High school football top 10: After impressive win, Centennial climbs to No. 5

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014 | 2 a.m.

The Centennial High football team made a statement.

Not only did the Bulldogs win their season opening game last week against Palo Verde, they blanked the perennial powers for a 16-0 win. Centennial was the more physical in showing it will be a force all season in the competitive Sunset Region.

Centennial opened the season ranked No. 8 in the Sun’s preseason top-10. Palo Verde was sixth. We were wrong.

Centennial moves up to No. 5 this week, jumping idle Las Vegas and Canyon Springs highs. Palo Verdestays in the top-10, partially because other candidates to take their spot also had poor first-week showings — defending Division I-A state champs Faith Lutheran, for instance, was also shutout.

Here’s the rest of the rankings:

1. Gorman (2-0) : Gorman, ranked No. 1 by USA Today, cleared a significant hurdle last week in its quest to win the national title by defeating ranked Servite of California on the road. They also found their newest star in sophomore Tyjon Lindsey, who scored three touchdowns. Up next: Friday vs. Bingham (Utah)

2. Liberty (1-0) : The Liberty defense scored twice and limited Basic to less than 100 yards last week in winning its season opener. You’ll hear more from Calvin Tubbs and Bryan Roland, and sophomore Ethan Dedeaux this season. Up next: Friday vs. Shadow Ridge

3. Arbor View(0-0) : The Aggies open the season this week. Up next: Friday at Silverado

4. Green Valley (1-0) : Green Valley had one of the most impressive performances of last week, traveling into Southern California for a win against Charter Oak. They will be a legitimate contender in the Sunrise Region. Up next: Friday at Palo Verde

5. Centennial (1-0) : Imagine how good Centennial will be once its offense comes around. Up next: Thursday vs. Foothill

6. Las Vegas (0-0) : The Wildcats open the season this week Up next: Friday vs. Ranch in the “Bone Game”

7. Coronado (1-0) : Coronado gave up two quick touchdowns to open the season at Huntington Beach in California, but scored four unanswered touchdowns in picking up an impressive win. The Cougars were one of three local team to win in California. Up next: Sept. 12 vs. Liberty

8. Canyon Springs (0-0) : The Pioneers open the season this week. Up next: Friday vs. Cheyenne

9. Moapa Valley (1-0) : Moapa Valley only beat Spring Valley by 12 points last week in the season opener, but could have scored three more touchdowns. It’s offensive line will be a work in progress all season. Up next: Friday vs. Hurricane (Utah)

10. Palo Verde (0-1) : Losing to Centennial to open the season wasn’t that big of a surprise. Centennial, after all, has a top-10 team. Failing to score, though, was a shocker. Up next: Friday vs. Green Valley

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21