Palo Verde Panthers celebrate their 41-22 win over the Las Vegas Wildcats in a Mountain Regional quarterfinal game at Las Vegas High School Friday, Nov. 15, 2019.
Published Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 | 4:30 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 | 12:32 a.m.
For the better part of the 2000s, high school football in Southern Nevada was dominated by two programs — Palo Verde in the north and west part of the valley; Las Vegas High in the south and east.
Both would make annual playoffs runs, often facing each other. Palo Verde in 2004 beat Las Vegas for the state championship. Las Vegas won the title in 2001, 2005 and 2006.
Tonight’s Mountain Regional quarterfinal between the schools certainly brings back memories of their legendary clashes, especially in the manner in which the programs have returned to glory.
Host Las Vegas (9-1) has a high-powered offense with quarterback Ja’shawn Scroggins (31 touchdowns) and wide receiver Miles Davis (835 yards and eight touchdowns), and Palo Verde is back in contention behind the senior leadership of quarterback Paul Myro and running back Charron Thomas (1,170 yards and 11 touchdowns).
The other quarterfinal games are equally appealing, as many feel each of the eight teams in the Mountain has a chance to win the regional.
Desert Pines hosts Faith Lutheran in a continuation of the rivalry a few years back in the Class 3A, Legacy travels to Centennial, and Arbor View hosts Canyon Springs.
In the Desert Region, 10-time defending state champion Bishop Gorman hosts Green Valley, and Liberty takes on Foothill. Liberty beat Foothill earlier in the season 39-3. Gorman and Liberty are each expected to win.
The Class 3A state semifinals are Saturday afternoon, with Virgin Valley traveling to Churchill County and Cheyenne hosting Fernley.
We’ll keep everyone posted as scores become final. Send game updates on Twitter using #sunstandout.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
