Published Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 | 2:15 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 | 12:37 a.m.
Results from games across the valley:
• Late TD gives Green Valley win in California
• Spring Valley takes down Eldorado in opener
• Shadow Ridge rushes to win against Desert Oasis
• Cimarron’s Tribble Jr. passes for 3 TDs in win against Coronado
• Virgin Valley rides balanced attack to victory
• Palo Verde feasts on turnovers to defeat Sierra Vista
• Moapa Valley holds on late to fight off Sunrise Mountain’s strong upset bid
• Arbor View mounts more than 500 yards of offense, crushes Las Vegas
• T.K. Fotu leads Durango to win at Pahrump Valley
• TyRay Collins shines in Chaparral’s win over Bonanza
• Faith Lutheran unable to hold halftime lead in Colorado
• Ground attack leads to dominant Mojave win over Del Sol
• Slow start dooms Canyon Springs in California
• Legacy’s Valenzuela unleashes air attack against Silverado
• Gorman’s ‘Speedy’ wide receiver is difference-maker in opener
• ‘I’m almost speechless’: Western elated to finally end losing streak
• Foothill makes statement by shutting out Centennial
• • •
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The high school football season starts tonight in Southern Nevada. Well, it’s technically the second night with Basic on Thursday beating Cheyenne.
Bishop Gorman at 6 p.m. hosts DeMatha of Maryland on ESPN, and many other teams will also face an out-of-state opponent, including Faith Lutheran in Colorado to face Valor Christian. That game is on Direct TV 681.
Defending 3A state champion Desert Pines, Green Valley and Canyon Springs are each in California for road games.
The top game featuring local opponents is Arbor View, a perennial power with a 39-8 record the past four seasons, at Las Vegas High. Las Vegas is led by four-year running back Elijah Hicks.
As we wait for kickoff, here are answers to some questions we’ve been asked in the weeks leading up to tonight.
Check back for game updates. We’ll post scores as they become final. Join the conversation on Twitter using #sunstandout.
Can anyone beat Bishop Gorman?
Probably. Just not tonight against DeMatha, or against an in-state opponent. Gorman, the three-time defending mythical national champions and eight-time defending state champions, have received plenty of stiff challenges locally during its rise to national relevance. Arbor View and Liberty, two quality teams, will again get a crack this season. They have the programs capable of an upset. They would need a flawless performance, though. And as we have seen in past seasons, that’s easier said than done.
Who is the best player in Las Vegas?
That’s easy. Gorman linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, who is verbally committed to USC. The three-year starter is 6-foot-2, 220-pounds and always around the ball ready to make a play. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent.
Which team will be a surprise?
Canyon Springs is ranked in our preseason top-5, but because the reigning Northeast League champions were upset in the first round of last year’s playoffs, many aren’t expecting a dominant team. Quarterback Diamante Burton, who had 27 total touchdowns last season, should be the best player on the field every week.
What’s the toughest league?
The Northwest, led by division leader Arbor View, features three teams in the preseason top-10 rankings. Faith Lutheran has three Division I players, Legacy should be tough and Shadow Ridge was close last season to breaking through. With teams such as Centennial and Palo Verde, two perennial top-10 programs, there won’t be an easy game in the league. That, after all, is why it’s affectionately called the Black and Blue division.
Is Desert Pines still the class of the 3A?
Desert Pines graduated a majority of its key contributors from last season’s state championship team but returns junior quarterback Tyler Williamson, and have Arizona commit Jaden Mitchell at wide receiver. Its athletes, such as DeAundre Newsome and Kaleb Ramsey, will be too much for other 3A schools to handle. Desert Pines should again win the 3A.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21