Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school football:

Palo Verde returns to roots for victory over Cimarron-Memorial

Las Vegas Sun HS Football Media Day 2017

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Palo Verde High School football team, from left, Nick Zuppas, Daniel Bellinger and Chamere Thomas pose for a portrait at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day August 2, 2017, at the South Point.

Prep Sports Now

Rivalries galore

Hammer, bell, bowl, bulls, roses and more. Ray Brewer and Case Keefer discus the numerous rivalry games taking place across the valley in this week's slate of high school football games.

Palo Verde showed no mercy in piling on the points against Cimarron-Memorial Friday night.

The Panthers struck early and often, letting their running game overwhelm the Spartans in an important 41-6 victory.

“It was an old-school Palo Verde win,” coach Joe Aznarez said.

By that, he means the Panthers followed a workhorse running back and an ingenious game plan by defensive coordinator Charlie Jarvis. Senior Chamere Thomas fulfilled the former role, as he has all season.

Thomas scored two touchdowns and went for well more than 100 yards. Ryan McCormick also scored two touchdowns.

Palo Verde even showed some balance, with senior quarterback Nick Zuppas crossing the century mark in passing, including a touchdown strike to senior tight end Daniel Bellinger.

The victory keeps Palo Verde’s playoff hopes alive and sets up a massive showdown with Shadow Ridge next week.

“We knew if we won this, we controlled our own destiny,” Aznarez said. “We’re focused on winning out.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer