Coronado quarterback Aiden Krause (10) runs the ball as Shadow Ridge line backer Diego Madrid (22) chases after him during a game at Shadow Ridge High School Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 | 2 a.m.
We could have an upset or two on the horizon in this week’s high school football playoffs, and it might not come from a team you would expect.
Could Arbor View eliminate Liberty? And what about in the class 4A with Spring Valley at Las Vegas and Coronado at Basic?
Here is a look at this week’s picks, as we look at build off a 9-1 record last week to bring the season tally to 156-23.
Desert Pines at Bishop Gorman
This is not the best Bishop Gorman team in program history. That claim still belongs to the 2016 national champion squad. But this edition of Gorman football has been one of the program’s most dominant, outscoring six local opponents 407-0. They’ll continue to impress Friday in the regional semifinals, although Desert Pines won’t back down. Some of the Jags’ players — unlike many on other teams — aren’t intimidated. Desert Pines, in fact, will break Gorman’s shutout streak. Gorman 50, Desert Pines 7
Arbor View at Liberty
In the 20-year history of Liberty football, the Patriots have never lost a home playoff game. And they’ve played in plenty of meaningful elimination games in November, winning 10 regional championships. Yet, Liberty — aside from Gorman in 2019 — hasn’t faced many playoff contenders as dangerous as Arbor View. The Patriots will lean on its power running game with Isaiah Lauofo but could face a challenge against a strong Arbor View defensive line and standout linebacker Christian Thatcher. Arbor View has plenty of offensive weapons, including dual threat quarterback Michael Kerns and wide receiver David Washington. It likely won’t be enough against a Liberty team with more athletes, players such as Jayden Robertson and Landon Bell who are scoring threats in open space. Arbor View, just as in 2021, will keep it close until the end. Liberty 39, Arbor View 31
Virgin Valley vs Slam Charter
Slam has the better athletes, especially at quarterback and running back. But Slam lacks playoff experience, and most of Virgin Valley’s contributors had a hand in the Bulldogs’ run to the state championship game last year. This will be the best game of the week. Virgin Valley 20, Slam 19
Boulder City at Moapa Valley
Boulder City had plenty of success in Week 2 against defending state champion Moapa Valley but surrendered the lead in the final minutes of a tough loss. It won’t happen again. Moapa Valley doesn’t lose at home in November. They’ll represent Southern Nevada in next week’s state semifinals. Moapa Valley 21, Boulder City 8
Coronado at Basic
Upset of the week. Basic has the better team, its defensive line will be disruptive and coach Jeff Cahill knows how to win playoff games. Basic 23, Coronado 20
Sierra Vista at Silverado
I would love to see Silverado against Arbor View or Liberty, because many feel the Skyhawks would also beat those class 5A powers. Silverado 50, Sierra Vista 0
Spring Valley at Las Vegas
Las Vegas has many underclassmen in key spots, and the Wildcats aren’t strong on the line. But sophomore quarterback Elijah Espinoza and his receivers are as good as they come. That’s enough to advance to the next round of the postseason. Las Vegas 39, Spring Valley 19
Desert Oasis at Shadow Ridge
Shadow Ridge, on an eight-game winning streak, is well rested and ready for another playoff run. The Mustangs’ running game will be too much for Desert Oasis to hang with. Shadow Ridge 42, Desert Oasis 6
