FIELDER’S CHOICES: Gorman’s first win of night already decided

Years from now, we might look back on this prep football season and notice one thing: Western was the Nevada team that stayed the closest with Bishop Gorman.

Thanks to the Warriors’ three-game, season-ending forfeit last week, Gorman edges Western 1-0 Friday in what will be the Gaels’ smallest margin of victory of the season. How they got that point is still a mystery.

The Gaels might also be the first team in Nevada history to go 2-0 on the same night, provided they defeat replacement opponent Arbor View.

Gorman’s homecoming game against the Aggies provides some drama — as in how much of the Gaels’ game plan they will show Arbor View prior to a potential matchup with the Aggies in the Sunset semifinals.

There’s other drama this week, including a couple of established Northeast League rivalries that I know you’ve been waiting all year to see.

These are just a few games. If you go to Nevadapreps.com, you can see the rest of them — assuming I don’t cancel my season.

Chaparral (1-6, 1-4) at Eldorado (2-5, 1-4)

There were a lot of rivalry bells ringing last week and again Thursday, with the Rancho-Las Vegas game for Sir Herkimer’s bone, so naturally two teams fighting over a shoe get the top spot this week.

The Cleat Game provided instant drama last year, when the Sundevils won 28-27 in overtime.

It’s doubtful either of these teams make the playoffs this season, so this is their Super Bowl.

The Nihipali brothers, Javen and Ty, will help the Sundevils defend Merlin Olsen’s cleat ... Eldorado by ½ point.

Arbor View (7-1) at Bishop Gorman (8-1)

The Aggies went from a bye week on the next-to-last week of the season to a potential preview of the Sunset Region semifinals.

Roderick Eason doesn’t need much preparation for the Aggies: He’ll just run, run, run.

Jarrett Solomon and the Gaels haven’t needed much preparation against in-state teams thus far.

I pick Gorman by 1 ...over Western. And against Arbor View ... Gorman by 16.

Spring Valley (2-5, 2-4) at Bonanza (6-1, 5-1)

Sure, the Bengals still have that finale against Gorman.

But their one-loss record thus far is pretty impressive. And doing it with defense says something about Bonanza’s improvement.

The Grizzlies won this game last year, but half of their wins this season have come against a team that doesn’t exist anymore.

Jayveon Taylor gets it done this time ... Bonanza by 3.

Legacy (4-3, 3-3) at Centennial (4-3, 4-2)

The Bulldogs had one of the toughest schedules in the state for the first four weeks.

Now they’re back on track, and Jacobi Owens and Coby Newton have Centennial peaking at the right time.

D’Andre Hughes has been as good as advertised for the Longhorns, but he needs help when Legacy deals with the Northwest’s Big Three.

This one’s for all the Tostitos.

Or at least a playoff spot ... Centennial by 2.

Del Sol (3-4, 1-3) at Green Valley (5-2, 4-1)

What a difference a little Love makes.

The Dragons have owned this rivalry the past couple of years, including a 35-20 home win a year ago.

But the Gators have been one of the top teams in the Southeast this year, and the ground attack of Aaron Love is a large reason why.

It’s hard not to trust a team only two years removed from a state final appearance.

It’s been a long two years, though ... Green Valley by 8.

Sierra Vista (2-5, 2-4) at Durango (4-4, 4-3)

The Mountain Lions picked up a game against Cimarron-Memorial to replace next week’s scheduled game against Western. Gorman gets Arbor View for the same reason.

So what does Durango get after an opponent’s canceled season gives them one game in the final three weeks?

A Western Bowl matchup with Sierra Vista to prepare for the postseason.

With one game left in the regular season, Arie McQuaig needs plenty of reps.

Better take advantage now ... Durango by 14.

Canyon Springs (5-2, 5-0) at Valley (4-4, 4-3)

Don’t look now, but Anthony Sanders and the Vikings could be on the verge of a playoff spot with two games left — and one of those is at Sunrise Mountain.

Valley could steal Desert Pines’ berth after the Jaguars’ bizarre loss to Rancho, a team the Vikings already beat in five overtimes.

First, the Pioneers stand in the way.

Canyon Springs might be tempted to look ahead to next week’s matchup against Las Vegas, a potential duel of undefeated Northeast powers.

But Donnel Pumphrey would be wise to not look too far past the Vikings.

The matchup stands ... Canyon Springs by 10.

Pahranagat Valley (7-0, 4-0) at Beatty (3-3, 2-3)

In case you hadn’t heard, the Panthers could set an NIAA record with 42 straight wins, busting the streak set by The Meadows 10 years ago.

There’s a rumor that The Shack in Alamo will give a 42 percent discount on a two-item pizza if you show a ticket stub to the game.

In other words, this is kind of a big deal. Well, as big a deal as 1A football can be.

Another showdown between undefeated teams is on tap when Spring Mountain rolls down the hill and heads to Pahranagat Valley next week.

Hold the anchovies ... Pahranagat Valley by 32.

Last week: 7-1 (5-2-1 with points)
Season: 41-15 (29-25-2 with points)