Prep football picks: Rivalry week in SFL; FVL begins play

League play is heating up across the area, and this week brings no shortage of rivalries and high-stakes showdowns. Rocklin looks to snap a two-game skid in SFL play in the Quarry Bowl against Whitney, while Oak Ridge tries once again to solve Folsom in what's become one of the region's marquee matchups. Del Oro and Granite Bay meet in a trench war, Lincoln hosts Bear River in a PVL title tilt, and Twelve Bridges puts its unbeaten record on the line at Nevada Union. Here's how we see it shaking our: Whitney (2-3, 0-1 SFL) at Rocklin (3-2, 0-2) Jordan: The Wildcats are seeking their first Quarry Bowl win since 2015 and first victory over Rocklin since the 2019 postseason. Unfortunately for Whitney, the Thunder will be coming into this one angry after dropping their first two SFL games of the year. You can always throw the records out the window in rivalries, but I still think Rocklin takes it. Rocklin 31, Whitney 21. Matt: It would be hard to believe Rocklin losing three straight games, including a third one to their arch-rival. Rocklin 21, Whitney 12. Bill: I was only a little surprised by Rocklin's loss to Jesuit, to the point I almost - almost - kicked myself for not picking the Marauders. Back to normal this week for the Thunder, though. Rocklin 28, Whitney 13. Oak Ridge (4-1, 2-0 SFL) at Folsom (4-1, 1-0) Jordan: These are the top two teams in the area for a reason and for nearly two decades now, Oak Ridge has still struggled to clear the Folsom hurdle despite some close contests. This could be the best team the Trojans have had in a long time but unfortunately for them, it could also be Folsom's. I'll take the Bulldogs here. Folsom 35, Oak Ridge 27. Matt: I'm picking Folsom and I could be wrong, but I think this one will be close, unlike the two games a year ago. Folsom 31, Oak Ridge 29. Bill: At least Oak Ridge will make Folsom work a little for this one. Folsom 41, Oak Ridge 20. Del Oro (4-1, 1-1 SFL) at Granite Bay (4-2, 1-1) Jordan: While Bill is in mosh pits at Aftershock, I will watch the football equivalent of one with this game. Both teams have relentless rushing attacks and aren't afraid to get nasty in the trenches. Both of these teams look the part but are lacking that signature win that is seen with championship-level programs. When this rivalry is clicking, there are few better matchups to watch. Granite Bay 24, Del Oro 21. Matt: This one should be a nail-biter from start to finish. I've been on Granite Bay's wagon all year and a close loss to Oak Ridge is going to make me jump off. Granite Bay 28, Del Oro 24. Bill: Unless Aftershock security has to scrape me off the asphalt underneath I-5, I'll have to catch these highlights on the late-late-late TV news. Yo, it's my birthday, it's my birthday. Del Oro 28, Granite Bay 21. Colfax (1-4, 0-2 PVL) at Wheatland (4-2, 1-1) Jordan: Colfax might be 1-4, but it has showed plenty of flashes this season and this will be no easy contest for Wheatland. The Pirates will be angry after getting shut out by Lincoln last week, but never underestimate a desperate team. The Falcons need this one, but I think Wheatland grinds it out. Wheatland 17, Colfax 14. Matt: These games have been my downfall this season, picking games in which I don't cover their teams. I know if I pick Colfax, Wheatland will win and vice versa. Sigh. Wheatland 30, Colfax 20. Bill: Colfax needs to continue to grow this season, and this is a good test. Wheatland 34, Colfax 20. Bear River (4-2, 1-1 PVL) at Lincoln (4-1, 1-0) Jordan: This game will go a long way in determining the league title and the important thing for Lincoln is to not let the high of a big win last week allow them to get a false sense of security. I expect Bear River to bring it and give the Zebras everything they can handle, but I think Lincoln defends its home turf. Lincoln 31, Bear River 27. Matt: Lincoln has to win this game ... because that's who I'm picking. Lincoln 38, Bear River 13. Bill: Lincoln's blanking of Wheatland convinced me. Lincoln 28, Bear River 13. Woodcreek (5-0, 2-0 CVC) at Christian Brothers (0-6, 0-2) Jordan: Two teams on the opposite end of the standings here. I'll admit I never thought I would see the Falcons staring at an 0-6 start but now if they don't win out they will miss the postseason altogether. The Timberwolves just keep winning and I think they do so again here. Woodcreek 33, Christian Brothers 14 Matt: Woodcreek has struggled to put things together offensively the last two weeks. The Timberwolves break out of that struggle this week. Woodcreek 48, Christian Brothers 12. Bill: Sticking to my word with Woodcreek, and they ain't done me wrong yet. And yes, Oct. 3 really is my birthday. Woodcreek 38, Christian Brothers 28. West Park (3-3, 2-0 Metro) at Antelope (1-4, 1-0) Jordan: Antelope is much better than its 1-4 record shows, but the Panthers are starting to find their legs offensively. I don't see a reason why that stops here. West Park 38, Antelope 17. Matt: West Park looked very good, probably the best they've played all season, last week against Destiny Christian. I say that trend continues here. West Park 38, Antelope 13. Bill: West Park scheduled tough in the early season; now it's Metro time. West Park 42, Antelope 12. Roseville (4-1) at Yuba City (3-2) Jordan: Quarterback Mason Susnara made his season debut last week and if he stays healthy, the Tigers are good enough to win the FVL. Yuba City upset Roseville last year, but I don't think the Honkers will get them again. Roseville 41, Yuba City 27. Matt: Taking the road trip to Yuba City and winning a game on their home field is not the easiest thing to do, but the Tigers are getting healthy and won't be denied. Roseville 31, Yuba City 17. Bill: I've been so distracted by my alma mater to the south East Union (6-0) and my hometown Lathrop (4-1) I've neglected a bit studying our area and trying to catch Jordan. Not impressed with the Honkers' nonleague schedule. Roseville 35, Yuba City 21. Del Campo (2-3) at Placer (3-2) Jordan: Rule number one of high school football: Don't lose on homecoming, especially at a school that's more than 100 years old. With that logic, give me the Hillmen. Placer 40, Del Campo 17. Matt: Placer has had its ups and downs this season, but I can't see them losing this one. Placer 39, Del Campo 20. Bill: Nor can I, Matty. Hey Matty, did you know Friday is my birthday? Placer 44, Del Campo 18. Twelve Bridges (5-0) at Nevada Union (2-3) Jordan: I'm curious if it is Bill's birthday anytime soon. Nevada Union is always sneaky, especially at home with that Miner Magic on its side. Even with the supernatural powers on NU's side, I still have to go with the Rhinos to rage on here. Twelve Bridges 42, Nevada Union 20. Matt: Twelve Bridges. Hmmm, how will they do? They will win. That's what they do. Twelve B 50, Nevada Union 20. Bill: Down here at the bottom, I notice Jordan is gaining separation on me, to use a football term. Or to use an Aftershock term, I'm getting caught in a mosh. Keep those B-day cards and prizes coming; see you in the pit at Aftershock. And if someone falls down, pick them up. 12B 40, Nevada Union 29. Last week: Jordan 8-2, Bill 7-3, Matt 5-5 Overall: Jordan 44-14, Bill 40-18, Matt 35-23