Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 11:43 a.m.
All games 7 p.m.
4A Sunrise Region Semifinals
Desert Pines (8-2) at Foothill (7-3)
Eldorado (4-6) at Las Vegas (9-1)
4A Sunset Region Semifinals
Durango (9-1) at Centennial (7-3)
Cimarron-Memorial (3-7) at Cheyenne (5-5)
Saturday's game
2A State Semifinal
Pershing County (6-4) at The Meadows (10-0), 1 p.m.
As if the chance to play in a title game wasn't enough to motivate, the four teams in the 4A Sunrise Region semifinals will have some added incentive when they take the field tonight.
They will be playing for automatic berths in the upcoming 4A State Tournament.
With two spots in the four-team state event going to Sunrise teams, Las Vegas, Eldorado, Foothill and Desert Pines are just one win away from a trip to the "Big Dance."
"It's kind of a lucky year for our side, a chance to get two (berths), and that obviously makes the odds better to qualify," Foothill coach Ray Fenton said. "We're just trying to help them realize the opportunity they have. They're one win from qualifying for state."
The Falcons (7-3) will try to get that win against Desert Pines (8-2), a team they lost to twice in 2000. The Jaguars ended Foothill's season with a 31-21 win in round one of last year's playoffs.
"I know that hasn't set well with them for over a year now, so there's no question they have that incentive," Desert Pines coach Gary Findley said.
The Jaguars, who opened the year as the area's top-ranked team before suffering lopsided defeats to Durango and Las Vegas during the regular season, appear to be playing their best football now. Findley's squad opened the playoffs with a 31-28 win over a strong Chaparral team last week.
"Getting to state would be huge, but our kids have tunnel vision. They're focused on what's in front of them," Findley said. "Last year's team set the high-water mark with eight wins, and the question this year has been whether we can take it further."
The Falcons, who have battled injuries to key personnel all season, should be close to full strength tonight. Receiver Nate Wederquist returns after missing last week's 41-0 win over Rancho with a thigh bruise, and running back John Ford (back) and tackle Paul Lethbridge (knee) are healthy as well.
In tonight's other Sunrise semifinal, Las Vegas (8-1) hosts Eldorado (4-6) in a rematch of a 34-7 regular season victory by the Wildcats.
"They're obviously playing better now than they did at that point in the season, but we think we're improved too," Las Vegas coach Kris Cinkovich said. "It's real important we have some urgency on Friday nights the rest of the way."
Up against a Wildcats squad that has won nine straight since dropping its season opener to California's Las Costa Canyon, Sundevils coach Dave Castro recognizes his squad faces a tough task.
"Vegas is very sound, very disciplined," Castro said. "We'll have to play our best game, be very sharp, to have a chance."
In the Sunset Region, Durango (9-1) travels to Centennial (7-3) and Cheyenne (5-5) hosts Cimarron-Memorial (3-7). The winners will play next week, with the region's lone state berth at stake.
In 1998, a clerical error forced the school to forfeit 10 games, costing Gorman a chance to participate in the postseason. In 1999, the Gaels appeared on the brink of a championship, only to lose to South Tahoe 1-0 despite outshooting the Vikings 25-1. And last year, Arbelaez's club went out in the Sunset finals, falling to Durango 2-0.
So today, the Gaels (15-0-1) will take on Green Valley (16-0-3) in round one of the NIAA/U.S. Bank 4A State Tournament at Reed High School knowing full well they can take nothing for granted.
"I tell the kids, 'We've had some great teams, but it's not going to happen unless you guys work together,' " Arbelaez said. "When you press, things go against you, and that's what we've done in the past. You can have great players, but you have to play with heart to win."
In today's other semifinal, Chaparral (17-1-1) will square off with northern champion Reno (11-2-2). The winners will clash Saturday at noon for the state title.
* TIDBITS: Durango's Amy Schlauder (Southwest), Palo Verde's Tamara Kauliakamoa (Northwest), Silverado's Lacee Koelliker (Southeast) and Valley's Vitorina Tipoti (Northeast) have been named girls volleyball MVPs for their respective divisions by area coaches. Joining Schlauder and Kauliakamoa on the All-Sunset squad were: Centennial's Leslie Bell, Durango's Natalie Smart, Palo Verde's Nalei Piena and Gorman's Michele Cannella. Named to the All-Sunrise squad with Koelliker and Tipoti were: Green Valley's Jenn Todd and Kelsi Thoman, Silverado's Deanna Appuglise and Las Vegas' Ashley Ogle. Green Valley's Erin Hill and Palo Verde's September Bauer were selected as the coaches of the year. ... Durango's Mike Stoker has been honored as the Assistant Coach of the Year for District 7 by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association. Stoker was chosen among assistant coaches from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. ... Cheyenne quarterback Kevin Richardson and Foothill running back John Ford have been invited to participate in this year's U.S. Army All-American Bowl, slated for Jan. 5 in San Antonio, Texas. ... Gold Channel 33/Cox Cable Channel 6 will broadcast tonight's Desert Pines at Foothill football game Sunday at 7 p.m.
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