Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
The first fall sports contests of the season are on Thursday this week. Here’s a look at some of this week’s top high school sports events.
CROSS COUNTRY
Saturday — Red Rock Invitational at Floyd Lamb Park, 7:30 a.m.
The first invitational meet of the cross country season will feature six 3-mile races, starting with races for first-year cross country runners at 7:30 a.m. (boys) and 8 a.m. (girls). Those will be followed by races for returning boys and girls from the Sunrise and Sunset Regions.
FOOTBALL
Friday — DeMatha Catholic (Maryland) at Bishop Gorman, 6 p.m.
The Gaels have won the last three mythical national championships, and have put together the schedule to go for another. Gorman is ranked No. 4 in the nation by USA Today, and should be tested by No. 6 DeMatha.
Friday — Arbor View at Las Vegas, 7 p.m.
Two favorites to win Class 4A leagues square off in Week 1. Arbor View will lean on running back Deago Stubbs, while Las Vegas returns quarterback Zach Matlock and running back Elijah Hicks.
Saturday — Saguaro (Arizona) at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Liberty hasn’t matched Gorman’s schedule, but the Patriots will face stiff competition of their own to start the season. Saguaro has won four consecutive state championships and holds a 26-game winning streak. A win here could help Liberty get back in the conversation for a top 25 ranking.
BOYS SOCCER
Thursday-Saturday — Southern Nevada Kick-off Classic
The annual beginning to the soccer season features the two best in the Class 3A Southern Region when Western and Chaparral start things off. The Warriors won the region title and reached the state title game, and Northeast League champion Las Vegas will also be one of the 11 Southern Nevada teams. Games will be played at Green Valley, Cimarron-Memorial and Tech on Thursday and Friday. All Saturday games are at Green Valley. The tournament concludes Monday.
Friday-Saturday — Howell Memorial Tournament at Reno
Coronado went to overtime of the Class 4A state title game, and along with Bishop Gorman, the Cougars head north to face some of Nevada’s best. Galena, which beat Coronado in the title game, will be there, as will Reno, Truckee and Elko.
GIRLS SOCCER
Friday — Arbor View at Lone Peak (Utah), 3:30 p.m.
The five time defending state champion kick off their season on the road against a Utah Power. The Knights went 13-4 and reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament. It will give the Aggies an early test as they look to defend their title.
Friday-Saturday — Howell Memorial Tournament at Reno
Bishop Gorman, Faith Lutheran and Coronado make up the Southern Nevada contingent heading up north to start the season. All three reached the playoffs, and Gorman (Southwest League) and Coronado (Southeast League) won their leagues last season.
Friday-Saturday — Mesquite Cup at Mesquite
The biggest early season tournament, eight Southern Nevada teams visit Mesquite. Las Vegas went undefeated in league play and won the Northeast League, and host Virgin Valley went 8-1-1 in the Sunrise League.
BOYS TENNIS
Thursday — Faith Lutheran at The Meadows, 4 p.m.
The Mustangs captured the Class 3A state title last season and will open their season at home against Class 4A Faith Lutheran.
GIRLS TENNIS
Thursday — Desert Pines at Moapa Valley, 3 p.m.
The Jaguars advanced to the Class 3A state title match last season, and will open their season on the road in Overton.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Friday-Saturday — Gator Classic at Green Valley
The two-day Gator Classic will feature several of the top local teams, including Arbor View, Coronado, Durango, Green Valley and Sierra Vista.
Friday — Faith Lutheran at Silverado, 6 p.m.
The Skyhawks, who have won three consecutive league titles, return just two starters from last season, but one of them is reigning Gatorade Nevada Player of the Year Sydney Berenyi, who posted 525 kills as a junior.
Faith Lutheran is a perennial power in the Sunset Region. This year, the Crusaders will turn to outside hitter Sydney Washington and setter Mary Vancura.
