. Ventura, 27-20.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Quartz Hill vs Saugus at College of the Canyons: The Prophet: Battle-tested Saugus and quarterback David Parker won’t face a tougher defense than they did last week in a loss to Notre Dame. Saugus, 35-21. Bresnahan: Saugus, 31-15.

* Canoga Park at Reseda: The Prophet: Eddie Robinson has emerged as a catalyst for Reseda with his rushing and play at defensive back. Reseda, 28-13. Bresnahan: Reseda, 20-13.

* Burroughs at Glendale: The Prophet: Burroughs’ pass-catch combination of Joseph Kroells and Keith Jarbo heated up last week. Look for them to get hotter. Burroughs, 24-14. Bresnahan: Burroughs, 27-13.

* Westlake at Canyon: The Prophet: Considering Canyon gave up 35 points to Quartz Hill last week, this one could get ugly. Westlake, 32-14. Bresnahan: Westlake, 35-12.

* Burbank at Crespi: The Prophet: Once-mighty Crespi has fallen on hard times, but the Celts can’t be this bad, can they? Crespi, 14-10. Bresnahan: Crespi, 8-6.

* Camarillo vs. Buena at Ventura High: The Prophet: Touchdown-hungry quarterback Kyle Loughman has the Bulldogs champing at the bit. Buena, 30-21. Bresnahan: Buena, 27-16.

* Hart at Palmdale: The Prophet: Palmdale scored 46 points last week and lost. It doesn’t get any easier for the Falcon defense. Hart, 46-21. Bresnahan: Hart, 42-14.

* Harvard-Westlake at Nordhoff: The Prophet: Harvard-Westlake is 3-0 and still trying to prove it’s a legitimate contender. The Wolverines provide more proof. Harvard-Westlake, 28-10. Bresnahan: Harvard-Westlake, 19-14.

* Fillmore vs. L.A. Baptist at Alemany High: The Prophet: L.A. Baptist sends the Flashes to the pan for the second consecutive week. L.A. Baptist, 28-14. Bresnahan: Fillmore, 22-19.

* Washington at Sylmar: The Prophet: If Sylmar can take a halftime lead against Hart, the Spartans should be able to handle the Generals. Sylmar, 21-14. Bresnahan: Sylmar, 21-20.

* Kilpatrick vs. Montclair Prep at Valley College: The Prophet: Kilpatrick’s Jermaine Marshall is averaging more than 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns per game. Don’t expect the Mounties to get their man. Kilpatrick, 35-14. Bresnahan: Kilpatrick, 31-27.

*

Season totals for The Prophet: 29 of 44 (66%), 52 points

Season totals for the guests: 31 of 44 (70%0, 53 points