15, 5… and the NFL for 10/2/09

I was 19-16 last week with all my picks – not bad but not necessarily good either. I was 9-6 with my high school picks, 3-2 with my college picks and a ghastly 7-8 with my NFL picks. Let’s see if I can’t do better this week.

HIGH SCHOOL:

Riverside North at Riverside King – Senior running backs Sadale Foster (5-foot-8, 190 pounds) and E.J. Schexnayder (6-0, 215) continue to lead the Huskies (2-1), who are coming off a 41-21 non-league loss to L.A. Crenshaw last week. Junior RB Todd Handley (5-9, 175) sets the pace for the Wolves (1-2), averaging 143 rushing yards and two touchdowns per game. North’s combination of size and strength will prove too much for King. NORTH 31, KING 21.

Riverside Poly at Corona Santiago — Junior RB Jaron Farmer (5-10, 170) is averaging 107 rushing yards and two TDs a game for the Bears (2-1), who are coming off a 42-23 non-league loss to Riverside Arlington. Senior RB Derrick Hawkins (5-11, 205) and senior QB Brandon Connette (6-2, 190) lead a balanced offensive attack for the Sharks (1-2), who have lost two consecutive after winning their season opener. As close a game as there’ll be tonight. SANTIAGO 20, POLY 18.

Eastvale Roosevelt at Corona Centennial — The Mustangs (3-0) have surprised many this season. Led by sophomore QB Aaron Crone (6-0, 180), Roosevelt has averaged nearly 450 total yards per game in posting non-league victories over Torrance, L.A. Westchester and Bloomington. Junior QB Michael Eubank (6-5, 250) is averaging 162 total yards a game for the Huskies (2-1), who defeated Clovis West 41-23 in Week 3. In a matchup that could ultimately determine the Big VIII League title, Centennial’s experience in big games will be the difference. CENTENNIAL 38, ROOSEVELT 32. 

Redlands East Valley at Rialto Eisenhower — Senior QB Tyler Shreve (6-4, 225) produced some heroics in Week 3, leading the Wildcats (3-0) to a last-second touchdown and a 20-14 victory over Orange Lutheran. The competition should ease some as they begin Citrus Belt League play. Senior QB Richard Redd (6-2, 195) commands the offense for the Eagles (3-0), who have been outscored 141-59 thus far. Redd is averaging 295 total yards per game. REV 42, EISENHOWER 12.

Riverside Arlington at Moreno Valley Rancho Verde — Junior RB Superiorr Reid (6-3, 215) has been pretty good this season, averaging 135 rushing yards and two TDs through three games for the Lions (3-0), who seem to score most of their points after halftime and are only averaging  close to 33 per game. Conversely, the Mustangs (3-0) have averaged 47 points per game and have had little trouble scoring in all quarters in non-league wins over L.A. Freemont, Yucaipa and Murrieta Valley. RANCHO VERDE 31, ARLINGTON 20.

Perris Citrus Hill at Banning — The streak continues as the Hawks (3-0), led by the powerful running of senior Deontae Cooper (6-1, 205),  take 30 consecutive victories on the road. Cooper has run for 887 yards (295 per game average) and 10 TDs. Senior QB Derron Smith (5-11, 176) is averaging 170 rushing yards and 106 passing yards per game and has nine total TDs for the Broncos (2-1), who have won two consecutive. CITRUS HILL 37, BANNING 23.

San Jacinto vs. Riverside Notre Dame – Senior QB Nigel Barksdale (5-10, 16) has passed for 536 yards, rushed for a team-high 281 yards and have 10 total TDs for the Tigers (3-0), who haven’t been challenged this year, outscoring opponents 134-44 thus far. Senior QB Chris Lopez (6-0, 180) and senior TE/LB Jake Duncan (6-0, 225) lead the Titans (3-0), who are coming off a 27-10 win over Desert Hot Springs. Lopez and Duncan have connected for five touchdown completions. I’m covering this game so I will not be predicting an outcome.

Upland at Bloomington — Junior QB Justin Nunes (5-11, 175), whose older brother, Josh, is now a freshman at Stanford, splits time under center with senior Harrison Stewart (6-1, 180). Nunes has more completions (23 to 20) but Stewart has thrown each of the Highlanders’ (4-0) four touchdown passes. Junior RB Edward Randolph (5-8, 210) has run for 395 yards and four TDs for the Bruins (2-1), who are coming off a 51-0 loss to Eastvale Roosevelt. UPLAND 27, BLOOMINGTON 24. 

La Quinta at San Bernardino Cajon — Junior RB Chyl Robinson (6-0, 178) sees the ball a lot (61 of 117 team rushes) but has yet to score for the Blackhawks (1-2), who have one of the toughest non-league schedules in the Inland Empire. La Quinta defeated Corona Santiago in Week 1 before losing to Colton and Norco in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively.  The Cowboys (2-1), who hit a speed bump in Week 3 in losing 20-0 to Fontana Kaiser, are led by senior QB Thomas Carter (5-10, 175). Despite last week’s loss, Carter is still averaging 253 total yards per game and has 11 total TDs this year. CAJON 22, LA QUINTA 19.

Ontario Chaffey at Colton — Senior RB Ronald Douglas averages 178 yards and nine points per game for the Tigers (2-2), who are coming off a 34-7 non-league victory over La Puente Nogales. Senior RB Derrick Malone (6-2, 205) leads the Yellowjackets (2-1) with 280 rushing yards on 27 carries (10.4 average). COLTON 17, CHAFFEY 7. 

Temecula Great Oak at Elsinore — Senior QB Bubba Luna (6-0, 180) is a run-pass threat for the Wolfpack (3-1), whose only loss came to Perris Citrus Hill in Week 2. Senior RB Jon Maricic (5-10, 225) has run for 618 yards (154 per game average) and five TDs for the Tigers (4-0), who are off to one of the better starts in school history. ELSINORE 26, GREAT OAK 21.

Chino at Etiwanda — Things couldn’t get much worse for head coach Greg Setlich and the Cowboys (0-3), who have scored just 16 points this season. Senior QB Angel Santiago (5-10, 173) has passed for 598 yards and has a team-high 275 rushing yards and 10 total TDs for the Eagles (2-1), who are coming of 10-point loss to Norco in Week 3. ETIWANDA 42, CHINO 6.

Rancho Cucamonga Colony at Fontana Kaiser — Senior RB Jamil Austin (5-9, 180) has run for 512 yards and four TDs for the Titans (3-1), who are riding a three-game winning streak. Defense is name of the game for the Cats (2-1), who are coming off a shutout victory over San Bernardino Cajon and have held teams to just over 10 points per game. KAISER 18, COLONY 14.

Mission Viejo at Murrieta Valley — The second-to-last of the big Orange County vs. Inland Empire matchups of the non-league season. The Diablos (4-0) are led by three solid seniors (QB Dallin McEwen, RB Exavier Edwards and WR Joey Branker) who have helped the team average 42 points per game. Senior QB Nathan Matlock (5-10, 175) has thrown for 871 yards and eight touchdowns, and senior RB A.J. Moore (5-11, 190) has run for 334 yards and six touchdowns to lead a balanced offensive attack for the Nighthawks (2-1), who are coming off 56-3 blasting of Hemet in Week 3. MISSION VIEJO 24, MURRIETA VALLEY 17.

Anaheim Servite at Temecula Chaparral — The last of the big O.C. vs. I.E. matchups of the non-league season. The Friars (3-1) are coming off a lopsided 23-9 loss to Huntington Beach Edison in Week 3 but this is still the same team that has beaten state powers Long Beach Poly and Fresno Clovis West THIS SEASON.  Senior QB Mitch Glasmann has thrown for 812 yards and 10 TDs — six to junior WR Antoine Arnold (6-5, 185)  – to lead the Pumas (2-1), who are coming into the game with consecutive victories. CHAPARRAL 45, SERVITE 42.

COLLEGE:

No. 4 LSU at No. 18 Georgia — The Tigers (4-0 overall, 2-0 SEC) got a scare last week as the offense sputtered. Les Miles says he expects a better result this week. Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson has been getting better every game but lacks consistancy on every drive. The Bulldogs (3-1, 1-0) have superb talent on offense in senior QB Joe Cox and spohomore WR A.J. Green and have been able to out-score every opponent thus far sans Oklahoma State. They need every point they can get because their defense is so inexperienced that it’s prone to exposure. I see a lot of incomplete passes and one or two big plays in this one. LSU 24, GEORGIA 13.

UC Davis at No. 5 Boise State — I’m not going to pretend to tell you why I think this game’s important from any other standpoint than a scenario where the Broncos (4-0 overall) lose to the Aggies (1-2). Boise State is looking so far ahead of this game that they can see their own funerals if they’re not careful to focus on every team — even UC Davis. Interesting fact: Boise State coach Chris Pedersen played quarterback at UC Davis in the mid-’80s. BOISE STATE 49, UC DAVIS 0.

No. 7 Southern Cal at No. 24 California — The loss of Stefan Johnson from this game looms large. It’s just such a weird, freak thing but if any football team can survive the loss of it’s No. 1 running back it’s the Trojans (7-1 overall, 1-1 Pac-10), who have three or four No. 1 running backs. There’s junior Joe McKnight and seniors C.J. Gable and Allan Bradford and don’t forget about senior fullback Stanley Havili. Southern Cal will be fine. (Northern) Cal (3-1, 0-1), on the other hand, is heading south for the fall semester. They got the mean beatdown last week at Oregon (42-3) and I don’t think they’ll recover so soon. Their offensive talent is impressive (QB Kevin Riley, RB Jahvid Best) but their defense is shell shocked. SOUTHERN CAL 32, CALIFORNIA 17.

No. 8 Oklahoma at No. 17 Miami — Let me first say that this is a GREAT non-conference game — two of the biggest names ever in college football squaring off in prime time. Will the game live up to the hype? It would be better if Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford was healthy enough to play for Oklahoma (2-1 overall) but instead we’ll get that touted Landry Jones-Jacory Harris showdown we’ve all been waiting for. To his credit Jones has shown quality, completing more than 70-percent of his pass attempts. Harris had been good-to-great for Miami (2-1) up until last week against — when he was swallowed whole by the Virgina Tech defense. Oklahoma’s defense is surely just good. OKLAHOMA 36, MIAMI 21.

Washington State at No. 16 Oregon — The Ducks (3-1 overall, 1-0 Pac-10) have been on a rolercoaster this season. First comes the loss to Boise State and on the heels of that the ”Punch Heard ‘Round the Gridiron.” And all hopes were lost. Senior RB LeGarrette Blount was permanantly suspended from football and guess what? The Ducks win three consecutive games, including last week’s 39-point beatdown of California. Now there’s talk that Blount’s suspension may be lifted because, heck, there’s a Pac-10 title at stake (all of a sudden). Washington State (1-3, 0-2) won’t stand in their way. OREGON 40, WASHINGTON STATE 10.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE:

Baltimore (EVEN) at New England — I’m watching this game right now so I shouldn’t really try predicting  the result considering I already have a look at both teams. The Ravens (3-0) are still ferocious on defense but the Patriots (2-1) are tough at home so I’ll give them the nod. PATRIOTS 27, RAVENS 23.

Tampa Bay (-6) at Washington — A yuck-fest from the get-go. The Buccaneers (0-3) are an abysmal bunch while the Redskins (1-2) aren’t any better. The return of RB Clinton Portis could be enough to get Washington that extra six points. REDSKINS 12-BUCANEERS 6.

Tennessee (+3) at Jacksonville — The Titans (0-3) have been shaky; the Jaguars (1-2) have been no great shakes. I’m inclined to think the Jaguars will play at a higher level a home. JAGUARS 27, TITANS 14.

Oakland (-8) at Houston — The Raiders (1-2) should still looking for a QB because JaMarcus Russell doesn’t look like one. I think so and now even former Raiders’ back-up Jeff Garcia agrees with me. The Texans (1-2) lack any consistency at this point but should take it to Oakland defensively. TEXANS 34, RAIDERS 10.

Detroit (-9.5) at Chicago — I’d take the under here because this game reeks of game-ending field goal. The Lions (1-2) really have something in QB Matthew Stafford. The Bears (2-1) will fighting for every inch this year and this is a game at home they HAVE to win. BEARS 27, LIONS 24.

Cincinnati (+10) at Cleveland — The Bengals (2-1) seems to have things together at the moment while the Browns (0-3) look a disaster. WR Chad Ochocinco has the dumbest name in all of sports. BENGALS  31, BROWNS 14.

Seattle (-9) at Indianapolis — Oh boy. This does not look like a winnable game for the Seahawks (1-2), who seem to be getting worse and not better. The Colts (3-0) looks like they’ve found quality in RB Donald Brown. COLTS 35, SEAHAWKS 24. 

N.Y. Giants (+9.5) at Kansas City — The Giants (3-0) are rolling and the bus will only stop long enough for a quick beatdown in Kansas City. The Chiefs (0-3) haven’t been good since Marty Schottenheimer left town. GIANTS 47, CHIEFS 10.

N.Y. Jets (-2.5) at New Orleans — The marquee matchup this weekend, in my opinion. The Jets (3-0) and Broadway Carlos look like a match made in the tabloids. The Saints (3-0) are the new “Fastest Show On Turf.” SAINTS 27, JETS 21.

Buffalo (+2) at Miami — When I was a kid this game was one of the best in the NFL. Jim Kelly vs. Dan Marino. Now it’s Trent Edwards vs. Chad Pennington, I mean, Chad Henne, and it just doesn’t feel the same. I’d rather watch preseason hockey. BILLS 24, DOLPHINS 13. 

Dallas (EVEN) at Denver –It’s a shame the Cowboys (2-1) aren’t favored on the road against such a talent-less team. It’s a Mile High miracle that the Broncos are 3-0. Is Josh McDaniels really that good or are we all being fooled by smoke and mirrors? Not anymore. COWBOYS 35, BRONCOS 16.

St. Louis (-8.5) at San Francisco — The Rams (0-3) have no where to go but up, which is a scary thing for a team trying to get the top. The 49ers (2-1) are coming off last week’s fraud but Mike Singletary seems to have everyone going in the same direction. 49ERS 17, RAMS 12.

San Diego (EVEN) at Pittsburgh — The NFL is obviously trying to market this game as the premier rivalry in the game. I still don’t like it as much as San Francisco-Dallas but it’s growing on me. The Chargers (2-1) had a tough time with the Raiders in their opener but have been in lock-step since. Now LaDainian Tomlinson returns. Is he close the end of his career? The Steelers (1-2) haven’t looked awful but the loss of S Troy Polamalu clearly hurts more than just on the field. A big, prime-timeready audience will be ready to cheer on the home team but I think San Diego goes into the ‘Burgh and steals one. CHARGERS 24, STEELERS 21 

Green Bay (-2) at Minnesota — How do you spell whoop-de-doo? I’m so sick of Brett Favre that he’s on two of my fantasy football teams because he’s still better than all but about five dudes. I almost have to like this guy this season and it’s turning my stomach. The Packers (2-1) get their first teal chance to prove their so over No. 4. The Vikings (3-0) are attempting to state their case for best team in the NFC. Cue Favre with the magic. VIKINGS 21, PACKERS 17.