Bishop Gorman running back Cam’ron Barfield jumps into the end zone for a touchdown during a game against Saint Louis High School (Hawaii) at Bishop Gorman Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021 | 2 a.m.
It’s going to be tough to top last week’s projections.
The picks column posted a 13-1 record in Week 1 of the high school football season in Southern Nevada, correctly pegging upsets such as Shadow Ridge knocking off Centennial and close wins like Desert Oasis over Spring Valley and Mojave taking down Valley.
The lone incorrect pick: Canyon Springs. The Pioneers scored on their initial possession and then lost to Green Valley, 39-6.
Regardless of the final scores, it was great to have competition after 90 weeks of inactivity because of the pandemic. Still, three games were canceled because of at least one positive COVID-19 test within a program, and at least one other game was in question late in the week.
Here’s wishing all programs a safe remainder of the season. And onto the picks:
Chaparral at Green Valley
The Gators will have the best player on the field — and not just this week — in Anton Keeling. They also have a threat in the kicking game with Damon Bischoff, who hit a 54-yarder last week. Green Valley 44, Chaparral 8
Faith Lutheran at Arbor View
I’m going against one of my theories of always taking the team that played in Week 1 against the team that was idle. Arbor View will likely still be banged up from its opener with Liberty. Faith Lutheran 27, Arbor View 19
Bishop Manogue at Bishop Gorman
Reno vs. Las Vegas. We’ve seen this movie before, and it never gets old. Bishop Gorman 49, Bishop Manogue 0
Shadow Ridge at Silverado
Could this be a state championship game preview? If so, Shadow Ridge wins the trophy. Shadow Ridge 28, Silverado 25
Centennial at Durango
Centennial is young and talented. Expect a significant jump in the second week of the season. Centennial 37, Durango 18
Foothill at Desert Pines
Desert Pines has too many playmakers on offense. This one could get ugly. Desert Pines 47, Foothill 6
Eldorado at Virgin Valley
Virgin Valley had the benefit of the spring season, and it surely showed last week. Bulldogs keep rolling. Virgin Valley 41, Eldorado 8.
Canyon Springs at Liberty
I’d rather see this game next month when Canyon Springs is at full strength. Liberty 42, Canyon Springs 0
Palo Verde at Sierra Vista
The Palo Verde offense shows signs of life. Palo Verde 34, Sierra Vista 12
Desert Oasis at Del Sol
The Diamondbacks won’t have to settle for field goals this week. Desert Oasis 31, Del Sol 6.
Coronado at Basic
Coronado feels it has a chance to win the class 4A state championship. That projection might be a little premature, but the Cougars are heading in the right direction. Coronado 31, Basic 14
Valley at Boulder City
Boulder City put up a 50-spot last week. Boulder City 43, Valley 18
Cimarron-Memorial at Spring Valley
Anyone have a coin? This will be a defensive struggle. Cimarron-Memorial 13, Spring Valley 12
Mojave at Sunrise Mountain
Mojave’s Zaquon Henderson is the best running back you have never heard of. Watch out. Mojave 45, Sunrise Mountain 0.
Pahrump Valley at Rancho
If this game were in Pahrump, I'd take the Trojans by three touchdowns. Rancho 27, Pahrump 23
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to include a prediction for the Pahrump Valley at Rancho game. | (August 25, 2021)
