High school football top 10: Late start to season didn’t hurt Arbor View, Palo Verde

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Now that all Southern Nevada high school football teams have played at least one game — yes, it was a bit strange waiting until the second week of September for some schools to kick off — we return with our weekly top 10.

Two of the teams that started their seasons last week, Arbor View and Palo Verde, showed they’ll be near the top of the rankings all season. Palo Verde’s offense produced nearly 50 points against Legacy, and Arbor manhandled Centennial in the trenches.

We can’t forget about Coronado, which knocked off Green Valley in the upset of the week. The Cougars, which weren’t ranked in the preseason, find themselves at No. 8 this week. Green Valley falls to No. 9.

Here are the rankings.

1. Bishop Gorman (3-1): Junior running back Russell Booze went from an unknown to having a nearly 200-yard rushing day. He’s yet another weapon for the four-time defending state champion Gaels. Up next: Saturday at Bergen Catholic (N.J.)

2. Palo Verde (1-0): A Palo Verde quarterback passed for more than 300 yards last week, which is easily one of the best passing performances in the program’s 15-year history. For Palo Verde, which was a run-first team in seasons past, that kind of offensive balance makes it downright dangerous. Real dangerous. Up next: Friday at Green Valley

3. Arbor View (1-0): Arbor View hasn’t been past the Sunset Regional semifinals in school history. If the Aggies play like they did last week against Centennial, that streak will end. Up next: Friday at Coronado

4. Liberty (1-2): It’s tough to get a pulse on Liberty because its two defeats have come against quality national opponents. The three-time Sunrise Region champions should be battle-tested for games later in the season as they defend their crown. First, they have an out-of-state game against a nationally ranked team. Up next: Friday vs. Hamilton (Ariz.)

5. Canyon Springs (2-0): Canyon Springs battled for a one-point victory in overtime two weeks ago against Coronado and last week easily handled Cheyenne. After Green Valley’s struggles last week, the Pioneers should be considered the Northeast League favorites. Up next: Friday at Basic

6. Las Vegas (2-0): The Wildcats have scored 117 points in two games. Yes, they are back. Up next: Friday at Rancho Verde (Calif.)

7. Moapa Valley (4-0): The Pirates turned the biggest test on their schedule into another lopsided victory, giving up just six points in an easy win against Mojave. Up next: Friday vs. Pahrump Valley

8. Coronado (1-2): Coronado is the only new team in the top 10, earning its spot among Southern Nevada’s elite by knocking off then-No. 3 Green Valley last week. Coronado might have young and inexperienced players, and coach Brad Talich’s team might be one year away from making a serious run, but they showed last week they’ll be a threat on Friday nights. Nobody will want to play the Cougars in the playoffs. Up next: Friday vs. Arbor View

9. Green Valley (1-2): Green Valley didn't score in the second half of its loss against Coronado, falling victim to untimely mistakes. But don't worry; the Gators will still be a threat at the end of the season. Up next: Friday vs. Palo Verde

10. Legacy (1-1): Casey Hughes rushed for more than 250 yards and three touchdowns last week against Palo Verde. That kind of success against one of the state’s perennial powers is rare. It’s also why Legacy will be in the mix all season. Up next: Thursday at Mojave

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.