News Summary

The high school football season in Southern Nevada begins with thrilling matchups including Faith Lutheran vs. Desert Hills and Las Vegas Wildcats vs. Palo Verde. Teams are set to compete, with players and fans eagerly anticipating the start of the season. The new playoff format aims to enhance competition this year. Get ready for an exciting night of football!

High School Football Season Kicks Off in Southern Nevada with Intriguing Matchups

Friday marks the start of the highly anticipated high school football season in Southern Nevada, with teams ready to hit the field for some exciting matchups. The energy is palpable as players and fans gear up for what promises to be a thrilling start to the season. All games are set to kick off at 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted, so get your snacks ready and be prepared to cheer!

Faith Lutheran vs. Desert Hills

First up is Faith Lutheran going head-to-head with Desert Hills in St. George, Utah. This game has a bit of a storyline, as Faith Lutheran enters the new season under the leadership of new head coach Jay Staggs, following the retirement of Mike Sanford last December. Last year, Faith Lutheran narrowly lost to Desert Hills 25-23, but they are hopeful for a better outcome this time around.

The Crusaders are bringing back a robust squad of 21 players from last year’s impressive 11-1 run and have a strong defensive lineup that many are excited about. Keep an eye on senior safeties Gavin Day, who has committed to Washington, and Matthew Mason, who is headed to BYU, along with wide receiver Aipa Kuloloia. Desert Hills finished last season with a solid 7-4 record, so expect a competitive clash on the field!

Las Vegas Wildcats vs. Palo Verde

Next, the Las Vegas Wildcats are ready to take on Palo Verde. The Wildcats ended last season with a 7-4 record, reaching the 5A Division III state semifinals, and they’re looking to pick up right where they left off. They will be relying heavily on senior quarterback Tanner Vibabul, who had an outstanding season last year with 1,827 passing yards and 25 touchdowns under his belt.

On the other side, Palo Verde struggled last season, finishing at 3-8 and returning just nine players from their previous squad. This disparity sets the stage for what could be a lopsided game, but in high school football, surprises often happen!

Sierra Vista vs. Durango

Another exciting matchup features Sierra Vista squaring off against Durango. The last time these two met, Durango emerged victorious in a tough defensive battle, winning 8-0. Last season, Durango finished with a 6-5 record and looks to maintain that momentum with returning stars like quarterback Maddex Peterson and running back Makai Miller.

Meanwhile, Sierra Vista is looking to rebound after a tough 2-8 season that caused them to drop from 5A Division II to 4A. Will they be able to rise to the occasion this time around? The football community is eager to find out!

Canyon Springs vs. Basic

At 7 p.m., Canyon Springs takes on Basic. Canyon Springs is making a big leap to 5A after an 8-6 season that saw them reach the 4A state title game, making them a team to watch. Basic, with senior quarterback Jayveon Rose, who put up 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, hopes to capitalize on their strengths.

Losee vs. Legacy

Also set for a 7 p.m. start, Losee goes up against Legacy. This game could be a nail-biter given both teams’ recent records. Losee is entering its first season in 5A with new coach Eugene Bousley, and they’ll rely on running back Kieran Daniel, who had a stellar season last year, racking up 1,446 rushing yards. Legacy counters with their own strong running back, Zaione Henderson, who amassed 736 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

New Playoff Format and Championship Outlook

This season also brings some changes, as the NIAA has introduced a new playoff rating system to determine qualifications for the Open Division, 5A, and 4A playoffs. With a survey utilizing metrics from MaxPreps, the NIAA rubric, and Harbin rankings, the new playoff format reduces the total state championship games from seven down to six, ensuring each classification from 5A to 1A has one championship match.

Looking ahead, Bishop Gorman is expected to be a frontrunner in the Open Division, currently ranked No. 3 nationally. The state championships are set for November 25 for Classes 5A-Open, 5A, 4A, and 2A, and will take place in Northern Nevada for Classes 3A and 1A on November 22.

As the high school football season kicks off, excitement and anticipation fill the air in Southern Nevada. Don’t miss your chance to catch these thrilling matchups and cheer for your favorite teams!

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