PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Edison pulled it off, but Ben Bolch could not. Having hung on to defeat Servite during the regular season, the Chargers did it again last Friday night. But Bolch, having slipped by The Prophet in picking Week 1 games, got trounced in a rematch. In the Big Games, The Prophet was 4-0, including his headscratcher-of-an-upset, Kennedy over Villa Park. Bolch was 0-4. But enough Ben bagging. It’s Dan Arritt’s turn for a whuppin’.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Tustin vs. Loara at Glover Stadium, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Since Tustin only has 30-something players on its roster and several of its best go both ways, saying the Tillers have impressive depth sounds ridiculous. But it’s true. Every game, it seems, a different player gains rushing yardage at a double-digit rate. Last week it was Chris Chester, who popped for 104 yards in five carries. Loara has had a great run after opening 1-4, but the Saxons will be without top rusher Billy Chavez, who suffered a broken collarbone last week against Cerritos. Tustin 35, Loara 14

ARRITT SAYS: The race really begins this week for Tustin Coach Myron Miller. After backstroking through the Golden West League and getting a playful rematch with Foothill last week, he faces a Loara defense worth respecting. The only problem is Loara’s strength lies in its defensive secondary, and Tustin usually doesn’t throw the ball unless it’s third and a mile. Expect the Tillers to plow their way straight to the semifinals. Tustin 30, Loara 13

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Los Angeles Loyola vs. Edison at Orange Coast College, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Darryl Poston, meet Matt Ware. If you do end up going to USC and you do end up running the ball, you are likely to meet again. Ware will be the UCLA defensive back who keeps sticking his helmet in your ribs. For now, though, consider him a thorn in your entire team’s side. Ware, when he’s not patrolling from sideline to sideline on defense, is Loyola’s quarterback. And he’s a good one. Loyola 29, Edison 17

ARRITT SAYS: Orange County usually gets splashed with a cold dose of reality in Division I this time of year. Last week was no exception as five of the county’s strongest programs went 2-3 against non-county teams. Expect that trend to continue with the Chargers getting thumped by L.A.’s biggest parochial powerhouse. Loyola 42, Edison 25

Newport Harbor vs. Kennedy at Western HS, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Yes, Kennedy’s victory over Villa Park last week was a big upset by some accounts, but remember folks, you read it here first. Fighting Irish fans have learned to expect the unexpected. That said, Kennedy’s season ends here because it won’t be able to stop Newport Harbor’s physical running game. Newport Harbor 24, Kennedy 13

ARRITT SAYS: Kennedy looked mighty good while destroying Villa Park last week, but the Spartans were overrated all season. Newport Harbor is a different animal. The defending Division VI champions have a running game that should play keep-away with Kennedy’s no-huddle offense and a wily coach that always peaks his team at the right time of year. Newport Harbor 28, Kennedy 16

Fullerton at Brea Olinda, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Teams with balance usually last the longest in the playoffs. Stop the run and they pass. Thwart the pass and they run. Fullerton, with running back Ryan Murray, quarterback Michael Echaves and big-play receiver Daniel Fells, has that type of balance. The Indians also have a solid defense. Fullerton 21, Brea Olinda 14

ARRITT SAYS: This should tilt in favor of Brea Olinda, though the Wildcats aren’t as strong as they’ve been in the past few seasons, and quarterback Steve Stagnaro left last week’s game against Baldwin Park with an ankle sprain. It’s hard to imagine an injury like that would keep Stagnaro on the sideline against the Indians. That’s what tape is for. Brea Olinda 24, Fullerton 14

THE REST (1 point each)

* Mater Dei at Rialto Eisenhower, Friday: The Prophet: There are many reasons to like Ike in this one, an advantage in team speed being the best of the bunch. That said . . . Mater Dei, 22-21. Arritt: Eisenhower, 33-20.

* Esperanza at Fontana Miller, Friday: The Prophet: Coach Gary Meek seems fairly certain that Esperanza will have a better game plan against Miller than Santa Margarita did. Cocky? No. Confident. Esperanza, 24-14. Arritt: Esperanza, 24-20.

* Mission Viejo at Chino, Friday: The Prophet: Arritt, my guest, played for Mission Viejo Coach Bob Johnson when Johnson worked for El Toro. Coach, you forgot to teach him loyalty. Upset special. Mission Viejo, 19-17. Arritt: Chino, 21-10.

* Irvine at Lakewood Mayfair, Friday: The Prophet: Mayfair was fortunate to escape with a first-round victory over El Modena. No such luck this time. Irvine, 24-7. Arritt: Irvine, 30-17.

* Cypress at La Mirada, Friday: The Prophet: Cypress lost--by 30--to Loara. La Mirada, which already is 3-0 against county teams, is better than Loara. La Mirada, 42-14. Arritt: La Mirada, 32-16.

* University at La Habra, Friday: The Prophet: Winner of this one gets the booby prize: A semifinal matchup against top-seeded Western. La Habra, 18-14. Arritt: University, 16-14.

* South Hills at Valencia, Friday: The Prophet: When playoff matchups came out, the news was mixed for Valencia. The good: Getting Pacifica in the first round. The bad: The likelihood of this game. South Hills, 28-7. Arritt: South Hills, 28-7.

* Santa Paula vs. Orange Lutheran at CS Fullerton, Friday: The Prophet: Orange Lutheran has won eight in a row and its only losses are to ranked Division VI teams. Orange Lutheran, 42-14. Arritt: Orange Lutheran, 24-8.

* Ventura St. Bonaventure vs. Calvary Chapel at Westminster HS, Friday: The Prophet: Calvary Chapel’s best chance is to pray that the St. Bonaventure bus breaks down. The Seraphs are in a class by themselves. St. Bonaventure, 49-7. Arritt: St. Bonaventure, 40-20.

* San Bernardino Aquinas vs. Capistrano Valley Christian at Laguna Beach HS, Friday: The Prophet: I’m sure Capistrano Valley Christian is tired of reading about what happened last time it played Aquinas. Aquinas, 42-14. Arritt: Aquinas, 27-3.

* Covina at Western, Saturday: The Prophet: Against Buena Park, Western had four runners rush for at least 50 yards, and they all averaged at least 8.5 yards per carry. Western, 49-35. Arritt: Western, 55-17.

Season totals for The Prophet: 112-43 (72%) 202 points

Last week: 12-3 22 points

Season totals for the guests: 97-58 (62%) 163 points

Last week: Ben Bolch 7-8 7 points