Liberty wide receiver Germie Bernard (2) is forced out of bounds by Centennial’s Tyrone McCoy (5) during the 4A high school football championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. Liberty beat Centennial 50-7.
Monday, Aug. 16, 2021 | 12:56 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
We are back!
The high school football season begins Aug. 20 across the Las Vegas area. That means our Prep Sports Now podcast looking at the action also returns. It's been a long 19 months since our last show. We celebrate the return of high school football, and mention as many players as possible.
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As another high school football season gets underway in Southern Nevada, the Sun will once again provide some insight into each game and attempt to pick the winners.
It’s a longstanding tradition we look forward to, especially after the missed season in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis is ongoing and could impact the season.
Since Aug. 1, there have been about 100 self-reported cases among teachers, staff and students at high schools in the Clark County School District.
Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and memorable season. Hopefully, the picks — I went 172-39 in 2019 — provide some fodder for debate and extra interest in the games.
Spring Valley at Desert Oasis
In what appears to be an evenly matched contest, Desert Oasis will have a slight edge because it returns quarterback Tyler Stott. Stott will continue his strong play from 2019, when he passed for 2,100 yards and 26 touchdowns. Desert Oasis 27, Spring Valley 18
Arbor View at Liberty
The Arbor View defensive backs will be in for a long night chasing Liberty’s Germie Bernard. Look for quarterback Jayden Maiava and Bernard to connect on at least two long touchdowns. Liberty 34, Arbor View 10
St. Louis (Hawaii) at Bishop Gorman
Gorman, ranked No. 12 nationally, will make a statement. The Gaels, after all, have something to prove after their string of state championships was snapped in 2019. Bishop Gorman 45, St. Louis 6
Centennial at Shadow Ridge
Don’t call this an upset — the Mustangs are the real deal. Shadow Ridge 22, Centennial 17.
Green Valley at Canyon Springs
Anyone have a coin? This is the best game of the week. Canyon Springs 18, Green Valley 15
Desert Pines at Palo Verde
Desert Pines turns a close game at halftime into a three-touchdown victory. Desert Pines 35, Palo Verde 14
Boulder City at Western
Chalk one up for the Eagles. Boulder City 32, Western 6.
Virgin Valley at Del Sol
Virgin Valley hangs on for the win against a class 4A foe. Virgin Valley 26, Del Sol 24
Silverado at Durango
Good luck trying to slow down the Silverado rushing attack. Silverado 36, Durango 13
Legacy at Faith Lutheran
The Crusaders will make quick work of an inexperienced Legacy squad. Faith Lutheran 48, Legacy 11
Moapa Valley at Eldorado
Moapa Valley is my pick to win the 3A state title. The Pirates sure look like world-beaters in Week 1. Moapa Valley 41, Eldorado 0
Sunrise Mountain at Pahrump Valley
Rule No. 1 when picking games: Always take Pahrump at home. The commute is brutal for opposing teams. Pahrump 29, Sunrise Mountain 8.
Sierra Vista at Las Vegas
Credit the schedule makers for this evenly matched opener. Look for the Wildcats to pull away late. Las Vegas 22, Sierra Vista 14
Valley at Mojave
Here’s another game that’s too close to predict. Mojave 13, Valley 12
Cheyenne at Bonanza
And here’s a game that could be lopsided. Cheyenne 37, Bonanza 8.
Slam at Cimarron-Memorial
Cimarron is a significant step-up in competition for Slam, a third-year program. Cimarron 31, Slam 0
