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FIELDER’S CHOICES: Midway through, the Fieldies go to …

We've reached the unofficial halfway point of the prep football season, and I'm ready to hand out the Fieldies.

My midseason awards usually include a free lunch and a T-shirt for the winners, but I'm saving money for a new pair of Jordans, so no dice this year.

The envelopes, please …

Most Valuable Player — Biaggio Ali Walsh, Bishop Gorman. Muhammad Ali's grandson is second in the area with 828 yards, and the junior speedster is the Gaels' best running back since ... Nathan Starks? Shaquille Powell? DeMarco Murray?

Most Valuable Player (non-Gorman category) — Isaiah Morris, Desert Pines. The 5-foot-8-inch, 155-pound running back is averaging 11.4 yards per carry and has produced a handful of big plays in the Jaguars' three biggest wins.

Best reference to the TV show "The Goldbergs" by a public-address announcer — Foothill. "H-T-P! Hill Town Posse, where you at?"

Best Butt Punt — Centennial's Michael Neubeck, who gave his teammate a football enema with a punt during the first half of the Bulldogs' overtime victory against Palo Verde on Sept. 10.

My picks have been gold lately with three straight 7-1 records, and I feel pretty good about this week's slate.

Green Valley at Liberty — In a normal world, this would be a league game since both schools are located in Henderson. Instead, we get a five-star, nonleague game between two high-powered offenses. Good thing they decided to start the Thursday games at 7 p.m. this year, otherwise I would definitely miss curfew.

The Gators scored 22 straight points in the fourth quarter last week to rally past Palo Verde and might be able to exploit Liberty's Achilles' heel, which is pass defense. Yep, and I might be able to get a date for homecoming, too. ... Liberty by 10.

Coronado at Las Vegas — We're lucky this game is being played after Las Vegas was involved in a brawl during last week's win over Rancho. Then again, even if it was canceled, I have a sneaking suspicion we'll see this matchup during the postseason.

Coronado has won the past two meetings with the Wildcats, including a 34-13 pounding last season. The Cougars also have played the tougher schedule this season, and that makes my pick easy. ... Coronado by 3.

Mojave at Spring Valley — There's another mess brewing in the Division I-A Sunset League, and last season's craziness, when two teams with 4-3 league marks missed the playoffs, taught me that every game matters. The Rattlers and Grizzlies sit at 2-1 in league, and even Taco from "The League" could figure out the importance of this one.

Mojave must bounce back after losing to Faith Lutheran last week, while the Grizzlies are riding a two-game winning streak. I think the Rattlers are the better team, but this is a tough spot. ... Spring Valley by 3.

Arbor View at Desert Oasis — Mom went to the store the other day and bought me two avocados so I could make some guacamole. I love guac. The avocados looked the same, but when I cut them open, one was ripe and the other wasn't quite there yet. You see where I'm going with this?

The Aggies and Diamondbacks enter this Northwest League opener with identical 4-1 records. They look the same on the outside, but only one team is ready to go on top of my burrito. ... Arbor View by 17.

Silverado at Basic — C'mon, Skyhawks. We're like besties now. I went out of my way last week to praise you for your strong start to the season, and you've had an extra week to prepare for this game. Don't let me down, OK.

The Wolves stumbled out of the gate last week at Arbor View, and three interceptions later they had their first loss of the year. I expect Basic to bounce back, plus it's been good luck to pick against the Skyhawks. ... Basic by 8.

Canyon Springs at Foothill — I've studied the Pioneers and come up with only one definitive conclusion: When they rush for more than 100 yards as a team, they win. When they don't, like in the past two games, they lose.

On the topic of trends, the Falcons average 51 points per game against teams from Nevada and 6 points against teams from Utah. Last I checked, Canyon Springs isn't in the Beehive State, which makes this an easy choice. ... Foothill by 14.

Sierra Vista at Clark — OK, I get it. The Mountain Lions are on the road and have won just one game all season. But the Chargers' wins came against the anti-cream of the crop in Boulder City and Del Sol.

"Cat Scratch Fever" just came on in my old man's car. I think it's a sign. Give me the Mountain Lions … Sierra Vista by 6.

Bishop Gorman at Shadow Ridge — The Gaels take a break from beating up out-of-state teams to beat up on someone from Nevada. The only question is whether Kenny Sanchez's team will surpass the 80 points that Tony Sanchez's UNLV team posted last week. ... Gorman by 56.

Last week: 7-1, 6-1-1 (with points)

Season: 30-10, 27-12-1 (with points)

Contact Fielder at Fielder@nevadapreps.com. Follow him: @FielderNVP

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