Stephen R. Sylvanie
Liberty Patriots quarterback Kenyon Oblad (7) tosses the ball to wide receiver Ethan Dedeaux (2) during a game against Desert Pines on Thursday night. The Patriots won the game 41-14.
Published Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 | 7 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 | 12:34 a.m.
Prep Sports Now
Stopping streaks, extending streaks
Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer go over all the big games from week 4 in high school football, ranging from Valley's first win in three years to Bishop Gorman adding to its three-year unbeaten stretch.
The Liberty Patriots football team can’t do it again, right?
Many aren’t giving them a chance to win tonight in the Los Angeles area against respected power Centennial Corona. Then again, many didn’t give them a chance three weeks ago when they traveled into Texas and beat one of the Lone Star state’s notable powers.
The win against Austin Westlake propelled Liberty into the national spotlight, rewarding coach Rich Muraco’s program for scheduling notable opponents in nonleague play. He’s built the Patriots into a regionally respected brand — and that’s regardless of what happens tonight.
Centennial is averaging nearly 50 points per game. Two seasons ago, it led Bishop Gorman — the Las Vegas team Liberty is chasing — by double digits in the second half only to blow the lead. Gorman won on a gutsy 2-point conversion late in the game, opening the door for the Gaels to win their first national championship.
Liberty (3-0), because of its win in Texas, and because that win gave them a spot in the national rankings at No. 23, surely won’t surprise Centennial. The Patriots' passing attack, led by quarterback Kenyon Oblad and three college prospects at wide receiver, should be able to produce points to further cement Liberty’s status.
Time will tell, though, if it will be enough to produce a win.
It’s not the only game of interest tonight.
Canyon Springs hosts Basic in a battle of Sunrise Regional contenders. Basic is undefeated at 3-0 and scores more than 55 points per game. Yet, it hasn’t faced a team of Canyon Springs’ caliber.
Las Vegas hosts Shadow Ridge in a battle of undefeated teams, unbeaten Silverado takes on host Rancho, and Centennial’s high-scoring offense visits Cimarron-Memorial in the Northwest League opener.
In the 3A classification, perennial powers Moapa Valley and Desert Pines each host league openers. Both should cruise — Moapa Valley takes on winless Boulder City; Desert Pines takes on Pahrump Valley.
We’ll keep everyone posted throughout the night. Send game updates and photos on Twitter using #702hsfb or #sunstandout.
• • •
Stories from games across the valley:
• Tyjon Lindsey returns in Bishop Gorman shutout win over Bonanza
• Chaparral shifts to ground game to dominate Del Sol
• Moapa Valley blanks Boulder City, looks ahead to showdown with Virgin Valley
• Green Valley handles Eldorado, 65-0
• Durango holds off late charge from Desert Oasis
• Sierra Vista earns hard-fought victory at Clark
• Legacy deems blowout victory over Palo Verde ‘a statement game’
• Hayden Bollinger, Deago Stubbs lead Arbor View to win at Faith Lutheran
• Desert Pines bounces back with convincing win over Pahrump
• Silverado racks up rushing yards, remains unbeaten
• Late touchdown gives Shadow Ridge program-changing win against Las Vegas
• Centennial adjustments pay off in win over Cimarron
• Virgin Valley rides momentum against Spring Valley
• Liberty falls short against nationally ranked opponent in California
• Cheyenne upends Western, 27-6
Canyon Springs players are silhouetted against the sunset as they warm up for a home game against visiting Basic on Friday evening, Sept. 23, 2016.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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