Despite close defeats, Arbor View, Centennial still in the Sun’s top-10 rankings

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 | 2:05 a.m.

The Arbor View and Centennial high football teams both dropped tough games last week, losing by a combined 10 points in contests that could have easily went in their favor.

While both teams will fall in the Sun’s top-10 rankings, they are still very much part of the conversation about the Las Vegas Valley’s top teams. And when it’s all said and done, don’t be surprised if both programs are in the thick of the playoff race.

Arbor View, which lost 14-7 to Palo Verde, only dropped one spot in the rankings to No. 5. Centennial blew a double-digit second-half lead against Las Vegas High, dropping to No. 9 in the rankings.

Here are the top 10 schools for this week:

1. Bishop Gorman (2-1): The Gaels opened their slate against local competition by having their way with Desert Oasis in a 54-0 victory. Expect similar results the rest of the season from the two-time defending state champions. Up next: Friday at Durango.

2. Palo Verde (2-0): Palo Verde’s defensive line was in the Arbor View backfield most of the second half in a 14-7 victory that puts the perennial power Panthers in the Northwest Division driver’s seat. Up next: Friday at Mojave.

3. Del Sol (1-0): The Dragons had a bye last week. Up next: Friday vs. Eldorado.

4. Las Vegas High (2-0): The Wildcats’ Farrell Victor showed he is one of the area’s elite players last week, scoring two second-half touchdowns to help Las Vegas rally past a quality Centennial squad. Up next: Sept. 16 at Eldorado

5. Arbor View (1-1): Arbor View will be favored to win the remainder of its games. Up next: Friday vs. Centennial.

6. Cimarron-Memorial (2-0): Besides giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown in each of its initial two games, Cimarron has been downright dominant in every phase of the game. Up next: Thursday vs. Cheyenne

7. Foothill (2-0): Sophomore quarterback Drew Doxtator is the real deal, throwing six touchdowns in his first two games. His ability to make the big throw creates balance in the Falcons' offense for success in the ground game. Up next: Friday at Desert Oasis.

8. Liberty (1-1): The Patriots closed with 28 unanswered points last week against Desert Pines. The defending Sunrise Region champs are far from perfect, but there is no doubting their talent. Up next: Sept. 16 at Spring Valley.

9. Centennial (0-1): Centennial is the best team without a victory in the Las Valley Valley. Up next: Friday at Arbor View.

10. Bonanza (2-0): After losing its two best players from last year to graduation, the Bengals have recovered nicely to win their first two games. Up next: Friday vs. Sierra Vista.