Prep football: Top 10 teams in the Valley this week

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008 | 10:44 a.m.

So, which team is Southern Nevada’s top high school football team? The answer is simple — especially when you look at the first two weeks of games.

Cheyenne, which opened the season with convincing victories against Sierra Vista and Western, appears to be destined for greatness as its offense features numerous athletes who turn the gridiron into a track meet. The overall team speed makes Cheyenne an obvious choice for the top spot of the Home News’ weekly top 10 ranking.

Even though Sierra Vista and Western aren’t top-tier programs, the Desert Shields showed their offense is a step above — and ahead of — the competition. Plus, they have a long line of athletes who have proven to be difference makers.

The Northwest Division, often referred to as the ‘Black and Blue Division’ by the league’s coaches, has four teams in the ranking.

It’s a ranking that will surely change each week as the season progresses. High school football, you see, is full of weekly upsets — something that makes each fall memorable.

1. Cheyenne (2-0): Cheyenne has outscored opponents 102-6 in two games. Enough said.

2. Palo Verde (2-0): Palo Verde is playing with a chip on its shoulder after losing in the final minute of last year’s state semifinals. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers went undefeated.

3. Del Sol (2-0): Del Sol’s ball-control offense makes it an instant contender. It limited Chaparral to 11 plays in the second half last week.

4. Bishop Gorman (2-1): Gorman has pitched shutouts in winning its last two games. I still think the Gaels will successfully defend their state championship.

5. Silverado (2-0): Silverado’s offense is still coming together, but you have to like the ‘Hawks chances with defensive end Keenan Graham and athlete Michael Wadsworth leading the way. Wadsworth might be Southern Nevada’s most exciting player.

6. Las Vegas (2-0): The Wildcats have given up 75 points in their two victories, but they average 44 points per game and still have some of the valley’s top players. They’ll get healthy in a weak Northeast Division and be ready by the postseason to make another run at a Sunrise Regional crown.

7. Centennial (2-0): The Bulldogs might have the best defense in town — even better than Gorman’s.

8. Arbor View (2-0): The Aggies play in the state’s toughest league, but don’t be surprised if they finish near the top of the competitive Northwest Division. A thorough 52-7 victory against Durango last week confirms Arbor View, a fourth year school, has arrived.

9. Spring Valley (1-0): The Grizzlies are doing good things under first-year coach Kelly Murphy.

10. Basic (2-0): The Wolves have a pair of easy wins against sub-par competition, but will be 4-0 when they play Silverado Sept. 26.