High School Football Picks: Week 1

Projecting the outcome of high school football games in Southern Nevada is a weekly tradition at the Las Vegas Sun. 

And we love that our analysis is talked about by players and coaches, some of whom plaster it on the locker room walls for motivation.

The picks are usually pretty accurate. The column went 174-27 last year — an amazing 87%.

The picks:

Kahuku Hawaii at Bishop Gorman

Kahuku has to battle the time change, Las Vegas heat and Gorman’s star-studded roster. Easy opening night win for the Gaels. Gorman 43, Kahuku 8

Palo Verde at Las Vegas

A rematch of the 2004 state title game will have the same result — Palo Verde beats Las Vegas. Palo Verde 23, Las Vegas 11

Basic at Legacy

Legacy returns a lot of its state title team, including Division I prospect Dominic Oliver. Always take the team with the best player on the field. Legacy 29, Basic 18

Foothill vs. Slam Nevada

Speaking of the best players on the field theory, Slam’s Damien Nevil, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards as a junior, will be a difference maker for Slam against Foothill. Slam 31, Foothill 22

Boulder City at Valley

Chalk up an opening-night win for the Eagles of Boulder City. Boulder City 38, Valley 15

Durango at Moapa Valley

It’s tough to travel to Overton and beat the Pirates. Moapa Valley 34, Durango 8

Desert Hills (Utah) at Faith Lutheran

The St. George school has a strong running game with Tytan Mason (30 touchdowns last year) and will control the clock for a slim victory. Desert Hills 23, Faith Lutheran 20

Virgin Valley at Losee

Losee was a few plays away from playing for the Class 4A state title last season. This could be the year. Losee 32, Virgin Valley 17

Del Sol at Desert Oasis

Desert Oasis is further along at this stage of the season than Del Sol. Desert Oasis 30, Del Sol 0

Canyon Springs at Carson City

Canyon Springs would win if this game was being played in North Las Vegas. Traveling to Carson City won’t be easy. Carson City 19, Canyon Springs 8