Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | 11:57 a.m.
Palo Verde's football team has outscored opponents 150-12 in winning its first four games.
After beating the two schools expected to be their biggest challenge — a 25-0 win against Cheyenne Sept. 19 and a 34-6 victory at Del Sol Sept. 12 — the Panthers could easily coast into the postseason.
But they don't plan on becoming complacent.
"You never know what can happen," Palo Verde running back Chaz Thomas said. "We just have to play on and take it one game at a time. Coach (Darwin) Rost makes sure we don't get too overconfident. But we still have the confidence that we think we're No. 1 in the state."
After spending two weeks at No. 2 in the Home News weekly rankings, Palo Verde is an obvious choice for the top spot.
1. Palo Verde (4-0): Panthers already getting fitted for championship rings.
2. Bishop Gorman (4-1): Defending state champions gearing up for another run.
3. Las Vegas (3-1): Wildcats blanked Desert Pines Sept. 19.
4. Cheyenne: (3-1): Loss to Palo Verde drops Desert Shields in the rankings, but they still have one of the valley's top squads.
5. Arbor View (4-0): Aggies should finish near the top of the Northwest Division — not bad for a fourth-year school.
6. Del Sol (3-1): Del Sol got back on track Sept. 19 against Rancho, but still has several question marks on defense as it surrendered 39 points in the win.
7. Spring Valley (3-0): The Grizzlies travel to Bishop Gorman Sept. 26 for their biggest test of the season.
8. Silverado (3-1): The 'Hawks were upset 6-0 by Liberty Sept. 19, but they still have only given up 25 points in four games.
9. Legacy (4-0): Legacy, a third-year school, is playing like one of the Las Vegas Valley's top teams.
10. Liberty (3-1): Big win against Silverado propels Patriots into top 10.
Dropped out: Centennial; the Bulldogs dropped consecutive games, including blowing a two-touchdown lead at Legacy Sept. 19.
Sports Editor Ray Brewer can be reached at [email protected] or 990-2662.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy