It took 12 perfect selections for Sunday's NFL games just to get into the Monday night tiebreaker at both the Pinon Plaza and the Carson Station for Week 7 of the Pro Picks contest.
Paul Croghan, 57, of Carson City won at the Plaza to claim first place winnings there of $250 and it is the first ever win for the former Carson High School football coach.
"I coached football at Carson High School for 10 years and now I coach golf and girls' basketball," said Croghan. "We've got a good girls basketball team and should do good this year."
Croghan also teaches geometry at CHS. He is married to Carmen and they have three children and three grandchildren.
"She doesn't play and this is only the second time I've played this year," said Croghan. "I've played maybe six or seven times over the years and never had a second or third before. I know the NFL and pick who I think will win. Better to be lucky than good .... I'll spread my winnings around with my family. It'll disappear in a hurry."
Kenneth Smart of Carson City took second at the Plaza to win $150 and third place and $100 went to CC's Robert Thompson. There were 984 entries at the Plaza.
-- First year player Alan Arroyo, 30, of Carson City took first place at the Carson Station to win his $250. He is married to Tara and he was born in Downey, Calif.
"Tara doesn't play, just me," said the happy winner. "I keep up with the teams and pick on that. I like underdogs. This year is tough to pick winners."
Arroyo works for First American Title Company as a title examiner. He's lived in Carson City since he was six months old.
"I've lived in Nevada my whole life and like it here," he added. "I'm going to Las Vegas in a few weeks and I'll put my winnings to good use there."
The husband/wife team of Ali and Phil Vitrano came in second and third at the Station. She was second and won $150 and he was third to win $100. They are Carson City residents. There were 1,021 entries at the Station.
-- Free entry forms are published daily in the Nevada Appeal Sports section. Complete rules are published every Friday and Sunday. Winners can claim their prize money at the gift shop where they won today after 10 a.m.