PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

Well, my first prediction about this week already has come true. My esteemed guest, veteran sportswriter and longtime county resident Paul McLeod wasted no time getting right to the whining. (See first pick and “no-win situation” quote, ad nauseam). Do people really think he is the Prophet? I’m hurt. Last year, McLeod lined up celebrity guests for the Prophet to rout. Now it’s his turn.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Mater Dei vs. Edison at Orange Coast College, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: This matchup featuring the county’s No. 1- and 3-ranked teams was born when Edison Coach Dave White called Bruce Rollinson, coach of the top-ranked Monarchs, and said, “Let’s do it.” Hey Dave, next year, if Rollinson returns the favor? Just say no! Mater Dei, 40-14.

McLEOD SAYS: Judging by the e-mails, many readers think I am the Prophet. Not true, so apologies to my long-time neighbor, Edison Athletic Director Bruce Belcher. Seems like half of Mater Dei’s student body lives on my block in North Huntington Beach. The South half of the city belongs to Edison. Picking this one is a no-win situation for me. Mater Dei, 34-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

Los Alamitos at Bellflower St. John Bosco, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: Both teams are undefeated and, in St. John Bosco’s case, there is a reason for that. It’s called a soft schedule. Los Alamitos blanked the Braves 28-0 last season, and while St. John Bosco is improved and playing at home, it still doesn’t quite measure up. Los Alamitos, 24-19.

McLEOD SAYS: I smell an upset. The Braves, ranked No. 9 in Division I, have rabid fans, a gritty, inhospitable campus field where Anaheim resident Kiki Mendoza, a former Brave, is turning his alma mater around. No. 6 Los Alamitos, a powerhouse two years ago, barely escaped the place with a tough win thanks to six Braves fumbles. It won’t escape this time. St. John Bosco, 21-17.

Valencia vs. Kennedy at Western H.S., Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Valencia lost the last time it played a highly ranked Division VI team. Kennedy’s Geoff Etherson has completed a modest 50% of his passes, but the completions go for an average of more than 19 yards. Kennedy, 24-18.

McLEOD SAYS: You have to love fiery Kennedy Coach Mitch Olson, who told Times’ reporters this year to stay away from his team because “you guys are like the Sports Illustrated jinx!” Apparently, the Prophet doesn’t think so. Neither do I. Kennedy, 17-13.

Loara vs. Villa Park at El Modena H.S., Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Loara, though off to a 1-2 start, is still among the best teams from the Empire League. For what that’s worth. Undefeated Villa Park, ranked No. 2 in Division VI, got a class test against Division II Trabuco Hills last week and passed with flying colors. Villa Park, 27-14.

McLEOD SAYS: The circumstances of this game remind me of a Rodney Dangerfield monologue. The Century League, represented by unbeaten Villa Park, doesn’t get much respect. The Empire’s Loara, once a Top 10 team, hasn’t been shown much respect so far. Loara Coach John deFries says he has a lot of respect for Villa Park. With all due respect to deFries, so do I. Villa Park, 21-10.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Rancho Alamitos vs. La Quinta at Bolsa Grande H.S, Tonight: The Prophet: La Quinta already has won one more game than it did all last season. The Aztecs might well have to settle for that. Rancho Alamitos, 34-12. McLeod: Rancho Alamitos, 24-0.

* Saddleback vs. Corona del Mar at Orange Coast College, Tonight: The Prophet: Saddleback has shown it can win. Corona del Mar hasn’t shown it can come close. Saddleback, 21-17. McLeod: Saddleback, 28-17.

* Huntington Beach at Mission Viejo, Tonight: The Prophet: You have to like Huntington Beach running back Russell Oschman, who takes a licking--50 carries last week--and keeps on ticking. But he’ll get gassed by Mission Viejo’s Robbie Dubois in this one. Mission Viejo, 30-17. McLeod: Mission Viejo, 14-10.

* Esperanza at Long Beach Jordan, Friday: The Prophet: OK, Esperanza, one more slip up and you join Western on my hit list. I pick you to win, you lose. I pick you to lose, you win. We try again. Esperanza, 31-14. McLeod: Jordan, 18-10.

* Foothill vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo H.S., Friday: The Prophet: Laguna Hills, which has lost consecutive heartbreakers, has way too much offense for Foothill, which didn’t score in double digits until Week 3. Laguna Hills, 31-13. McLeod: Laguna Hills, 24-12.

* Marina at Westminster, Friday: The Prophet: Akilah Lacey is a fine athlete, but Westminster is better with him at receiver or running back and Fidel Gonzales at quarterback. Now, will that switch do any good against Marina? No. Marina, 26-6. McLeod: Marina, 28-0.

* Ocean View vs. Costa Mesa at Newport Harbor H.S., Friday: The Prophet: Costa Mesa was lucky to beat winless--and up to last week, pointless--Westminster. A repeat performance results in a loss. Costa Mesa, 24-22. McLeod: Ocean View, 22-18.

* Western at Whittier Pioneer, Friday: The Prophet: Who thought this one up? The Pioneers vs. Pioneer. Western, top ranked in Division IX, survived the Prophet curse last week. Western, 56-0. McLeod: Western 48, Pioneer 0.

* Woodbridge vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills H.S., Friday: The Prophet: Coach Mike Milner probably figured his team, lacking in returning starters, would start slow. Time to pick up the pace. El Toro, 20-17. McLeod: Woodbridge, 17-10.

* Santa Margarita at Norco, Friday: The Prophet: Matt Leinart of Mater Dei finally had a big game last week. Maybe it’s time for Matt Dlugolecki to break out. Santa Margarita, 31-13. McLeod: Santa Margarita, 24-10.