PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Some people never learn. This is especially true with the ink-stained minions, who continue to bash their heads against the wall in a futile attempt to conquer your Soothsaying Swami. This week’s “journalist” in need of a helmet is Dave “Desert Dog” Desmond, who has been itching for a rematch since his one-point loss in Week Nine. In addition to a flea collar, Doggie-Daddy Dave will require distemper shots after he’s left barking up the wrong Yucca tree.

The Prophet

Season totals for the Prophet: 124 of 165 (75%), 194 points

Dave Desmond

Season totals for the guests: 116 of 165 (70%), 166 points

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

St. Francis at Antelope Valley

THE PROPHET SAYS: Three weeks ago, Desmond picked St. Francis and lost the pivotal big game. This time, he’s going with his beloved Golden League champions. Talk about the kiss of death. St. Francis, 27-20.

DESMOND SAYS: Three weeks ago, I put my faith in St. Francis and it fell two yards short of beating Notre Dame and giving me a nine-point rout of the Prophet, sending him crying to his swami mommy. This is personal. Antelope Valley, 14-7.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

San Pedro at Sylmar

THE PROPHET SAYS: Defensive-minded San Pedro will reduce Sylmar’s running game to a heap of funky cold (Isidro) Medina. San Pedro, 21-14.

DESMOND SAYS: Haven’t heard any rumors that Coach Jeff Engilman of Sylmar is retiring this season, a first, I think. The Spartans must be up to something. Sylmar, 24-20.

Hart vs. Crescenta Valley at Glendale High

THE PROPHET SAYS: Now that Crescenta Valley finally has won a playoff game, losing in the quarterfinals to the eventual Division III champion won’t be so painful. Hart, 32-16.

DESMOND SAYS: Nobody on Hart’s team remembers when Crescenta Valley pulled the shocker in the ’92 quarterfinals, but Hart’s coaches do. Hart, 46-21.

Notre Dame vs. Peninsula at North Torrance High

THE PROPHET SAYS: Get a handkerchief out for the office Leprechaun after top-seeded Notre Dame gets mauled by the Panthers. Peninsula, 26-14.

DESMOND SAYS: I received sage advice for this pick from our beloved columnist. He is a smart man. I believe he has an honorary degree from Notre Dame. Notre Dame, 24-19.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Taft vs. Crenshaw at South Gate High: The Prophet: Crenshaw’s seniors will have the last word against Taft’s super sophomore, WR Steve Smith. Crenshaw, 35-21. Desmond: Crenshaw, 38-34.

* Birmingham vs. Carson at Long Beach Veterans Stadium: The Prophet: It was fun while it lasted, but Birmingham’s Cinderella season turns back into a pumpkin tonight. Carson, 38-24. Desmond: Birmingham, 35-34.

* Granada Hills at Banning: The Prophet: After defeating Kennedy, Banning makes it a clean sweep of the city of Granada Hills. Banning, 26-19. Desmond: Granada Hills, 27-24.

* Mira Costa at Valencia: The Prophet: Look for Mira Costa Coach Don Morrow, a chemistry teacher and former Northridge QB, to devise a winning formula. Mira Costa, 28-20. Desmond: Valencia, 20-17.

* Lompoc at Westlake: The Prophet: The Warriors clear another hurdle on their way to defending the Division IV title. Westlake, 34-14. Desmond: Westlake, 38-7.

* Ventura at Royal: The Prophet: Ventura RB Tyler Ebell, who rushed for only 200 yards last week, gets back on the fast track in this quarterfinal. Ventura, 41-14. Desmond: Ventura, 34-0.

* Agoura vs. Dos Pueblos at San Marcos High: The Prophet: If Agoura can beat San Luis Obispo on the road, it can beat Dos Pueblos. Agoura, 27-14. Desmond: Agoura, 27-10.

* Buena at Arroyo Grande: The Prophet: If Buena can get past this tough road game, it’s clear sailing to the Division IV final. Buena, 30-21. Desmond: Buena, 44-17.

* Cathedral at Oak Park: The Prophet: Oak Park avenges last year’s 49-39 quarterfinal loss. Oak Park, 35-31. Desmond: Cathedral, 42-35.

* Bosco Tech at Frazier Mountain: The Prophet: The game could be decided by either team’s outstanding kicker--Jason Tompkins of Frazier Mountain or Michael Garciaparra of Bosco Tech. Bosco Tech, 34-31. Desmond: Frazier Mountain, 35-31.

* Nordhoff at Carpinteria: The Prophet: It’s tough to beat a good team twice. Carpinteria will find that out. Nordhoff, 37-20. Desmond: Nordhoff, 45-13.