PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

With a commanding lead and only two weeks left in the regular season, The Prophet considered taking this week off just to make things more interesting. Then I spoke with my friends over at Tustin and decided it would be more fun to just pour it on. Just joking Coach Miller. Nothing personal. I can absolutely relate to your situation. Is it our fault that our competition can’t stack up? Up this week is Peter Yoon, whose favorite things are golf, and writing about golf. Routing him will be par for The Prophet.

Season totals for The Prophet:

82-30 (73%) 146 points

Last week: 11-3 21 points

Season totals for the guests: 75-37 (67%) 129 points

Last week: Mike Davis 10-4 18 points

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Los Alamitos vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Gary Meek has been a successful football coach long enough to know that being right doesn’t always translate to being popular. Meek took some heat for not playing Temitope Sonuyi, the county’s leading rusher, last week against Huntington Beach. But Sonuyi, who has been nagged by a recurring groin injury, and Esperanza, who won easily without him, will be better off in the long run. Los Alamitos had better hope it can force some turnovers. Esperanza 34, Los Alamitos 24

YOON SAYS: I hear they are playing for some sort of cup in this game this year. They must have watched the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup and the President’s Cup and saw what real intensity is all about. It took last-minute heroics for a Los Alamitos victory last year. No such luck this year. Esperanza is better than last year’s team, Los Alamitos isn’t as good. Esperanza 26, Los Alamitos 17

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Brea Olinda at Valencia, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Brea Olinda limped into Orange League play just barely over .500. Since then, the ‘Cats are 3-0, having outscored opponents 100-7. A fourth consecutive victory would set up a grand league finale--Western at Brea Olinda on Nov. 10. Make your plans now. Brea Olinda 24, Valencia 14

YOON SAYS: Valencia was cruising toward an Orange League title last year, having allowed only 73 points in nine games, before Brea trounced the Tigers, 41-7, in the league finale. This year, its three-time defending league champion Brea cruising toward the title, having allowed a league-low 13 points a game. Don’t look for Valencia to return the favor. Brea Olinda 36, Valencia 13

Foothill at El Modena, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: These are arguably the two most improved football programs in the county. El Modena (6-2, 2-1 in the Century League) was 1-9 a year ago; Foothill (4-4, 3-0) was 2-8. Both teams like to control the ball with their running games and both have backs averaging about 7.5 yards per carry. A tossup in every way. El Modena 15, Foothill 14

YOON SAYS: The reason nobody has a chance against Villa Park in the Century League is because nobody else in the league can pass the ball. These teams both average fewer than 100 passing yards a game, meaning El Modena will score a last-minute touchdown on its 12th consecutive running play, but it will be called back because of excess boring football. Foothill 22, El Modena 17

Fullerton at La Habra, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Another good matchup, this one for the championship of the Freeway League. Fullerton has allowed more than 10 points only twice. La Habra hasn’t allowed more than 16 since its season opener. The difference is, Fullerton has been a little more efficient on offense with Ryan Murray averaging 9.5 yards a carry and Michael Echaves with 15 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. Fullerton 21, La Habra 14

YOON SAYS: Fullerton needed three fourth-quarter touchdowns to put away Sunny Hills last week. If the Indians need the same against La Habra, forget about it. The Highlanders allow only 12 points a game. Fullerton allows only eight points a game and when two good defenses meet, it usually means a shootout. Fullerton has more weapons to win that type of game. Fullerton 42, La Habra 38

THE REST (1 point each)

* Cypress vs. Kennedy at Western HS, Tonight: The Prophet: A matchup of 7-1 teams, but don’t be fooled, the Centurions are but a small speed bump on Kennedy’s path to a Nov. 10 showdown with Loara for the championship of the Empire League. Kennedy, 35-14. Yoon: Kennedy, 26-17.

* Los Amigos vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS, Tonight: The Prophet: Pacifica has allowed eight points in four Garden Grove League games. Los Amigos has scored more than eight points in only half of its eight games this season. Blowout. Pacifica, 35-7. Yoon: Pacifica, 42-20.

* Sonora vs. Troy at Fullerton HS, Friday: The Prophet: The loser can probably forget about the playoffs. Troy, which lost a tough one to La Habra last week, should have its running game--led by Paul Evenson--in high gear. Troy, 28-14. Yoon: Troy, 33-16.

* Tustin vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday: The Prophet: Saddleback has posted back-to-back shutouts, but if you think the Roadrunners have a chance at blanking Tustin, I have a beach-front home in Ensenada you might be interested in. Tustin, 56-7. Yoon: Tustin, 38-21.

* Estancia vs. Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor HS, Friday: The Prophet: Corona del Mar has won five in a row since opening 0-3. This will make it six, setting up a Pacific League championship showdown with University on Nov. 10. Corona del Mar, 35-24. Yoon: Corona del Mar, 39-14.

* Woodbridge at Aliso Niguel, Friday: The Prophet: Woodbridge (3-5) is 3-0 when it allows two touchdowns or less. This one is going to be close. Woodbridge, 14-13. Yoon: Aliso Niguel, 31-29.

* Santa Margarita vs. Mater Dei at Cal State Fullerton, Friday: The Prophet: The winner most likely is Serra League champion and that, most definitely, is . . . Mater Dei, 42-17. Yoon: Mater Dei, 40-24.

* Dana Hills at Capistrano Valley, Friday: The Prophet: Before last week, Capistrano Valley was looking at having to beat Trabuco Hills to stay out of the South Coast League cellar. Then came an upset victory over El Toro. Now, the Cougars have playoff dreams. Capistrano Valley, 22-21. Yoon: Dana Hills, 35-31.

* Edison vs. Fountain Valley at Orange Coast College, Friday: The Prophet: To the victor goes “The Bell,” which has been gathering dust at Fountain Valley for the past five consecutive years. If Edison doesn’t win this time, the Chargers should collectively be rung up. Edison, 35-21. Yoon: Edison, 31-18.

* Cerritos Valley Christian vs. Calvary Chapel at Westminster HS, Saturday: The Prophet: Calvary Chapel is 3-0 in the Olympic League and has title hopes. Cerritos Valley Christian, 2-1, was cruising until it ran into Orange Lutheran. Cerritos Valley Christian, 28-14. Yoon: Calvary Chapel, 22-10.