PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

I know what you’ve been wondering because I’ve been wondering the same thing. Where does The Times find these guests? Last week, Dennis Murphy shared this space, making picks based on factors like nicknames and which team had the most USC alumni. He went 5-10. The week before, we had John Kanel picking Loara to beat Mater Dei (OK, well, it sounded a lot more crazy at the time). He went 7-7-1. Up this week is Bob Dornan, Washington D.C. radio’s newest Rush Limbaugh wannabe. Dornan’s picks, as far as I can tell, are almost entirely based on politics. Makes sense considering Dornan was a longtime politician--until Orange County voters, uh, retired him. This will be Dornan’s second big setback in a row. The Prophet was 13-2 last week.

Santiago vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: This Garden Grove League opener was shaping up to be a dandy . . . until Santiago lost to Magnolia last week. Pacifica, meanwhile, was easily handling previously unbeaten Kennedy. Pacifica, 35-21.

Dornan says: I’m taking a walk on the West Side of my home town in this opener, which many believe will decide the league title this season. The Mariners are defending league champions. Plus, when I held a town hall meeting at the school, it drew 600 people. Pacifica, 24-21.

Mater Dei at Irvine, Friday.

THE PROPHET SAYS: Irvine is a decent team in the wrong place at the wrong time. The last time Mater Dei was coming off a loss on the road, the Monarchs rebounded by thumping Loara, 35-0. Mater Dei, 35-10.

Dornan says: I went to high school at Loyola, a great parochial school in a tough neighborhood, so I’m looking for Mater Dei to whip Rep. Chris Cox’s button-down boys. Besides, Cox aligned with that hypocrite, Newtie Gingrich, and didn’t endorse me in the ’98 primary. Mater Dei, 42-3.

San Clemente vs. Santa Margarita

at Saddleback College, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Name a team that was more overrated than Santa Margarita. OK, besides Arizona. The Eagles’ free fall will continue. San Clemente, 21-17.

Dornan says: My grandkids go to Santa Margarita and the Eagles will soar. That ought to send a message to Rep. Ron Packard, who didn’t support me in the last primary. Packard, who lives in San Diego County, represents the Tritons in that gerrymandered district of his. Santa Margarita, 34-10.

Santa Ana vs. Woodbridge, at Irvine HS, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Yes indeed, Mr. Dornan, Santa Ana is the underdog, and for a very, very good reason. Woodbridge took a team bonding trip to Catalina and has been kicking sand in the face of opponents ever since. Woodbridge, 42-14.

Dornan says: My effort in Santa Ana helped keep the Ronald Reagan Courthouse from moving to Laguna Hills. And, like most Americans, I have a soft spot in my heart for underdogs like the Saints. At a town hall meeting at Santa Ana High, we drew the largest crowd I ever had, 1,100 people. Santa Ana, 14-13.

* Capistrano Valley at Tustin, Tonight: The Prophet: Tustin has one of the better 1-3 high school teams on the planet. Tustin, 27-14. Dornan says: Capistrano Valley, 13-10.

* Costa Mesa at Western, Tonight: The Prophet: An acid test for undefeated Costa Mesa. Western is 1-2, but its losses are to a couple of fairly solid teams. Costa Mesa, 35-28. Dornan says: Costa Mesa, 28-14.

* Villa Park vs. Loara at Glover Stadium, Tonight: The Prophet: This is among the better matchups of the week. A close one for sure. Loara, 18-17. Dornan says: Loara, 10-7.

* Rancho Alamitos vs. Los Amigos at Garden Grove HS, Friday: The Prophet: (Mom always said to say nothing if I had nothing good to say.) Rancho Alamitos, 15-7. Dornan says: Los Amigos, 14-8.

* Aliso Niguel at Trabuco Hills, Friday: The Prophet: San Clemente held Iman Nikzad to 41 yards last week. He finds much more running room against Trabuco Hills. Aliso Niguel, 21-7. Dornan says: Aliso Niguel, 28-7.

* Brea Olinda vs. Katella at Glover Stadium, Friday: The Prophet: Katella comes off a game in which it scored 47 points. Brea is coming off a shutout. Brea Olinda, 28-13. Dornan says: Brea, 31-7.

* Century vs. Sonora at La Habra HS, Friday: The Prophet: Sonora got its first victory last week and a couple of key offensive linemen are about ready to come back from injuries. Sonora, 22-14. Dornan says: Century, 21-18.

* Laguna Hills at Carlsbad, Friday: The Prophet: Carlsbad might have the best high school team south of the border. That would be the Los Angeles County border. Carlsbad, 42-14. Dornan says: Laguna Hills, 38-31.

* Ocean View at Laguna Beach, Friday: The Prophet: Laguna Beach has as many victories this season as it did in the previous three. And, for at least a week, it’ll stay that way. Ocean View, 35-14. Dornan says: Ocean View, 10-7.

* Sunny Hills vs. Orange Lutheran at Brea Olinda HS, Friday: The Prophet: Sunny Hills was shut out by Brea, and now it’s the defense’s turn for a big test. That test’s name is Jason Whieldon. Orange Lutheran, 42-30. Dornan says: Orange Lutheran, 31-27.

* Fountain Valley vs. Servite at CS Fullerton, Saturday: The Prophet: Watching Servite’s Joe McGuire go against Steven Fifita will be worth the price of admission. McGuire, who has committed to USC, could be starting for the Trojans now. Servite, 17-7. Dornan says: Servite, 13-10.