Friday, Nov. 21, 2003 | 10:19 a.m.
Adam Candee covers high school sports for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at [email protected].
And now, for something completely different: Football.
Sorry to tear your attention away from the daily court stylings of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association and the Cheyenne football team, but we need to squeeze in a few hours of game action, if it's not too much trouble.
So we know this much: Las Vegas and Desert Pines are already in next weekend's 4A State Tournament semifinals, but the Wildcats and Jaguars will stage a rematch of last season's Sunrise Region title game in order to determine seeding for state. The loser goes to the North, where Douglas and Reno are fighting for one berth.
That leaves us with Palo Verde and the team you now know even if you once knew nothing about Las Vegas-area high schools, Cheyenne. Barring anything strange -- and nothing strange has happened in this situation, right? -- the teams will meet up Saturday afternoon to send the fourth and final team to state. This game is also a rematch of last year's region championship.
On to an extended look at both region championships games ...
Sunset Region Cheyenne (NW-4, 7-4) at Palo Verde (NW-1, 11-0)
Offense: Both the Desert Shields and Panthers run the ball and pass only when absolutely necessary. Cheyenne's offensive approach is no secret -- feed the ball to David Peeples and create opportunities for him to utilize his speed. Peeples ran for 108 yards -- a subpar total by his standards -- in Palo Verde's 35-28 regular-season win over the Shields.
Palo Verde runs the double-wing, likely the city's most difficult offense to defend. Even without key component Jamal Brumfield, the Panthers are humming along after plugging Marc Evans into Brumfield's place.
Both teams have offensive skill, but Palo Verde's deception gives them an advantage.
Edge: Palo Verde.
Defense: Palo Verde made its name on defense last year, and the Panthers have again been an elite defensive team this season. In 11 games, Palo Verde has allowed 20 points or more just four times. This unit, however, will still have its hands full with a determined Peeples.
Despite allowing just six points to Centennial, the Shields also struggle at times. Cheyenne can neutralize many opponents with team speed on defense, but that approach will be difficult against a Palo Verde team that pounds and pounds with the run between the tackles.
Edge: Palo Verde.
Intangibles: The Desert Shields come in with a ridiculous amount of momentum, built off the rising emotions of their suspension situation. They feel like world-beaters.
Palo Verde is deep and experienced. The Panthers are hardened from last year's beating by McQueen in the state semifinals, a loss that taught them about big-game atmosphere. Really, both these teams will be plenty fired up for this one.
Edge: Even.
The skinny: Expect Cheyenne to play one of its finest games of the season. It just may not be enough to beat the well-rounded Panthers.
The pick: Palo Verde 31, Cheyenne 27
Sunrise Region Desert Pines (NE-2, 8-3) at Las Vegas (NE-1, 11-0)
Offense: What Las Vegas is doing is nothing short of amazing. Subtract starting quarterback Chris Gifford and running back Eric Jordan in the final two weeks of the regular season, and Las Vegas responds with 66 points in its first two playoff games. Losing those two starters forced Kris Cinkovich to call on young players who are responding.
Desert Pines needs everything it can get from its passing game, which Basic exposed as a weakness in the Wildcats' defense. The focus falls on quarterback Josh Webster and wideout Jonathan Stoldorf. The Jaguars are dangerous, but not like the suddenly versatile Wildcats.
Edge: Las Vegas
Defense: The Jaguars are either very good or very bad on defense, with no in-between. Las Vegas ripped through them for 36 points in the regular season, but that was mostly on the legs of the speedy Jordan. Desert Pines needs to cut off the edges with its speedd and limit the Las Vegas playbook.
The Wildcats are bullish against the run, but not as proficient against the pass. The key for Las Vegas is to get pressure in the backfield against Webster and keep Desert Pines from establishing offensive rhythm. Las Vegas is the better defensive team.
Edge: Las Vegas
Intangibles: This Desert Pines team is somewhat mystifying. Supposedly in a rebuilding season, the Jaguars had little trouble with Silverado before dispatching inexperienced Coronado. Now, they are already in the state playoffs.
Las Vegas is definitely the team under more pressure, but nothing can match the buildup to last year's game when the Wildcats had their long winning streak. The Wildcats must be feeling 10-feet tall and bulletproof after proving that they can win with their backups.
Edge: Las Vegas
The skinny: It will take a special Desert Pines performance and a Las Vegas stumble for an upset to materialize. That formula proved true last year, though. Don't expect it here.
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