Game Day: Looking ahead

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Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 | midnight

Eldorado at Basic

Sundevils 0-1, Wolves 1-0

7 p.m. Sept. 5

What you need to know: The Wolves only gave up one touchdown defensively in a season-opening victory against Boulder City last week and will need a similar effort against Eldorado. "We just flew to the ball and had a lot of guys around the ball all the time," Basic coach Jeff Cahill said. Stopping Sundevil tailback Tone Gatewood will be the key. Eldorado lost to Arbor View last week as Gatewood had 47 yards, and Cahill doesn't want the speedy runner to get healthy against the Wolves.

Centennial at Green Valley

Bulldogs 1-0, Gators 1-0

7 p.m. Sept. 5

What you need to know: Green Valley looks to get back on track offensively in a non-league game against Centennial. The Gators beat Bonanza Aug. 29 but didn't score in the second half. "Defensively (Centennial) can bring it," Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said. "They have a lot of size and they're a well-run team so we have out work cut out for us." Centennial blanked Green Valley 13-0 last year, as the Gators couldn't match the Bulldogs' physical play.

Del Sol at Chaparral

Dragons 1-0, Cowboys 0-1

7 p.m. Sept. 5

What you need to know: Del Sol can't look past Chaparral in anticipation of its Sept. 12 contest against Palo Verde — a possible state semifinal preview and a rare early-season clash of top programs. Del Sol beat Valley Aug. 29 but coach Preston Goroff said several adjustments are needed. "We left a lot of room for improvement. We need to be more aggressive on defense. We also need to clean up our penalties." Del Sol tailbacks rushed for 432 yards against Valley.

Mojave at Silverado

Rattlers 0-0, Skyhawks 1-0

7 p.m. Sept. 5

What you need to know: Silverado, the defending Southeast Division champion, is using its non-league schedule to break in three first-year starters on the offensive line. "This is why you have these games, to get all the kinks out before league," Silverado coach Andy Ostolaza said. "I knew it would take time to get our offensive line going." Mojave, which hasn't played yet, will rely on several inexperienced players after graduating most key contributors from last year's playoff squad.

Cimarron at Foothill

Spartans 0-1, Falcons 0-1

7 p.m. Sept. 5

What you need to know: Cimarron-Memorial is led by tailback Stephen Nixon, who won the past two 100-yard dash state titles. "They key for us is stopping the Nixon kid," Foothill coach Marty Redmond said. "If we can contain that kid we will put ourselves in a good position." Cimarron dropped its opener last week to Dixie High from St. George, Utah. The Falcons also dropped their season opener Aug. 29 and Redmond said they need to eliminate mistakes at every position.