Shadow Ridge Mustangs quarterback Coen Coloma (8) and Shadow Ridge Mustangs running back Evan Cannon (42) celebrate after Cannon scores a touchdown during a 4A state title game against the Silverado Skyhawks at Allegiant Stadium Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 | 8:02 a.m.
The playoffs are technically here.
High school football teams across Southern Nevada will open the postseason Thursday with the initial round of elimination games, although every team qualified to participate.
Western hasn’t won a game this season. The Warriors over the last three weeks have been outscored 130-20, including Friday when they were defeated 48-6 by Rancho. It was Rancho’s only win of the season.
Yet, Western and Rancho have playoff games this week.
It’s a product of realignment that was passed in the spring to create more classifications with hopes of bringing a more even playing field. The new approach will yield five state champions in Class 5A through Class 3A — up from three last year.
The picks column went 19-1 last week and sits at 140-21 for the season. We’ll attempt to continue the momentum in the playoffs.
Class 5A, Division I
Shadow Ridge at Arbor View
Shadow Ridge erupted for 21 points in the fourth quarter when the teams met in the regular season. The Mustangs nearly beat Liberty last week. Arbor View isn’t the Arbor View many expected, losing its starting quarterback, top wide receiver and others to injury. The Aggies mustered just 17 points last week against Silverado. Shadow Ridge 27, Arbor View 20
Silverado at Liberty
All signs point to Liberty facing Gorman in two weeks for the state title — just as we expected. Liberty 43, Silverado 0
Coronado at Desert Pines
I’ve been high on Desert Pines for years. They’ve got some complete studs at the skilled positions. I would not want to play the Jags in an elimination game. Desert Pines 45, Coronado 15
Foothill quarterback Mason Dew (9) keeps the ball as Green Valley defensive tackle Shawn Mckeon (15) pursues during the first half of a high school football game at Foothill High School in Henderson Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Class 5A, Division II
Durango at Foothill
Losing to Basic last week helps Foothill refocus on the playoff mission. The Falcons are still the team to beat. Foothill 45, Durango 0
Las Vegas at Faith Lutheran
We saw this movie last week when Faith Lutheran beat Las Vegas by 35 points. Faith Lutheran 40, Las Vegas 7
Sierra Vista at Green Valley
Green Valley beat Sierra Vista last week thanks to a defensive touchdown and a kickoff return for a score. This game will be close. Green Valley 20, Sierra Vista 14
Class 5A, Division II
Spring Valley at Desert Oasis
Desert Oasis has confidence that it can make a playoff run. Desert Oasis 30, Spring Valley 16
Cimarron-Memorial at Clark
This game will come down to the wire. Cimarron 19, Clark 18
Chaparral players celebrate after defeating Eldorado 32-18 in a high school football game at Chaparral High School Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Chaparrals Elmer Sibrian (57) is at left.
Class 4A
Western at Somerset Losee
Losee, a second-year program, enjoys its first playoff win. Losee 49, Western 0
Pinecrest at Eldorado
Anyone have a coin? This should be the closest game of the week. Eldorado 27, Pinecrest 26
Del Sol at Chaparral
Nothing is easy for my Cowboys. Chaparral 25, Del Sol 23
Rancho at Mojave
Rattlers snap a two-game losing skid when it counts. Mojave 31, Rancho 13
Cheyenne at Bonanza
Props to the Bengals, who on Thursday night will have a winning record and playoff victory to its name. Bonanza 29, Cheyenne 8
Valley at Canyon Springs
Second verse, same as the first. Canyon Springs beat Valley 42-0 last week. Canyon Springs 42, Valley 0
Class 3A
Mater East at Boulder City
The Boulder City Eagles beat Mater East by nine points in early September. Look for a similar result. Boulder City 30, Mater East 22
Democracy Prep at Virgin Valley
I wouldn’t want to play a healthy Virgin Valley team in the playoffs. Virgin Valley 36, Democracy Prep 8
