Lightning, weather, postpone valley games

Inclement weather in the Las Vegas Valley on Friday forced the postponement or cancellation of several high school football games.

But an ESPN-televised clash between nationally ranked opponents finally was played after a delay of about one hour.

Seventh-ranked Bishop Gorman lost its second consecutive game after winning 55 straight, falling to No. 16 Miami Central 24-20.

The Gaels’ winning streak had ended last week at Mater Dei (California).

One game — Mar Vista (California) at Bonanza — was postponed and rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.

Another — Legacy at Palo Verde, a game between Northwest League teams — also was postponed, but no makeup date was announced.

Among other games that were played, Mojave defeated host Virgin Valley 26-0, and Spring Mountain defeated host Beaver Dam 58-6.

Of particular note was the Sierra Vista at Centennial postponement. When lightning is in the area, teams must wait 30 minutes before re-entering the field. With 20 minutes remaining in the delay, Centennial principal Trent Day decided to call the game because of safety concernsof fans and players leaving the field.

“Along with the concern of lightning, this is an area that has seen heavy flooding,” Day said. “With just one street in and out of Centennial High School, the road can become very dangerous with loose gravel and rocks and running water. I wanted to make sure the students and parents were able to get home safely tonight.

“This is not a game that will matter in the standings, and the welfare of our student body and those coming from Sierra Vista was my main concern.”

Contact Justin Emerson at jemerson@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2944. Follow @J15Emerson on Twitter.