Members of the Basic High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on July 20, 2023. They include, from left, Antoine Taylor, Robert Wren and Zuri Whiters.
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 | 7:28 a.m.
This week’s slate of high school football games was supposed to be one to remember: Arbor View against Bishop Gorman, and Liberty versus Desert Pines in a battle of the state’s unquestioned top four teams.
But forfeits issued as punishment for a postgame fight last week between Arbor View and Desert Pines wiped away the slate, bringing new contenders for the game of the week.
The best game: Basic at Las Vegas.
It’s always a fun night when two of the original high schools in Southern Nevada reunite for a game, and arguably, Las Vegas and Basic are two of the most historic institutions. Many games were played in the 1950s, 60s and beyond once Basic opened in Henderson during World War II.
I remember a game in the early 2000s, when Cliff Frazier’s Basic Wolves gave the state power Las Vegas Wildcats an unexpected close game. Chris Montano — still the best athlete I’ve covered in more than 25 years on the job — was an underclassman and put up a great fight. Las Vegas, like they did every Friday night back then, found a way to win.
Enough reminiscing.
It’s time for the picks, which improved to 74-17 on the season with a 17-1 effort last week. Note: I gave myself credit for Arbor View’s 28-27 double overtime win against Desert Pines, even though it was later ruled a double forfeit.
Rancho at Centennial
I hate that this game is on television. Centennial 47, Rancho 0
Shadow Ridge at Silverado
Another great game between the former Class 4A powers. Shadow Ridge 27, Silverado 22
Clark at Cimarron-Memorial
Cimarron-Memorial wins third straight game. Cimarron 22, Clark 19
Sunrise Mountain at Eldorado
Sunrise Mountain, with a 4-1 record, will be a team to reckon with in the playoffs. Sunrise Mountain 32, Eldorado 20
Basic at Las Vegas
There’s something special when original Southern Nevada high schools play. Basic 25, Las Vegas 20
Coronado at Palo Verde
Coronado is getting better each week. Coronado 30, Palo Verde 13
Mojave at Bonanza
Anyone have a coin? Mojave 13, Bonanza 12
Spring Valley at Legacy
I have a high opinion of this Legacy team. Legacy 34, Spring Valley 7
Del Sol at Canyon Springs
Canyon Springs remains undefeated. Canyon Springs 25, Del Sol 15
Foothill at Sierra Vista
There’s no stopping the Foothill offense. Foothill 41, Sierra Vista 11
Durango at Green Valley
This is Green Valley’s first home game since Aug. 18. Green Valley 19, Durango 14
Chaparral at Valley
Cowboys have a Cleat Game hangover in slow start. Chaparral 27, Valley 13
Somerset Losee at Cheyenne
Somerset Losee has more than held its own against established program. Somerset Losee 46, Cheyenne 0
SLAM Nevada at The Meadows
Officials, sadly, got realignment wrong by placing The Meadows in the Class 3A. SLAM 48, The Meadows 12
Boulder City at Virgin Valley
Could Virgin Valley be the team to beat in the Class 3A? Virgin Valley 43, Boulder City 11
Moapa Valley at Mater East
Moapa Valley continues to gain momentum. Moapa Valley 39, Mater East 13
