PIGSKIN PROPHECIES

In an effort to pad his already commanding lead going into the final weeks of the regular season, The Prophet invited Craig Fertig to be the guest opponent this week. Fertig played quarterback at USC. He was an assistant coach at USC. Now he is a television analyst for Trojan games. So if he picks to USC’s recent form, expect Fertig to jump out to a big lead in the early games this week, then fold like a cheap suit. Last week, The Prophet was 11-4 and had a three-game--and three-point--edge over broadcaster Ed Arnold.

GAME OF THE WEEK (5 points)

Servite vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, Tonight

THE PROPHET SAYS: This rivalry between old Angelus League schools dates back to 1961. Mater Dei leads the series, 22-14-2. Servite’s last victory came in 1988. The winner of this one probably wins the first Serra League title, and that will be . . . Mater Dei, 30-14.

FERTIG SAYS: These schools have great tradition and football heritage. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching players from both schools. Among my favorites was Bruce Rollinson, who had an 11.6-yards-per-carry average on USC’s infamous 16 Duck play. You could always count on him to get open on our 901 Pass. I know he can also count on his players. Mater Dei, 21-14.

OTHER TOP GAMES (each 3 points)

La Habra at Fullerton, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Fullerton has won league titles three of the last seven years. La Habra hasn’t even been to the playoffs in seven years. We love an underdog. La Habra, 15-14.

FERTIG SAYS: Even though La Habra has Josh Herrera, my doctor and spotter on college football telecasts is Dr. Bob Francis, a longtime resident of Fullerton. So, for health and livelihood reasons, I have to go with the Indians. Fullerton, 28-13.

Laguna Hills at Aliso Niguel, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: There isn’t a bad football team in the Sea View League, which makes for prickly picking. Were it allowed, I’d pick a tie. Aliso Niguel, 14-13.

FERTIG SAYS: I used to house sit for my son and daughter-in-law down there when the Wolverines first started football. Aliso Niguel, 13-7.

Western at Valencia, Friday

THE PROPHET SAYS: Valencia might have the Orange League’s best defense, and Western certainly has an explosive offense. If--and let’s make that a capital IF--Western doesn’t beat itself with turnovers, the Pioneers run up a key victory. Western, 24-22.

FERTIG SAYS: I’ve seen enough turnovers on my broadcasts this season. They kill you more than some of the Prophet’s picks. Veteran Valencia Coach Mike Marrujo has never been one to look a gift horse--or a turnover--in the mouth. Valencia, 21-20.

THE REST (1 point each)

* Santiago at Garden Grove, Tonight: The Prophet: Santiago needs this one to make the playoffs. Garden Grove is on a collision course with Pacifica. Garden Grove, 23-21. Fertig: Santiago, 24-7.

* Fountain Valley vs. Los Alamitos at Long Beach Veterans Stadium, Tonight: The Prophet: Fountain Valley is much better than it showed last week in a loss to Marina. But not this much better. Los Alamitos, 35-21. Fertig: Los Alamitos, 42-28.

* Edison vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS, Tonight: The Prophet: Against Los Alamitos, Edison scored 36 points to Esperanza’s 10. Then again, the Chargers allowed 44 to Esperanza’s 14. Edison, 22-21. Fertig: Edison, 28-13.

* Pacifica vs. Los Amigos at Garden Grove HS, Friday: The Prophet: Pacifica--sorry Garden Grove--is the class of the Garden Grove League. Pacifica, 29-12. Fertig: Pacifica, 21-7.

* Cypress vs. Katella at Glover Stadium, Friday: The Prophet: Cypress, defending league champion, needs this one to stay in the playoff hunt. Cypress, 21-14. Fertig: Cypress, 14-7.

* Ocean View at Westminster, Friday: The Prophet: Some poor back judge is going to get a workout in this one. These teams throw, throw, throw. Ocean View, 35-28. Fertig: Ocean View, 31-17.

* Saddleback vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium, Friday: The Prophet: Two common opponents: Both beat University by a point. Santa Ana lost to Ocean View by six; Saddleback lost by seven. Santa Ana, 28-27. Fertig: Santa Ana, 38-28.

* Woodbridge at Newport Harbor, Friday: The Prophet: The Sailors, coming off two important league victories, need to be careful. Any letdown and they’ll be bailing water. Newport Harbor, 28-13. Fertig: Woodbridge, 20-13.

* Trabuco Hills at Mission Viejo, Friday: The Prophet: Trabuco Hills had won three in a row before getting routed by Dana Hills. Mission Viejo has won three in a row since opening 0-4. Mission Viejo, 14-7. Fertig: Mission Viejo, 20-13.

* San Clemente at Dana Hills, Friday: The Prophet: Dana Hills crushed Trabuco Hills and also has a victory over Santa Margarita it had to forfeit. The flip side: losses to Cypress and Huntington Beach. Dana Hills, 23-20. Fertig: San Clemente, 20-13.

* Newbury Park at Irvine, Friday: The Prophet: Newbury Park won impressively last week in its first game without Oregon-bound quarterback Chris Lombardo. Not this time. Irvine, 22-17. Fertig: Irvine, 14-10.